Technical issue scrubs SpaceX commercial crew launch
Original Publication Date: 2023-02-27 12:31
SpaceX's Crew-6 mission was to launch at 1:45 a.m. Eastern Feb. 27. A problem with a rocket ignition system halted the launch about two and a half minutes before liftoff. The next launch attempt is March 2, pending resolution of the issue. Crew-6 is transporting NASA astronauts Stephen Bowen and Warren Hoburg.
China unveils lunar lander to put astronauts on the moon
Original Publication Date: 2023-02-27 11:44
China has revealed a concept for a lunar lander it hopes will put astronauts on the moon. The lander is part of a plan to take two astronauts to the lunar surface by around 2030. China is already working on a new-generation crew launch vehicle to launch a new-generation spacecraft.
Startup developing sea-based launch pads
Original Publication Date: 2023-02-26 23:23
The Spaceport Company is planning to demonstrate a sea-based launch platform in May. The company plans to conduct four sounding rocket launches from a modified ship. The advantage of The Spaceport Company’s concept is that it doesn’t rely on any fixed infrastructure on land.
Replacement Soyuz arrives at space station
Original Publication Date: 2023-02-26 13:02
Soyuz MS-23 spacecraft docked with the station's Poisk module at 7:58 p.m. Eastern. The spacecraft had launched two days earlier on a Soyuz-2.1a rocket from Kazakhstan. Instead of a crew, it carried about 430 kilograms of cargo to the station.
Space Force looks to energize industry with next round of launch contracts
Original Publication Date: 2023-02-25 17:45
U.S. Space Force officials will sit down with industry executives in Los Angeles this week. Companies expect to hear details about the Space Force’s plan to attract new launch providers. Space Force projects anywhere from 60 to 70 missions for the 2025-2034 timeframe.
Commercial space a key topic for National Space Council advisory group
Original Publication Date: 2023-02-25 16:19
Commercial space issues emerge as major priorities at National Space Council meeting. Users’ Advisory Group of the council met Feb. 23 for the first time since December. Meeting largely focused on planning by the UAG and its six subcommittees. Some of the UAG subcommittees said they planned to address commercial space issues.
Unpiloted Soyuz spacecraft docks at space station to replace damaged crew capsule
Original Publication Date: 2023-02-26 00:00
Soyuz MS-23 spacecraft docked at the International Space Station Saturday night. The human-rated crew capsule flew to the station without anyone on-board, an unusual step for Russia’s space program. The damaged Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft will depart the station and head for a parachute-assisted landing on the Kazakh steppe next month.
Scrubbed: NASA’s CREW-6 delays the human spaceflight mission to ISS – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-02-26 00:00
SpaceX and NASA are targeting no earlier than Monday, February 27 for Falcon 9’s launch of Dragon’s sixth operational human spaceflight mission (Crew-6) to the International Space Station. The instantaneous launch window is at 1:45 a.m. ET (6:45 UTC), with a backup opportunity available on Tuesday, February 28, at 1:22 a.m. PT (6:22 UTC) Watch the live SpaceX webcast for the Crew-6 mission starting about one hour before liftoff.
BeetleSat deploys smallsat LEO expandable antenna in space – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-02-26 00:00
BeetleSat, formerly NSLComm, has successfully deployed their lightweight, very high data rate, expandable antenna in space. BeetleSat is building a new LEO constellation that delivers exceptionally low-latency, high-throughput and cost-effective point-to-point secure communications, cellular backhaul/trunking, mobility and other services.
Astroscale raises million$$ via a Series G round – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-02-26 00:00
Astroscale Holdings Inc. (“Astroscale”) has closed a Series G round with more than $76 million in funding. New investors Mitsubishi Electric, Yusaku Maezawa, Mitsubishi UFJ Bank, Mitsubishi Corporation, Development Bank of Japan, and FEL Corporation. Astroscale has raised a total of approximately $376 million since the firm’s establishment.
Mitsubishi Electric + Astroscale to develop + produce satellite buses – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-02-26 00:00
Mitsubishi Electric has invested $25 million in Astroscale’s Series G funding round. The companies have agreed to collaborate in the joint development and manufacturing of sustainably designed satellite buses for Japanese national security constellations. The satellite buses will be equipped with an Astroscale docking plate, similar to a car tow hook.