Image: ERS-2 buckles and bends during final farewell
Monday, 26 February 2024 20:14
Following a hugely successful mission and almost 30 years in orbit, ESA's ERS-2 reentered Earth's atmosphere at approximately 18:17 CET (17:17 UTC) on 21 February 2024.
Predicting the exact time and location of ERS-2's natural reentry was made more difficult by the lack of new observations of the satellite during its final revolutions around Earth.
This GIF combines some of the final images of ERS-2 tumbling through the sky. They were captured by the Tracking and Imaging Radar (TIRA) at the Fraunhofer Institute for High-Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR in Germany.
TIRA's 34-m antenna tracked the satellite as it passed overhead for a few minutes on 19, 20, and 21 February. The final session took place around 8:00 CET on 21 February, still roughly 10 orbits before reentry.
By comparing the images from the three TIRA tracking sessions, we can see that ERS-2's solar array was already coming loose and no longer firmly attached to the rest of the satellite the day before re-entry.
When predicting a satellite's reentry trajectory, experts treat it as one rigid object until almost the very end.
Japan Moon lander revives after lunar night
Monday, 26 February 2024 18:17
Tokyo (AFP) Feb 26, 2024
Japan's Moon lander has produced another surprise by waking up after the two-week lunar night, the country's space agency said Monday.
The unmanned Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) touched down last month at a wonky angle that left its solar panels facing the wrong way.
As the sun's angle shifted, it came back to life for two days and carried out scientific observations of a cr
Japan's Moon lander has produced another surprise by waking up after the two-week lunar night, the country's space agency said Monday.
The unmanned Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) touched down last month at a wonky angle that left its solar panels facing the wrong way.
As the sun's angle shifted, it came back to life for two days and carried out scientific observations of a cr Long March 5 deploys Communication Technology Demonstrator 11 satellite
Monday, 26 February 2024 18:17
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Feb 26, 2024
China's latest space mission has successfully placed an experimental telecommunications satellite into orbit, utilizing the Long March 5 carrier rocket. This initiative, orchestrated by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CASC), marks a significant step in China's efforts to develop high-speed, multi-band communication technologies.
The launch occurred on Friday evening from t
China's latest space mission has successfully placed an experimental telecommunications satellite into orbit, utilizing the Long March 5 carrier rocket. This initiative, orchestrated by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CASC), marks a significant step in China's efforts to develop high-speed, multi-band communication technologies.
The launch occurred on Friday evening from t Chang'e Lunar missions to benefit from new relay satellite launch
Monday, 26 February 2024 18:17
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 26, 2024
The China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced the arrival of the Long March 8 carrier rocket at the Wenchang Space Launch Center, Hainan province. Tasked with launching the Queqiao 2 relay satellite, pre-launch preparations, including assembly and ground testing of the rocket and satellite, are now underway, with the launch slated for the first half of this year.
Queqiao 2, the
The China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced the arrival of the Long March 8 carrier rocket at the Wenchang Space Launch Center, Hainan province. Tasked with launching the Queqiao 2 relay satellite, pre-launch preparations, including assembly and ground testing of the rocket and satellite, are now underway, with the launch slated for the first half of this year.
Queqiao 2, the Emirates mission to the asteroid belt complets PDR
Monday, 26 February 2024 18:17
Abu Dhabi UAE (SPX) Feb 26, 2024
The United Arab Emirates Space Agency has successfully completed the critical preliminary design review (CDR) for the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA). This important milestone, achieved between February 19 and 21, marks a significant advancement in the mission's progress, transitioning it into the production phase.
The EMA mission, characterized by a six-year spacecraft design
The United Arab Emirates Space Agency has successfully completed the critical preliminary design review (CDR) for the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA). This important milestone, achieved between February 19 and 21, marks a significant advancement in the mission's progress, transitioning it into the production phase.
