China conducts three launches inside two days
Original Publication Date: 2024-05-31 07:34
China has carried out a pair of solid rocket launches and sent a communications satellite towards geostationary orbit for Pakistan. A Long March 3B lifted off at 8:12 a.m. Eastern (1212 UTC) May 30 from Xichang, southwest China. The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) confirmed launch success after the satellite entered geosynchronous transfer orbit.
Commercialization is Key to Continued US Space Leadership
Original Publication Date: 2024-05-30 13:38
NASA is pursuing key strategic priorities: to foster a commercial-led low Earth orbit (LEO) space economy, lead the US into cislunar space, and return Americans to the moon and on to Mars. The goal of the Commercial LEO Destinations program (CLD) is to deploy at least two operational commercial space stations in LEO before 2030.
MDA Space joins Starlab Space commercial space station venture
Original Publication Date: 2024-05-29 22:17
MDA Space will take an equity stake in Starlab Space, the size of which the companies did not disclose. MDA Space will provide space robotics technologies under its new MDA Skymaker line. MDA Space builds and operates Earth observation satellites and it is also building the satellites for Telesat.
FCC chair proposes new rules for accidental space explosion risk
Original Publication Date: 2024-05-29 19:46
FCC chair proposes new rules to cover risk of debris-generating accidental explosions in space. New rules would require applicants to assess and limit the probability of accidental explosions. Probability metric is derived from NASA’s standard and would apply during and after mission operations. If approved by a majority of the FCC’s five Commissioners, the new requirement would be phased in.
SpaceX Starship still on schedule for fourth flight test June 5 – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-05-30 00:00
SpaceX is ready to launch their fourth flight test of Starship on June 5. The primary objectives will be executing a landing burn and soft splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico with the Super Heavy booster. A live webcast of the flight test will begin about 30 minutes before liftoff, which you can watch here and on X @SpaceX.
ULA’s activities intensify as Boeing’s Starliner positions for NASA astronauts’ mission – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-05-30 00:00
NASA and Boeing teams polled “go” to proceed with plans to launch the agency’s Boeing Crew Flight Test to the International Space Station at 12:25 p.m. EDT Saturday, June 1. A backup launch opportunity is available on Sunday, June 2, with additional launch windows on Wednesday, June 5, and Thursday, June 6. Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams returned to Kennedy on May 28, and will remain in quarantine at the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building until Saturday’s launch.
Scout Space’s “Sparrow” first in-space image to provide space security and Space Domain Awareness – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-05-30 00:00
Scout Space Inc. Announces its optical payload dubbed “Sparrow,” launched aboard the Apex Aries bus on the SpaceX Transporter-10 mission in March 2024. Sparrow will continue to collect high-resolution in-space data for undisclosed customers. The high-resolution imagery captured by Sparrow will continue to provide invaluable insights and in-space data to government and commercial partners.
Rivada signs some Asian partners as they ready to launch OuterNet a 600 satellite constellation – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-05-30 00:00
Rivada Space Networks, which is looking to launch a 600 craft ultra-secure mega-constellation called OuterNet, has signed a number of partners for its service. The partners, announced in Singapore at AsiaTechX and a Satellite Industry Forum at the show, include: · KT Sat – Korea · Connecto Network Systems (CNSI) – Philippines.
SES launches SES Open Orbits™ IFC Network – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-05-30 00:00
SES has reached agreements-in-principle with several regional satellite network operators to launch the SES Open Orbits™ Inflight Connectivity (IFC) Network. SES Open Or bits aims to enable satellite operators with regional satellite coverage to be able to participate in a worldwide IFC service offering to airlines.
Yahsat partners with SATCOM Technologies to deliver advanced SATCOM solutions in Zimbabwe – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-05-30 00:00
Yahsat has partnered with SATCOM Technologies to explore new SATCOM opportunities in Zimbabwe. The collaboration marks a significant milestone in Yahsat’s ongoing expansion across the African continent. Both parties aim to work more closely with the Zimbabwe Government. Services are expected to start in June.
Twin NASA Satellites Ready to Help Gauge Earth’s Energy Balance
The thermal infrared spectrometer on each spacecraft will make crucial measurements of wavelengths of light in the far-infrared range. The instruments will be able to detect clouds largely invisible to other types of optical instruments. CubeSats like PREFIRE serve as an ideal platform for technical and architecture innovation, contributing to NASA’s science research and technology development.