Copernical Team
Blue Origin sues NASA over SpaceX Moon contract
Blue Origin, the space company owned by Jeff Bezos, is suing the US government over its decision to award a massive Moon exploration contract to its competitor SpaceX, it said in a statement Monday.
The company has filed a suit with the US Court of Federal Claims "in an attempt to remedy the flaws" in how the contract was awarded, according to the statement.
The human landing system (HLS) contract, worth $2.9 billion, was given to SpaceX, owned by Bezos's billionaire rival Elon Musk, in April.
It was protested by the other bidders, who argued NASA was required to make multiple awards and that the evaluation process was unfair.
"We firmly believe that the issues identified in this procurement and its outcomes must be addressed to restore fairness, create competition, and ensure a safe return to the Moon for America," Blue Origin said.
Since losing the contract, Blue Origin has strongly lobbied to have the decision reversed.
Indian Space Research Organisation fails to place earth observation satellite in orbit
On Thursday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was scheduled to launch Earth observation satellite EOS-03 on the GSLV launcher. The mission was initially expected to be carried out in March 2020 but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Earth observation satellite EOS-03, launched on Thursday from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR in Sriharikota, failed to
NASA at your table: where food meets methane
Today, human sources are responsible for 60% of global methane emissions, coming primarily from the burning of fossil fuels, decomposition in landfills and the agriculture sector. Nearly a quarter of methane emissions can be attributed to agriculture, much of which is from raising livestock. Rice cultivation and food waste are also important sources of agricultural methane, as nearly a third of
NASA tests machine to power the future of aviation propulsion
A one-megawatt electric motor that could help propel future, more environmentally friendly and economically sustainable aircraft was tested during April and May by NASA and its industry and academic partners. The center of attention is an electric machine that can work either as an electric motor to turn propellers or large engine fans, or a generator to produce one million watts of power
USSF establishes 2nd Field Command, Guetlein assumes command
The U. S. Space Force established the second of its three field commands in a ceremony here Aug. 13, as Space Force Lt. Gen. Michael A. Guetlein assumed command of Space Systems Command. Speaking during the establishment ceremony, Space Force Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. "Jay" Raymond emphasized the important work that lies ahead for Guardians and Airmen of SSC. "America relies o
Space EA Systems delivers satellite-enabled quantum-proof cybersecurity and innovation
Space EA's new post-quantum encryption network defeats quantum's destructive effect against security, while enabling satellite architectures and communication networks the ability to harness quantum's power for DoD and commercial clients in the space sector. The advent of quantum computing renders all current security obsolete, causing a perfect storm with the convergence of more and more
US sensor architecture not sufficient to detect hypersonic missiles
US military's sensor architecture is not sufficient to effectively detect hypersonic missiles across the world while Russia today is the leading nation for this technology, US Strategic Command chief Adm. Charles Richard said on Thursday. "It [hypersonic technology] creates challenges that permeate the responsibility of STRATCOM, SPACECOM, NORTHCOM, and every other combatant command," Rich
SpaceWERX launch drives AFWERX small business focus on universities and on-orbit capability
On August 19, SpaceWERX will officially launch. The kickoff will include a virtual Space Force Pitch Day highlighting the key partnership between the Department of the Air Force and small businesses by awarding up to $34 million to innovative startups competing for Small Business Innovation Research Phase II contracts. At the launch, SpaceWERX will also announce key initiatives to jumpstart the
Microsoft unveils Australian Space Startup launchpad
Microsoft is delighted to announce the launch of Microsoft for Space Startups Australia designed to support emerging enterprises focussed on cloud-powered innovation on and off the planet. Through this initiative, Microsoft will support and enable cutting-edge Australian space innovation to help solve tough problems, such as bush fire detection, climate change and sustainable practices on Earth
Chinese rocket for Tianzhou-3 mission arrives at launch site
China's Long March-7 Y4 rocket, which will launch the new cargo craft of China's space station, on Monday arrived at its launch site in southern China's Hainan Province. The rocket, alongside the Tianzhou-3 cargo craft that has already been transported to the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site, will be assembled and tested at the launch site, the China Manned Space Engineering Office (CMSEO)