NASA and Axiom Space have announced plans for the third private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) is set to launch in November 2023 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and will spend 14 days docked to the ISS. The launch date is subject to change based on spacecraft traffic to the space station and in-orbit activity planning.Ax-3 crew members will be trained by NASA, international partners, and SpaceX, which has been contracted by Axiom Space as the launch provider for transportation to and from the ISS. The crew will include a previously flown NASA astronaut as the spacecraft commander, and will conduct in-orbit activities in coordination with the space station crew members and flight controllers on the ground.Axiom Space will submit four proposed crew members and two backup crew for the Ax-3 mission to the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel for review. NASA is requiring all private astronaut mission providers to select a previously flown NASA astronaut as the spacecraft commander. Following review and approval from NASA and its international partners, the prime crew members for the mission will be named.Axiom Space CEO and President, Michael Suffredini, says that the selection of Axiom Space to lead the next private astronaut mission to the ISS will "expand access to nations, academia, commercial entities, and emerging industries to research, test, and demonstrate new technologies in microgravity." Axiom Space is committed to transforming low-Earth orbit into a global space marketplace, where access to space moves beyond the partners of the space station to nations, institutions, and individuals with new ideas fueling a thriving human economy beyond Earth.NASA's goal is a low-Earth orbit marketplace where the private sector leads the way, providing services the government needs at a lower cost. This will enable the agency to focus on its Artemis missions to the Moon and on to Mars while continuing to use low-Earth orbit as a training and proving ground for those deep space missions.

NASA and Axiom Space have announced plans for the third private astronaut mission to the International Space Station.

NASA Approves AX-3 Mission To ISS

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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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.

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

Virgin Orbit, the satellite launch company founded by Richard Branson, has announced an extension of the deadline for bids as part of its bankruptcy auction process.
The company revealed that the extension was agreed upon with other major parties involved in the case, and the new deadline for final bids is set for May 19, four days later than the original deadline of May 15. The deadline for notifying bidders that their bids are considered qualified has been postponed from May 17 to May 21.
If multiple qualified bids are received for Virgin Orbit or its assets, a bankruptcy auction will be held. Originally scheduled for May 18, the auction has been rescheduled for May 22. A court hearing on the sale remains on track for May 24.
Although Virgin Orbit did not provide a specific reason for the extension, the filing stated that the bidding procedures allowed the company to extend the deadlines at its discretion and after appropriate consultation.
The bankruptcy sale plan was approved by the court on May 1. Virgin Orbit sought an expedited sale, believing it would attract interest from previous investors who considered investing in the company before its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing on April 4, as well as new potential bidders.
On May 9, Virgin Orbit disclosed that it had received over 30 indications of interest in the company. While the identities of these parties were not revealed, Virgin Orbit acknowledged that multiple entities expressed interest in purchasing the entire company and maintaining its operations with the existing workforce.
Dan Hart, the CEO of Virgin Orbit, expressed satisfaction with the number and quality of the indications of interest received.&nbsp;
Despite the bankruptcy proceedings, Virgin Orbit has maintained a minimal staff of approximately 100 employees who are continuing preparations for the next launch of its LauncherOne rocket, expected to take place later this year. The company completed an investigation into its previous failed launch in January, determining that a dislodged fuel filter was responsible for the premature shutdown of the rocket's upper stage engine.
The successful bidder, should there be one, will need to address underlying issues that contributed to Virgin Orbit's bankruptcy. These issues include high operating costs and a low launch rate, with only two launches in both 2021 and 2022. These factors have resulted in significant operating losses and a depletion of the company's cash reserves.
It is important to note that there is no guarantee that the winning bidder will seek to continue Virgin Orbit's operations. Potential bidders may instead propose acquiring specific assets of the company, such as its Boeing 747 aircraft, if it maximizes the value of the deal for creditors.
The ultimate fate of Virgin Orbit and its employees will depend on the outcome of the bankruptcy auction and the intentions of the successful bidder.

Virgin Orbit, the satellite launch company founded by Richard Branson, has announced an extension of the deadline for bids as part of its bankruptcy auction process.

Virgin Orbit Bankruptcy Auction Deadline Extended

France's Zephalto has announced its plans to offer stratospheric balloon flights to adventurous passengers starting in 2025.
Founded by Vincent Farret d'Asti&egrave;s, an aerospace engineer and in partnership with the French space agency, Zephalto aims to provide a unique experience that combines the best of French hospitality and breathtaking views of the Earth's curvature.
Starting in 2024, Zephalto will offer flights to the stratosphere aboard balloons filled with helium or hydrogen. Priced at &euro;120,000 ($132,000) per person, the six-hour round trip will take passengers to an altitude of 25 kilometers (15.5 miles/82,000 ft), which is three times higher than a commercial airliner. At this height, passengers will experience the darkness of space, with 98% of the atmosphere below them, allowing for an incredible view of the Earth's curvature against the blue line.
The balloons will depart from France, manned by two pilots and accommodating just six passengers per flight. Zephalto plans to operate 60 flights per year, giving a select few the opportunity to witness views previously reserved for astronauts.
The balloons will spend approximately three hours at peak altitude, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring vistas before embarking on the descent, which will take another hour and a half.
Zephalto's choice of 25 kilometers as the target altitude was strategic, as it marks the boundary where the darkness of space begins and the majority of the Earth's atmosphere is below. This altitude provides passengers with a unique perspective without the zero-gravity experience. While NASA officially recognizes outer space as beginning 50 miles above the Earth, other international bodies define it as 62 miles (100 km) at the K&aacute;rm&aacute;n Line.
Zephalto is not the only player in the space balloon industry. Florida-based Space Perspectives, with its Neptune One vessel, and Arizona-bases World View offers similar balloon flights to altitudes of 30.5 kilometers (19 miles/100,000 ft).
While balloons capable of reaching the stratosphere have been used for scientific and weather research since the 1930s, providing crewed tourism has yet to be done.
To enhance the passenger experience, Zephalto has enlisted the services of renowned French designer Joseph Dirand, known for his minimalist style. Dirand will create the interiors of the balloon, ensuring that passengers can enjoy the views of the Earth without distractions. Zephalto aims to provide Michelin-star quality cuisine, tailored to individual customer preferences. While the company has not disclosed potential chef-partners, they say they aim to create a gastronomic experience worthy of its discerning clientele.
Recognizing the psychological impact of witnessing Earth from above, Zephalto offers passengers the option to consult with a psychologist before their flight. Farret d'Asti&egrave;s believes that seeing Earth in the darkness of space can be an emotional experience and wants passengers to be prepared. This psychological aspect is crucial, as the phenomenon known as the overview effect, which has been documented extensively, can profoundly influence one's perspective.
Zephalto has conducted three test flights with pilots on board but has yet to reach the full altitude of 25 kilometers. However, they remain confident in their upcoming flight later this year, drawing on the French space agency's expertise with high-altitude balloons. Once all tests are passed, the balloon will receive certification and crewed flights will begin in 2024.
<h3>The Flight Experience:</h3>
<h3>1 - Lift Off&nbsp;</h3>
<h6 class="mid__tittle-steps">TROPOSPHERE &bull; TEMP. 15 TO -55&deg;C (STANDARD) TEMP. 45 TO -80&deg;C (REAL CONDITIONS) &bull; PRESSURE 1013 TO 200&nbsp;MBAR.</h6>
Depart from one of our spaceports located at some of the most iconic places on Earth. Board our luxury pressurised capsule, Celeste, designed for your utmost safety and comfort, lifted by a balloon the size of the Sacr&eacute; Coeur in Paris.
<h3>2 - Ascent</h3>
<h6 class="mid__tittle-steps">STRATOSPHERE &bull; TEMP. -55 TO 0&deg;C &bull; PRESSURE 200 TO 1 MBAR.</h6>
C&eacute;leste gives you a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Contemplate an exceptional panorama as you ascend at a speed of 4 metres per second. The ascent last an hour and a half until 25km. Admire the beauty of nature and enjoy a - long - moment out of time with your loved ones.
<h3 class="p__steps">3 - Apogee</h3>
<h6 class="mid__tittle-steps">STRATOSPHERE &bull; TEMP. -55 TO 0&deg;C &bull; PRESSURE 200 TO 1 MBAR.</h6>
At an altitude of 25 kilometres, above 98% of the atmosphere, admire the curvature of the Earth, its blue halo and the stars. Share the experience of the Overview Effect with a very few lucky people who are also witnessing the greatest of all shows.
<h3 class="p__steps">4 - Descent</h3>
<h6 class="mid__tittle-steps">STRATOSPHERE &bull; TEMP. -55 TO 0&deg;C &bull; PRESSURE 200 TO 1 MBAR.</h6>
Gently come back down to earth. Enjoy the scenery. We accompany you throughout the journey to help you understand what you are flying over.
<h3 class="p__steps">5 - Landing</h3>
<h6 class="mid__tittle-steps">TROPOSPHERE &bull; TEMP. 15 TO -55&deg;C (STANDARD) TEMP. 45 TO -80&deg;C (REAL CONDITIONS)&bull; PRESSURE 1013 TO 200&nbsp;MBAR.</h6>
Take time to deeply understand what you just experienced and share it with your community.

