China’s Space Pioneer reaches orbit with liquid propellant rocket
Original Publication Date: 2023-04-03 09:11
Space Pioneer has become the first Chinese private launch firm to achieve orbit with a liquid propellant rocket. The rocket used coal-derived kerosene instead of the fuel refined from oil, according to Space Pioneer. The launch marks a major milestone in the development of China’s commercial space sector.
SpaceX launches 10 satellites for U.S. Space Development Agency
Original Publication Date: 2023-04-02 15:01
SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off April 2 at 10:29 a.m. Eastern. The mission to low Earth orbit is the first launch of a new military communications and missile tracking constellation. The satellites were placed into two orbital planes 1,000 kilometers above Earth. This was SpaceX’s 22nd launch of 2023.
UPDATE 5: No further delays… SDA’s Tranche 0 mission launched by SpaceX to LEO via Falcon 9 — SDA info regarding the launch – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-04-02 00:00
SpaceX successfully launched the Space Development Agency’s Tranche 0 mission via a Falcon 9 rocket on Sunday, April 2nd., at 7:29 a.m., PT (14:29 UTC) This national security payload was dispatched to LEO from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California (VSFB) The first stage booster that supported this mission previously landed (photo below) without problem on LZ-4 at VSFB.
KP Performance Antennas’ low profile in-building and mobile Wi-Fi 6e antennas – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-04-02 00:00
KP Performance Antennas has introduced a new line of low-profile antennas covering the latest frequency bands of Wi-Fi 6e and unlicensed 6 GHz. KP’s new Wi-Fi 6 e, low-profile antennas feature 4×4, 6×6 and 8×8 MIMO options that help protect high-bandwidth applications.
Momentus’ propulsion system completes initial in-space tests – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-04-02 00:00
Momentus Inc. (NASDAQ: MNTS) has successfully completed the initial test sequence on-orbit of the company’s pioneering Microwave Electrothermal Thruster. The MET is the Vigoride Orbital Service Vehicle’s primary propulsion method that produces thrust by expelling extremely hot gases through a rocket nozzle.
National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) awards contract extension to Kleos Space – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-04-02 00:00
Kleos Space has been awarded the Stage Two option on its current contract with the National Reconnaissance Office. The NRO is responsible for maintaining global vigilance in times of peace and war. The agency develops, acquires, launches, and operates innovative space-based surveillance and reconnaissance systems.
EGS Integration Console engineers review Artemis I campaign
Original Publication Date: 2023-04-01 16:08
Artemis I was the first integrated launch of NASA’s SLS launch vehicle and Orion spacecraft. Artemis I finally lifted off at 1:47 am EST (6:47 UTC) on Nov. 16 from Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida. Engineers staffing the Integration Console in firing rooms of the Launch Control Center at KSC’s Launch Complex 39 were working through issues that came up.