On October 6, at 2:06 p.m, Amazon's first 2 prototype satellites for it's Kuiper program succesfully launched atop a ULA Atlas V 501 rocket. The two satellites are part of Amazon's "Protoflight" mission, which aims to test the 2 satellites in real world environments, helping engineers on the ground study how they operate and what needs to be improved upon before the launch of the planned 3,200 satellite constellation, which aims to bring reliable and affordible broadband to areas that have unreliable connectivity.
Amazon has confirmed that first contact was made with KupierSat-1 and KuiperSat-2 ~50 minutes after the launch and more tests will follow over the coming weeks and months.
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On October 6, at 2:06 p.m, Amazon's first 2 prototype satellites for it's Kuiper program succesfully launched atop a ULA Atlas V 501 rocket.

Amazon launches first Kuiper satellites

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has selected Joshua Kutryk to serve on the upcoming Starliner-1 mission.
Joshua Kutryk is scheduled to launch aboard the Boeing CST-100 Starliner no earlier than the beginning of 2025, on what is planned to be the Starliner's first operational mission.
This will be Joshua's first mission to space, making him the fourth Canadian to stay on the ISS for a long duraction mission. He is also set to be the first Canadian to fly under NASA's new Commercial Crew Program, and first to fly on Starliner.&nbsp;
Canada has had 2 Canadians on the ISS in the last 5 years, with CSA Astronaut David Saint-Jacques flying in 2019 and Mark Pathy's private visit to the ISS with AX-1 in 2022.
During an event at the CSA HQ in Quebec, the CSA President and Honourable Grancois-Philippe Champagne made the annoucement surrounded by CSA employess students and media representatives.
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During the event, CSA also announced that Jenni Gibbons has been assigned to the Artemis II Backup Crew.&nbsp;
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The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has selected Joshua Kutryk to serve on the Starliner-1 crew, a upcoming long duration ISS mission.

Canada Assigns Joshua Kutryk To Starliner-1 Crew

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has selected Jenni Gibbons to serve on the Artemis II Backup Crew.
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Should Jeremy Hansen, mission specialist on Artemis II be unable to be on his mission for any reason, Jenni Gibbons will be ready to step in for Canada. Securing Canada's position in the first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years.
Jenni's role as part of the Artemis II Backup Crew will be instrumental in shaping and validating astronaut training and processes for the entire Artemis program.
Jenni will also be trained to provide support to Artemis missions from the ground as a lunar capcom, a new role for Canada&nbsp;
During an event at the CSA HQ in Quebec, the CSA President and Honourable Grancois-Philippe Champagne made the annoucement surrounded by CSA employess students and media representatives.
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During the event, CSA also announced that Joshua Kutryk has been assigned to the Starliner-1 Crew, a long duration mission aboard the ISS.
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The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has selected Jenni Gibbons to serve on the Artemis II Backup Crew. 

Canada Assigns Jenni Gibbons To Artemis II Backup Crew

Sierra Space has marked a significant milestone in their companies history, with the completion of the first Dream Chaser vehicle, named Tenacity on November 2nd at their facility in Louisville, Colorado.
The spacecraft, designed to serve as a cargo transportation vehicle for the International Space Station (ISS), is now set to undergo environmental testing at NASA&rsquo;s Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility in Ohio. Should Tenacity pass testing Sierra Space aims to launch the vehicle on a demo mission to the ISS no earlier than Spring 2024
Just days after announcing the completion of Tenacity, Sierra Space confirmed on November 17th that it had laid off 165 employees who had been instrumental in assembling the Tenacity. The company cited a workforce realignment initiative aimed at redirecting efforts towards other projects.
Sierra Space underwent a "surge hiring" over the past six to eight months to expedite the completion of Tenacity, including bringing certain work in-house. With this phase of development complete, the company is now turning its focus towards preparing for the spacecraft's inaugural mission in spring 2024.
A spokesperson for Sierra Space stated that the company also released some contractors who had supported the assembly of Dream Chaser, without specifying the number of affected individuals.
Dream Chaser, has been in development for over a decade. The spacecraft will be launched atop United Launch Alliance&rsquo;s Vulcan Centaur rocket from Cape Canaveral and is designed to return to Space Florida&rsquo;s Launch and Landing Facility runway at the Kennedy Space Center.
Once at NASA's Armstrong facility, Dream Chaser will undergo environmental testing at utilizing the thermal vacuum chamber. Ken Shields, the Senior Director of Business Development at Sierra Space, anticipates the completion of these tests and the subsequent shipment of Dream Chaser to Cape Canaveral by the end of the year.
Dream Chaser, born out of a Commercial Resupply Services 2 contract award in 2016, has a minimum of seven missions to the ISS. Sierra Space is also planning a crewed version, rekindling a concept it previously worked on for NASA&rsquo;s commercial crew program in 2014.
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Additionally, the company is considering the development of a separate version of the vehicle for undisclosed national security applications.
Dream Chaser is a cornerstone of Sierra Space&rsquo;s contributions to the Orbital Reef commercial space station concept, developed in collaboration with Blue Origin and other partners.
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Despite reports of tensions and resource shifts, executives from both companies affirm their commitment to the project, emphasizing its complementary nature, combining Blue Origin's heavy-lift vehicle, New Glenn, with Sierra Space's transportation system for crew and cargo.
While Sierra Space has not disclosed a specific launch date, during the American Astronautical Society&rsquo;s von Braun Space Exploration Symposium on October 27th, Shield did mention that the first mission is tentatively scheduled for "some time in March." The actual launch date will hinge on the readiness of both Dream Chaser and the Vulcan launch vehicle.
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Just days after announcing the completion of Tenacity, Sierra Space confirmed on November 17th that it had laid off 165 employees who had been instrumental in assembling the Tenacity. 

Sierra Space Complete First Dream Chaser Vehicle Named Tenacity

Tenacity Is Headed To NASA Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility in Ohio For Environmental Testing

Sierra Space Hopes To Complete Testing and Ship To Cape Canaveral Before End Of Year

Sierra Space Targeting NET March 2024 For Launch

Sierra Space Completes First Dream Chaser, Lays Off 165 Employees

As SpaceX reviews the outcomes of its 2nd test flight, a NASA official has voiced concerns over the number of launches needed for the spacecraft's involvement in Artemis lunar landings.
During a presentation of the NASA Advisory Council&rsquo;s Human Eploration and Operations Committee on November 17, Lakiesha Hawkins, Assistant Deputy Associate Administrator in NASA&rsquo;s Moon to Mars Program Office stated that the use of Starship for Artemis will require "in the high teens" of launches, a figure significantly higher than previous estimates.
SpaceX's proposed concept of operations for the Starship lunar lander under the Human Landing System (HLS) program involves multiple launches of the Starship/Super Heavy system.
This includes placing a propellant depot into orbit, followed by multiple launches of tanker versions of Starship to transfer methane and liquid oxygen propellants into the depot. Subsequently, the lander version of Starship will rendezvous with the depot to fill its tanks before embarking on the mission to the moon.
The high number of launches is driven by concerns about boiloff, the loss of cryogenic liquid propellants at the depot.&nbsp;The exact number of launches required for this process has been a topic of debate since Starship was selected by NASA for the HLS award in 2021.&nbsp;
"In order to be able to meet the schedule that is required, as well as managing boiloff and so forth of the fuel, there&rsquo;s going to need to be a rapid succession of launches of fuel" - Lakiesha Hawkins, Assistant Deputy Associate Administrator in NASA&rsquo;s Moon to Mars Program Office
The proposed launch schedule will necessitate launches from both SpaceX's current Starship pad in Starbase, Texas, and the one under construction at Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A with Hawkins mentioning a "six-day rotation" for launches from both sites to meet the demanding schedule.
Critics of NASA's decision to select Starship for HLS have pointed to the high number of launches as a potential weakness in the overall architecture.
The Government Accountability Office, in response to protests by Blue Origin and Dynetics, noted that SpaceX required 16 launches for a Starship lunar lander mission.
Elon Musk, SpaceX's CEO, disagreed with this assessment, stating in an August 2021 social media post that the need for 16 launches was "extremely unlikely." He suggested a maximum of eight tanker launches might be required to fuel the Starship lander, possibly as few as four.
The ongoing development of the Starship lander is considered critical for the Artemis 3 mission, but there are various factors that will contribute to the mission's success including the development of new spacesuits by Axiom Space, and the addition of a docking port on the Orion spacecraft.
NASA has reportedly considered changing Artemis 3 to a Lunar Gateway mission, with Artemis 4 becoming the landing mission; but at this time no official decision to change the current plans have been made.