France's Zephalto has announced its plans to offer stratospheric balloon flights to adventurous passengers starting in 2025.

Zephalto To Offer Michelin Star Meal Experience At The Edge Of Space In 2024

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has announced the termination of the Lunar Flashlight mission, just five months after its launch.
The cubesat, designed to enter a polar orbit around the moon, encountered propulsion system issues that prevented it from achieving its intended trajectory.
Engineers at NASA had been working for several months to identify and resolve the problem, which was suspected to be debris obstructing the propellant lines. The blockage caused a reduction in propellant reaching the thrusters, resulting in insufficient thrust to enter the planned orbit.
In an attempt to clear the obstructions, NASA made a final effort on May 5 by increasing fuel pump pressures and manipulating valves outside of operational limits. This technique yielded inconsistent results, with some instances of increased thrust observed. Unfortunately, these efforts proved inadequate to maintain the spacecraft near the moon, leading JPL to conclude the mission.
While placing the cubesat into a near-rectilinear halo orbit was no longer feasible, mission planners had hoped to redirect it into a distant Earth orbit that would allow for monthly flybys of the moon. However, this objective could not be achieved due to the propulsion system's limitations.
Despite the propulsion problem, other systems on Lunar Flashlight continue to function. The spacecraft will conduct a flyby of Earth on May 17 at an altitude of 65,000 kilometers before venturing further into deep space.
The cause of debris entering the propulsion system remains unclear. Daniel Cavender, the former project manager for the cubesat's propulsion system at NASA and current director of Rubicon Space Systems, explained that the design constraints of the 6U cubesat limited the engineers' ability to incorporate filters into the system. He acknowledged a process error at some point, which compromised the system's cleanliness. Ground tests of thrusters with debris in their propellant lines yielded data consistent with the cubesat's observations.
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1684173397992.png">
Lunar Flashlight showcased technological advancements and successfully tested various systems. These included the Sphinx flight computer, capable of low-power operation in deep space's radiation environment, and the Iris upgraded radio.
"Lunar Flashlight was highly successful from the standpoint of being a testbed for new systems that had never flown in space before." - Christopher Baker, Program Executive For Small Spacecraft Technology in NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate
The mission also encompassed a scientific objective of searching for water ice in the moon's permanently shadowed craters using a laser reflectometer instrument. Although the spacecraft cannot fulfill its scientific goals, it did validate the instrument's functionality and provided valuable in-flight performance data.&nbsp;
Originally planned for the Artemis 1 mission, which was to be launched by the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, Lunar Flashlight encountered delays due to a propulsion system redesign. Consequently, NASA included it as a secondary payload on the Falcon 9 launch of the HAKUTO-R M1 lander by the Japanese company ispace, which took place less than a month after Artemis 1.
Several other cubesats launched on Artemis 1 also faced technical challenges that hindered their mission objectives.&nbsp;
NASA is currently considering options for the future of the cubesat based on its remaining capabilities.

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has announced the termination of the Lunar Flashlight mission, just five months after its launch.

NASA Ends Lunar Flashlight Mission Following Propulsion System Failure

In a triumph of engineering persistence, the radar antenna on the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) mission, a European Space Agency (ESA) venture, has finally deployed after being stuck for weeks.
On May 12, the ESA announced that controllers had successfully managed to unfold the 16-meter-long antenna, which had initially encountered deployment issues after the mission's launch on April 13.
Originally scheduled to deploy within the first week of the launch, the antenna had only extended a third of its intended length by late April. Engineers suspected that a pin, used to secure the antenna in its stowed position during launch, had failed to separate as planned. To rectify the situation, the team devised a series of measures to loosen the pin. These measures included firing thrusters to shake the spacecraft, as well as orienting the craft to expose the antenna to sunlight and raise its temperature, in the hopes of loosening the pin.
While these efforts demonstrated some signs of progress, the antenna remained stubbornly stuck until controllers initiated the firing of a non-explosive actuator in the jammed bracket. The force generated by the actuator successfully loosened the pin, enabling the antenna to finally unfold. Subsequently, another actuator fired to complete the antenna's deployment.
The antenna in question is a crucial component of the Radar for Icy Moons Exploration (RIME) instrument, one of ten instruments on the JUICE mission. RIME is designed to explore the subsurface regions of Jupiter's large icy moons, such as Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto, with the capability to penetrate depths of up to nine kilometers.
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1684172478655.jpg">
NASA's Europa Clipper mission, set to launch in October 2024, also has its own radar instrument known as the Radar for Europa Assessment and Sounding: Ocean to Near-surface (REASON). The Europa Clipper team has been monitoring the RIME antenna situation closely.&nbsp;
With the successful deployment of the radar antenna on the JUICE mission, scientists and space enthusiasts alike can breathe a collective sigh of relief.
The journey to Jupiter in 2031 for JUICE promises to be an exciting endeavor, offering invaluable insights into the mysteries concealed beneath the icy moons of the gas giant.

