At Plesetsk is “dry run” missile launch “Rokot” with two European satellites
On the northern Russia's Plesetsk space center is continuing preparations for the launch vehicles "Rokot" with two European Spacecraft: Earth observation satellites SMOS ( «SIOS) and technological demonstrator Proba-2 (" Trial-2 ").
In accordance with the schedule, in early October at the launch site started "dry run" - a dress rehearsal readiness missiles and launch site for launch.
During the "dry run" simulated transport missiles from the assembly-test facility (MICA) to the launch pad and its installation on the launch pad. Then within a few days in the UK are mechanical and electrical test unit accelerators and head of the rocket (but not filled spacecraft). Furthermore, in these days of complex test equipment launch complex, and rehearsed thePresentation on the North Italy
The alert for possible aurora visible from Italy has not proved vain and, last night (from around 22:30), many inhabitants of Northern Italy have potutto witness the spectacular event. Weak and modest aurora was also seen from Rome (between a cloud and another) but lasted just minutes. Currently we have no reports from other parts of Italy (because even the clouds that have raged over much of our country). (more...)At Baikonur preparing to launch the rocket Proton-M with three spacecraft GLONASS-M.
In the assembly / test building sites are working with the third satellite Glonass-M “- today it installed storage tanks and supply of xenon, which are part of the propulsion system. Continued electrical tests of the spacecraft. At the launch vehicle Proton-M run standalone tests, dock electrical connections of the first and second stages, are [...]
Quasars belong to the far distant objects in the universe
Quasars (quasar = quasi-stellar) belong to the far distant objects in the universe), whose most remote kinsman (measured from the Earth is SDSS 1030 +0524. This is 14.3 billion light years away proud of us. The removal of such objects is measured by the fact that the body is moving away from us, are shifted [...]
Planck began his observations of the CMB
Herschel and Planck are in orbit around the L2 Lagrange point for some time and the first has already begun to deliver impressive images ahead of schedule. Now is Planck who just started his observations of the oldest light in the universe.In the cosmic background radiation, also known as background radiation cosmic, are coded basic [...]
SpaceX Introduces DragonLabTM
SpaceX to Host (Invitation-only) Users Workshop on November 6
Hawthorne, CA - November 3, 2008 – Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) is introducing a new commercial product called DragonLab™, a free-flying, reusable spacecraft capable of hosting pressurized and unpressurized payloads to and from space. DragonLab will launch to orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle.
NASA to use Russian Rockets if COTS Fails
If the companies selected by NASA for COTS fail to produce cargo delivery service to the ISS in 2010, NASA says they will buy seats from Russia. Currently SpaceX, the first COTS selection, is preparing to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from Florida later this year. NASA is expected to make the selection of the [...]
Press Release: SpaceX Conducts First Three-Engine Firing of Falcon 9 Rocket
McGregor TX – Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) conducted the first three-engine firing of its Falcon 9 medium to heavy lift rocket at its Texas Test Facility outside McGregor, on March 8, 2008. At full power the engines generated over 270,000 pounds of force, and consumed 1,050 lbs of
Earth’s Space Fleet
The British paper, the Independent, has a roundup of all the crafts going into space over the coming year. It is an exciting time.
I hope they have all thought about common communications standards in case of an emergency. The CCSDS may have some ideas.
COTS is NASA’s Only Hope for Space Access
With the Shuttles retirement in 2010, NASA may be forced to rely on the Russians for access to the ISS. The Commercial Orbital Transportation Service may save their bacon, however. According to Elon Musk, founder of one of the COTS companies SpaceX , they may have a manned spacecraft capability by the end of 2011 [...]
First SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch Vehicle Remains on Schedule for Delivery to Cape Canaveral
Hawthorne, CA – March 3, 2008 – Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) today announced its newly revised mission manifest listing twelve flights of its Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 launch vehicles.
SpaceX Delays Falcon 9 Launch
Due to a great deal of work with the Falcon 1, 9 and the Dragon capsule, SpaceX has delayed the first launch of their Falcon 9 until early next year.
SpaceX Completes Qualification Testing of Merlin Regeneratively Cooled Engine for Falcon 1 Rocket
Hawthorne CA – Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) announced today that it has completed the qualification testing program of its Merlin 1C next generation liquid fueled rocket booster engine for use in the Falcon 1 rocket.
Tests were conducted at the SpaceX Texas Test Facility near Waco, TX, on a Merlin 1C configured for powering the [...]
SpaceX Successfully Completes NASA Preliminary Design Review for Dragon Spacecraft Mission to Approach International Space Station
HAWTHORNE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) has completed the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for the second Falcon 9 / Dragon demonstration under NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) project. NASA representatives attended the event, held at SpaceX’s new headquarters in Hawthorne, California.
NASA to Announce COTS Phase I Selection
NASA is set to annouce the selection of a second private business in the COTS Phase 1 Demonstration on February 19.