SpaceX's proposed concept of operations for the Starship lunar lander under the Human Landing System (HLS) program involves multiple launches of the Starship/Super Heavy system, which will require rapid turn around of both Starship launch facilities.

NASA Concerned SpaceX HLS To Require "High Teens" Number Of Launches For Artemis Mission

World View, the Stratospheric ballooning company known for its innovative approach to applications ranging from remote sensing to space tourism, has officially terminated its plans to go public through a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) merger.
In a joint statement World View and Leo Holdings Corp II declared that the decision to abandon the merger was mutual, citing challenging market conditions as the primary reason.
The companies, while not providing specific details on the challenges faced, acknowledged the strong interest from potential investors that World View had garnered throughout 2023. Despite this interest, World View and Leo Holdings jointly determined that, given the current market conditions, proceeding with the previously announced transaction would not be in their best interest at this time.
<h3>The Deal</h3>
The merger, initially announced in January 2022, outlined a deal that would have provided up to $121 million for World View, valuing the company at $350 million.
Expectations were set for the deal to be concluded in the second quarter of the year. However, as subsequent months passed, there were limited updates on the status of the merger, raising concerns.
Facing an October deadline to finalize the deal or liquidate the company, Leo Holdings held a shareholder meeting on October 12. During this meeting, shareholders approved an extension of up to one year, with Leo Holdings explaining the need for additional time to complete the merger with World View.
The announcement of the World View deal coincided with a downturn in the popularity of SPACs, following a peak in 2021 when about a dozen space companies went public through SPAC mergers. Many of these companies have since experienced substantial declines in their share prices, with some facing financial challenges. Virgin Orbit, for instance, declared bankruptcy in April, and others, like Astra, are grappling with financial constraints.
With the termination of the World View merger, Leo Holdings has concluded that it will not be able to pursue a merger with another company. Consequently, the SPAC will liquidate, with proceeds returned to its shareholders.
The ending of this deal reflects the ongoing volatility and challenges within the space industry, particularly for companies seeking alternative routes to the public market.
<h3>About World View</h3>
World View, founded over a decade ago, has been a pioneer in the development of stratospheric balloons designed for applications traditionally associated with satellites, including remote sensing and communications. The company's ambitious plans also involved offering a spaceflight experience to individuals through balloon flights.
In a February investor presentation filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), World View disclosed its performance metrics for 2022, which included four balloon flights and $3 million in revenue. The company projected a significant revenue increase to $17 million in 2023, albeit with an adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) loss of $11.6 million.

World View has officially terminated its plans to go public through a special purpose acquisition company merger with Leo Holdings.

World View Expected To Loss $11.6 Million in 2023 after $17 Million Revenue

Leo Holdings To Liquidate Following Deal Cancellation

World View SPAC Merger Fails, No Longer Going Public 

An eventful morning at Starbase Texas this morning the SpaceX Starship team celebrated the launch of the second integrated flight test of Starship, marking a substantial leap forward in the development of returning humans to deep space. At 7:02 am CT, Starship 25, accompanied by Booster 9, lifted off from the launch pad, showcasing the power of all 33 Raptor engines on the booster&mdash;a historic moment as it marked the first time all engines ignited and successfully powered to stage separation.
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Booster 9 debued a new electric Thrust Vector Controller (TVC) system, outshining the hydraulic TVC utilized on Booster 7 during the initial integrated flight test (IFT 1) in April earlier this year.
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A notable feature of this launch was the introduction of SpaceX's new hot staging separation method. Distinct from Falcon 9's hydraulic pushers, hot staging involves the first stage shutting down most of its engines while the ship lights all six of its Raptors to accelerate away from the top of the booster.
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To safeguard the launch pad from the intense power of Super Heavy's 33 Raptor engines, a water-cooled plate was incorporated into the design of the launch pad. Activated a few moments before liftoff, the plate effectively shields the pad from Starship's engines.
&nbsp;
Fueling operations commenced a few hours before launch, with a brief hold at T-40 seconds to carry out pre-launch checkouts. At T-5 seconds, the water-cooled plate was activated, protecting the pad from Starship's ignition.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;Starship powered through Max Q, and executed a successful hot staging event. Unfortunately, Booster 9 visibly faced issues during its attempted relight for a boost-back, resulting in the Flight Termination System (FTS) terminating the vehicle.
&nbsp;
Ship 25 continued its journey past hot staging, reaching an impressive T+ 8 minutes and 10 seconds into flight. A brief flash observed on SpaceX's livestream indicated a potential termination by the FTS. If the mission had progressed further, Ship 25 would have coasted for around an hour and a half before attempting to reenter over Hawaii.
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Despite the challenges faced, the second integrated flight test outperformed IFT-1, with Starship reaching approximately 150 km above Earth's surface, compared to IFT-1's ascent of only 39 km. The data collected from this test will contribute to SpaceX's development of Starship, enhancing their capabilities for later flights.
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Todays flight reinforces SpaceX's rapid and iterative development strategy, a crucial component of their goal to make life multiplanetary.&nbsp;

On November 18th at 7:02am CT, SpaceX launched the second integrated flight test of Starship.

Ship 25 experiences potential RUD 8 minutes into flight, concluding the mission.

Starship conducts successful hotstage, Booster experiences RUD

SpaceX Launches Second Flight Test of Starship rocket

SpaceX is targeting back-to-back Starlink launches from the east and west coasts this weekend as its launch cadence continues to ramp up. Starlink Group 6-28 is currently scheduled to liftoff from SLC-40 in Cape Canaveral, Florida later tonight. The 45th Weather Squadron predicts a 60% chance of acceptable weather for launch. The four hour launch window opens at 11 pm EST. This Starlink launch is slated to send 23 Starlink V2 mini satellites to orbit. Falcon 9 will be following a southern trajectory with a ~43-degree inclination along the east coast down to the Bahamas. The Falcon 9 first stage supporting this mission will attempt its 11th launch and landing on SpaceX&rsquo;s droneship &ldquo;Just Read The Instructions,&rdquo; positioned in the Atlantic.&nbsp;
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Meanwhile, on the west coast, the teams in Vandenberg, California, are gearing up for a 10:55PM PST launch on Saturday of 22 Starlink V2 mini satellites, which will be deployed at a ~53 degree inclination. The booster supporting this mission will be flying for its 15th time and will attempt a landing on the droneship &ldquo;Of Course I Still Love You,&rdquo; positioned a few hundred miles downrange in the Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;
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What is Starlink?
&nbsp;Starlink is SpaceX's broadband internet service, aiming to provide fast and reliable internet worldwide, especially in areas with limited or no coverage. SpaceX received approval for its Gen-1 network in early 2018 and currently operates nearly 4000 satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) today. The company continues to launch new batches of Starlink satellites regularly, which contributes to the expansion of its global internet coverage. To combat mobile phone dead zones, SpaceX is partnering with cell service providers like T-Mobile, utilizing the Starlink V2 satellite. Due to the increased weight of V2, the original plan to launch it on their Starship rocket faced delays. In response, SpaceX developed a smaller "mini" V2 satellite, to be compatible with the Falcon 9 rocket
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SpaceX is looking to launch back to back Starlink launches from Florida and California this weekend.

SpaceX targeting 10:55PM PST for launch of Starlink from California

SpaceX targeting 11:15PM EST for launch of Starlink.