In a triumph of engineering persistence, the radar antenna on the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) mission, a European Space Agency (ESA) venture, has finally deployed after being stuck for weeks.

JUICE Successfully Deploys Radar Antenna

Astroscale and Momentus have annouced they have partnered together to present NASA a plan to raise the orbit of the Hubble Space Telescope.
The annoucement comes as NASA evaluates various proposals offered to the agency in response to NASA's request for information (RFI) issued in December 2022.&nbsp;Astroscale and Momentus submitted a joint concept for raising the orbit of the Hubble telescope, which has been slowly descending since its last shuttle servicing mission in 2009.
The proposal put forward by the two companies involves attaching a vehicle to the telescope and using Astroscale's docking and satellite life extension technologies in conjunction with Momentus' orbital transfer vehicles.
According to the plan, a Momentus orbital service vehicle, launched by a small launch vehicle, would approach the Hubble telescope and attach itself to it using Astroscale's technology. The vehicle would then raise the telescope's orbit, which currently stands at approximately 527 kilometers, by an additional 50 kilometers before undocking. Additionally, the vehicle could potentially be employed to remove orbital debris in the vicinity of the Hubble telescope.
"We found our product suites to be synergistic in support of a major NASA mission. I am thrilled that we collaborated to offer NASA a very cost-effective way to continue to operate this billion-dollar scientific investment by leveraging new robotic in-space servicing technology." - John Rood, CEO of Momentus
The two companies decision to work together was driven by the recognition of the opportunity to enhance the in-space servicing ecosystem on a larger scale and provide NASA with a commercially viable, all-American small business solution. The partnership would also help in reducing schedule risks and sharing costs.
NASA indicated in its RFI, that it anticipated any selected companies for the Hubble reboost mission would be under a "on a no-exchange-of-funds basis." NASA itself would not directly procure the reboost mission but saw it as a potential demonstration of satellite servicing capabilities that might attract paying commercial or government customers.
According to a NASA spokesperson, the agency received eight responses to the RFI, which are currently under review. Astroscale and Momentus are the only ones that have made their response public.
NASA stressed that the RFI is solely intended to assist the agency in determining whether and how to reboost the Hubble telescope's orbit. The responses serve as information for the government to consider while deciding on any next steps.
This development follows NASA's announcement three months ago that it had signed a Space Act Agreement with SpaceX to explore a Hubble reboost mission using a Crew Dragon spacecraft. The proposed mission could potentially be part of the Polaris Program, which involves private astronaut missions funded by billionaire Jared Isaacman. However, neither NASA nor SpaceX has released details about the study's findings, which recently concluded.&nbsp;
The Hubble Space Telescope remains in good condition and is highly sought after by astronomers. However, its orbit is gradually decaying due to atmospheric drag, and NASA has previously estimated a 50% chance of the telescope reentering Earth's atmosphere by 2037.

Astroscale and Momentus have annouced they have partnered together to present NASA a plan to raise the orbit of the Hubble Space Telescope.

Astroscale & Momentus Partner To Offer Hubble Reboost Concept

CHINA - China&rsquo;s secretive reusable spaceplane has completed its second mission, successfully landing on May 8th after spending 276 days in orbit, according to announcements made by China state media.
The mission is being hailed as a significant breakthrough in China's research on reusable spacecraft technology, though the announcements provided minimal details, no images, precise landing time, or location.
The unnamed spacecraft was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert on August 4, 2022 (UTC). Unlike its previous mission in 2020, which lasted four days in a 331 by 347-kilometer orbit inclined by 50 degrees, this second mission has set a new record by remaining in orbit for 276 days.
The spacecraft's orbit initially had dimensions of 346 by 593 kilometers, inclined by 50 degrees, before circularizing to a final orbit of 597 by 608 kilometers.
During its extended mission, the spaceplane executed numerous orbital maneuvers, ranging from minor adjustments to more significant maneuvers. In recent weeks, preparations were made to position the spacecraft for landing.
The purpose of the secretive spaceplane project, as stated in the announcements, is to develop a more convenient and cost-effective means of accessing space for future peaceful purposes. By achieving success in reusable spacecraft technology, China aims to enhance its capabilities in space exploration and related activities.
As the project continues to progress, further developments and insights are eagerly awaited to shed light on China's endeavors in reusable spacecraft technology.

China’s secretive reusable spaceplane has completed its second mission, successfully landing on May 8th after spending 276 days in orbit.

China Spaceplane Lands After Record 276 Days In Orbit

FLORIDA - Brightline has announced that it has become the first in its industry to provide Starlink satellite broadband to its customers. The new Starlink service will be deployed on a total of 10 trains that connect various cities across parts of Florida, with the rollout scheduled for this summer (2023).
Brightline revealed that the complimentary Starlink service is already available on five trains connecting Miami and West Palm Beach in southern Florida, with service being added to five more trains as Brightline extends its operations to Orlando in central Florida.
Brightline's integration of Starlink's satellite broadband service is expected to greatly enhance the passenger experience by ensuring reliable and high-speed internet connectivity throughout their journey.&nbsp;
With the implementation of Starlink, Brightline aims to provide its passengers with seamless connectivity, enabling them to stay connected, work, and enjoy various online activities while onboard. As the first passenger rail company to offer Starlink satellite broadband, Brightline continues to lead the way in revolutionizing the travel industry and enhancing customer satisfaction.
We're excited to work with Brightline and provide Starlink to their entire fleet, which will enable all of Brightline's passengers to access high-speed, low-latency internet that is critical in our modern age." - Jonathan Hofeller, SpaceX Vice President of Starlink Commercial Sales
This annoucment marks SpaceX's expansion into another new customer segment since it received regulatory permission on June 30 to connect moving vehicles to Starlink. Having initially focused on residential consumers over two years ago, Starlink has since broadened its reach to include enterprise, government, aviation, maritime, and recreational vehicle markets.

Brightline has announced that it has become the first in its industry to provide Starlink satellite broadband to its customers. 

