Tag: commercial-space
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After problem-plagued test flight, Boeing will refly crew capsule without astronauts
In this file photo from 2019, technicians prepare Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft for fueling before its first unpiloted space mission. Credit: Boeing Boeing officials said Monday the company’s Starliner crew capsule will fly a second time without astronauts after software problems and other issues plagued a first test flight in December, preventing the ship from…
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SpaceX loses third Starship prototype in cryogenic ground test
A prototype for SpaceX’s Starship space vehicle collapsed during pressure testing early Friday at the company’s facility in South Texas — the program’s third failure during such testing since November — but assembly of a new version is already underway. The stainless steel cylinder appeared to rupture near its top after filling with super-cold…
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Pandemic prompts few changes to busy month on space station
The International Space Station’s robotic arm and Dextre, a two-handed robotic aide, extract the European Bartolomeo platform from the trunk of SpaceX’s Dragon cargo craft in this March 25 photo. Credit: NASA U.S. and Russian vehicles ferrying crews and cargo will continue traveling to and from the International Space Station this month, sustaining the orbiting…
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In parallel with rocket development, Firefly launches lunar lander initiative
Artist’s illustration of Firefly’s Genesis moon lander. Credit: Firefly Aerospace A souped-up version of the Israeli Beresheet moon lander built in Texas could be ready to carry NASA science and technology payloads to the lunar surface before the end of 2022, according to officials from Firefly Aerospace. Firefly’s Genesis lander is one of several major…
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OneWeb files for bankruptcy
Illustration of OneWeb’s satellite network. Credit: Airbus OneWeb — three launches into a series of nearly 20 missions to deploy 650 satellites to provide global Internet service — has announced it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and reduced its workforce after unsuccessful negotiations for more cash from its largest investor. Headquartered in London with…
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NASA picks SpaceX to deliver cargo to Gateway station in lunar orbit
Illustration of the SpaceX Dragon XL as it is deployed from the Falcon Heavy’s second stage in high Earth orbit on its way to the Gateway in lunar orbit. Credit: SpaceX NASA has selected SpaceX to deliver supplies to the planned Gateway mini-space station in lunar orbit using a new version of the Dragon cargo…
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Citing coronavirus concerns, Rocket Lab pauses launch operations
This aerial view of Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand earlier this year shows an Electron rocket on one launch pad, and the site’s second launch pad under construction. Credit: Rocket Lab Rocket Lab says it has paused launch operations after the government of New Zealand this week ordered most businesses closed and…
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NASA, U.S. military reviewing SpaceX engine malfunction
Nine Merlin 1D engines arranged in an “octaweb” configuration on the Falcon 9 rocket’s first stage. Credit: SpaceX NASA and U.S. military officials are reviewing a malfunction that triggered a premature engine shutdown during a flight of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket earlier this month, a cautionary step before upcoming launches with a GPS navigation…
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Astra suffers “anomaly” during pre-launch test in Alaska
File photo of Astra’s first orbital-class small satellite launcher during pre-flight testing last month at the Pacific Spaceport Complex at Kodiak Island, Alaska. Credit: DARPA A small satellite launcher built by Astra “experienced an anomaly” Monday on a launch pad at Kodiak Island, Alaska, forcing the cancellation of a planned orbital launch attempt this week,…
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Military officials committed to keeping Cape Canaveral open for launches
Military officials say launches will continue at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, but public viewing sites will be closed in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky The military-run Eastern Range at Cape Canaveral remains ready to support upcoming launches — including an Atlas 5 flight Thursday — amid the coronavirus pandemic, officials said…