SaxaVord prepares for first orbital launch
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-24 09:03
Spaceport in the Shetland Islands expects to host first vertical orbital launch from U.K. Soil. Rocket Factory Augsburg’s RFA ONE rocket is scheduled to launch from the site in September. SaxaVord Spaceport received a spaceport license from the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority in December 2023.
Review concludes proposed NASA budget cuts would end Chandra
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-24 05:12
NASA committee concludes there is no way to continue operating the Chandra X-ray Observatory. The committee looked at ways of reducing the costs of operating Chandra and the Hubble Space Telescope. The fiscal year 2025 budget proposal included a 40% cut in Chandra’s budget. Astronomers strongly opposed the proposed cuts, particularly for Chandra.
Orbital Insight wins NGA contract for maritime surveillance in Indo-Pacific region
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-23 21:24
Orbital Insight, a geospatial data analytics firm, has secured a $2 million contract. The contract marks the first deal of its kind focused on tracking illicit maritime activity. Orbital Insight specializes in analyzing various forms of geospatial data. The company in May was acquired by space situational awareness firm Privateer.
Europe sees Ariane 6 launch as an end to its “launcher crisis”
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-23 05:54
European Space Agency is optimistic that its "launcher crisis" Is behind it. Ariane 6 suffered a malfunction in the auxiliary power unit (APU) that prevented it from performing a final deorbit burn. Ariane 6 task force plans to meet Friday, July 26, and will release its findings to date.
Pentagon’s Arctic strategy emphasizes space and satellite capabilities
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-22 19:47
Department of Defense releases 2024 Arctic Strategy. Strategy emphasizes increasing reliance on satellites for critical activities in the Arctic. Russia’s military capabilities in the Arctic pose potential threats to the U.S. And its allies. U.S. Space Force provides critical support to military operations in the region.
Astroscale unlocks remaining space agency funds to de-orbit OneWeb satellite
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-22 16:22
Astroscale has received the remaining government funds needed for a 2026 demo mission. The Japan-based venture will remove a defunct OneWeb broadband satellite from low Earth orbit. OneWeb was sold to French fleet operator Eutelsat last year. Astroscale had aimed to conduct the demo mission this year.
US Space Force is set to install 24 satellite jamming stations capable of disrupting Russian or Chinese communications – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-23 00:00
The US military is installing modular state-of-the-art satellite jammers. The hardware is ground-based, but the US Space Force will oversee installation and operation. This device is not a preventative measure against adversaries disrupting US communications. The whole point of the jammers is not to destroy communications permanently but to disable them temporarily.
Rocket manufacturer Orbex launches the first base in London and expands Scotland’s headquarters – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-23 00:00
Orbital launch services company, Orbex, is to set up a base in London. Orbex is also expanding its headquarters in Forres, northern Scotland. The plans will allow for more space for the team to develop its rocket, Orbex Prime. The London office will be located on Theobalds Road, London WC1X 8PL.
Customers and partners ‘Xperience the NDS factor’ at ND SATCOM’s factory event – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-23 00:00
ND SATCOM (NDS) unveiled its full experience according to the launched new campaign ‘Xperience the NDS factor’ with a day-long factory event on June 6th. Featuring ‘something for everyone’ including live demos, an expert panel, new products and networking opportunities.
SpaceX gears up for July 24 launch of smallsats for the Starlink constellation – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-23 00:00
FAA to make a public safety determination, which would allow the company to resume launches. The forecast calls for a temperature of 82°F, few clouds, 11% cloud cover and a wind speed of 15mph. The launch was delayed from July 14 as a result of Starlink 9-3 failure and faces the possibility of further delay.
NASA’s 21st Northrop Grumman Mission Launches Scientific Studies to Station
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-23 10:00
NASA and its international partners are sending scientific investigations to the International Space Station. Flying aboard the company’s Cygnus spacecraft are tests of water recovery technology and a process to produce stem cells in microgravity. The mission is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida by early August.
Eileen Collins Broke Barriers as America’s First Female Space Shuttle Commander
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-22 13:00
Eileen Collins was assigned to command STS-93 in 1998. First Lady Hillary Clinton wanted to announce the flight to the American people. Collins was about to break one of the last remaining barriers for women at NASA. NASA dedicated the historic mission’s launch to America’s female aviation pioneers.