Space News for Monday, July 01, 2024

H3 launches ALOS-4 advanced Earth observation satellite

Original Publication Date: 2024-07-01 08:33

Japan's H3 rocket successfully launched an Earth observation satellite Sunday. The H3 rocket lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Center at 11:06 p.m. Eastern. It carried the Advanced Land Observing Satellite-4 (ALOS-4), also known as DAICHI-4.

NASA and SpaceX studying ways to mitigate Dragon trunk debris

Original Publication Date: 2024-07-01 00:09

NASA and SpaceX are examining how to alter Dragon spacecraft’s reentry process to limit debris. Debris from trunk sections of Dragon spacecraft have been found on land. Trunks are jettisoned from the capsule before the capsule performs a deorbit burn. Trunk is released before the capsule performs its orbit burn.

Chinese rocket static-fire test results in unintended launch and huge explosion

Original Publication Date: 2024-06-30 12:03

Chinese company Space Pioneer conducted what was intended to be a static-fire test of the first stage of its Tianlong-3 launch vehicle. Amateur footage captured by Gongyi citizens and posted on Chinese social media shows the nine-engine test stage igntiing and then, exceptionally, taking off. The stage is seen climbing into the sky before halting, apparently with its engines shutting off, and returning to Earth.

Intelsat + Starfish Space reach a deal for satellite servicing mission – SatNews

Original Publication Date: 2024-07-01 00:00

Starfish Space will provide life extension services to an Intelsat GEO satellite. The Otter spacecraft will dock with and maneuver a retired Intelsat satellite in geostationary graveyard orbit. Starfish will begin its first servicing mission for Intelsat in 2026.

Ovzon collaborates with French Government to enable security at Summer Games – SatNews

Original Publication Date: 2024-06-30 00:00

Ovzon will deliver its integrated SATCOM-as-a-Service solution to a key French government agency tasked with providing security for the 2024 Summer Games. The Groupe d’intervention de la Gendarmerie nationale (GIGN) will be on the highest alert at multiple locations around France. Ovzon’s proprietary new satellite, Ovzon 3, will be a key enabler of GIGN’s critical missions.

Boeing to acquire Spirit AeroSystems – SatNews

Original Publication Date: 2024-06-30 00:00

Boeing has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Spirit AeroSystems. The merger is an all-stock transaction at an equity value of approximately $4.7 billion. The total transaction value is approximately $8.3 billion, including Spirit’s last reported net debt.

U.S. Space Command reports break-up of Russian-owned space object – SatNews

Original Publication Date: 2024-06-30 00:00

ResurS-P1 was a Russian-owned, decommissioned satellite. Break-up occurred in LEO on June 26, 2024, at approximately 1000 MT. More than 100 pieces of trackable debris. USSPACECOM has observed no immediate threats.