SpaceX drops plans to convert oil rigs into launch platforms
Tuesday, 14 February 2023 16:34
SpaceX has abandoned efforts to convert two oil rigs into launch platforms for its Starship vehicle, but the company still believes that offshore launch platforms will be part of its long-term plans.
DoD can ‘tune’ space surveillance sensors to track spy balloons
Tuesday, 14 February 2023 16:31
U.S.
The roar and crackle of Artemis 1
Tuesday, 14 February 2023 15:00
When the Artemis 1 mission was launched by NASA's Space Launch System, SLS, in November, it became the world's most powerful rocket, exceeding the thrust of the previous record holder, Saturn, by 13%. With liftoff came a loud roar heard miles away.
In JASA Express Letters, researchers from Brigham Young University and Rollins College in Florida reported noise measurements during the launch at different locations around Kennedy Space Center.
The data collected can be used to validate existing noise prediction models, which are needed to protect equipment as well as the surrounding environment and community. These data will be useful as more powerful lift vehicles, including the SLS series, are developed.
"We hope these early results will help prevent the spread of possible misinformation, as happened with the Saturn 5," author Kent Gee said. "Numerous websites and discussion forums suggested sound levels that were far too high, with inaccurate reports of the Saturn 5's sound waves melting concrete and causing grass fires.
NASA's IMAP spacecraft completes mission critical design review, moves closer to 2025 launch
Tuesday, 14 February 2023 14:43
NASA's Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) spacecraft has completed the Mission Critical Design Review and is on track to meet its scheduled 2025 launch. Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is managing the payload office, providing the scientific instrument Compact Dual Ion Composition Experiment (CoDICE) and is participating on other instrument teams for the mission, which will study the interaction between the solar wind and the interstellar medium as well as the fundamental processes of particle acceleration in space.
Russia delays uncrewed Soyuz launch to investigate Progress leak
Tuesday, 14 February 2023 12:10
Russia has delayed the launch of an uncrewed Soyuz spacecraft to the International Space Station, intended to replace a damaged spacecraft there, to investigate damage to a second spacecraft there.
Astranis wins Space Force contract to integrate military satcom on commercial payload
Tuesday, 14 February 2023 12:00
Astranis Space Technologies won a $4.5 million contract to integrate a U.S.
FCC greenlights Amazon's Project Kuiper to deploy 3,236 satellites in LEO
Tuesday, 14 February 2023 10:39
The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) International Bureau approved Amazon on February 8 to deploy and operate their 3,236 low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, called "Project Kuiper," for broadband service using Ka-band radio frequencies.
The approval comes after satisfying requirements for orbital-debris mitigation, collision risk, and coordination with other satellite systems, re-e Tracking ocean microplastics from space
Tuesday, 14 February 2023 10:39
New information about an emerging technique that could track microplastics from space has been uncovered by researchers at the University of Michigan. It turns out that satellites are best at spotting soapy or oily residue, and microplastics appear to tag along with that residue.
Microplastics-tiny flecks that can ride ocean currents hundreds or thousands of miles from their point of entry Minuteman III test launch showcases readiness of U.S. nuclear force's safe, effective deterrent
Tuesday, 14 February 2023 10:39
A team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a test reentry vehicle at 11:01 p.m. Pacific Time Feb. 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
This test launch is part of routine and periodic activities intended to demonstrate that the United States' nuclear deterrent is safe, secure, reliable and e Maxar signs agreement with Umbra for direct access to radar imaging satellites
Tuesday, 14 February 2023 10:00
Maxar has signed a contract with satellite imagery startup Umbra to get dedicated access to the company’s radar imaging constellation.
Media invitation: View Euclid spacecraft in Cannes before launch
Tuesday, 14 February 2023 07:40
Journalists are cordially invited to view Euclid, ESA’s ambitious mission to explore the dark Universe, in Cannes, France, on 21 February 2023.
Media will be given the rare opportunity to see the spacecraft in the cleanroom of Thales Alenia Space (TAS), prior to shipment for its launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA in July 2023.
Rumors swirl about balloons, UFOs as officials stay mum
Tuesday, 14 February 2023 06:14
Intuitive Machines completes SPAC merger
Tuesday, 14 February 2023 03:06
Commercial lunar lander company Intuitive Machines has completed its merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), raising far less money than originally anticipated.
Satellites support impact assessment after Turkiye-Syria earthquakes
Tuesday, 14 February 2023 02:45
Turkiye and Syria are reeling from one of the worst earthquakes to strike the region in almost a century. Tens of thousands of people have been killed with many more injured in this tragedy.
Satellite data are being used to help emergency aid organisations, while scientists have begun to analyse ground movement - aiding risk assessments that authorities will use as they plan recovery and r NASA, partners clear Axiom's second private astronaut mission crew
Tuesday, 14 February 2023 02:45
NASA and its international partners have approved the crew for Axiom Space's second private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2).
Axiom Space's Director of Human Spaceflight and former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson will command the privately funded mission. John Shoffner of Knoxville, Tennessee, will serve as pilot. The two mission specialists, Ali Al