Electron launches second NASA PREFIRE cubesat
Original Publication Date: 2024-06-05 09:40
Rocket Lab Electron rocket launches second of two NASA cubesats. Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment ( PREFIRE) cubesat deployed. Both spacecraft are in similar sun-synchronous orbits but in different planes. PREFIRE has a planned mission lifetime of 10 months.
Revolv Space seeks to expand satellite duty cycles
Original Publication Date: 2024-06-04 14:00
Revolv Space, based in the Netherlands and Italy, seeks to carve out a niche for itself as a small satellite power-generation specialist. Four Delft University of Technology students founded Revolv in 2022 to develop mechanisms and moving parts common on large satellites. Solar Array Drive Assembly, or SARA, Revolv Space’s first product was space-qualified in March.
Europe seeks to launch into clearing skies
Original Publication Date: 2024-06-04 13:00
Josef Aschbacher is director general of the European Space Agency. He was in California, rather than French Guiana, for the EarthCARE launch. The inaugural flight of Ariane 6 is now scheduled for the first two weeks of July. Avio, prime contractor of the Vega C rocket, tested a redesigned solid rocket motor.
Online calculator helps startups decipher U.S. regulations
Original Publication Date: 2024-06-04 12:00
Aegis Space Law is offering a free online calculator to help U.S. Companies navigate the complex regulatory landscape. The Space Regulatory Calculator is designed to help early-stage space companies comply with space-related regulations. Failing to consider regulation early in the planning process can lead to costly and time-consuming mistakes.
Astra consolidates facilities
Original Publication Date: 2024-06-04 11:36
Astra Space is consolidating its operations at its headquarters less than two years after expanding into a new facility. The company announced in 2022 it would open a facility in Sunnyvale for its Astra Spacecraft Engine electric propulsion systems. Satellite thrusters now comprise the bulk of Astra’s business.
Congressional language alters plans for NASA’s Habitable Worlds Observatory
Original Publication Date: 2024-06-04 10:52
Congressional language forces NASA to disband a team it created to guide mission's early development. NASA established last year two committees to support the early development of the Habitable Worlds Observatory. The telescope is recommended by the Astro2020 decadal survey and projected to launch no earlier than the early 2040s.
Rocket Lab completes second launch for NASA’s PREFIRE and Ice climate science mission – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-06-04 00:00
Rocket Lab launches first of two NASA climate change satellites. Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, says, ‘I’m proud of the team for delivering back-to-back mission success for NASA on Electron once again’ Rocket Lab’s ability to launch dedicated missions to precise orbits on demand is critical to the success of PREFIRE.
SpaceX’s Starship receives FAA license to fly the ‘world’s most powerful rocket’ on June 6 – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-06-04 00:00
SpaceX Starship Flight 4 scheduled to launch on June 6. Launch window will open as early as 7 a.m. CT. Live webcast of the flight test will begin about 30 minutes before liftoff. The 400-foot-tall (122 meters) Starship has flown three times to date.
Boeing’s statement regarding Starliner’s transport tomorrow, hopefully, of NASA’s astronauts – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-06-04 00:00
NASA, Boeing set for June 5 Crew Flight Test launch attempt. Teams at NASA and Boeing confirmed Monday the company’s Starliner spacecraft, ULA (United Launch Alliance) Atlas V rocket, and ground support equipment are healthy and ready for the next launch attempt. Tune into the joint NASA/Boeing Starliner broadcast at boeing.com/starliner#watch beginning at 6:45 a.m. ET.
The Launch of a Rocket Lab Knight – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-06-04 00:00
Rocket Lab is a New Zealand-based company that has launched more than 1,700 missions for companies all over the world. Sir Peter Beck is the President and Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of the company. The company posts an impressive valuation of $2 billion in the stock market and employs more than 1,800 professionals.
MDA Space selects ThermAvant™ Technologies as part of supply chain for MDA AURORA™ – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-06-04 00:00
ThermAvant Technologies has been selected by MDA Space Ltd. As part of the company’s supply chain for MDA AURORA™. The MDA AURorATM supply chain will support product deliveries for anchor customer Telesat’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation Telesat Lightspeed.
Mission completed for ESA’s OPS-SAT laboratory – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-06-04 00:00
OPS-SAT was tasked with opening up the world of spacecraft operations to the widest possible audience. The smallsat’s founding principle was to provide a fast, no-charge, non-bureaucratic experiment service for European and Canadian industry and academia. It hosted experiments on AI and interplanetary internet and tested new software, some of which is now already in use by much larger missions.
True Anomaly awarded USSF contract to further space domain security in Space Domain – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-06-04 00:00
True Anomaly, Inc. Awarded $1.6 million contract by SpaceWERX focused on Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) True Anomaly will focus on three main deliverables under this contract: rapid payload integration, the demonstration of increased capability in the Jackal AOV responsive propulsion system and advancement of the baseline technologies for geosynchronous orbit.
Solid State Quantum Magnetometers—Seeking out water worlds from the quantum world
Briny water conducts electricity. Therefore, a saltwater ocean can function as a planet-sized electric circuit. The strong rotating magnetic field of the parent planet of an ocean world can induce an electric current in this “circuit,” which in turn disturbs and modifies the magnetic field near the ocean world under investigation. These magnetic field disturbances can be observed from a spacecraft and may indicate the presence of liquid water.
Blue Origin works towards New Glenn debut, ramps BE-4 deliveries
Original Publication Date: 2024-06-04 21:04
Blue Origin has been busy progressing on many of its projects as target dates move closer. New Glenn continues to inch closer to launch, facilities are being expanded, BE-4 engines have been delivered to ULA, and New Shepard has returned to crewed flights. A long-awaited update on New Glenn’s sea-based landing platform recently arrived as Landing Platform Vessel 1 was relocated to France.
Starship ready for fourth flight, Starliner rescheduled for third attempt, Virgin Galactic to fly VSS Unity for last time
Original Publication Date: 2024-06-03 21:36
There are now two high-profile missions scheduled in the coming week. The scrub of another attempt to launch the first crewed Starliner and the announcement that the dearMoon project is canceled. It also confirmed that Chang’e 6 landed on the moon’s far side. Starship was set to be the main attraction on this week’s docket and is currently scheduled for launch on Thursday, June 6.