Third of six Mercury flybys of the ESA-JAXA BepiColombo mission before entering orbit around its destination planet in 2025.

BepiColombo Mercury Flyby

Flyby

The AX-2 Crew Dragon will dock autonomously to the International Space Station, carrying Axiom Space Mission 2 commander Peggy Whitson and three passengers.

SpaceX AX-2 Crew Dragon Docking

Docking

The AX-2 Crew Dragon will undock from the International Space Station, carrying Axiom Space Mission 1 commander Peggy Whitson and three passengers. It will then reenter the Earth's atmosphere and splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean.

SpaceX AX-2 Crew Dragon Undocking

Spacecraft Undocking

The AX-2 Crew Dragon will splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico, bringing Axiom Space Mission 1 commander Peggy Whitson and three passengers back to Earth after spending a few days on the International Space Station.

SpaceX AX-2 Crew Dragon Splashdown

Spacecraft Landing

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the space agency of the Government of India headquartered in the city of Bangalore. Its vision is to "harness space technology for national development while pursuing space science research and planetary exploration."

Indian Space Research Organization

Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II (GSLV Mk II) is the largest launch vehicle developed by India, which is currently in operation. This fourth generation launch vehicle is a three stage vehicle with four liquid strap-ons. The indigenously developed cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS), which is flight proven, forms the third stage of GSLV Mk II. From January 2014, the vehicle has achieved four consecutive successes.

GSLV Mk. II

This is a replacement satellite for the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System. The constellation will provide India with an alternative to GPS and will be used for military and civilian use. Located at a geosynchronous orbit, the system will be operated by the Indian government.

IRNSS-1J (NVS-01)

Geosynchronous Orbit

GSLV Mk II | IRNSS-1J (NVS-01)

Minute

Satish Dhawan Space Centre, India

Satish Dhawan Space Centre Second Launch Pad

Current T-0 confirmed by official or reliable sources.

Go for Launch

The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) is the main contractor for the Chinese space program. It is state-owned and has a number of subordinate entities which design, develop and manufacture a range of spacecraft, launch vehicles, strategic and tactical missile systems, and ground equipment. It was officially established in July 1999 as part of a Chinese government reform drive, having previously been one part of the former China Aerospace Corporation. Various incarnations of the program date back to 1956.

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation

The Long March 2F is a Chinese orbital carrier rocket, part of the Long March 2 rocket family. Designed to launch the crewed Shenzhou spacecraft, the Long March 2F is a human-rated two-stage version of the Long March 2E rocket, which in turn was based on the Long March 2C launch vehicle. It is launched from complex SLS at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

Academy of Aerospace liquid Propulsion Technology (AALPT) is a conglomerate of Chinese state-owned enterprises that develops liquid-propellant rocket engines and guidance systems for China's space launchers.

Academy of Aerospace Liquid Propulsion Technology

YF-21B

YF-20B

YF-24B

Long March 2F/G

Fifth crewed flight to the Chinese space station.

Shenzhou 16

Low Earth Orbit

Long March 2F/G | Shenzhou 16

Jiuquan, People's Republic of China

Launch Area 4 (SLS-1 / 921)

Firefly Aerospace is an American private aerospace firm based in Austin, Texas, that develops small and medium-sized launch vehicles for commercial launches to orbit.

Firefly Aerospace

Firefly Alpha (Firefly α) is a two-stage orbital expendable launch vehicle developed by the American aerospace company Firefly Aerospace to cover the commercial small satellite launch market. Alpha is intended to provide launch options for both full-vehicle and ride-share customers.

Reaver 1

Lightning 1

Firefly Alpha

Third flight of the Firefly Alpha small sat launcher, carrying its first payload for NASA.

Flight Three

Firefly Alpha | FLTA003 (VICTUS NOX)

Month

Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA

Space Launch Complex 2W

Current date is a placeholder or rough estimation based on unreliable or interpreted sources.