SpaceX targets back-to-back Starlink launches from East and West coasts

Excitement is building in the aerospace community as SpaceX gears up for the second flight test of its fully integrated Starship vehicle from Starbase, Texas. Liftoff is currently scheduled for Saturday, November 18th after Elon stated that one of Booster 9&rsquo;s grid fin actuators needed to be replaced.The new 20-minute launch window opens at 7:00 a.m. CT, meaning the expected T-0 may vary due to the circumstances of the test. 
This flight will mark a crucial step in SpaceX's pursuit of making life multiplanetary, and will further the development of NASA&rsquo;s Artemis program which plans to send humans back to the Moon to stay.&nbsp;
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Ahead of launch, Starship 25 and Booster 9 have been integrated to assume a fully stacked position on the orbital launch platform. SpaceX has recently received its second launch license after some delays involving the Fish and Wildlife Service. With this final step in the list of items needed for flight, Starship is go for launch on the 18th.
Building on the insights gained from Starship's initial flight test, SpaceX has implemented a series of upgrades to both the vehicle and ground infrastructure. These enhancements aim to improve the likelihood of success in future flights. Among the key upgrades featured in the upcoming test is the introduction of a hot staging separation system and a new electronic Thrust Vector Control (TVC) system for the 33 Super Heavy Raptor engines.&nbsp;
Additionally, reinforcements to the pad foundation and the incorporation of a water-cooled steel flame deflector are part of the comprehensive set of improvements. This rapid, iterative development strategy employed by SpaceX has proven to be crucial in the evolution of groundbreaking technologies such as the Falcon 9, Dragon, and Starlink projects. This type of approach is key to SpaceX's goal of constructing a fully and rapidly reusable transportation system capable of carrying both crew and cargo to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and beyond.
<h3 dir="ltr">The Countdown</h3>
Two hours prior to liftoff, the Launch Director will assess weather, vehicle status, and other factors with the launch team to poll go or no go for propellant load and launch. At T-1 hour and 37 minutes, the booster begins to get loaded with liquid methane and Liquid Oxygen (LOX), initiating the propellant loading process. Shortly after, at T-1 hour and 17 minutes, methane is loaded into the Ship, followed by liquid oxygen at T-1 hour and 13 minutes. After propellant loading is complete, Starship will have been fueled with roughly 10 million pounds of propellant.&nbsp;
Approximately 20 minutes before liftoff, the 33 Raptor engines on the booster will undergo chilling to optimize their temperature for ignition. As liftoff approaches, at T-10 seconds, the newly installed water cooled steel plate activates, dampening acoustic energy and protects the pad from most of the damage dealt from Booster 9&rsquo;s 33 Raptor engines. In the final moments, T-3 seconds, the 33 Raptor engines on Starship&rsquo;s first stage light up to propel the rocket off the pad.
Assuming Starship has a successful test flight, SpaceX has provided an in flight timeline explaining what critical milestones Starship will encounter during its flight test. This test will give SpaceX valuable data and expand their knowledge of the vehicle. At approximately T+52 seconds, the rocket wil encounter Max Q, experiencing peak loads as it powers through the Earth's atmosphere&mdash;a crucial phase in its ascent.
Moving forward to T+2 minutes and 39 seconds, most of Booster 9&rsquo;s engines shut down, enabling the new hotstaging separation system. This efficient maneuver allows Ship 25 to separate by powering off of the booster&rsquo;s recently installed hotstaging ring. A few seconds after a successful hotstage, the booster initiates a boostback, returning to land offshore of the launch pad, with a landing expected at T+7 minutes.
As the mission takes a suborbital route, Starship plans to reenter over Hawaii at T+1 hour and 17 minutes, showcasing its heat shield&rsquo;s high temperature durability. After reentry, Ship 25 is set to bellyflop into the Ocean which is expected to occur at T+1 and a half hours after launch.
The Starship program stands as a testament to SpaceX's commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration. When operational, Starship will aid humanity's return to the Moon and ultimately enable interplanetary travel to Mars, with each iteration of Starship representing a step closer to fulfilling their goal.

Liftoff is currently scheduled for Saturday, November 18th after Elon stated that one of Booster 9’s grid fin actuators needed to be replaced.

Launch Delayed 24 Hours Due To Booster 9 Grid Fin Actuator

New T-0 is Saturday, November 18th at 7:00am CT

UPDATE! SpaceX Starship Almost Ready For Launch

The European Space Agency (ESA) has inked an agreement with aerospace giants Airbus and Voyager Space to explore the potential of the Starlab commercial space station as a successor to the International Space Station (ISS).
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed on November 9, during the European Space Summit held in Seville, Spain.
The collaboration marks a significant step forward in the quest for continued European access to space, especially in the wake of the planned retirement of the ISS in 2030. Airbus and Voyager Space, in conjunction with ESA, will initiate studies on how the Starlab space station can serve as a platform for various space activities.
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The envisaged utilization of Starlab includes ESA astronaut missions, ESA-supported research, and potential cargo and crew transportation services provided by the agency. ESA's recent announcement of a commercial cargo initiative, slated to have a vehicle ready for missions by 2028, adds a new dimension to the collaboration. The cargo vehicle, part of this initiative, may evolve into a crewed vehicle in the future.
"ESA appreciates the transatlantic industry initiative for the commercial Starlab space station, and the potential that its strong European footprint holds for significant European industrial and institutional contributions to, and use of, said station." - Josef Aschbacher, Director General of ESA
"This agreement with the European Space Agency is critical as we continue to foster international collaboration in the space domain and move towards succeeding the International Space Station with Starlab. We look forward to working with Airbus and ESA to extend Europe&rsquo;s footprint in space and ensure they remain a leader in the new generation of commercial space exploration." - Matthew Kuta, President of Voyager Space
Voyager Space had taken a significant step towards enabling European access to space in August by announcing a joint venture with Airbus to develop Starlab. Airbus's involvement is seen as beneficial not only for the technical aspects but also for business development.
"Our collaboration on this next-generation space station builds on a long and successful partnership between ESA and Airbus in developing and operating a wide range of crewed and uncrewed spacecraft," - Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space.
In addition to the Airbus joint venture, Voyager Space has expanded its partnerships, with an announcement in October of a collaboration with Northrop Grumman. The partnership with Northrop Grumman includes providing a version of its Cygnus cargo spacecraft, capable of autonomously docking with Starlab, along with other potential contributions.
As both commercial space station developers and ISS partner nations explore the transition to commercial stations post-ISS, this agreement highlights the need for new contracts and partnerships, departing from the bartering services approach currently employed.

The European Space Agency has inked a memorandum of understanding with Airbus and Voyager Space to explore the potential of a Starlab commercial space station as a successor to the ISS.

ESA Signs Starlab Commercial Space Station Agreement With Airbus and Voyager Space

Bulgaria has officially joined the U.S.-led Artemis Accords, marking its commitment to principles for cooperative space exploration. In a signing ceremony, held at NASA Headquarters; Bulgaria's Minister of Innovation and Growth, Milena Stoycheva, put pen to paper making Bulgaria the 32nd nation to sign the Accords since their initiation three years ago.
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&ldquo;It is a historical moment for Bulgaria to join the Artemis Accords...we believe that pushing the boundaries of human quest in space with the support of AI and deep technologies will ensure peaceful and sustainable coexistence on Earth.&rdquo; - Minister Stoycheva&nbsp;
Bulgaria's participation adds momentum to the growing European involvement in the Accords. Recent signatories from the continent include the Czech Republic, Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands. With Bulgaria's accession, a total of 10 member states of the European Union and 11 member states of the European Space Agency have now joined the Accords.
&ldquo;Bulgaria has a long and proud tradition of space exploration, including two astronauts and microgravity plasma studies dating back to the 1970s. Bulgaria will add even more diversity, expertise, and creativity to the rapidly growing Artemis Accords family of nations.&rdquo; - Mike Gold, Chief Growth Officer of Redwire &amp; Former NASA Official
The Artemis Accords, developed by the United States in collaboration with a core group of nations who joined in 2020, aim to operationalize the Outer Space Treaty and other international space laws. The document outlines details on various topics, including the registration of space objects and the deconfliction of space activities. It is important to note that signing the Accords does not necessarily commit nations to participate in NASA's Artemis lunar exploration campaign.
&ldquo;The global partnerships made in the Artemis era will create possibilities that benefit members of the Artemis Generation in both our countries and around the world. Bulgaria&rsquo;s leadership will help ensure humanity&rsquo;s journey to the Moon and beyond is done peacefully, safely, and transparently.&rdquo; - NASA Administrator Bill Nelson
Bulgaria's decision to join the Accords comes as the third country to do so in recent weeks. The Netherlands signed on during a Nov. 1 ceremony, and it was revealed that Iceland had also recently joined, with the signed copy delivered to the State Department on Oct. 31.&nbsp;

Bulgaria is the 32nd country to officially joined the U.S.-led Artemis Accords, marking its commitment to principles for cooperative space exploration. 

