The Launch Pad News
Sierra Space Conducts 5th LIFE Module Burst Test
Sierra Space has conducted another successful test of its inflatable habitat technology, further development of advanced space habitation systems.
China's Galactic Energy Experiences First Launch Failure
Galactic Energy, a Chinese commercial rocket firm, has faced a significant setback on Thursday as its 10th launch attempt ended in failure. The launch incident occurred during a launch attempt from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China, around 1:00 am Eastern on September 21.
RFA Submits Argo Spacecraft to ESA Commercial Cargo Transportation Initiative
A consortium led by German launch startup Rocket Factory Augsburg has submitted the "Argo" spacecraft to the ESA CCTI.
Ariane 6 Long Duration Hot Fire Delayed Following Anomaly
The Ariane 6 Launcher Task Force gave an update on the schedule for the Ariane 6 test campaign, which has been delayed due to an anomaly.
Artemis II Crew Conduct Launch Day Demo At KSC
NASA and the Artemis II Crew have conducted a launch day demo at NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida, as preparations for launch start to ramp up with the beginning of Artemis II ground system testing.
NASA Set To Begin Artemis II Ground System Testing
As NASA prepares to launch people back to the moon for the first time in 50 years, engineers are preparing for a series of ground demonstration tests at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for the Artemis II mission.
America
Sierra Space Conducts 5th LIFE Module Burst Test
Sierra Space has conducted another successful test of its inflatable habitat technology, further development of advanced space habitation systems.
Artemis II Crew Conduct Launch Day Demo At KSC
NASA and the Artemis II Crew have conducted a launch day demo at NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida, as preparations for launch start to ramp up with the beginning of Artemis II ground system testing.
NASA Set To Begin Artemis II Ground System Testing
As NASA prepares to launch people back to the moon for the first time in 50 years, engineers are preparing for a series of ground demonstration tests at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for the Artemis II mission.
Asia
China's Galactic Energy Experiences First Launch Failure
Galactic Energy, a Chinese commercial rocket firm, has faced a significant setback on Thursday as its 10th launch attempt ended in failure. The launch incident occurred during a launch attempt from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China, around 1:00 am Eastern on September 21.
South Africa Formally Partners With China On Lunar Base
South Africa has formally become a part of the China-led International Lunar Research Station Cooperation (ILRS).
Galactic Energy's Ceres-1 Reaches Orbit On First Sea Launch Mission
China's Galactic Energy has successfully conducted their first sea launch, marking the company's ninth consecutive successful launch.
Australian Space Imagery Startup HEO Raises $8 Million
Australian space imagery startup, HEO has completed an $8 million Series A funding round, as of August 23.
Europe
RFA Submits Argo Spacecraft to ESA Commercial Cargo Transportation Initiative
A consortium led by German launch startup Rocket Factory Augsburg has submitted the "Argo" spacecraft to the ESA CCTI.
Ariane 6 Long Duration Hot Fire Delayed Following Anomaly
The Ariane 6 Launcher Task Force gave an update on the schedule for the Ariane 6 test campaign, which has been delayed due to an anomaly.
Ariane 6 Hot Fire Test Postponed Again Due To Technical Issues
The European Space Agency (ESA) has revealed that a test-firing of the Ariane 6 core stage, originally planned for August 29, had to be postponed due to technical problems involving the control bench responsible for propellant loading and the automated countdown process.
Middle East
UAE Plans Mission To Asteroid Belt
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Space Agency has unveiled that the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA) is scheduled for launch in March 2028.
China Loses UAE As Lunar Mission Partner
An agreement for a United Arab Emirates (UAE) rover to fly on China’s Chang’e-7 lunar mission has reportedly been impacted by US export control rules.
Axiom Space To Fly Saudi Astronauts
Technology
Solestial To Equip Atomos Space Tugs With Solar Arrays
Solar energy startup, Solestial, has unveiled its plans to provide solar arrays for space tugs developed by Denver-based startup Atomos Space.
True Anomaly Partners With Redwire For Jackal Spacecraft Cameras
True Anomaly has announced a deal with Redwire to equip their Jackal spacecraft with Redwires state-of-the-art navigation and sensing cameras which are slated to launch in early 2024.
LeoStella Debuts Advance Small Satellite Bus Platform
LeoStella the small satellite manufacturer has announced significant details about its latest and largest spacecraft, the LS300 satellite bus.
in space
JWST Discovers Methane, CO2 On on K2-18b, Possible DMS Detection
In a groundbreaking announcement, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has discovered the presence of carbon-bearing molecules, including methane and carbon dioxide, on the exoplanet K2-18b just a 120 light years away.
Redwire Successfully 3D Prints Human Tissue in Microgravity Aboard the ISS & Returns It To Earth
In a groundbreaking development for biotechnology applications and for the first time in history, a human body part has been successfully 3D-printing using human tissue in microgravity.
Luna-25 Has Crashed, Confirmed By Russia
Russia's lunar exploration mission Luna-25, has ended in failure after the spacecraft crashed into the moon's surface; the announcement was made by Russia's space agency, Roscosmos, through a statement on their Telegram on the morning of August 20.
Policy & Finance
NOAA Lifts Commercial Remote Sensing License Conditions
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced a significant regulatory change that is set to revolutionize the capabilities of commercial remote sensing satellite systems. On August 7, NOAA revealed the modification of "Tier 3" commercial remote sensing licenses for several companies, marking a significant step in the evolution of satellite imaging technology.
US To Investigate China's Remote Sensing Technology Advancements
In a move underscoring heightened concerns over China's advancements in remote sensing technologies, the United States–China Economic and Security Review Commission has issued a request for proposals from companies capable of producing an unclassified report on China's remote sensing capabilities.
Virgin Galactic Forecasts Low Revenue For Q3 and Q4
Virgin Galactic has officially entered regular commercial operations but the company has advised that these flights will generate only modest revenues in the near future.
military
ABL Secures $15 Million Space System Command Responsive Launch Contract
Space Systems Command's Assured Access to Space (AATS) office has awarded a $15 million contract to ABL Space Systems to facilitate the demonstration of a responsive launch capability.
SDA Seeks Bids For 54 Hypersonic Missile-Tracking Satellites
The Space Development Agency (SDA) has release a solicitation for the procurement of 54 satellites equipped with advanced infrared sensors.
US Space Force Unveils New Mission Statement
The US Space Force in an effort to provide a clearer and more concise understanding of its mission has unveiled a new mission statement today. "Secure our nation's interests in, from, and to space"