Brightline First To Equip Trains With Starlink

VAST announces plans to launch the world's first commercial space station, named Haven-1, into low-Earth orbit no earlier than August 2025.Haven-1 will initially function as an independent crewed space station before becoming part of a larger VAST space station that is currently under development.<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1683721736151.jpeg">This historic launch of Haven-1 will be swiftly followed by Vast-1, the inaugural human spaceflight to Haven-1 aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The vessel, carrying a four-person crew, will dock with Haven-1 for a duration of up to 30 days while orbiting the Earth. VAST has secured an option with SpaceX for an additional human spaceflight to Haven-1.<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1683721802651.jpeg">This announcement signals the first time in history where a commercial space station company has secured a launch contract for its space station while simultaneously arranging a human spaceflight mission."VAST is thrilled to embark on this journey of launching the world's first commercial space station, Haven-1, and its first crew, Vast-1. We are grateful to SpaceX for this exciting partnership that represents the first steps in Vast's long-term vision of launching much larger, artificial gravity space stations in Earth orbit and beyond." - Jed McCaleb, CEO of VAST"A commercial rocket launching a commercial spacecraft with commercial astronauts to a commercial space station is the future of low-Earth orbit, and with VAST, we're taking another step toward making that future a reality. The SpaceX team couldn't be more excited to launch VAST's Haven-1 and support their follow-on human spaceflight missions to the orbiting commercial space station." - Tom Ochinero, Senior Vice President of Commercial Business at SpaceX<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1683722076945.jpeg">To fund their groundbreaking endeavours, VAST is offering up to four crewed seats on the inaugural mission to Haven-1. Anticipated customers include both domestic and international space agencies, as well as private individuals involved in scientific and philanthropic projects can visit <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://vastspace.com/reserve">vastspace.com/reserve</a> to learn more.SpaceX will provide comprehensive crew training on the Falcon 9 rocket and the Dragon spacecraft similar to what has been seen with Inspiration4. The training program will cover emergency preparedness, spacesuit and spacecraft ingress and egress exercises, as well as partial and full mission simulations, including docking and undocking procedures with Haven-1 in preparation for the crew's return to Earth.VAST has also released their roadmap to developing artificial gravity space stations the will allow humans to explore the solar system. <h2>2025: Haven-1 Falcon 9 Class Module</h2>Location: Low Earth OrbitEnvironment: Zero Gravity &amp; Artificial GravityTotal Crew : 4<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1683722733612.png">VAST intends to conduct the world's first spinning artificial gravity experiment on a commercial space station, leveraging the capabilities of Haven-1.<h2>2025: Starship Class Module</h2>Location: Low Earth OrbitEnvironment: Zero Gravity &amp; Artificial GravityTotal Crew : 4<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1683722940770.jpeg">VAST is set to operate its inaugural Starship-class space station module, boasting an extraordinary diameter of seven meters. This unprecedentedly large volume offers limitless possibilities for cutting-edge research, transformative tourism experiences, and a myriad of other endeavors in space exploration.<h2>2030's: 100 Meter Spinning Stick Stations</h2>Location: VariousEnvironment: Artificial GravityTotal Crew : 40 Each<img src=" https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1683722903159.jpeg">VAST plans to operate 100-meter-long spinning stick space stations that provide varying gravitational environments, including Earth, Mars, Moon, and asteroid gravities. These stations will be assembled in space using SpaceX Starship-launched modules. The first station will help study how humans adapt to different gravity levels for extended space travel. Additionally, VAST will operate co-orbital free-flying ancillary zero gravity modules for manufacturing, research, and tourism, while maintaining access to the spinning stations' gravitational resources. VAST aims to revolutionize space habitation and advance the understanding of artificial gravity.<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1683722253113.jpeg"><h2>2040's: Proliferated Station Fleet</h2>Location: Solar SystemEnvironment: Artificial Gravity &amp; Zero GravityTotal Crew : 100's Each<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1683723120193.jpeg">VAST plans to operate a multitude of artificial gravity and zero gravity space stations across the solar system.These stations will be optimized for human well-being, support various business ventures, and facilitate human expansion beyond Earth. The boundaries of space exploration continue to be pushed, propelling humanity into an era of unprecedented commercial space stations and extraordinary scientific achievements. The future of space habitation appears more promising than ever before, with innovative partnerships driving the way forward because space is better together!

VAST announces plans to launch the world's first commercial space station, named Haven-1, into low-Earth orbit no earlier than August 2025.

VAST Announces Haven-1 Station & VAST-1 Mission 

Space Shuttle Astronauts Roy D. Bridges Jr. and Mark Kelly were inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame today during a special ceremony inside the Atlantis Exhibit under the Space Shuttle Atlantis at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor's Complex.Cheered on by family, several retired members of the Astronaut corps, and several NASA Leadership including Director Bill Nelson, Astronauts Bridges and Kelly shared stories of their historic leadership aboard the Space Shuttle.<h3 style="text-align: center">Roy D. Bridges</h3>Roy D. Bridges born and raised in Northeast Georgia is a graduate of the US Air Force Academy, with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering Science, and a Master's Degree in Astronautics from Purdue University. While in the Air Force, he flew F-100s in the Vietnam War. After his tour in combat, he became a test pilot for the Air Force, and this led to his selection for NASA's Astronaut Group 9 in 1980. He began Shuttle Flight Training and was selected as the pilot and flew Challenger aboard STS-51-F, July 29th - August 6th, 1985. STS-51-F is famous for being the only mission to abort after launching after sensor failure caused an ATO (Abort to Orbit) procedure to be instituted. Roy retired from the Air Force in 1996 and became the Director of Kennedy Space Center in 1997 until 2003 when he became the director of Langley Research Center in 2003. He currently works as a business executive for Northrop Grumman.<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1683409397947.jpg"> <h3 style="text-align: center">Senator Mark Kelly</h3> Senator Mark Kelly was born in New Jersey and graduated with the Highest Honors in Marine Engineering and Naval Science from the US Merchant Marine Academy in 1986. He joined the Navy in December 1987, and began flight training on the A-6E fighter jet. He served in the Persian Gulf and Gulf War. After receiving his Master's Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the US Naval Post Graduate School in 1994, he was selected as a test pilot for the US Navy Test Pilot Program. Senator Kelly and his brother Scott, were selected in 1996 to join NASA's Astronaut Group 16, marking the first Twin Astronauts in any Astronaut Corps. Senator Kelly was selected as a Shuttle Pilot and first flew aboard Endeavor STS-108 in 2001. He then flew as the pilot Discovery STS-121 in 2005. He commanded Discovery STS-124 in 2008, and commanded the final mission of Discovery STS-134 in 2011. He retired from NASA in 2011 to aide in the recovery of his wife who was in attendance today. Since his election in 2020, NASA Astronaut Mark Kelly serves as a US Senator from Arizona.<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1683409455586.jpg"> The Launch Pad Network was honored to be in attendance for the induction, and have a chance to speak with Astronauts Bridges and Kelly.[YouTube <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALS1woBkAsw">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALS1woBkAsw</a>]<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1683408409324.jpg">

The 2023 Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony celebrating NASA Astronauts Roy D. Bridges Jr. and Senator Mark Kelly.