To Be Determined

United Launch Alliance (ULA) has announced a last-minute delay in the engine flight readiness testing for its highly anticipated Vulcan rocket. The test fire, originally scheduled for today, was halted approximately three hours before the planned ignition.During the countdown process, the ULA team noticed a delayed response from the booster engine ignition system, which raised concerns about its performance. In order to ensure the utmost safety and reliability of the Vulcan rocket, ULA made the decision to postpone the engine flight readiness testing and conduct a thorough investigation into the issue.The team immediately initiated the necessary protocols and procedures, carefully analysing the data and examining the booster ignition system. To facilitate the investigation and gain access to the system, the rocket will be rolled back to the Vertical Integration Facility. This will allow engineers and technicians to closely inspect and diagnose the cause of the delayed response.ULA's dedicated team will continue to work diligently to review the collected data and identify the root cause of the anomaly. Once the issue is resolved and the booster ignition system is deemed fully functional, the Vulcan rocket will be ready to proceed with the flight readiness firing.Although no specific timeline has been provided for the rescheduled engine flight readiness testing, ULA says "The team will continue to review data and determine when Vulcan can roll back to the pad to conduct the flight readiness firing."The Vulcan rocket, featuring a powerful new engine known as the BE-4, is poised to become ULA's flagship launch vehicle, offering enhanced performance and versatility for a wide range of space missions. With its advanced capabilities, Vulcan is expected to play a pivotal role in the future of space exploration and the satellite industry.The delay in engine flight readiness testing has introduced uncertainty into the launch schedule. While ULA has not provided a specific launch date, it is highly tentative at this point. Considering the availability of launch windows, if the engine testing is successful and subsequent preparations proceed smoothly, a launch in early July is a possibility. However, should the early July timeframe be missed, the next earliest opportunity would likely be in early August.

ULA has announced a last-minute delay in the engine flight readiness testing for its highly anticipated Vulcan rocket. The test fire, originally scheduled for today, was halted approximately three hours before the planned ignition.

ULA To Roll Back Vulcan Rocket, Flight Readiness Firing Delayed

Virgin Orbit has sold its assets and equipment to a trio of aerospace companies through an auction, as confirmed by a court filing released on Tuesday.
The combined bids for the assets amount to approximately $36 million, providing some financial relief for the struggling company.
Rocket Lab, a leading small satellite launch provider, emerged as the successful bidder for Virgin Orbit's "machinery &amp; equipment and lease" with a bid of $16.1 million. This acquisition will enable Rocket Lab to bolster its existing infrastructure and expand its capabilities in the rocket launch sector.
Stratolaunch, the aerospace company founded by the late Paul Allen, secured its position by making a "stalking horse" bid of $17 million for Virgin Orbit's prized possession: the Boeing 747 jet known as "Cosmic Girl." This unique aircraft is specially modified to carry Virgin Orbit's LauncherOne rockets aloft for air launches. Stratolaunch's acquisition of this iconic jet will allow them to explore new avenues in the air launch industry.
Another participant in the auction was Launcher, a subsidiary of Vast Space, which successfully bid $2.7 million to purchase Virgin Orbit's facility located in Mojave, California. This deal also includes the acquisition of certain machinery, equipment, and inventory associated with Virgin Orbit's operations. Launcher aims to leverage these assets to strengthen its presence in the aerospace industry and further its own ambitions.
The agreement between Virgin Orbit and Stratolaunch regarding the sale of the 747 jet was reached during the earlier stages of the bankruptcy process. This agreement solidified Stratolaunch's position as the primary bidder for the aircraft, providing clarity and direction amidst the uncertain financial circumstances faced by Virgin Orbit.
Virgin Orbit filed for bankruptcy protection on April 4 after unsuccessful attempts to secure additional funding and a subsequent decision to lay off a significant portion of its workforce. The sale of its assets represents a crucial step in the company's restructuring efforts, allowing for the potential revitalization of its operations under the ownership of established aerospace players.
While the sale of assets and equipment is a significant development for Virgin Orbit, the company still faces challenges ahead as it navigates through bankruptcy proceedings. The funds generated from the auction will help address some of the outstanding financial obligations and potentially pave the way for the company's resurgence in the highly competitive commercial space industry.
This story is developing. Stay tuned for updates.

