ULA Prepares for Second Test Flight of Vulcan Centaur Rocket
United Launch Alliance (ULA) is set to launch its Vulcan Centaur rocket on October 4, 2024, for the Cert-2 mission from Cape Canaveral. Following a successful first flight, ULA aims to achieve certification for national security missions. CEO Tory Bruno expresses confidence in the preparations, highlighting the importance of this launch for ULA’s future in the space industry.
Blue Origin Successfully Conducts Hot-Fire Test for New Glenn Rocket Ahead of Inaugural Launch
Blue Origin successfully completed a hot-fire test of its New Glenn rocket’s second stage, marking a crucial step towards its inaugural launch in November. This test evaluated key systems, including the BE-3U engines, ensuring readiness for upcoming missions. With a height of over 98 meters, the New Glenn is set to enter the competitive heavy-lift launch market, enhancing efficiency and sustainability in space exploration.
ULA Prepares for Historic Final Launch of Atlas 5 Rocket
United Launch Alliance (ULA) is set to launch its final Atlas 5 rocket, USSF-51, on July 30, 2024, marking a historic milestone as the 100th national security mission. This pivotal event highlights ULA’s contributions to aerospace and national security, while also paving the way for future innovations in space exploration.
SpaceX Successfully Launches 20 Starlink Satellites from Florida
SpaceX successfully launched 20 Starlink satellites from Florida, including 13 with Direct to Cell capabilities, aiming to enhance global internet connectivity. The Falcon 9 rocket, on its 16th launch and landing, deployed the satellites into low Earth orbit, expanding the Starlink megaconstellation. Stay updated on SpaceX’s space exploration achievements.
Firefly Aerospace and Northrop Grumman Collaborate on New Reusable Rocket
Firefly Aerospace and Northrop Grumman are collaborating on a new medium-lift rocket, the Medium Launch Vehicle (MLV), with a recoverable booster for reuse. The rocket’s return-to-launch-site propulsive landing aims to enhance competitiveness in pricing, aligning Firefly with Rocket Lab, Relativity Space, and Stoke Space in the pursuit of rocket reusability. The MLV is set to join the ranks of launch providers for national security missions, with plans for downrange landings on barges at sea.
Elon Musk Provides Tour of SpaceX Starfactory in Texas
Elon Musk provides a detailed tour of the Starfactory in Boca Chica, Texas, showcasing rocket components and the assembly of the Starship megarocket. Musk envisions production of up to 100 Starship spacecraft annually, with a long-term goal of potentially reaching a thousand. The tour highlights the innovative design of the next-gen Raptor engine and SpaceX’s focus on rocket reusability. As SpaceX prepares for crewed and cargo missions to the moon, the Starfactory represents the company’s commitment to innovation and advancement in space exploration.
SpaceX Dominates Worldwide Spacecraft Launch Industry in First Quarter
SpaceX continues to dominate the spacecraft launch industry, launching 525 out of the world’s 626 spacecraft in the first quarter of the year. With a significant lead over competitors, SpaceX also outshined in terms of weight, launching approximately 429,125 kilograms compared to CASC’s 29,426 kilograms and Roscosmos’ 23,782 kilograms. Analysts highlight SpaceX’s industry leadership, with the company leading the pack in launches. Florida has seen a surge in orbital launches, with SpaceX accounting for the majority. Starlink, SpaceX’s high-speed internet network, recently expanded to Sierra Leone, marking the 100th country served by the network.
Japan’s Space Junk Cleaning Mission Achieves Milestone
Japan’s space junk cleaning mission, led by JAXA, achieved a milestone with the successful launch of the ADRAS-J satellite. India appoints new minister for key technology portfolios, while an Indian national is sentenced for deleting virtual machines. Hong Kong introduces a robot dog to detect pollution, providing innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
Chinese Company Space Pioneer Secures $207 Million Funding for Tianlong-3 Rocket
Chinese commercial company Space Pioneer secures over 1.5 billion yuan funding for its reusable Tianlong-3 rocket, aimed at enhancing China’s launch capabilities. With a total fundraising exceeding four billion yuan, Space Pioneer emerges as a well-funded player in the commercial launcher sector in China.
SpaceX Launches Classified Mission NROL-146, Deploys Spy Satellites
SpaceX successfully launched a classified mission, designated NROL-146, on May 22, 2024, deploying the NRO’s first batch of next-generation spy satellites. The Falcon 9 rocket completed its 52nd launch of the year, with the first stage landing successfully. The NRO aims to enhance its small satellite architecture with a new imaging satellite constellation, increasing operational capabilities for rapid data delivery and intelligence collection.