NASA completes critical testing milestone for NOAA's JPSS-2 satellite
Thursday, 16 June 2022 20:01
The Joint Polar Satellite System-2 satellite, or JPSS-2, has cleared a critical testing milestone, bringing it a step closer to launch. Last week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's polar-orbiting satellite emerged from the chamber after completing its thermal vacuum testing. This test is meant to show that the spacecraft and all of its instruments will perform successfully when exposed to the harsh environments of space.
"I can absolutely say with 100% certainty that the observatory is working great," said JPSS Flight Project Manager Andre Dress at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. "All the instruments are performing great, and we're going to meet all our requirements—and then some."
JPSS-2, the third satellite in the Joint Polar Satellite System series, will provide data that improves weather forecasts and advance our understanding of extreme weather and climate change.
NASA assigns two astronauts to Starliner test flight
Thursday, 16 June 2022 18:49
NASA has assigned two veteran astronauts to the first crewed flight of Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft in the latest reshuffling of personnel assigned to the long-delayed mission.
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Senate Armed Services Committee proposes DoD funding boost for 2023
Thursday, 16 June 2022 18:37
The Senate Armed Services Committee on June 16 voted 23-3 to advance its version of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act.
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Senate Armed Services Committee proposes $45 billion funding boost for DoD
Thursday, 16 June 2022 18:37The Senate Armed Services Committee on June 16 voted 23-3 to advance its version of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act.
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Quadsat gets ESA funding for ready-to-fly antenna testing kits
Thursday, 16 June 2022 15:37
Danish startup Quadsat said June 16 it has secured European Space Agency funding to productize the drones it uses to calibrate and test satellite antennas.
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An In-Orbit Game of Cat and Mouse: Close approaches prompt calls for communications and norms
Thursday, 16 June 2022 14:40
Close approaches between U.S., Chinese, and Russian satellites are prompting calls for norms and better communications.
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Euroconsult anticipates growing demand for last-mile logistics
Thursday, 16 June 2022 13:58
Euroconsult forecasts 120 orbital transport vehicles to be in operation by 2031, according to the consulting firm’s latest Space Logistics Markets report.
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Foust Forward | This time is different. Maybe.
Thursday, 16 June 2022 13:22
Attending the International Space Development Conference, the annual conference of the National Space Society, can feel like stepping back in time.
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Mars as a base for asteroid exploration and mining
Thursday, 16 June 2022 13:14
Mining the asteroids for resources like iron, precious metals, water, or other valuable species may someday become profitable. Mining will probably starting with near Earth objects (NEOs), asteroids whose paths cross the Earth's orbital path.
Firefly co-founder Markusic to step down as CEO
Thursday, 16 June 2022 10:28
Firefly Aerospace announced June 15 that Tom Markusic, co-founder of the launch vehicle and spacecraft developer, will step down as its chief executive but remain with the company as it prepares for its second launch.
Sierra Space to train astronauts at Kennedy Space Center for Orbital Reef
Thursday, 16 June 2022 10:27
Sierra Space announced Tuesday the company will open an astronaut training center at Florida's Kennedy Space Center to build and operate a new commercial space station.
The Sierra Space Human Spaceflight Center and Astronaut Training Academy will train astronauts to work on Orbital Reef, a private business park space station to be built in partnership with Blue Origin for space tourists. S Sidus Space working with NASA team for Extravehicular Activity Services Contract
Thursday, 16 June 2022 10:27
Sidus Space, Inc. (NASDAQ:SIDU), a Space-as-a-Service company focused on mission critical hardware manufacturing; multi-disciplinary engineering services; satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations; and in-orbit support is proud to announce that it is part of the Collins Aerospace team which was awarded NASA's Exploration Extravehicular Activity (xEVAS) services contract. Hera asteroid mission's first step
Thursday, 16 June 2022 10:27
A key element of ESA's Hera mission for planetary defence has left the facilities of its manufacturer OHB in Bremen - a major step in preparation for its eventual odyssey to the Didymos asteroid system.
The mission's Propulsion Module flight model, seen here, has been delivered to Avio, southeast of Rome, where propellant tanks, thrusters and associated pipes and valves will be integrated ESA and NASA take decisions and plan for the future
Thursday, 16 June 2022 10:27
The next steps in exploring and using space for the benefit of European citizens were this week on the agenda at ESA's Council meeting in ESA/ESTEC, the Netherlands on 14 and 15 June. The possibility of the first-ever European astronaut to set foot on the Moon, a telecommunication satellite for lunar exploration and a mission to return precious rock samples from Mars were all discussed.
NA NASA, Partners establish new research group for Mars Sample Return Program
Thursday, 16 June 2022 10:27
Sixteen scientists from the U.S., Europe, Canada, and Japan have been chosen to help future samples from the Red Planet achieve their full potential.
NASA and ESA (European Space Agency), its partner in the Mars Sample Return Program, have established a new group of researchers to maximize the scientific potential of Mars rock and sediment samples that would be returned to Earth for in-dep