Author: starpathwp-production
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SpaceX’s 300th Falcon 9 rocket launches Starlink satellites from California
The Starlink 7-14 mission lifts off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Feb. 15, 2024. Image: SpaceX. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket flew its 300th mission on Thursday Feb. 16, lifting off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 1:34 p.m. PST (4:34 p.m. EST, 2134 UTC) carrying another batch of satellites for…
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VPT Launches VSC100-2800S COTS DC-DC Converters for NewSpace Market
VPT, a HEICO company, announced the addition of the VSC100-2800S to the award-winning VSC Series of space COTS DC-DC converters. Designed for the “NewSpace” market, the VSC Series complements VPT’s hermetic hybrid SV / SVL Series of rad-hard products available on DLA SMDs. The VSC Series is intended for use in commercial rad-tolerant satellite applications…
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Three terms sure to grab attention: Russia, nuclear, anti-satellite weapon
When you think about the prospect of Russia putting nukes in space, you can understand why some people might fill in the blanks and envision a surprise apocalyptic bombardment from orbit. That is the nightmarish prophecy members of Congress tried to extinguish Wednesday after news leaked that US intelligence officials obtained information about Russian preparations…
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SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches Intuitive Machines Lunar Lander on Mission to the Moon
An Intuitive Machines spacecraft embarked on its journey to the moon on February 15, marking a significant step in the company’s endeavor to become the first commercial entity to achieve a successful lunar landing. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 1:05 a.m. Eastern from Launch Complex 39A, following a 24-hour delay. About 48…
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Varda Space Industries Receives FAA License for Capsule Reentry
Varda Space Industries has obtained a license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to facilitate the return of a capsule from its inaugural mission, marking a significant milestone after facing initial setbacks. On February 14, the FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation granted Varda a reentry license for its W-Series 1 spacecraft. This authorization enables…
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MDA, SDA Satellites On Orbit After Launch
The Department of Defense confirmed late Wednesday that six demonstration satellites launched earlier that evening for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and Space Development Agency (SDA) successfully reached orbit and have begun initial testing and checkout. The final four Tranche 0 Tracking Layer and the two Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) satellites will…
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U.S. Military Explores AI Capabilities for Defense Applications
The U.S. military is venturing into various artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, ranging from predictive maintenance of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) to analyzing extensive satellite data for enhanced space situational awareness. This exploration opens avenues for AI startups like Virtualitics, which has secured research contracts from the Air Force and Space Force. The company offers…
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Launch Roundup: SpaceX to launch next ISS crew rotation; Electron launches debris removal demonstration
Despite multiple scrubs and delays due to weather violations, SpaceX broke its own cadence record in January with 10 launches and landings in a calendar month. Those weather challenges have prevailed into February. Between these and the pad logistics related to launching the Intuitive Machines IM-1 mission, PACE satellite, USSF-124, and an upcoming crewed mission,…
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Collins Aerospace Achieves Key NASA Milestone in Next-Gen Space Station Suit Development
A key NASA design milestone was recently completed by Collins Aerospace as the company works to develop a next-generation spacesuit for use on the International Space Station. The milestone – a pressure garment system fit and functionality test in a microgravity-like environment – marked an important step toward developing a suit for NASA that can…
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NASA Delays Ultraviolet Observatory Launch Due to Budget Constraints
NASA has announced a two-year delay in the launch of its Ultraviolet Explorer (UVEX) spacecraft due to budget challenges, despite selecting it as the next Medium-class Explorer mission for astrophysics development. On February 13, NASA revealed its decision to designate the UVEX spacecraft for an all-sky survey at ultraviolet wavelengths, aiming to identify sources of…