All Space articles – Page 3
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NewsItaly’s space sector seeks new frontiers despite Vega blow
An early cosmic pioneer, Italy is determined to continue playing a central role in emerging fields such as reusable space transportation.
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NewsFAA finalises new commercial spaceflight rules
The US Federal Aviation Administration has finalised new rules it says streamline oversight of commercial spaceflight, enabling continued expansion of the commercial space industry.
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InterviewArianespace powers on with launches amid challenging 2020
Arianespace has had a challenging 2020 owing to the coronavirus pandemic, but has managed to keep launches going, as it looks toward 2021 and the long-awaited first flights of the Ariane 6 and Vega C rockets. Vivian Quenet has been managing director and head of sales for Arianespace in ...
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NewsPentagon, SpaceX may demo rocket delivery of cargo in 2021
The US Transportation Command has partnered with Space Exploration Technologies Corporation to study delivering tens of thousands of kilograms worth of cargo to anywhere on Earth within about an hour using the aerospace company’s vertical landing rockets.
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AnalysisWhy the sky is no limit for RAF’s space ambitions
Like its key allies, the UK is increasingly reliant on space-based assets for daily life in ordinary civil society and for the perfornance of its military forces. So, the Royal Air Force’s operating domain now extends from the ground to far beyond the atmosphere
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OpinionWhy Virgin Galactic is still attracting investment despite continued losses
Having taken 15 years and counting to get its rocketplanes in service, Virgin Galactic is now talking about supersonic jet travel; don’t book a flight just yet, but keep an eye on the share price
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NewsSpaceX Crew Dragon splashdown signals US human spaceflight return
The USA has returned to the human spaceflight business following the successful return to earth of the SpaceX Crew Dragon today, carrying NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley.
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NewsWhy mastering the Moon is vital before missions to Mars
Despite previous scepticism about renewed lunar exploration, the space industry increasingly believes a return to the Moon is a key part of any broader strategy.
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In depthNASA and Lockheed to begin X-59 supersonic jet tests in 2021
Engineers at NASA and Lockheed Martin have a wealth of experience and historical data – and a lot of public money – to help them build a low-boom supersonic jet. But until the X-59 actually breaks the sound barrier, whether they have opened the door to a Mach-plus renaissance will be an open question
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NewsFor Virgin Orbit, partial success is major milestone
First attempt to fly Virgin Group’s satellite launch system ends after 9s with engine shutdown, but wealth of data and smooth run through ground operations routine offers encouragement
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News‘Anomaly’ scuppers Virgin Orbit maiden rocket launch
Virgin Orbit failed in its first attempt at launching a rocket into orbit from the wing of a modified Boeing 747-400 owing to an “anomaly”, but the company says it is pressing ahead with further tests. The California-based company, part of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, conducted the maiden ...
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NewsBranson to sell shares in Virgin Galactic to help troubled travel businesses
Richard Branson’s Virgin Group is looking to sell some of its stake in Virgin Galactic to help raise proceeds to support its troubled leisure, holiday and travel businesses.
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NewsRocket Lab demonstrates catching piece of falling rocket in mid-air with helicopter
As part of the demonstration, Rocket Lab dropped the test stage from a light helicopter over the ocean. The stage’s fall was slowed by a parachute. A second helicopter swooped in and snagged the parachute’s drogue line with a specially designed grappling hook at about 5,000ft.
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In depthPost-Brexit UK ‘needs global space strategy’
As Britain loosens its ties with Europe, it will find itself having to protect the space-reliant aspects of its national security and economic interests in a world characterised by an accelerating US-China space race
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In depthTaking its place with the cosmic elite
From its early satellite ventures to its latest attempt to land on the Moon, the country has long seen space as a crucial component of its security, industrial strategy and national prestige
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In depthLaunch race reaches UK
London is adding the missing link of access to orbit to its plan to turn the country into a world space power
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In depthFor Reaction Engines, cool is the key
Radical rocket concept could propel the next-generation of hypersonic transports
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In depthAriane 6, Vega C fuel Europe's new launch era
Light and heavy rocket upgrades make a family built for cost, performance and versatility
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OpinionCan UK fund its space-launch ambitions?
The year 1962 dawned with two space powers: the USA and the USSR. Come that spring and the UK also joined the club with its Ariel 1 satellite, sadly lost not three months later to a US high-altitude nuclear detonation.
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NewsAirbus Defence & Space and Singapore to collaborate on automatic aerial refueling
Airbus Defence Space and Singapore will collaborate on the development, certification and implementation of an automatic aerial refueling capability for the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT). A flight-test campaign for the new system is already under way, with certification expected in 2021, says Airbus. ...