India launches X-ray astronomy satellite
Original Publication Date: 2024-01-01 14:34
India launches an astronomy satellite to start a year that will feature key tests. XPoSat carries two instruments to conduct X-ray polarimetry measurements. Astronomers plan to use data collected by XPoSat to study neutron stars, black holes and supernovae. The highlight of 2024 for ISRO will be a series of test flights for its human spaceflight program.
UPDATE 4: SpaceX plans Tuesday launch of 21 Starlinks including six Direct to Cell satellites – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-01-01 00:00
SpaceX is targeting Thursday, December 14 for a Falcon 9 launch of 21 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Liftoff is targeted for 9:04 p.m. PT, with backup opportunities available until 12:37 a.m. PT on Friday, December 15. The launch will include the first six Starlink satellites that feature direct-to-cell capabilities.
UPDATE 6: Success as SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy launches USSF-52’s secret payload – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-01-01 00:00
Falcon Heavy had been scheduled to launch the U.S. Space Force’s robotic X-37B space plane from Florida on Monday night (December 11), a liftoff known as USSF-52. About 30 minutes before the planned 8:24 p.m. EST (0124 GMT) liftoff time, SpaceX announced a scrub. The extra time allows teams to complete system checkouts ahead of liftoff. The government’s top secret payload remains healthy while teams work toward the next best launch opportunity.
UPDATE 3: T-minus one week until ULA’s launch of Vulcan rocket – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-01-01 00:00
The Cert-1 (Cert-1) flight test will launch the first Astrobotic Peregrine commercial lunar lander into a highly elliptical orbit more than 220,000 miles (360,000 km) above Earth. Peregrine is slated to be the first private American spacecraft to be launched as part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative. The Celestis payload includes cremated remains of the creator and beloved stars of the original Star Trek television series and DNA samples of former U.S. Presidents.
U.S. Air Force awards Viasat a Technology Integration and Architecture contract – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-01-01 00:00
Viasat is one of several contractors awarded an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract to develop new systems and capabilities for the United States Air Force. The contract has an approximate five-year term, with options for up to an additional five years. The contract is one of the first major DoD IDIQ contracts awarded to Viasat since the firm’s acquisition of Inmarsat in May of 2023.
NASA Wallops signs Space Act Agreement to support STEM outreach – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-01-01 00:00
NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility has reaffirmed a 25-year relationship with the Virginia Space Flight Academy (VASFA) The formal partnership provides outreach opportunities for youth, including a residential space adventure camp each summer. VASFA was launched in 1998 as one of six projects initiated by the Eastern Shore Regional Partnership.
ESA + GomSpace sign contract for continued mission control system development – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-01-01 00:00
ESA and GomSpace Luxembourg signed a contract for continued mission control system development. The development of the Hands-Off Operations Platform (HOOP) to enable autonomous satellite operations for single satellites and constellations was initiated in 2018. The new contract will be implemented from January of 2024 until November of 2025.
Intuitive Machines scheduled to launch IM-1 lunar mission in February via SpaceX – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-01-01 00:00
Intuitive Machines, Inc. (Nasdaq: LUNR, LUNRW) announced last month — in coordination with SpaceX — the launch of the Company’s IM-1 lunar mission. The IM-1 mission Nova-C lunar lander is targeted to land near the south pole of the Moon, requiring specific lighting conditions that are only available for a handful of days each month.