Bulgaria Signs The Artemis Accords

Virgin Galactic has revealed in its latest earning call its decision to decrease the frequency of flights for its current suborbital vehicle, VSS Unity, with plans to cease operations entirely by mid-2024 as they redirect resources towards the development and production of its next generation of space vehicles, known as the Delta class.
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Virgin Galactic CEO stated that the Unity flights have served their purpose by demonstrating the system, showcasing the astronaut experience, and providing crucial insights for the Delta program.&nbsp;
Virgin Galactic is set to redirect resources towards the development and production of its next generation of space vehicles, known as the Delta class.
The decision comes on the heels of VSS Unity completing its fifth commercial suborbital mission on Nov. 2. Company executives disclosed that starting with the next mission, Galactic 06 in January, flights of VSS Unity would be scaled back to a quarterly frequency. Galactic 07 is expected to follow in early second quarter, and a potential Galactic 08 mission might take place around the middle of the year but is not confirmed yet.
Virgin Galactic is preparing to reduce expenses and begin to lay off staff as they reallocate resources to the development of the Delta-class vehicles. The company aims to cut 185 jobs, representing about 18% of its current workforce, as part of this initiative.
Virgin Galactic anticipates that the cost-cutting measures, layoffs, and the sale of stock will provide sufficient funding to complete the development of the first two Delta vehicles, with commercial flights slated to begin in 2026.
Virgin Galactic concluded the quarter with $1.1 billion in cash and equivalents.
"We project we have sufficient capital to build the revenue-generating assets necessary to achieve positive free cash flow." - Doug Ahrens, Virgin Galactic CFO
In the third quarter, Virgin Galactic reported $1.7 million in revenue from its spaceflight operations and "membership fees" from customers. The company projects $3 million in revenue for the fourth quarter, despite a net loss of $105 million in the third quarter.
As Unity flights wind down, Virgin Galactic plans to shift its personnel working on the vehicles at Spaceport America in New Mexico to a new factory near Phoenix, expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2024. This move is aimed at facilitating the assembly of the first Delta-class vehicles, optimizing company resources, and providing personnel with experience before test flights commence in 2025.
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Virgin Galactic projects that the Delta-class vehicles will be capable of flying twice a week, compared to the monthly cadence of Unity flights.
With the Delta vehicles able to accommodate six customers instead of four, each Delta vehicle is expected to generate 12 times the revenue per month as Unity, contributing to the company's goal of achieving positive cash flow in 2026.

Virgin Galactic has revealed in its latest earning call its decision to decrease the frequency of flights for its current suborbital vehicle, VSS Unity, with plans to cease operations entirely by mid-2024.

Virgin Galactic To Suspend VSS Unity Flights In 2024 Following Galactic 07 or 08 Mission

VG To Layoff 18% Of Workforce As Focus On Delta Class Vehicle Development & Testing

First Delta Class Vehicle To Commence Test Flights In 2025, Operational In 2026

Virgin Galactic To Suspend VSS Unity Suborbital Flights In 2024

Axiom Space continues to work on the development of their first spacesuit which will be used for NASA's Artemis missions. In a surpise annoucement Axiom Space is partnering with Prada, the renowned Italian luxury fashion house.
The collaboration is set to revolutionize the design and functionality of spacesuits for astronauts who will walk on the moon during Artemis missions, starting with Artemis 3 in 2025.
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1696802266549.jpg" alt="">
While the collaboration may raise eyebrows due to the unconventional pairing of a fashion brand with a space technology company, both Axiom Space and Prada are emphasizing the deep technological expertise that underlies this partnership.
"While it doesn't seem obvious what the technological reasons are for collaborating with a company like Prada, they're more than just a fashion company. They actually do quite a bit of technologically advanced things." - Michael Suffredini, Chief Executive of Axiom Space
The primary focus of Prada's involvement will be the outer layer of the spacesuit, tasked with safeguarding the suit's inner layers from harsh space environments, including lunar dust, while ensuring unhindered mobility for astronauts. Prada's long-standing expertise in composite materials dates back to the 1990s when it founded the Luna Rossa yachting team to compete for the America's Cup
"When it comes to the design side of that piece of it, it makes a lot of sense because Prada has a lot of experience in the design, the look and feel...More importantly, there are these technological challenges to try to overcome as well." - Michael Suffredini, Chief Executive of Axiom Space
The collaboration offers a holistic approach to spacesuit design, leveraging Prada's expertise in packaging fabrics for improved mobility. The use of composites for parts of the suit, such as the torso and pants, is also being explored to reduce weight.&nbsp;
"When you're going to space, mass is king, so this can be a huge advantage for us." - Michael Suffredini, Chief Executive of Axiom Space
The partnership between Axiom Space and Prada began with exploratory discussions in Italy, where Axiom learned of Prada's technological prowess.
"Our first meeting was very interesting because we were really talking about ideas about how to work together. We didn't really know exactly what those would be...I'm sure in the future we will have bigger projects to work together on." - Michael Suffredini, Chief Executive of Axiom Space
"I am excited to see what the ultimate design looks like with the creativity of Prada involved. It's going to look very unique compared to what spacesuits formerly looked like." - Michael Suffredini, Chief Executive of Axiom Space
The companies have released only limited glimpses of the suit, leaving space enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the final design.
While the partnership could extend to other projects, including Axiom's plans for a commercial space station, the immediate focus remains on the development of the spacesuit.&nbsp;
The spacesuit is being developed for NASA under a $228.5 million task order awarded in September 2022 as part of the Exploration Extravehicular Activity Services program.&nbsp;

Axiom Space continues to work on the development of their first spacesuit which will be used for NASA's Artemis missions. In a surpise annoucement Axiom Space is partnering with Prada, the renowned Italian luxury fashion house.

Axiom Space To Collaborate With Prada On Artemis Spacesuits

Rocket Lab opened its Engine Development Center in Long Beach, California on October 4th.
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1696801714459.jpeg" alt="">
The new facility, spanning a sprawling 13,400 square meters, is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing the production of Rocket Lab's engines, specifically the Rutherford engines for its Electron rocket and the larger Archimedes engines designed for the forthcoming Neutron rocket.
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1696801609680.jpeg" alt="">
The building's previous tenant, Virgin Orbit, occupied the facility until their Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in April. In a deft move, Rocket Lab seized the opportunity and acquired the lease on the building, along with all machinery and equipment inside, for a total of $16.1 million in a bankruptcy auction held in May.
"Things that we were thinking we could probably get done in 12 to 18 months, well, it&rsquo;s done. So really it was more of a timeline and uncertainty shrinker, if you will. Getting stuff for 16 cents on the dollar didn&rsquo;t hurt as well." - Adam Spice, Rocket Lab's Chief Financial Officer
Before securing the facility, Rocket Lab had planned to carry out engine production at its existing headquarters nearby. However, the acquisition not only expedites the scaling up of engine production but also frees up valuable resources for the expansion of their space systems business, particularly satellite production.
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1696801659328.jpeg" alt="">
Moreover, the proximity of the new engine facility to Rocket Lab's existing headquarters is seen as a significant advantage.
"We really lucked out." - Adam Spice, Rocket Lab's Chief Financial Officer
Rocket Lab swiftly transitioned into the facility shortly after the bankruptcy sale was finalized. Employees immediately began configuring the space for engine production, while also managing the inventory of items left behind by Virgin Orbit. The inventory proved to be a diverse range, from advanced industrial equipment to substantial stockpiles of furniture and office equipment.
The company is already in the process of manufacturing parts for the Archimedes engine. Furthermore, over the previous weekend, they initiated the relocation of the Rutherford engine production line to the new building, with full-scale engine production expected to ramp up over the coming months.
This development also holds significance for the city of Long Beach, which has actively sought to attract space companies under the "Space Beach" initiative.
Virgin Orbit was the first to establish a presence in the city, prior to its bankruptcy. Rex Richardson, the Mayor of Long Beach, expressed his appreciation for Rocket Lab taking over the facility and its commitment to organizing job fairs for former Virgin Orbit employees. He emphasized the resilience of Long Beach's growing space cluster.
While celebrating this milestone, Rocket Lab is also actively investigating the Electron launch failure that occurred on September 19th. The investigation is in its early stages but based on current information, there are no indications suggesting a different outcome than the previous two Electron launch failures in July 2020 and May 2021. Both of those failures involved the upper stage, and the company was able to resume Electron launches within a few months.
As Rocket Lab pushes forward with its engine development center and continues to refine its launch capabilities, the Long Beach facility stands as a testament to the company's commitment to innovation and growth in the ever-evolving space industry.