Virgin Orbit has sold its assets and equipment to a trio of aerospace companies through an auction, as confirmed by a court filing released on Tuesday.

Virgin Orbit Sells Assets To RocketLab, Stratolaunch and Vast Launcher

The Spaceport Company has successfully demonstrated their capability to conduct launches from a floating platform in US territorial waters for the first time.
The Spaceport Company and Evolution Space collaborated on the proof-of-concept test, conducting four sounding rocket launches from a platform located in the Gulf of Mexico on May 22. The primary goal of these launches was to assess the feasibility of conducting orbital launches from offshore platforms.
The Spaceport Company emphasized that the test provided valuable insights that would inform their next endeavor: constructing a sea-based spaceport capable of supporting orbital operations.
&ldquo;This demonstration provided numerous lessons which will be incorporated into our next project: building a sea-based spaceport capable of orbital operations,&rdquo; - Tom Marotta, Founder of The Spaceport Company
The specific location of the launches was not disclosed by the companies involved. However, airspace closures implemented by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on May 22 indicated that "space operations" were taking place in a small region of the Gulf of Mexico, just south of Gulfport, Mississippi. These airspace closures are typically reserved for launch activities and rarely occur in that particular area.
Evolution Space, a Mojave-based company specializing in solid-propellant launch vehicles for defense and space applications, executed the launches. The company previously achieved its maiden launch beyond the 100-kilometer K&aacute;rm&aacute;n Line on April 22 from the California desert, reaching a peak altitude of 124.5 kilometers.
The Spaceport Company intends to develop floating launch platforms based on a ship design known as a liftboat.
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1684860261038.png">
<h6 style="text-align: center;">Credit : The Spaceport Company</h6>
These platforms can navigate to designated locations and deploy legs to anchor themselves to the seafloor, subsequently raising the platform above the water surface. Unlike traditional land-based launch sites, the floating platforms would eliminate the need for extensive infrastructure. The company envisions that constructing and operating such platforms would be more straightforward and less resource-intensive.
This approach becomes increasingly relevant as established launch sites, like Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and the adjacent Kennedy Space Center, face mounting challenges due to the growing demand for launches, straining their existing infrastructure.
The Spaceport Company is actively seeking funding to support the platform's development. The successful demonstration launches and partnerships with launch providers are expected to facilitate the funding process. In April, The Spaceport Company announced a partnership with Vaya Space, a small launch vehicle developer formerly known as Rocket Crafters, with plans to host launches of Vaya Space's vehicles as early as 2025.

The Spaceport Company has successfully demonstrated their capability to conduct launches from a floating platform in US territorial waters for the first time.

The Spaceport Company Performs First Demo of Offshore Launch Ops

PITTSBURGH, PA - Astrobotic to provide cargo systems as part of the Blue Origin National Team's, who won NASA's Sustainable Human Landing System Contract for the Artemis program last week.&nbsp;The contract entails the development and provision of human and large cargo lunar landing services, crucially supporting America's ambitious plan to return to crewed exploration of the Moon.Astrobotic's role within the National Team will focus on the cargo accommodation system, working in tandem with Blue Origin's lunar lander.This collaboration aims to ensure the safe landing and operation of mission-critical, sizable cargo such as astronaut habitats or pressurized rovers. Additionally, Astrobotic will contribute to the development of lunar landing sensors, further enhancing the precision and safety of lunar landings.“Astrobotic is thrilled to continue leveraging our 16 years of lunar-centric capabilities with Blue Origin’s National Team. This is truly a powerhouse group dedicated to America’s vision of bringing humans back to the Moon. Our goal of making space accessible to the world started with robotic lunar missions across our four lander and rover missions, and now extends to astronauts. Astrobotic is ready to do its part to further human presence on the lunar surface,” - John Thornton, Astrobotic CEO.&nbsp;The contract for developing a sustainable human landing system for the Artemis V Moon mission was awarded to a joined bid, lead by Blue Origin, in partnership with Astrobotic, Lockheed Martin, Draper, Boeing, and Blue Origin's Honeybee Robotics subsidiary.This collaborative effort aims to facilitate the transportation of astronauts to and from the lunar orbit Gateway, the surface of the Moon, and the lunar space station, as part of NASA's comprehensive return to the Moon initiative.The Artemis program encompasses scientific research, exploration, and inspiration, with the ultimate goal of establishing a sustainable presence on the lunar surface.