The EMA mission, characterized by a six-year spacecraft design International Crew Prepares for Launch to ISS Aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon
Monday, 26 February 2024 18:17
Space Coast FL (SPX) Feb 26, 2024
Three NASA astronauts and one Roscosmos cosmonaut have arrived at the Kennedy Space Center to prepare for a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Scheduled for launch on Friday, March 1, at 12:04 a.m. EST (0504 UTC), the mission underscores the continued reliance on and success of partnerships between national space agencies and private sector pioneers like SpaceX.
Three NASA astronauts and one Roscosmos cosmonaut have arrived at the Kennedy Space Center to prepare for a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Scheduled for launch on Friday, March 1, at 12:04 a.m. EST (0504 UTC), the mission underscores the continued reliance on and success of partnerships between national space agencies and private sector pioneers like SpaceX. Ariane 6 readies for summer launch after eco-efficient transport to Europe's Spaceport
Monday, 26 February 2024 18:17
Paris, France (SPX) Feb 26, 2024
The Ariane 6 rocket components have arrived at the port of Pariacabo in Kourou, French Guiana, signaling a key phase in the preparation for its launch this summer. This event marks a significant step for European space initiatives, emphasizing an innovative approach to reducing environmental impact in space logistics.
The Canopee, a ship designed for this specific purpose, transported the
The Ariane 6 rocket components have arrived at the port of Pariacabo in Kourou, French Guiana, signaling a key phase in the preparation for its launch this summer. This event marks a significant step for European space initiatives, emphasizing an innovative approach to reducing environmental impact in space logistics.
The Canopee, a ship designed for this specific purpose, transported the Stratolaunch conducts second captive carry flight of Hypersonic Vehicle TA-1
Monday, 26 February 2024 18:17
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 26, 2024
Stratolaunch, a pioneer in aerospace technologies, has announced the successful completion of its second captive carry flight involving the Talon-A hypersonic test vehicle, TA-1. This latest flight marks a significant step forward in the company's ambitious program to develop and launch hypersonic vehicles, offering a glimpse into the future of high-speed aviation and defense capabilities.
Stratolaunch, a pioneer in aerospace technologies, has announced the successful completion of its second captive carry flight involving the Talon-A hypersonic test vehicle, TA-1. This latest flight marks a significant step forward in the company's ambitious program to develop and launch hypersonic vehicles, offering a glimpse into the future of high-speed aviation and defense capabilities. UK Space Industry to tackle skills shortage and defence roles at Space-Comm Expo
Monday, 26 February 2024 18:17
London, UK (SPX) Feb 26, 2024
Scheduled for 6-7 March 2024, Space-Comm Expo aims to enhance discussions within the UK's commercial and defence space sectors, providing a networking and collaboration platform. Following an industry-wide survey, the event highlights the sector's call for increased government support and strategies to address the skills shortage.
The Space-Comm Expo's annual survey reveals critical insigh
Scheduled for 6-7 March 2024, Space-Comm Expo aims to enhance discussions within the UK's commercial and defence space sectors, providing a networking and collaboration platform. Following an industry-wide survey, the event highlights the sector's call for increased government support and strategies to address the skills shortage.