NASA Inducts Roy Bridges & Mark Kelly Into Astronaut Hall of Fame

<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1683242329751.jpg" alt="">
Orbex, a UK-based rocket service provider for small satellites, has begun the construction of the first vertical launch spaceport on the UK mainland, located on the North coast of Scotland. The site, named Sutherland Spaceport, will serve as the primary, and currently only launch complex for Orbex and their Orbex Prime smallsat launch vehicle.
&nbsp;
The company says they plan to launch up to 12 Prime rockets per year from the spaceport to deploy satellites in Earth's orbit. While 12 launches per year do not sound like much, it marks a huge milestone for the British space program, which until now was lacking domestic launch capabilities.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Spaceport Sutherland&rsquo;s location means that it is significantly easier for Orbex to work with the local community to minimise interruptions and ensure public safety. &ldquo;We're starting to see the physical representation of a dream that began several years ago. This is our way of regenerating this community and reversing population decline, by giving families a reason to stay or come back to this area.&rdquo;, Dorothy Pritchard, Chair, Melness Crofters&rsquo; Estate says.
Orbex confirmed today that the ​​Nuclear Decommissioning Authority will contribute &pound;3M to the development of Sutherland Spaceport, completing a public investment package that also includes just over &pound;9m from HIE and the Scottish Government and &pound;2.55m that the UK Space Agency announced in 2018. The NDA chose to support Sutherland Spaceport following the decommissioning of the nearby Dounreay nuclear power station, as part of its remit to retire the UK&rsquo;s oldest nuclear sites while supporting affected communities and the environment.
&nbsp;
Orbex has entered into a 50-year sublease agreement with HIE, which grants them the authority to oversee the construction and take full responsibility for managing the new facility located on the Melness Crofters Estate - a property owned by the local community. By serving as a key player in the spaceport, Orbex aims to catalyse substantial private investment that will have a positive impact on the area's economy, including generating employment opportunities, offering supply chain opportunities, and delivering other related benefits.
&nbsp;
Jacobs, the international firm specialising in professional and technical services, has secured a contract for the development of the spaceport, as well as for providing operational assistance, consultancy, and engineering services. Their expertise in managing and operating sophisticated and heavily-regulated facilities in the space and nuclear sectors has equipped them with the necessary skills for this job. Jacobs has a proven track record of supporting agencies including NASA in several prominent Space Centers and spaceflight initiatives, including overseeing operations at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. They have also played a key role in managing critical aspects of the Dounreay nuclear site situated on the North Coast of Scotland, near the spaceport.
&ldquo;As an investor in Orbex, Jacobs is deeply committed to supporting this key project which is of immense importance to the UK&rsquo;s fast growing space sector. We are looking forward to fulfilling our role as prime constructor for the spaceport, including design, procurement and management of the local supply chain, as well as providing operations support and engineering services.&rdquo;&nbsp; - Andy White, Vice President, Jacobs
&nbsp;
Numerous commercial satellite manufacturers have shown a keen interest in Orbex's launch services, leading to the firm securing launch agreements with seven customers to date. Furthermore, Orbex recently concluded its Series C financing round, which resulted in the company obtaining an extra &pound;40.4 million. Despite the difficult fundraising environment, Orbex managed to attract new investors while also retaining many of its existing supporters. This fresh injection of funds empowers the company to maintain its attention on the future beyond the initial launch phase.
&nbsp;
In preparation for the first launch, Orbex is performing a wide variety of integration tests, as well as testing launch procedures including rollout, strongback deployment and fuelling procedures. To support the integration testing stage, over the last few months, Orbex has ramped up its recruitment efforts for its Forres headquarters, adding dozens of new team members.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Kristian von Bengtson, Chief Development Officer and Interim CEO, Orbex said: &ldquo;Sutherland represents a new breed of spaceport, for a new breed of rocket. This is 21st century, agile spaceflight with sustainability at its core. With the construction of Sutherland Spaceport underway, this is an important piece of the puzzle that will make the UK a modern space nation. Just as importantly, we&rsquo;re hopefully also setting the tone for how business can be a force for good, creating jobs and opportunities while minimising the impact upon the environment.&rdquo;

Orbex, a UK-based rocket service provider for small satellites, has begun the construction of the first vertical launch spaceport on the UK mainland, located on the North coast of Scotland.

Orbex Breaks Ground On UK Mainland's First Vertical Launch Facility

Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) has announced Charlotta Sund as its new President and CEO. Sund, who will take office in autumn 2023, will replace Stefan Gardefjord, who retires after serving the company for 12 years.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;Sweden can take a leading role in the global space development - with our engineering expertise, our geographical location between the Baltic Sea, the Atlantic and the North Pole, our global presence on all continents, and with Esrange Space Center as the EU&rsquo;s only mainland-based spaceport. Therefore, I am pleased that the SSC Board has decided to employ a CEO with solid experience both from commercial and international business operations, as well as from critical societal infrastructure. Both these aspects will be needed to lead SSC to the next level,&rdquo; said Anna Kinberg Batra, SSC Chair of the Board.
</blockquote>
Sund currently serves as the President and CEO of Tekniska verken in Link&ouml;ping, an industrial group tasked by regional community owners with creating resource-efficient energy systems for a sustainable society. She has led the organization through times of change, the current energy crisis, and has adapted to new regulations and expectations from both private and commercial actors on sustainable, safe and secure services.
Sund has also held several senior positions in Ericsson, a global telecom group, and brings a customer-focused mindset and deep knowledge of integrating sustainable innovation into the core business.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;It feels incredible to join the space industry during this historic period in time. As space infrastructure gets increasingly important for our modern societies on Earth, SSC is truly establishing itself as a societal builder. I hope to combine my background in digitalization and sustainable innovation with the deep knowledge and experience that I know exist in SSC. And I will bring my passion for leadership and organizational development to this exciting journey,&rdquo; said Sund.
</blockquote>
Sund's appointment comes at a crucial time for SSC, following the inauguration of Spaceport Esrange in January, which brought worldwide attention to the company.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;The inauguration of Spaceport Esrange in January brought worldwide attention to our company. But none of that could have happened without the decisive efforts and hard work of our retiring CEO Stefan Gardefjord. I want to thank him for his meritorious efforts for both the company and for Swedish space operations,&rdquo; added Anna Kinberg Batra.
</blockquote>

Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) has announced Charlotta Sund as its new President and CEO. Sund, who will take office in autumn 2023, will replace Stefan Gardefjord, who retires after serving the company for 12 years.