Rocket Lab opened its Engine Development Center in Long Beach, California on October 4th. The new facility, spanning a sprawling 13,400 square meters, is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing the production of Rocket Lab's engines.

Rocket Lab To Produce Rutherford & Archimedes Engines In New Facility

Rocket Lab Engine Development Center Opened On October 4th.

RocketLab Opens New Engine Facility In Former Virgin Orbit HQ

Russia's attempt to land its first lunar mission in nearly half a century ended in disappointment as the Luna-25 spacecraft crashed on the moon's surface in August. The Russian space agency, Roscosmos, has now attributed the mission failure to faulty commands in the onboard computer during a critical maneuver.
The Luna-25 spacecraft, which aimed to make history with a soft landing on the moon, encountered its unfortunate fate on August 19th during a crucial orbital maneuver.
The spacecraft was intended to lower its orbit around the moon to prepare for a landing scheduled for two days later. However, things went awry as the mission suffered an "emergency condition" that caused its main engine to fire for 127 seconds, significantly longer than the planned 84 seconds.
Roscosmos announced that the most likely cause of the crash was an "abnormal functioning" of the onboard computer. Specifically, the computer failed to activate an accelerometer in a device known as BIUS-L, which is responsible for measuring the spacecraft's angular velocity.
"The on-board control complex received zero signals from the accelerometers of the BIUS-L device. This did not allow, when issuing a corrective pulse, to record the moment the required speed was reached and to timely turn off the spacecraft propulsion system, as a result of which its shutdown occurred according to a temporary setting."
The Luna-25 mission had initially launched on August 10th atop a Soyuz-2.1b rocket from Russia's Vostochny Cosmodrome. Six days later, it successfully entered lunar orbit, carrying a payload of Russian scientific instruments weighing 30 kilograms. The mission's intended landing site was the Boguslawsky crater, situated at approximately 70 degrees south latitude on the moon's surface.
In a noteworthy development, NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) spacecraft released an image on August 31st showing the likely impact site of Luna-25.
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1696801105216.jpg" alt="">
The crash site, on the steep inner rim of Pont&eacute;coulant G crater, was approximately 400 kilometers from the mission's planned landing site. The impact site, which formed a crater 10 meters across, was not present in a previous LRO image taken in June 2022.
NASA estimated the impact occurred at 7:58 a.m. Eastern on August 19th.
Luna-25 was not only Russia's first lunar mission in decades but also faced several delays during its development. Additionally, the European Space Agency (ESA) had initially planned to participate in the mission but withdrew its involvement following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Yuri Borisov, the head of Roscosmos, expressed the agency's determination to continue its lunar exploration efforts despite the setback."No one is going to fold their arms, and we are determined to continue the lunar program," 
Roscosmos is now looking at the possibility of adjusting the schedules for the Luna-26 and Luna-27 missions to expedite future lunar exploration efforts but did not provide specific revised timelines for these missions.

Russia's attempt to land its first lunar mission in nearly half a century ended in disappointment as the Luna-25 spacecraft crashed on the moon's surface in August. The Russian space agency, Roscosmos, has now attributed the mission failure to faulty commands in the onboard computer during a critical maneuver.

Engines Burned For 127 Seconds Instead Of Planned 84 Seconds

Luna-25 Crash Caused By Computer Glitch

Virgin Galactic has completed its fourth commercial mission, continuing its monthly commercial suborbital spaceflights mission.
Galactic 04 made history by carrying the first person from Pakistan to go to space; another milestone for the private space tourism company as it steadily progresses toward fulfilling its vision of providing space experiences to paying customers.
The mission saw Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo vehicle, VSS Unity, take off from the scenic Spaceport America, attached to its mothership VMS Eve, at precisely 11:28 am ET.
After a smooth ascent, VSS Unity was released from its carrier plane at 12:10 pm ET, embarking on a journey that took it to an apogee of 87.5 kilometers before gracefully gliding back to a runway landing at the same spaceport.
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1696800382427.jpg" alt="">
This was the second flight conducted with an element of secrecy, as there was no live broadcast provided by Virgin Galactic, keeping the world eagerly waiting for post-flight updates on social media. Even the updates themselves were not immediate, with one post announcing the ignition of the vehicle's hybrid rocket motor appearing at least 12 minutes after ignition, based on the timestamps in the images shared with the post.
Onboard VSS Unity were three intrepid customers, each with their own unique background and motivation for joining this extraordinary adventure.
Ron Rosano - an American known for his involvement in space education and his work with a property management company.
Treavor Beattie - a British advertising executive and film producer, stood out for his spontaneous decision to book a Virgin Galactic flight after accompanying company founder Richard Branson on a SpaceShipOne flight back in 2004.
Namira Salim - an adventurer and entrepreneur originally from Pakistan, now residing in Monaco and Dubai, became the first person from Pakistan to venture into space.
The flight was under the command of Kelly Latimer, with CJ Sturckow serving as the pilot. Adding to the uniqueness of the experience, Beth Moses, the company's chief astronaut instructor, accompanied the customers in the cabin, a tradition maintained from Virgin Galactic's previous commercial flights.
This mission marked the fourth spaceflight for VSS Unity since the company commenced commercial service in late June.
Virgin Galactic has committed to maintaining a monthly flight cadence in the foreseeable future as it gradually works through a substantial backlog of approximately 800 customers. Some of these enthusiastic individuals have been waiting for their space adventure for over 15 years, having placed deposits for their tickets well in advance.
VSS Unity will now be prepared for its next flight, Galactic 05; although a specific date for this upcoming mission was not disclosed it is expect to take place in November 2023

Virgin Galactic has completed its fourth commercial mission, continuing its monthly commercial suborbital spaceflights mission.