Astrobotic to provide cargo systems as part of the Blue Origin National Team's, who won NASA's Sustainable Human Landing System Contract for the Artemis program last week. 

Astrobotic To Provide Blue Moon Lander Cargo Systems

NASA has selected Blue Origin's new version of Blue Moon for the 2nd Human Landing System contract. Blue Moon will be used for NASA's Artemis 5 mission.

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Today we are excited to announce Blue Origin will build a human landing system as NASA&rsquo;s second provider to deliver Artemis astronauts to the lunar surface...We are in a golden age of human spaceflight, which is made possible by NASA&rsquo;s commercial and international partnerships. Together, we are making an investment in the infrastructure that will pave the way to land the first astronauts on Mars" - NASA Administrator Bill Nelson
Blue Origin has been awarded a contract worth $3.4 billion by NASA to design, develop, test, and verify the Blue Moon lander.
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1684504125707.jpg">
Blue Moon is a joint bid led by Blue Orgin with Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Draper, Astrobotic, and Honeybee Robotics.&nbsp;
Blue Moon will meet NASA's requirements for a sustanable human landing systems, enabling recurring astronaut expeditions to the lunar surface and facilitating docking with the Gateway space station in lunar orbit.
Blue Moon will be requried to conduct one uncrewed demonstration mission to the lunar surface, followed by a crewed demonstration on the Artemis V mission in 2029. Blue Origin has stated they will conduct multiple demo missions with Artemis V being the first time humans will board Blue Moon.
Artemis V will see four astronauts launch to lunar orbit aboard the Orion spacecraft using NASA's SLS (Space Launch System) rocket. After docking with Lunar Gateway Station, two astronauts will transfer to Blue Origin's Blue Moon Lander for a weeklong journey to the Moon's South Pole region.
During this trip, they will engage in scientific research and exploration activities. The mission serves as a demonstration of NASA's initial lunar exploration capabilities and the establishment of foundational systems to support complex missions in lunar orbit and on the surface.
Blue Moon will come in 2 variants offering crew and cargo capabilities. The Cargo variant will be capable of taking 30 tones to the lunar surface on a one way mission, or 20 tones to lunar surface if in a reusable cargo configuration.
Blue Moon is effectively a $7 Billion USD lunar lander project with NASA awarding over $3.4 Million, and Blue Origin stating they will be covering over 50% of the project cost.
<h3>What About SpaceX Lunar Starship?</h3>
In April 2021, NASA chose SpaceX's Lunar Starship to land the next American/Canadian astronaut mission to the lunar surface, with a targeted demonstration mission date of no earlier than April 2025. Since Then NASA has exercised an option under the original contract, requesting that SpaceX modify their proposed Lunar Starship to meet the agency's requirements for recurring services in a second demonstration mission. This approach allows NASA to maximize its investment and partnership with SpaceX.
"Having two distinct lunar lander designs, with different approaches to how they meet NASA's mission needs, provides more robustness and ensures a regular cadence of Moon landings...This competitive approach drives innovation, brings down costs, and invests in commercial capabilities to grow the business opportunities that can serve other customers and foster a lunar economy" - Lisa Watson-Morgan, Human Landing System Program Manager
<h3>Why A Second Lunar Lander?</h3>
To foster competition and ensure redundancy in transportation services for astronauts to the Moon, NASA announced plans to select a second commercial company's lunar lander. This second contract award, referred to as the Sustaining Lunar Development contract, in combination with the second option under SpaceX's initial landing award, will pave the way for recurring lunar transportation services for astronauts at the Moon.
The objective is to enhance competition and provide reliable transportation options for NASA's mission to the lunar surface.
<h3 style="text-align: start;">Blue Moon vs Lunar Starship</h3>
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1684512357737.jpg">
Blue Moon stands 16M talls, while Lunar Starship stand 50m tall.
&nbsp;
-- This is a developing story, more details will be added as the become available.
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&nbsp;

NASA has selected Blue Origin's new version of Blue Moon for the 2nd Human Landing System contract.

