Tag: SpaceX
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SpaceX announce successful activation of Dragon’s CUCU onboard ISS
Following its arrival onboard shuttle Atlantis during STS-129, the CRS UHF Communication Unit (CUCU) – a key element for the upcoming demonstration of SpaceX’s Dragon capsule – has passed a series of tests on the International Space Station (ISS), allowing the commercial company to confirm its successful activation. Atlantis and ISS aid Dragon’s future: The…
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Orion removed from NASA control – MOD positioning for commercial role
NASA managers are pushing through the shutdown of the Constellation Program (CxP) at a pace, with a series of memos showing all the Ares test flights have already been cancelled, along Orion ‘defunded’ and returned to the sole control of contractor Lockheed Martin. Meanwhile, MOD director Paul Hill has written to NASA administrator Charlie Bolden,…
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STS-129 ready to support Dragon communication demo with ISS
When STS-129 launches next week, Atlantis will have one eye on the future, as she carries the CRS UHF Communication Unit (CUCU), a key element for the upcoming demonstration of SpaceX’s Dragon capsule, ahead of its debut arrival at the International Space Station (ISS) in 2010. STS-129’s Dragon Payload: The Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS)…
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Falcon 1 launches with RazakSat for Malaysia’s ATSB
The fifth launch of the SpaceX Falcon 1 carrier rocket is underway, carrying the RazakSat spacecraft for Malaysia’s Astronautic Technology (M) Sdn. Bhd. The launch, which marks the first flight of a commercial payload aboard a Falcon rocket, was delayed to 03:35 GMT (11:35pm Eastern). Launch/Mission Overview: RazakSat, formerly known as MACSat, was originally scheduled…
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STS-127: NASA managers recommend mission length increase to 16 days
Due to a conflict with Shuttle Crew Scheduling Constraints (SCSC) rules relating to off duty time during flight, NASA managers have recommended an increase of STS-127 to a 16 day mission (16+0+2). The confirmation came via a PRCB (Program Requirements Control Board) meeting presentation, which also outlined alternative options. The mission length will be under review…
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Ares/Orion slipping up to 18 months – Shuttle extension gains upper hand
NASA’s Constellation Program (CxP) will conduct a “Content and Schedule” summit meeting in the next few months, after it was evaluated their current schedules are “broken”. The meeting will aim to protect against a slip that is estimated to be as serious as 18 months, or outright cancellation for Ares I. Meanwhile, the push for…
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Extra NASA funds: An initial step towards gap reduction options/extension
US lawmakers have agreed on a stimulus package that includes just over $1 billion in additional funds for NASA, to be utilized during 2009 and 2010. While the $400m allocated towards “Exploration” is not specifically earmarked for extension of the shuttle program, it could allow NASA to take the first steps in reducing “The Gap”…
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PRCB Outlines Delta Review for STS-127 – includes SpaceX DTO
With Space Shuttle Endeavour now well into her OPF (Orbiter Processing Facility) flow for her triple duty requirements as LON (Launch On Need) vehicle for STS-119 and STS-125 and her primary mission on STS-127, the Program Requirements Control Board (PRCB) has completed the Delta Launch Site Requirements Review (DLSRR) for STS-127, a critical step toward…
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Musk ambition: SpaceX aim for fully reusable Falcon 9
SpaceX chief Elon Musk has spoke of his desire to make Falcon 9 the first fully reusable launch vehicle, which he would “love” to include a flyback first stage. Musk also noted he is aiming for Falcon 9 to launch in under 60 minutes from the moment they leave their hangers. Musk was speaking to…
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SpaceX and Orbital win huge CRS contract from NASA
SpaceX and Orbital Sciences Corporation have been awarded the lucrative Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) contract, with SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies Corp.) earning 12 missions, and Orbital winning another eight missions. The details of the award – worth up to 3.5 billion dollars – equates to Orbital winning 54 percent of the funding. PlanetSpace Inc lose out on the award.…