VMS Eve Took Off From Spaceport America at 11:28am ET

VSS Unity Released from VMS Eve at 12:10pm ET

Virgin Galactic Completes Fourth Commercial Mission

Jeff Bezos has informed all Blue Origin employees via message, that Bob Smith will be retiring and Dave Limp, a key Amazon executive will be taking over as CEO on December 4th in messages obtained by The Launch Pad News.
Bob Smith will stay with the comapny till January 2nd to aid in a smooth transition.
Dave Limp, Amazon's Devices and Services Chief has overseen Amazon Alexa, Echo, and Ring systems as well as new devisions like Project Kuiper, Amazon's version of SpaceX Starlink set to offer interenet satellite services in the next few years. Limp announced he was stepping down from Amazon later this year last month after more that 13 years .
Blue Origin has yet to make a public statement about the change in CEO's.
<h3>Jeff Bezos Message To Employees</h3>
<blockquote>
"I&rsquo;m excited to share that Dave Limp will join Blue starting December 4th as CEO, replacing Bob, who has elected to step aside on January 2. The overlap is purposeful to ensure a smooth transition.
Before I provide some background on Dave, I&rsquo;d like to take the time to recognize Bob and the significant growth and transformation we&rsquo;ve experienced during his tenure. Under Bob&rsquo;s leadership, Blue has grown to several billion dollars in sales orders, with a substantial backlog for our vehicles and engines. Our team has increased from 850 people when Bob joined to more than 10,000 today. We&rsquo;ve expanded from one office in Kent to building a launch pad at LC-36 and five million square feet of facilities across seven states.
Our mission has grown too &ndash; we&rsquo;ve flown 31 people above the K&aacute;rm&aacute;n Line, almost five percent of all the people who have been to space. Flight-qualified BE-4 engines are ready to boost Vulcan into orbit. New Glenn is nearing launch next year, and, with our recent NASA contract, we will land Americans back on the Moon, this time to stay. We have also engaged and inspired millions of children and educators through our Club for the Future efforts. We&rsquo;ve made tremendous progress in building a road to space for the benefit of Earth, thanks to each of you and Bob&rsquo;s leadership.
I&rsquo;ve worked closely with Dave for many years. He is the right leader at the right time for Blue. Dave joins us after almost 14 years at Amazon, where he most recently served as senior vice president of Amazon Devices and Services, leading Kuiper, Kindle, Alexa, Zoox, and many other businesses. Before Amazon, Dave had roles at other high-tech companies, including Palm and Apple. Dave is a proven innovator with a customer-first mindset and extensive experience leading and scaling large, complex organizations. Dave has an outstanding sense of urgency, brings energy to everything, and helps teams move very fast.
Please join me in welcoming Dave and thanking Bob. Through this transition, I know we&rsquo;ll remain focused on our customer commitments, production schedules, and executing with speed and operational excellence. I look forward to the many exciting and historic milestones ahead of us!
Jeff"
</blockquote>
In Bezos's message to employees, we get a rare look into the current status of Blue Origin with Bezos stating that under Bob's leadership the company has secured "several Billion dollars" in sales orders nad have "substanital backlog for our vehciles and engines"
<h3>Bob Smith Message To Employees&nbsp;</h3>
<blockquote>
"Team Blue,
It&rsquo;s been about six years since I joined Blue Origin. During that time, our team, facilities, and sales orders have grown dramatically, and we&rsquo;ve made significant contributions to the history of spaceflight. With pride and satisfaction in all that we&rsquo;ve accomplished, I&rsquo;m announcing that effective December 4, I will be stepping aside as Chief Executive Officer of Blue Origin. I will remain with Blue until January 2 to ensure a smooth transition with the new CEO.
It has been my privilege to be part of this great team, and I am confident that Blue Origin&rsquo;s greatest achievements are still ahead of us. We&rsquo;ve rapidly scaled this company from its prototyping and research roots to a large, prominent space business. We have the right strategy. a supremely talented team, a robust customer base, and some of the most technically ambitious and exciting projects in the entire industry. We also have a team that cares deeply about its mission, legacy, and how we contribute to the next generation and bring everyone into a brighter future.
Jeff and I have been discussing my plan for months, and Jeff will announce Blue&rsquo;s new CEO in a separate note shortly. I&rsquo;m very excited about the operational excellence and culture of innovation this new leader will bring to Blue. building on the foundation we&rsquo;ve created over the past few years.
I&rsquo;m committed to ensuring this transition is flawless, and everyone should know that Ill always be on Team Blue.
Gradatim Ferociter.
Bob Smith"
</blockquote>
&nbsp;
This is a developing story - Stay Tuned For More Update

Jeff Bezos has informed all Blue Origin employees via message that Bob Smith will be retiring and Dave Limp, a key Amazon executive will be taking over as CEO on December 4th.

Jeff Bezos Sent Message To Employees About CEO Change

Bob Smith to Retire on December 4th, Leave Company January 2nd

Jeff Bezos Announces New Blue Origin CEO In Message To Employees

Sierra Space has conducted another successful test of its inflatable habitat technology, further development of advanced space habitation systems. The test showcased the remarkable resilience of the Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE) inflatable module, even when equipped with a novel metallic structure designed to mimic a window.
This was the fifth test in a series of evaluations for subscale versions of the LIFE inflatable module. The critical burst test, conducted in collaboration with ILC Dover at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in August, involved increasing the internal pressure of the module until it ultimately burst.
What set this test apart from its predecessors was the inclusion of a metallic structure referred to as a blanking plate, strategically attached to the exterior of the module. The plate was intended to simulate a window, allowing engineers to assess how such an addition might impact the module's structural integrity.
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1695417654687.webp" alt="" width="768" height="666">
"It was natural in our progression of testing, but the only true way in soft goods, and soft goods structures, to really verify that data is to take it through an ultimate burst test." - Shawn Buckley, Sierra Space Senior Director of Engineering
Despite the added complexity of the metallic plate, the module impressively burst at 20% higher pressure than its previous test without the plate. This remarkable achievement demonstrates Sierra Space's commitment to ensuring the LIFE module's robustness.
The module now boasts a substantial 33% margin over the certification standard required for the full-scale LIFE module, showcasing the technology's reliability even under challenging conditions.
The next phase of testing will involve evaluating a full-scale prototype of the LIFE module, marking a pivotal step in Sierra Space's comprehensive testing plan. The ongoing testing regimen comprises multiple "gates" focusing on different aspects of the LIFE module's design, including minimizing potential leaks and assessing its resilience against micrometeoroid and orbital debris impacts.
"As we progress over the next 24 months, we'll move through a series of gates and we'll start developing our hardware that supports what we just did in this test" - Shawn Buckley, Sierra Space Senior Director of Engineering
Sierra Space is working towards having flight-ready hardware within the next 24 to 36 months.
The burst test took place in partnership with NASA at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. The test took place in the flame trench at the center's historic test stand, once used for Saturn 1 and 1B rocket launches. Beyond its practical advantages for containing debris from the burst test, Sierra Space selected the site as an added value of inspiration derived from the site. "We chose it for pure inspiration...If you drive in front of that and then think about the history that has happened in that flame trench, I will tell you I was inspired."
The LIFE module is a pivotal component of Sierra Space's partnership with Blue Origin and other companies in the development of the Orbital Reef commercial space station.
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1695417975589.webp" alt="" width="1280" height="720">
Additionally, Sierra Space has proposed deploying a LIFE module as a standalone pathfinder for commercial research, a venture that could precede the construction of the Orbital Reef.
Sierra Space's latest test not only signifies another remarkable advancement in inflatable habitat technology but also underscores the company's unwavering commitment to shaping the future of space habitation. W
ith each successful test, Sierra Space inches closer to realizing its ambitious goals in commercial space exploration.

Sierra Space has conducted another successful test of its inflatable habitat technology, further development of advanced space habitation systems. 

Test Completed at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center

Test Was Conducted in August, Only Confirmed To Media On September 20th

LIFE Module Survived To 33% Over Pressure 

Sierra Space Working Towards Flight Ready Hardware in 2025/26

Sierra Space Conducts 5th LIFE Module Burst Test

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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.
Airspace closure notices indicated the launch attempt, but as the hours passed without any liftoff notification&mdash;an event that typically follows within an hour of liftoff&mdash;concerns grew about the mission's status.
Galactic Energy issued a statement regarding the launch failure hours later, stating,
"At 12:59 on September 21, the Ceres-1 (Yao-11) carrier rocket was ignited and lifted off at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in my country. The rocket flew abnormally, and the launch mission failed. The specific reasons are being further analyzed and investigated.
Here, we would like to express our most sincere apologies to the customers of this mission and friends who care about and support Galaxy Power Aerospace. We will always maintain our awe for aerospace technology, identify the cause of the failure, and carefully organize the return to zero of Ceres 1. and go-around work to ensure the continued success of subsequent launch missions."
This failure marks the first major setback for Galactic Energy. Prior to this launch, the company had achieved a flawless record, successfully executing nine consecutive launches since November 2021.
The company had recently been in a high cadence launch phase, conducting four missions between July 22 and September 5, including its inaugural launch from a mobile sea platform off the coast of Shandong province.
The Ceres-1 rocket, with a diameter of 1.4 meters, a length of approximately 20 meters, a take-off mass of about 33 tons, and a liquid propellant upper stage, has the capability to deliver 400 kg to low Earth orbit (LEO) or 300 kg to a 500-kilometer-altitude sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). This launch was intended to reach an altitude of 800 kilometers.
Simultaneously, Galactic Energy is gearing up for the maiden flight of its Pallas-1 kerosene-liquid oxygen launcher. The reusable two-stage Pallas-1 is designed to carry 5,000 kilograms to LEO or 3,000 kilograms to a 700-km SSO, with the first expendable launch scheduled for the third quarter of 2024.
Galactic Energy's impeccable track record had seemingly secured crucial contracts to launch Jilin-1 satellites. This launch failure, however, is a reminder of the inherent risks in space endeavors, even for experienced companies.
Changguang Satellite Technology (CGST), a subsidiary of the state-owned Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), was established in 2014. With over 100 satellites in orbit, CGST announced last year its intention to expand the Jilin-1 constellation from a planned 138 satellites to 300 by 2025.
The unsuccessful launch was China's 44th orbital mission of 2023 and the first failure. China's state-owned main contractor has conducted 30 launches so far out of a planned 60 or more, indicating a significant period of launch activity in the remaining months of the year.&nbsp;
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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.

