Sydney, Australia (SPX) Jun 05, 2024
China's Chang'e 6 mission achieved a critical milestone as its sample-loaded ascender launched from the moon's far side on Tuesday morning. "According to the China National Space Administration, the ascender, one of the four major components of the Chang'e 6 robotic probe, started its ascent engine at 7:38 am and flew nearly 6 minutes before reaching a lunar orbit." The mission gathe

Washington DC (UPI) Jun 4, 2024
After several scrubbed liftoffs, Boeing's first Starliner crewed mission will try again Wednesday to launch NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams on a critical, week-long test flight to the International Space Station. NASA and Boeing confirmed Monday that the Starliner capsule, United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket and ground support equipment are in good shape and ready for

Paris, France (SPX) Jun 05, 2024
ESA has launched a Request for Information (RFI) aimed at European launch service providers in preparation for the European Launcher Challenge. This initiative, unveiled in Seville, Spain, in November 2023, aims to enhance Europe's space access by promoting a variety of launch options and boosting the competitiveness of European launch services. The European Launcher Challenge, to be funde

Washington DC (UPI) Jun 4, 2024
SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket into orbit Tuesday night with 20 Starlink satellites, including some with Direct to Cell capabilities that will improve access to text and voice data here on Earth. "Ignition and liftoff. Go Falcon. Go Starlink," mission control said as the rocket blasted off at 10:16 p.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex 40 at Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Statio

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jun 05, 2024
Terran Orbital has expanded its offerings under NASA's multi-participant Rapid Spacecraft Acquisition IV (Rapid IV) Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract. NASA has added two additional space vehicle platforms, positioning Terran Orbital as a key partner for the space agency with a broader range of solutions for various missions. Terran Orbital has been part of this contra

Cape Canaveral (AFP) June 5, 2024
Boeing will be hoping the third time's a charm on Wednesday as they try once more to launch astronauts aboard a Starliner capsule bound for the International Space Station. Liftoff is targeted for 10:52 am (1452 GMT) from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, for a roughly one-week stay at the orbital laboratory. The last attempt, on Saturday, was dramatically aborted with l

Paris (AFP) June 5, 2024
The next-generation Ariane 6 rocket, a crucial programme for Europe's space ambitions, is due to lift off on July 9 following years of delays, the European Space Agency said Wednesday. The launch will take place in Europe's spacesport in Kourou, French Guiana, which borders Brazil. The inaugural flight was originally planned for 2020, but the Covid-19 pandemic and repeated technical issu

Over 200 dedicated professionals from ESA, EUSPA and European industry across four Galileo centres and seven external entities have seamlessly upgraded Galileo’s massive ground segment. In a remarkable feat of coordination and precision involving the deployment of 400 items, and after five months of rehearsals, Galileo’s ground segment, the largest in Europe, has transitioned seamlessly to System Build 2.0.

ESA’s EarthCARE mission has completed its important ‘Launch and Early Orbit Phase’ and is ready to begin the commissioning of its four scientific instruments. The data they gather will improve our understanding of the role that clouds and aerosols play in Earth’s radiation balance and benefit both climate modelling and weather forecasting.