NASA Awards Blue Origin $3.4B Lunar Lander Contract

As the countdown begins for the final launch of the Ariane 5 rocket, the space industry prepares to bid farewell to one of the most reliable workhorse rockets in recent history. Scheduled for June 16th, the mission, known as VA261, marks the 117th flight of the iconic Ariane 5 and serves as a poignant milestone in the history of European space exploration.
VA261 carries two significant payloads into space, reflecting the rocket's versatility and commitment to meeting diverse mission requirements. One of the payloads is the Syracuse 4B satellite, developed to provide advanced military communications capabilities for the French armed forces. Designed to replace the aging Syracuse 3A and 3B satellites, Syracuse 4B, constructed by Thales Alenia Space, offers enhanced performance and state-of-the-art anti-jamming capabilities, ensuring reliable and secure communications for military operations.
Accompanying Syracuse 4B on its journey is the Heinrich Hertz satellite, also known as H2Sat. Developed by OHB System on behalf of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Heinrich Hertz aims to explore and test new communication technologies in space. The satellite will verify hardware and software, conduct scientific experiments, and pave the way for high data rate broadband communications, benefitting mobile users.
VA261 represents the culmination of years of advancements in rocket technology and launch operations. With an impeccable track record spanning over two decades, the Ariane 5 rocket has earned a reputation for its reliability and contribution to space exploration. Its 117th flight symbolizes the tremendous achievements made possible by this remarkable vehicle.
While VA261 marks the end of an era for the Ariane 5, attention now shifts to its successor, the long-awaited Ariane 6, which is poised to continue Europe's legacy of excellence in space launches.
As the final countdown commences for VA261, the space community and enthusiasts worldwide reflect on the immense contributions of the Ariane 5 rocket. From launching critical satellites and facilitating scientific research to enabling advancements in telecommunications, the Ariane 5 has played a pivotal role in shaping our understanding of the universe and expanding human capabilities in space.
While bidding farewell to the Ariane 5 may evoke a sense of nostalgia, it also heralds a new era of innovation and exploration. The European space industry remains committed to pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery, technological advancements, and international collaboration.
As VA261 marks the last flight of the Ariane 5 rocket, it represents a moment of celebration, gratitude, and anticipation for the future of European space endeavors. The legacy of the Ariane 5 will endure as Europe continues to pioneer groundbreaking missions, unlock the mysteries of the cosmos, and inspire generations to reach for the stars.
&nbsp;
<h2>Watch Live!</h2>
Tune into our live coverage on June 16th as we take you through the final countdown of this historic final flight of Ariane 5:
You can find our YouTube broadcast <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aN-ALXjcNl0">here</a>.

As the countdown begins for the final launch of the Ariane 5 rocket, the space industry prepares to bid farewell to one of the most reliable workhorse rockets in recent history.

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ULA To Roll Back Vulcan Rocket, Flight Readiness Firing Delayed

May 25th, 2023

Virgin Orbit Sells Assets To RocketLab, Stratolaunch and Vast Launcher

May 23rd, 2023

The Spaceport Company Performs First Demo of Offshore Launch Ops

May 23rd, 2023

Astrobotic To Provide Blue Moon Lander Cargo Systems

May 23rd, 2023

NASA Awards Blue Origin $3.4B Lunar Lander Contract

May 19th, 2023

The End Of An Era: Arianespace Sets Date For Final Ariane 5

May 15th, 2023

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