Swedish Space Corporation CEO Retires, Replacement Appointed

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<li>
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
</li>
</ul>
A coalition of environmental groups and a Native American tribe have filed a lawsuit against the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) over its approval of SpaceX's next-generation Starship rocket test launch.
The group claims that the FAA was too hasty in approving the southern Texas launch site, which is located near a sensitive wildlife area. The complaint was filed on Monday in federal court in Washington, DC and seeks to have SpaceX's license revoked until a comprehensive environmental review is conducted by the FAA
The lawsuit comes just 11 days after SpaceX launched Starship on its first Integrated Flight Test which ended in a semi-controlled flight termination explosion over the Gulf of Mexico.
According to the lawsuit, the April 20 launch is just one of nine explosive mishaps that have occurred at Boca Chica in recent years. These incidents are causing significant disruptions to the habitat of federally protected wildlife and migratory birds.
<h6 style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1682964484807.jpeg">Credit: Zac Aubert | TLP Network</h6>
The disturbances include intense noise and light pollution, construction, and road traffic, which are all contributing to the degradation of the area. The Boca Chica region is home to several endangered feline predators, including the ocelot and jaguarundi, as well as nesting sites for the endangered Kemp's Ridley sea turtle and critical habitat for the piping plover, a threatened shorebird. The area and its wildlife are also considered sacred to the indigenous people of the Carrizo/Comecrudo Nation in South Texas.
Following Starship's Integrated Flight Test, a cloud of pulverized concrete, steel chunks, and other debris was scattered over a distance of more than six miles from the Boca Chica launch pad site. The launch also caused a 3.5-acre fire nearby, which was later extinguished. The debris landed both on SpaceX's property and an adjacent state park, which borders the Rio Grande Valley and the Gulf of Mexico.
<h6 style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1682964440607.jpeg">Credit: SpaceX</h6>
The plaintiffs argue that the FAA violated federal law by allowing expanded operations at SpaceX's Starbase in Boca Chica without mandating the full environmental impact study (EIS) usually required for major projects.
The FAA release a short and clear statement to The Launch Pad stating "The FAA does not comment on ongoing litigation matters."
Elon Musk and SpaceX has called the launch a qualified success that provided valuable data required to advance the development of Starship.

A coalition of environmental groups and a Native American tribe have filed a lawsuit against the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) over its approval of SpaceX's next-generation Starship rocket test launch. 

FAA Sued Over SpaceX Starship Launch License

A coalition of environmental groups and a Native American tribe have filed a lawsuit against the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) over its approval of SpaceX's next-generation Starship rocket test launch.
The group claims that the FAA was too hasty in approving the southern Texas launch site, which is located near a sensitive wildlife area. The complaint was filed on Monday in federal court in Washington, DC and seeks to have SpaceX's license revoked until a comprehensive environmental review is conducted by the FAA
The lawsuit comes just 11 days since SpaceX launched Starship on its first Integrated Flight Test which ended in a semi-controlled flight termination explosion over the Gulf of Mexico.
According to the lawsuit, the April 20 launch is just one of nine explosive mishaps that have occurred at Boca Chica in recent years. These incidents are causing significant disruptions to the habitat of federally protected wildlife and migratory birds.
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1682964252643.jpg">
<h6 style="text-align: center;">Credit: Zac Aubert | TLP Network</h6>
The disturbances include intense noise and light pollution, construction, and road traffic, which are all contributing to the degradation of the area. The Boca Chica region is home to several endangered feline predators, including the ocelot and jaguarundi, as well as nesting sites for the endangered Kemp's Ridley sea turtle and critical habitat for the piping plover, a threatened shorebird. The area and its wildlife are also considered sacred to the indigenous people of the Carrizo/Comecrudo Nation in South Texas.
Following Starship's Integrated Flight Test, a cloud of pulverized concrete, steel chunks, and other debris was scattered over a distance of more than six miles from the Boca Chica launch pad site. The launch also caused a 3.5-acre fire nearby, which was later extinguished. The debris landed both on SpaceX's property and an adjacent state park, which borders the Rio Grande Valley and the Gulf of Mexico.
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1682964174202.jpg">
<h6 style="text-align: center;">Credit: SpaceX</h6>
The plaintiffs argue that the FAA violated federal law by allowing expanded operations at SpaceX's Starbase in Boca Chica without mandating the full environmental impact study (EIS) usually required for major projects.
The FAA released a short and clear statement to The Launch Pad
"The FAA does not comment on ongoing litigation matters."
Elon Musk and SpaceX have called the launch a qualified success, that yielded valuable data that will allow them to advance development of Starship.
This is a developing story and will be update as more details become avaiable.&nbsp;

Environmentalists Sue FAA Over SpaceX Starship Launch License

<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW93167591 BCX8">
Spaceport Cornwall has opened a new business centre called the Space Systems Operations Facility (SSOF). The SSOF will focus on the research, development, and launching of satellites.&nbsp;
This is great news for Spaceport Cornwall, which the failed launch attempt by Virgin Orbit has overshadowed. Matt Archer, the Missions and Capabilities Director from the UK Space Agency (UKSA), said: "Virgin Orbit&rsquo;s satellite mission in January was not the outcome that we wanted, but it proves that Spaceport Cornwell has the capability, the resilience, and the ability to position themselves as a long-term spaceport".&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">Start me Up</h2>
Back in January, the UK's first-ever orbital launch attempt took place from Spaceport Cornwall, and all hopes were on Virgin Orbit's "Launcher One" rocket to make history happen. During the launch, a fuel filter dislodged, starving the engines of fuel and preventing the rocket from getting into orbit. With the loss of the rocket, Virgin Orbit soon shut down all operations and filed for bankruptcy.
Louis Gardner Cornwall&rsquo;s councillor for Newquay said: "When we set out on this journey eight years ago, it was all about creating a cluster of space-related businesses here in Cornwall and creating a new part of the Cornish economy." And this building is a symbol that we have done just that. "It is not just about launch; it's about everything that we can bring to the party, all related to space."
&nbsp;
</div>

New satellite center opens at Spaceport Cornwell.

