A record-breaking 32 satellites have been launched by a single Russian Dnepr rocket. Not only is the number impressive but the payloads are as well. SkyBox Imaging now has its first satellite SkySat-1. Planet Labs launched its Dove 3 and 4, and the company is prepared to launch a constellation of 28 satellites. Axel Space had WNISAT-1 onboard as well. Article NASA Spaceflight, Video by SkyBox, and Press Release by Axel Space
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The recent launch successes by numerous companies appear to be making an impact on the space industry. With SpaceX entering the commercial launch market, Arianespace has indicated that it could rethink its pricing policy. SpaceX has also completed another safety review milestone for NASA's Commercial Crew Program. This was the ninth out of 15 total milestones. The most recent and first commercial telecommunications satellite launch for SpaceX has been delayed due to technical problems, and the next earliest launch attempt is scheduled for Tuesday evening. Article bye Space News and Press Releases by NASA and SpaceX | |
The Edge of Glory and Space
Lady Gaga has announced that she will be blasting off into space aboard a Virgin Galactic flight. NBCUniversal has also announced its partnership with Virgin Galactic to televise the inaugural flight of SpaceShipTwo. Richard Branson and his family will be the first customers to fly on the first commercial flight. Article by US Magazine and Press Release by Virgin Galactic | |
NanoSatisfi and NanoRacks have successfully launched the ArduSat-1 and ArduSat-X from the International Space Station. The spacecraft are loaded with sensors, and they are designed to be reprogrammable so students and other users can upload their own software to control the vehicle. NanoRacks has also announced its partnership with Spaceflight Inc. to provide commercial launch services from the ISS. Article by Aviation Week, Video by NanoSatisfi, and Press Release by NanoRacks | |
NASA has requested proposals from US companies to complete the development of human rated space vehicles. This last phase called the Commercial Crew Transportation Capability (CCtCap) will also include at least one crewed flight to the International Space Station before the vehicle can be certified. Press Release by NASA
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The Inspiration Mars Foundation founder and chairman Dennis Tito has revealed a new strategy to send humans on a Mars flyby mission. During his testimony to the House Subcommittee on Space, he talked about the Architecture Study Report which involves a public-private partnership with NASA. It is estimated to cost $1 billion, where $700 million will come from NASA and the rest from philanthropic donations. So far, NASA has commented that the agency cannot commit to sharing costs. Press Release by Inspiration Mars and Article by Space Policy Online | |
XCOR and United Launch Alliance (ULA) has announced that they have reached another milestone in their liquid hydrogen engine program. They have successfully conducted the hot fire test of the XR-5H25 engine, and it produced a thrust of 2,500 lbf. XCOR and the Czech Space Office (CSO) announced a partnership that authorizes CSO to become an Authorized Payload Integrator of XCOR's Lynx spacecraft. Press Releases by XCOR | |
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Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA) has received a $1.8 million grant from the Florida Department of Transportation and Space Florida to build the necessary infrastructure for Cecil Spaceport. JAA has announced that it will match the grant funding and estimated that the hangar would cost over $4 million. Generation Orbit has previously announced that it will be operating out of Cecil and is preparing for some of its test flights at the site. Article by Florida Times Union
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Dr. Frankenstein Looking for Dead Satellites
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded several contracts for the next phase of the Phoenix program. The ultimate goal of the program is to assemble a new satellite from using parts from retired, nonworking satellites at a lower cost than launching a new one. Space Systems/Loral will be developing a hosted payload launcher from its telecommunications satellites, MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associate will be developing a robotic arm and other equipment, and Honeybee will be developing a gripper and sever tool to salvage parts from defunct satellites. DARPA is also seeking several retired satellites to grab parts and demonstrate technologies. Articles by Space News and Press Releases by SSL and MDA | |
US Space Policy Updated
The new U.S. national space transportation policy has been released. While no major changes have been made, the new policy has modified the language pertaining to Evolved Expendable Launch Program (EELV), clarified rules for hosted payloads, and endorsed the current competitive developments in the space industry. The Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF) has commended the policy's vision to encourage the growth of the commercial space sector. Articles by Space News and Space Politics and Press Release by CSF | |
| The Space Show
Plasma Researcher Eric Lerner, Commercial Space Guru Bruce Pittman, and NewSpace Business Expert Tom Olson share their respective NewSpace initiatives with Dr. David Livingston on The Space Show.
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