Space – Page 2
-
NewsVirgin Orbit launch failure inquiry indicates engine overheat after fuel-filter dislodged
Virgin Orbit has started modifying its air-dropped rocket vehicle after analysis indicated that abnormal heating of the second-stage engine, following a filter displacement, caused loss of thrust during the company’s failed inaugural UK satellite launch. Investigators have analysed data suggesting that a fuel filter in the LauncherOne vehicle – dropped ...
-
NewsVirgin Orbit begins investigating failed inaugural UK satellite launch
Virgin Orbit has started an investigation after the inaugural UK launch of a satellite from a carrier aircraft ended in failure when the rocket – having been successfully dropped – did not reach orbit. The modified Boeing 747-400 had departed the south-west UK’s Newquay airport, which has been designated as ...
-
In depthUS aerospace industry powers launch of NASA’s first Artemis moon mission
Numerous US defence contractors supplied critical components for Artemis I, including rocket engines, solid state boosters and the space capsule that will eventually carry human astronauts.
-
NewsUS 'spaceplane' returns to Earth after 908 days in orbit
The US Space Force’s reusable spacecraft known as the Boeing X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle has now completed six missions, logging 1.3 billion miles flown and over 3,700 days in space.
-
NewsNASA hopeful for 2 September Artemis 1 launch, but readiness uncertain
NASA is hopeful its Artemis 1 rocket will be ready for launch on 2 September, though plans remain uncertain following an engine-cooling problem that led the agency to scrub today’s planned launch.
-
NewsNASA delays planned launch of Artemis 1 rocket
NASA called off its planned 29 August launch of the Artemis 1 rocket due to an engine-bleed problem, raising the prospect that the launch may be delayed until 2 September.
-
NewsUK alliance takes aim at commercial space industry
A partnership between Telespazio and Thales Alenia Space aims to boost commercial space activity in the UK.
-
NewsVirgin Orbit boosts 747 launcher fleet with L3Harris deal
L3Harris Technologies is to acquire a pair of Boeing 747-400s for Virgin Orbit as the small satellite launch specialist boosts its fleet of modified jumbo jets to meet increasing customer demand.
-
NewsUK MoD launches space-based surveillance push with Carbonite+ contract
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has ordered the first part of a future space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance constellation, with Surrey Satellite Technology (SSTL) awarded £22 million ($27.9 million) to provide the Carbonite+ spacecraft.
-
InterviewWhy Apollo 16’s Charlie Duke is still a lunar rover
Apollo 16 astronaut Charlie Duke says private spaceflight encourages smaller firms to think big and develop technologies the whole world could benefit from in future.
-
NewsANA, Virgin Orbit to use Japan as Asian base for 747 RocketOne launches
ANA Holdings plans to enter the space launch business through a tie up with Virgin Orbit, which has developed the capability to launch its LauncherOne rocket from a 747-400.
-
NewsUS FAA grounds Virgin Galactic over mishap investigations
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has grounded Virgin Galactic as it completes an investigation into an incident involving SpaceShipTwo during its July 11 flight.
-
In depthWhy the UK Space Command has skyrocketing ambitions
Among the organisational changes made by the UK Ministry of Defence since the last DSEI show in September 2019, the establishment of a dedicated Space Command is one of the most significant recent developments.
-
InterviewMiMi Aung’s out of this world Ingenuity
As project manager for NASA’s spectacular unmanned helicopter flights on Mars, MiMi Aung advanced awareness of autonomous capability – and inspired a new generation of scientists.
-
NewsUK aviation regulators and accident investigators extend remit to spaceflight
UK civil aviation regulators and accident investigators are to extend their authority to the spaceflight sector under a new broadening of their remit. Under the new regime the Civil Aviation Authority has initiated a system allowing commercial spaceflight companies – with a variety of launch vehicles – to apply for ...
-
NewsKorean Air to explore using 747 for rocket launches
The Republic of Korea Air Force has commissioned Korean Air and Seoul National University to research the use of the Boeing 747-400 to air-launch rockets.
-
NewsSpace industry worried that cyberattacks could spread off Earth
As Earth-bound small and large businesses convulse from wave after wave of cyberattacks, the fast-growing space industry is worried that it could be next.
-
NewsAustralia to create space command under RAAF
Australia will establish a new Space Division within the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during 2022, underlining the importance of space to the country’s defence forces.
-
NewsAs Mars helicopter flies, Russian institute looks at drones for Venus
As NASA confirms the successful first flight of its ‘Ingenuity’ rotorcraft on Mars, Russian scientists are proposing that unmanned aerial vehicles be deployed as part of a planned mission to Venus. Space agency Roscosmos is planning to launch the Venera-D mission towards the end of this decade, which would mark ...
-
NewsSmall rotorcraft ‘Ingenuity’ flies on Mars
NASA has flown a small rotorcraft on Mars, the first powered controlled flight of an aircraft on another planet.