Spaceport Cornwall Opens A New Satellite Center

On Saturday evening, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk took to Twitter to give an update on the Starship Flight Test which took place on April 20th, 2023, and to provide insight into the future of the program.
&nbsp;
<h1>Flight One - What Happened?</h1>
The root of the issue lies in Booster 7's 33 Raptor 2 engines and 2 HPUs which experienced multiple anomalies on the pad and in flight.
Prior to flight, the SpaceX team made the decision to disable 3 of the 33 Raptor engines on B7, as opposed to aborting the launch. This decision, while risky, was not what caused the loss of the vehicle, but rather a series of issues in flight - primarily involving Thrust Vector Control (TVC), a system which is vital to&nbsp; steering the vehicle in flight.
It all started to go south at T+27 seconds into flight when engine 19 "lost comms" (exploded) due to "some kind of energy event.", and damaged the shielding in engines 17-20. Despite having multiple engines down, B7 continued its flight, then, at T+62s, they observed damage to engine 30s shielding. The flight continued for 23 more seconds before all hope was lost, when engine 6 was lost, and thus all TVC capability was jeopardised for the vehicle as a result of this.
&nbsp;
Regarding the Flight Termination System, Musk says "The longest item on that [requirements to next launch] is probably requalification of the flight termination system", adding "it took way too long to rupture the tanks.". Elon later states that it was triggered shortly into the unplanned tumble, but took "40 seconds-ish" to rupture the tanks.
Musk also responded to questions about the Ship attempting to salvage itself following booster termination, which he says they have not seen any data suggesting it did attempt to and "that's not what the ship should have been attempting to do,".
Musk says the liftoff generated a "rock tornado" under the booster, but it is not expected to have caused any damage to the Raptor engines or pad.
&nbsp;
Elon also says that Booster 7 did not throttle to compensate for the failing engines, which, if it had, Musk believes staging would have been achieved.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h1>Stage Zero</h1>
Stage zero (the pad) is mostly in-tacked following the launch, Musk says the amount of damage is "actually quite small", and should "be repaired quickly", quoting a timeline of 6-8 weeks. The OLM and launch tower are in good condition despite the unplanned power slide by the vehicle.
SpaceX believes the pad "bent" due to the Fondag concrete shattering then sand underneath compressing, explaining the crater below the OLM.
&nbsp;
<h1>Environmental Damage</h1>
Musk says when questioned about the possibility of a lawsuit by environmentalists: "The rocket uses non-toxic propellants and ... scattered a lot of dust, but to the best of our knowledge there has not been any meaningful damage to the environment that we're aware of."
&nbsp;
<h1>Moving Forward</h1>
As with any launch anomaly, SpaceX and the FAA are conducting a joint investigation into the failure, but Elon has outlined a number of vehicle and pad changes planned moving forward:
<h4>Pad</h4>
<ul>
<li>Thick water-cooled steel plate will be installed under the OLM and connected to the legs for support</li>
<li>Vertical GSE tanks in the Orbital Tank Farm will be replaced with horizontal tanks, as was always planned</li>
</ul>
<h4>Vehicle</h4>
<ul>
<li>B9 expected to perform the flight, with a multitude of upgrades including E-TVC</li>
<li>Supporting ship is currently TBD, decision expected next week</li>
<li>Engines will be ignited later in the countdown, roughly half from 5 to 2.5 seconds</li>
<li>Goal for flight 2, which will follow the same flight plan as flight 1, is to achieve staging and hopefully "reach orbit" (although loosely defined, as it will be the same trajectory as flight 1 was planned to)</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Musk notes that Starship will be ready for Artemis II, but stutters while saying "We will be the first thing to really be [ready]". He also notes there is an 80% chance of Starship reaching orbit this year, and a "100% chance" in the next 12 months.
&nbsp;
<h1>Remarks On Success</h1>
Musk says "The outcome was roughly in what I expected, and maybe slightly exceeding my expectations, but roughly what I expected, which is that we would get clear of the pad.", later adding that the structural integrity of the stack "appear to be better than we expected, as we can tell from the vehicle actually doing somersaults towards the end and still staying intact.".
Later in the call Musk says "I thought the SpaceX team did amazing work.", "This is certainly a candidate for the hardest technical problem done by humans."

On Saturday evening, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk took to Twitter to give an update on the Starship Flight Test which took place on April 20th, 2023, and to provide insight into the future of the program.

Elon Musk Gives Update on Failed Starship Launch, Expected To Spend $2B This Year

Virgin Galactic, a suborbital space tourism company, emerged from the hangar once again this morning and took to the New Mexican skies over Spaceport America to conduct a glide test of the companies VSS Unity spacecraft.
&nbsp;
On Wednesday morning, Virgin Galactic&rsquo;s VMS Eve took off from Spaceport America in New Mexico, and released the VSS Unity spacecraft at an altitude of approximately ​​14 km before turning to the spaceport. The spacecraft, piloted by Virgin Galactic&rsquo;s CJ Sturckow and Nicola Pecile, then began a glide sequence returning to Spaceport America successfully.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
While VSS Unity never ignited her engines for this flight, it marks the final test before Virgin Galactic can once again begin powered flight after almost 2 years.
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The objectives of the flight were to test the spacecraft in the glide phase of flight, continue evaluation of Spaceship Two controls, and to gather data on the new mothership pylon with the spaceship attached during climb and release.
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Following today&rsquo;s test, Mike Moses, President of Spaceline Missions and Virgin Galactic Safety says that the flight was &ldquo;one of the final steps towards commercial spaceline operations,&rdquo;. The company says the team will analyze the data gathered over the coming weeks to clear the vehicle for powered flight.&nbsp;
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The company hopes to achieve powered flight, carrying 2 pilots and 4 Virgin Galactic employees, to assess the customer experience and ground training prior to commercial flights. Currently, this flight is targeted for this quarter (Q2), however delays are possible as the team&nbsp; works through the data.
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The flight on Wednesday was significant because it was the first time VSS Unity flew without its carrier aircraft since July 2021. During that previous flight, VSS Unity took Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson, along with employees Beth Moses, Sirisha Bandla, and Colin Bennett, to an altitude of approximately 85 km.
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<h2>Meet The Pilots</h2>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="1"><colgroup><col style="width: 25%;"><col style="width: 25%;"><col style="width: 50%;"></colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<h2>PILOT</h2>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<h2>CRAFT</h2>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1682531373357.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Kelly Latimer</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">VMS Eve</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1682532280642.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="281"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Jameel Janjua</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">VMS Eve</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1682532175516.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="500"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">CJ Sturckow</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">VSS Unity</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1682532094435.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Nicola Pecile</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">VSS Unity</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Virgin Galactic conducted a successful glide test of their VSS Unity spacecraft in New Mexico, marking the final step before the company can resume powered flight and begin commercial operations.