Galactic Energy Suffers First Launch Failure

Liftoff Occurred at 12:59am Eastern on September 21st

Galactic Energy Investigating Cause Of Launch Failure

China's Galactic Energy Experiences First Launch Failure

A consortium led by German launch startup Rocket Factory Augsburg has submitted the "Argo" spacecraft to the ESA Commercial Cargo Transportation Initiative. "Argo is Cargo but without the C-osts"
In May, ESA launched a new initiative to seek proposals from European companies to develop a domestic cargo launch capability for the International Space Station and future commercial stations. The program is similar to that of NASAs Commercial Resupply Services program which has proven extremely successful.
The initiative gives the chosen companies full authority and responsibility with ESA acting as a customer. &ldquo;&ldquo;In this context, ESA is giving opportunities to European industry to provide a service-based offer for cargo services in support of the International Space Station and future low Earth-orbit destinations,&rdquo; explains Frank De Winne, ESA&rsquo;s International Space Station Manager.
RFA, a leading startup in the European launch market, have proposed their new &ldquo;Argo&rdquo; spacecraft. Argo&rsquo;s specifications are as follows
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1695332984709.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080"> Created by Jay Keegan for TLP Network
&ldquo;ESA and its Member States are preparing for when the International Space Station is retired: an environment where space agencies are customers rather than owners of space infrastructure.&rdquo;, Frank De Winne
&nbsp;
The initiative is split into three phases:
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1">In&nbsp;Phase 1-1, which is the subject of the present Call for Proposals, up to two companies will be selected to advance their cargo delivery services up to the definition of a preliminary design and the securing of appropriate third-party financing. (Sep. 2023 &ndash; June 2024)</li>
<li class="li1">In&nbsp;Phase 1-2, the service design of those companies that were successful in Phase 1-1 will be finalised and test articles produced to de-risk the most critical areas. In parallel, the companies involved will continue to secure the necessary third-party financing.&nbsp;(July 2024 &ndash; Dec 2025)</li>
<li class="li1">Phase 2&nbsp;is&nbsp;the final step leading to the demonstration mission to the ISS before the end of 2028. This phase will be open to all companies, not just those that participated in Phase 1, as part of a separate procurement action.</li>
</ul>
ESA requires that the spacecraft be &ldquo;launch vehicle agnostic&rdquo;, this means that the craft must be able to launch aboard any launcher, not just those the company designs it for. Such requirements are vital to ensuring redundancy in space, as was recently proven with the termination of Antares 230 resulting in Cygnus flying aboard Falcon 9.
&nbsp;
More information expected in the coming days.

A consortium led by German launch startup Rocket Factory Augsburg has submitted the "Argo" spacecraft to the ESA CCTI.

RFA Submits Argo Spacecraft to ESA Commercial Cargo Transportation Initiative

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.
&nbsp;
The Ariane 6 Launcher Task Force consists of top management at ESA, the overall Ariane 6 procuring entity and launch system architect, launch base prime contractor and French space agency CNES, launcher system prime contractor ArianeGroup and launch service provider Arianespace. This group reports regularly on progress being made towards inaugural flight of the new Ariane 6 launcher.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Looking Back
Over the past few months, Ariane 6 has undergone a series of tests both at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana and the DLR (Germany's space agency) test facility in Lampoldshausen, Germany. These tests are designed to ensure the maiden flight of Ariane 6 is successful, and are using non-flight hardware.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1695312108832.jpg">
On September 1st, the DLR conducted a successful hot fire test of the Ariane 6 upper stage. The results have now been analysed and show an excellent outcome. The test totalled 11 minutes and 20 seconds (680 seconds) of burn time in two boosts, including two boosts of the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU). This test proved the relight capability of the Ariane 6 upper stage&rsquo;s Vinci engine.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1695313589914.png">
On September 5th, a short-duration hot fire test was conducted on the Ariane 6 test article in French Guiana. The test was a success, lasting four seconds before being shut down by the on-board computer as planned.
&nbsp;
<h2 class="p1">The Anomaly</h2>
Following the September 5th test, while teams were preparing the launcher (or, well, ground test article) for the long-duration hot fire test, they identified an issue with the hydraulic group of the Thrust Vector Control (TVC) system on the Vulcain 2.1 engine. The purpose of the TVC system is to control the launcher's attitude in flight, and thus is a vital system.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Due to the nature of the issue, preparations for the long-duration test are on hold as the jont task force investigate the anomaly. This means that the long-duration test fire which was planned for October 3rd will no longer go ahead, and a new date will be set upon conclusion of the investigation.
&nbsp;
<h2>Next Steps</h2>
Teams will continue to investigate the issue with the TVC system over the coming days and weeks, and an update will be provided when it is available.
At the end of the year, the DLR will conduct another test fire of an upper stage at their facility to test the Vinci egine in off-nominal scenarios.

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.

Successful short duration hot fire on Sep. 5th

Anomaly discovered during post-test processing

Ariane 6 Long Duration Hot Fire Delayed Following Anomaly

NASA are preparing to conduct a launch day demo with the Artemis II crew and support teams as they begin Artemis II Ground System Testing at NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Follow along for updates throughout todays launch day demo, but first lets meet the crew of Artemis II&nbsp;
<h3>Commander - Reid Wiseman</h3>
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1695245686460.jpeg" alt="">
<h3>Pilot - Victor Glover</h3>
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1695245734868.jpeg" alt="" width="4480" height="6720">
&nbsp;
<h3>Mission Specialist - Christina Koch</h3>
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1695245785868.jpeg" alt="" width="4480" height="6720">
<h3>Mission Specialist - Jermey Hansen</h3>
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1695245821357.jpeg" alt="">

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. 

Artemis II Crew Conduct Launch Day Demo At KSC

The Artemis II crew and teams at NASA&rsquo;s Exploration Ground Systems have successfully completed the first in a series of integrated ground tests&nbsp;at NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida!
[youtube <a href="https://youtu.be/Yxu0uFbW3lQ?si=99_FpoOL3ogoJv7O">https://youtu.be/Yxu0uFbW3lQ?si=99_FpoOL3ogoJv7O</a>]
NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, practiced the procedures they will undergo on launch day to prepare for their ride to space.&nbsp;
The crew awoke at their crew quarters inside Kennedy&rsquo;s Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkouts building before putting on test versions of the Orion crew survival system spacesuits they will wear on launch day.
They then departed in NASA&rsquo;s new Artemis crew transporation fleet&nbsp;to take them to Launch Pad 39B, traversing the nine-mile journey to the pad. Wiseman and Glover headed over in the first electric vehicle as Koch and Hansen followed them in the second.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Upon arrival at the pad, the crew headed onto the mobile launcher and proceeded up the tower to the white room inside the crew access arm. From this area, the astronauts will have access to enter and exit the Orion spacecraft &ndash; only for this test, there was no Orion or SLS (Space Launch System) rocket.&nbsp;
&ldquo;When we walked out that crew access arm, I just had images of all those Apollo launches and shuttle launches that I saw as a kid and it was unreal...I actually had to stop and just stay in the moment to really let it all sink in.&rdquo;&nbsp;- Victor Glover, Artemis 2 Pilot&nbsp;
With a successful completion of this test both the crew and the ground systems teams are prepared and understand the timeline of their events for launch day. &nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1695250512994.png" alt="" width="1200" height="927">

Artemis II Crew Launch Demo Complete

The Artemis II crew have crossed the crew access arm and are in the white room with fellow NASA astronaut Jessica Meir and closeout team members.

Artemis II Crew Are "Headed To Orion"

The Artemis II crew have arrived to Launch Pad 39B and have enter the mobile launcher and are proceeding to the crew access arm.

Artemis II Crew Arrives At Launch Complex 39B

The Artemis II Crew are being transported aboard NASA New Crew Transporation Vehicles fromAstronaut Crew Quarters at the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building to Launch Pad 39B.&nbsp;
Just like a normal launch day, the crew is protected by a security detail on the ground and in the sky.

Artemis II Crew Transport To Launch Complex 39B

The Artemis II crew have walked out of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building and are headed to say goodbye to those gathered outside before boarding their Artemis crew transportation vehicles.