The Space-Comm Expo's annual survey reveals critical insigh Terran Orbital's Nanosatellite Surpasses 450 Days in Lunar Service for NASA
Monday, 26 February 2024 18:17
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 26, 2024
Terran Orbital Corporation (NYSE: LLAP), a leader in small satellite technology, has achieved a significant milestone with its 12U nanosatellite, which has now exceeded 450 days in orbit around the moon. This achievement is part of the CAPSTONE (Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment) mission, in collaboration with Advanced Space, to support NASA's
Terran Orbital Corporation (NYSE: LLAP), a leader in small satellite technology, has achieved a significant milestone with its 12U nanosatellite, which has now exceeded 450 days in orbit around the moon. This achievement is part of the CAPSTONE (Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment) mission, in collaboration with Advanced Space, to support NASA's Ubotica's CogniSAT-6 Mission to Deliver Real-Time Earth Intelligence from Space
Monday, 26 February 2024 18:17
London, UK (SPX) Feb 26, 2024
Ubotica is gearing up for the launch of CogniSAT-6, a mission that signifies a significant advancement in Earth Observation (EO) technology, with a scheduled departure aboard SpaceX's Transporter 10 in early March. Distinguished by its onboard AI and capability for real-time data processing and communication, CogniSAT-6 aims to bridge the gap between data collection in space and actionable intel
Ubotica is gearing up for the launch of CogniSAT-6, a mission that signifies a significant advancement in Earth Observation (EO) technology, with a scheduled departure aboard SpaceX's Transporter 10 in early March. Distinguished by its onboard AI and capability for real-time data processing and communication, CogniSAT-6 aims to bridge the gap between data collection in space and actionable intel Blue Origin prepares New Glenn for maiden launch
Monday, 26 February 2024 18:17
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 26, 2024
Blue Origin marked a significant milestone in its space exploration endeavors with the first rollout and vertical positioning of its New Glenn rocket at Launch Complex 36 (LC-36). This event unveils the advanced heavy-lift vehicle to the public, showcasing its capability to support a wide range of missions, including contributions to NASA's Artemis program for lunar exploration.
The New Gl
Blue Origin marked a significant milestone in its space exploration endeavors with the first rollout and vertical positioning of its New Glenn rocket at Launch Complex 36 (LC-36). This event unveils the advanced heavy-lift vehicle to the public, showcasing its capability to support a wide range of missions, including contributions to NASA's Artemis program for lunar exploration.
The New Gl Biden hails US lunar landing as space milestone
Monday, 26 February 2024 18:17
Washington (AFP) Feb 24, 2024
President Joe Biden on Saturday hailed the landing of a US spacecraft on the Moon as a historic achievement in space research led by the United States.
The uncrewed Odysseus lander, built by a private company and funded by NASA, landed near the lunar south pole Thursday, more than 50 years since the agency's last Apollo 17 mission to Earth's cosmic neighbor.
Biden called the landing "a t
President Joe Biden on Saturday hailed the landing of a US spacecraft on the Moon as a historic achievement in space research led by the United States.
The uncrewed Odysseus lander, built by a private company and funded by NASA, landed near the lunar south pole Thursday, more than 50 years since the agency's last Apollo 17 mission to Earth's cosmic neighbor.
Biden called the landing "a t From City Streets to Remote Peaks: Thuraya's SKYPHONE Promises Global Connectivity
Monday, 26 February 2024 18:17
Abu Dhabi UAE (SPX) Feb 26, 2024
Thuraya Telecommunications Company has introduced at Mobile World Congress 2024 the SKYPHONE by Thuraya. This innovative device is heralded as the world's most powerful consumer smartphone, offering unparalleled satellite connectivity for both consumers and businesses. The launch marks a pivotal moment in mobile telecommunications, blending the everyday functionality of a smartphone with the exp
Thuraya Telecommunications Company has introduced at Mobile World Congress 2024 the SKYPHONE by Thuraya. This innovative device is heralded as the world's most powerful consumer smartphone, offering unparalleled satellite connectivity for both consumers and businesses. The launch marks a pivotal moment in mobile telecommunications, blending the everyday functionality of a smartphone with the exp Multi-Orbit Strategy Takes Flight as Avanti and Telesat Sign Groundbreaking MOU
Monday, 26 February 2024 18:17
London, UK (SPX) Feb 26, 2024
In a significant stride toward revolutionizing global broadband connectivity, Avanti Communications has announced a strategic partnership with Telesat (NASDAQ and TSX: TSAT), a leading name in satellite services. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), is set to spearhead the development and testing of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) services, marking a pivotal componen
In a significant stride toward revolutionizing global broadband connectivity, Avanti Communications has announced a strategic partnership with Telesat (NASDAQ and TSX: TSAT), a leading name in satellite services. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), is set to spearhead the development and testing of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) services, marking a pivotal componen