SpaceX ramps up for Integrated Flight Test 6 Tuesday – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-11-18 00:00
The sixth flight test of Starship is targeted to launch Tuesday, November 19. The 30-minute launch window will open at 4:00 p.m. CT. The forecast calls for a temperature of 78°F, clear skies, 3% cloud cover and a wind speed of 15mph. A live webcast of the flight test will begin about 30 minutes before liftoff.
SDA selects vendor to deliver Advanced Fire Control ground infrastructure – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-11-18 00:00
The Space Development Agency has issued a contract for Advanced Fire Control Ground Infrastructure (AFCGI) Kratos Technology & Training Solutions, Inc. Will lead a team of industry performers to provide a common, enduring ground infrastructure. Initial funding of approximately $17 million was obligated at the time of award.
Rakon subsystem selected for ISS mission – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-11-18 00:00
Rakon’s Master Reference Oscillator (MRO) subsystem has been selected by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) for an on-orbit mission on board the International Space Station (ISS) Rakon’s MRO will play a key role as part of the payload for the DLR’s ‘COMPASSO’ on-orbit validation project.
South Korea to launch 3rd spy satellite from Vandenberg base by year-end – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-11-18 00:00
South Korean military is close to launching a third spy satellite, to be a key asset in monitoring North Korea. The third military reconnaissance satellite will be carried into orbit atop Space X’s Falcon 9 rocket, like the first two. The upcoming launch is part of the South Korean military’s project to place five reconnaissance satellites in orbit by the end of 2025.
DARPA’s Robots to the Rescue: Transforming Satellite Maintenance in Space – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-11-18 00:00
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s (NRL) Naval Center for Space Technology (NCST) has successfully completed the development of a spaceflight-qualified robotics suite designed to service satellites in orbit. The project is poised for a 2026 launch, setting the stage for a new era of resilient and adaptable space infrastructure.
NASA’s Curiosity Mars Rover Takes a Last Look at Mysterious Sulfur
Curiosity imaged the stones, along with features from inside the channel, in a 360-degree panorama. The rover is searching for evidence that ancient Mars had the right ingredients to support microbial life. Scientists are still piecing together the processes that formed various features within the channel.
New study reveals Starship’s true sound levels; shows differences between SLS and Falcon 9
Original Publication Date: 2024-11-18 00:20
SpaceX’s Super Heavy rocket is the most powerful rocket ever flown. Super Heavy’s 33 Raptor engines make it extremely loud. Scientists have long discussed the potential environmental impacts from a launch cadence that sees Starship launch hundreds of times in one year. A team of scientists traveled to Starbase for Starship’s fifth flight test to collect sound data from launch and booster landing.