Virgin Galactic Completes Glide Test Ahead Of Powered Flight

The Hakuto-R M1 lander which was built by the Japanese space company iSpace was launched on the 11th December 2022 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. It spent around 3 months traveling to the moon and all was looking good as Hakuto-R began its descent to the lunar surface expanding to landing on the Atlas crater on the northeast quadrant of the moon, though shortly before touching down communications with the craft were lost. Teams tried to reconnect with the craft but hadn&rsquo;t been able to, so it's believed to have crash landed. If it has landed successfully it would have been the first privately funded lander to touch down on the lunar surface. All other landers are from state owned space agencies including the US, Russia and China.&nbsp;
Ispace CEO Takeshi Hakamada said: &ldquo;We already confirmed that we have established communication until the very end of the landing &ndash; however, now we have lost the communication, so we have to assume that&hellip; we could not complete the landing on the lunar surface.&rdquo;&nbsp;
In addition to the loss of the Hakuto-R lander it was carrying two lunar rovers, the Rashid is a 22 pound rover built by the United Arab Emirates Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre and was going to be the UEA's first lunar rover. The other rover was a 2-wheel baseball size rover built by JAXA, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency alongside Japanese toymaker Tomy Co and Sony. The rover was designed to take photos of the moon.&nbsp;
This is step-back for Ispace though they have plans to return to the moon in 2024 and 2025 with two subsequent landers, as well Ispace has won a $73 million contract from NASA to collect and return sample of the lunar surface.&nbsp;
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NOTE: This is a developing story and is highly subject to change. We are awaiting imagery from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter to confirm the status of the spacecraft.
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UPDATE: In a recent update from iSpace, they have confirmed in a statement that the Hakuto-R has crash landed on the moon. They analyzed all the data from the mission, and it shows that Hakuto-R ran out of fuel as it was firing its boosters during descent towards the lunar surface. With the lack of fuel to power the landing boosters, the craft began to pick up speed, and then all communications with the craft were lost, Though iSpace has said that this is not a total loss, as the data they gained will ensure a future lunar landing mission will be successful, and it's an important milestone to advance space development in the private sector.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We already confirmed that we have established communication until the very end of the landing – however, now we have lost the communication, so we have to assume that… we could not complete the landing on the lunar surface.” 

Hakuto-R Lunar Lander Experiences Landing Failure 

Ursa Major, a leading privately-funded rocket propulsion company in the US, has signed a deal with Astra to support the companies next generation launch vehicle. The agreement will see Ursa Major provide "Hadley" engines for the upper stage of Astra's Launch System 2 on its newly architected Rocket 4 launch vehicle.Launch System 2 is designed to provide affordable, frequent, and reliable orbital launches, deploying spacecraft directly into operational orbits. Under the partnership, Astra will be able to take advantage of Ursa Major's vacuum engine for the second stage of Rocket 4.The vacuum variant of Hadley, an oxygen-rich staged combustion (ORSC) engine fueled by liquid kerosene, will power Launch System 2's upper stage. The vacuum variant provides 6,500 pounds of thrust, compared to the sea-level configuration that provides 5,000 pounds of thrust. Hadley features an ignition system that can restart multiple times to enable longer missions.According to Joe Laurienti, founder and CEO of Ursa Major, the partnership with Astra marks an essential industry milestone in outsourcing propulsion to unlock growth and innovation for launch providers and their customers. He added that Ursa Major is thrilled to be part of Astra's Launch System 2 and the company's next chapter of success.Astra's rocket 4 is said to be a major step up in terms of reliability and scalability for Astra, with the company recognising that you can's scale without reliability and you need reliability to scale. The system is currently expected to take flight next year, and has secured multiple customers including the US Space Force.

Ursa Major CEO, Joe Laurienti, says that the partnership with Astra “marks an important industry milestone in outsourcing propulsion to unlock growth and innovation for launch providers”

Ursa Major Engine To Be Used On Astra Rocket 4

Vandenberg Space Force Base has granted SpaceX permission to lease Space Launch Complex 6 (SLC-6) for Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launches. The agreement was signed on April 21, 2023, by Col. Rob Long, Space Launch Delta 30 commander.The decision to grant SpaceX permission to lease the complex is part of SLD 30's launch pad allocation strategy, which evaluates the suitability of various launch sites for different types of rockets and payloads. The process is critical to ensuring that launches are safe and that the selected launch site can accommodate the unique requirements of each mission.Col. Rob Long, SLD 30 commander, expressed his excitement about the agreement, stating that it will add to the rich history of SLC-6 and build on the already strong partnership with SpaceX. He also emphasized that this is an exciting time for Vandenberg Space Force Base, which is the nation's premier West Coast launch site for military, civil, and commercial space operations.SLC-6 was previously used to support the Delta IV vehicle family and has been vacant since the final Delta IV Heavy launch on Sept. 24, 2022.This agreement is the first round of launch pad allocations, and additional rounds of allocations will occur in the future after further operational analysis.The partnership between Vandenberg Space Force Base and SpaceX will undoubtedly lead to more exciting space missions and contribute to the ongoing advancement of space exploration.<h3>About SLC-6</h3>SLC-6 is a launch complex located at Vandenberg Space Force Base's South Base that was originally part of the Sudden Ranch before being purchased by the U.S. Air Force in the mid-1960s. Construction of the facility started in 1966 to support launches of a modified Titan III for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL), but the program was canceled in 1969.In 1972, SLC-6 was chosen as the western launch site for Air Force shuttle launches, and reconstruction to accommodate the space shuttle occurred between January 1979 and July 1986. The decision to use SLC-6 was due to its dedicated crewed spaceflight role that was left over from the canceled MOL/Titan program and the reduced building costs for the shuttle launch complex by using the existing and partially constructed Titan III facilities.After spending over $4 billion on modifications to the launch site with modifications to add new flame ducts, storage tanks, launch towers, sound suppression systems, and water reclamation areas. The first polar-orbit flight was planned for October 15, 1986, but was grounded after the Challenger disaster in January 1986.The Air Force terminated the program at Vandenberg on December 26, 1989, due to several factors including construction cost overruns, contamination, and safety concerns.The launch site was then modified into a Titan IV/Centaur launch complex, but the project was canceled in 1991 due to insufficient launch requirements.After the shutdown of SLC-6 for the shuttle program, the US Air Force used the Titan rockets to fly military polar orbit satellites. In the early 1990s, Lockheed began developing the Lockheed Launch Vehicle (LLV) program, which was later renamed Athena. The first launch of Athena was unsuccessful, but after redesigning and testing, the Athena I successfully launched NASA's Lewis satellite into orbit. Another successful launch was conducted with an Athena 2 booster, but SLC-6 was modified again to launch Boeing's Delta IV rocket in 1999. Some of the Shuttle-specific components were removed, but other equipment was retained and made compatible with the new rocket.Boeing developed the Delta IV class of vehicles for the Department of Defense's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program, aiming to reduce launch costs and simplify the process of getting satellites into space. The first Delta IV launch vehicle to fly from SLC-6 successfully lifted off in June 2006, carrying a classified satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office. Delta IVs have since launched several missions, including one for the Air Force Defense Meteorological Satellite Program in November 2006 and USA-224 (NROL-49) in January 2011. On September 24, 2022, ULA launched the last Delta IV Heavy from SLC-6, and its successor, the Vulcan Centaur, will operate on SLC-3 at Vandenberg, currently used by Atlas V.

Vandenberg Space Force Base has granted SpaceX permission to lease Space Launch Complex 6 for Falcon rocket launches.

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