Artemis II Crew Walkout 

The Artemis II crew have suited up inside the Astronaut Crew Quarters at the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA&rsquo;s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.&nbsp;
The crew are wearing the latest test versions of the Orion crew survival system spacesuits which they will wear on launch day.

Artemis II Crew Suit Up & Checkouts 

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.
These tests, known as integrated system verification and validation tests, will assess the readiness of the mobile launcher, Launch Pad 39B, and the astronauts on the mission to support launch.
The goal is to understand how these systems work together and demonstrate integrated processing and launch capabilities. Most of the testing will occur at Launch Pad 39B, and once completed, the mobile launcher will be moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building to integrate the Artemis II Moon rocket.
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Test 1: Launch Day&nbsp;Demonstration
The first test for the Artemis II Groud System Testing will focus on preparing the crew for launch day activities.
The Artemis II crew will practice putting on their spacesuits at Kennedy's Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building, then use electric crew transportation vehicles to reach the launch pad. Once at the pad, they will board the mobile launcher and access the crew access arm used to board Orion on launch day.
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While the actual rocket and spacecraft won't be present, this test will help the team prepare for the procedures required to get the crew to their Moon-bound mission.
Test 2: Imagery Test
Engineers will conduct tests to ensure the proper functioning of high-speed imagery cameras at Launch Pad 39B. This comes after 32 of 33 cameras for Artemis 1 were set to wrong exposure settings.
These cameras play a crucial role in monitoring critical components and systems during launch countdown and liftoff, as well as in post-launch analysis.
During a water flow test, the cameras will be set up in a launch countdown configuration, and their performance will be evaluated over several hours.
This testing aims to confirm that each camera operates as expected, ensuring reliable data capture during the launch process.
Test 3: Water Flow Tests
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The testing of this ignition overpressure protection and sound suppression system will take place over several months while the mobile launcher is at the launch pad.&nbsp;
Flow tests will involve releasing a massive amount of water from overhead tanks to confirm the proper functioning of all system components; to protect the crew, SLS rocket, Orion spacecraft, and ground structures from the intense noise, heat, and energy generated during ignition.
Approximately 400,000 gallons of water will be released onto the mobile launcher's deck, flame hole, and the pad's flame deflector when the SLS's solid rocket boosters and RS-25 engines ignite. This water serves to deflect over pressurization and suppress the loud sound produced during liftoff, ensuring a successful launch.&nbsp;
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Test 4: New Liquid Hydrogen Tank Flow&nbsp;Test
NASA has constructed an extra liquid hydrogen sphere tank at the launch pad to reduce the time between launch attempts.
To verify its proper functioning and safe delivery of super-cold liquid gas to the mobile launcher and SLS during the countdown, teams will practice transferring the cryogenic gas, which is at a temperature of minus 423 degrees Fahrenheit, from the new tank while the mobile launcher is at the pad.
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After the SLS components are assembled, teams will also conduct fueling operations at the pad to further test the new tank before the actual launch.
Test 5: Emergency Egress Demonstration
To prepare for potential emergency situations during the launch countdown of Orion, astronauts and pad personnel have a plan in place. They will use emergency egress baskets suspended from a catenary system on the mobile launcher to evacuate. From there, they will descend to emergency transport vehicles located at the base of the launch pad for safe evacuation.
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In a week-long test, teams will practice operating the emergency egress system both during daylight and at night to cover various launch scenarios. This training will involve leaving the crew access arm and moving to the terminus area at the pad.
During this test, no one will actually ride in the emergency egress baskets. Instead, teams will conduct separate tests using water tanks filled to different levels to simulate the weight of passengers and ensure the system's functionality in case of a real emergency.
Test 6: Environmental Control System and Air and Gaseous Nitrogen Test
During the mobile launcher's stay at the launch pad, engineers will conduct tests on an environmental control system.&nbsp;The purpose is to validate upgrades and demonstrate launch timeline procedures.
This system is responsible for providing air supply, thermal control, and pressurization to both the SLS rocket and the Orion spacecraft during cryogenic loading.
Additionally, teams will practice the process of drying out the propellant lines and tanks on the mobile launcher and the launch pad. This is done to ensure that no moisture or contaminants are left in the system when they start loading liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the SLS. To achieve this, they will remove air and gaseous nitrogen from the system to ensure it's ready for propellant loading.
Test 7: Firing Room Testing
Engineers will conduct comprehensive testing of all components in the firing room of the Launch Control Center, including software, audio communication loops, and imagery. In particular, they will assess the audio communication loop used to communicate with astronauts inside Orion during the launch countdown and test a switch that would be used in the unlikely event of a pad abort. This is in addition to all the Artemis II rehersals of the launch control teams.
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The Artemis II flight, lasting approximately 10 days, is a critical test of NASA's foundational human deep space exploration capabilities. It marks the first time the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft will be tested with astronauts on board, paving the way for lunar surface missions, including historic milestones such as landing the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon.

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.

NASA Ready to begin Artemis II Ground System Testing

Final Test Of Mobile Launcher Ahead Of SLS Stacking

NASA Set To Begin Artemis II Ground System Testing

RocketLab's 41st Electron mission "We Will Never Desert You" has ended in a launch failure due the failure of the 2nd stage.
Electron lifted off from Pad B at their Launch Complex 1 facility on the Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand at 02:55 ET/ 06:33 UTC / 18:55 NZT after a 22 minute delay due to solar weather activity.
At T+2:28 seconds into flight the first stage had MECO (Main Engine Cut Off) which was followed immeditly by stage seperation. T+2:31 into flight the Electron 2nd Stage Ruther Engine was to ignite but via the RocketLab broadcast you could see the vehicle speed decreasing before the video cut back to mission control and telemerty was removed from broadcast.

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This is the first Electron launch failure since May 15, 2021 during Rocket Lab's "Running Out Of Toes" mission for Blacksky. They returned to the pad on July 29th of the same year.
Rocket Lab will now launch an investigation into the launch failure.
Stay tuned for more updates!&nbsp;

RocketLab's 41st Electron mission "We Will Never Desert You" has ended in a launch failure due the failure of the 2nd stage.

Launch Failure Due To Anomaly With Electron 2nd Stage

DEVELOPING STORY: RocketLab Electron Launch Failure

Starting today, the Rocket Lab team will work to begin to narrow down the failure point and work to reproduce the failure on the ground.
Additionally, to comply with the FAAs investigation, Rocket Lab will compile a list of corrective actions to submit to the FAA for approval.
&nbsp;
As a result of this vital process, Electron will likely not take flight again for a number of months.

What happens next?

"Tough day. My deepest apologies to our mission partners Capella Space. Team is already working on root cause. We&rsquo;ll find it, fix it and be back on the pad quickly."

Statement from Peter Beck

"Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (&ldquo;Rocket Lab&rdquo; or &ldquo;the Company&rdquo;), today experienced an issue during the launch of the Company&rsquo;s 41st mission. Following lift-off from Launch Complex 1, the rocket successfully completed a first stage burn and stage separation as planned, before an issue was experienced at around T+ 2 minutes and 30 seconds into flight, resulting in the end of the mission.
We are deeply sorry to our partners Capella Space for the loss of the mission.
We are working closely with the FAA and supporting agencies as the investigation into the root cause commences. The Electron rocket has previously delivered 171 satellites to orbit across 37 successful orbital missions. We will identify the issue swiftly and implement corrective actions and return to the pad shortly.
Our next mission, currently scheduled before the end of the third quarter, will be postponed while we implement corrective actions. We anticipate providing revised third quarter revenue guidance in the coming days."

Statement from RocketLab

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.
The contract, awarded by the Small Launch and Targets Division at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which operates under the purview of AATS, falls under the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Strategic Funding Initiative (StratFI).
The Small Launch and Targets Division seeks to advance the development of a launch mission design that incorporates planning for launching numerous satellites into multiple orbits from various locations. Additionally, it mandates the execution of a proof-of-concept responsive launch, an essential step in validating the practicality and reliability of such missions.
"The Space Force is committed to growing Tactically Responsive Space capabilities, including launch, space, and ground segments, to meet the needs of combatant commanders. We are excited to work with ABL to explore robust planning options, complementing the Space Force&rsquo;s other Tactically Responsive Space efforts. This mission area is evolving quickly, and it&rsquo;s important we continue to push the bounds of speed, responsiveness, and flexibility." - Lt. Col. Justin Beltz, Chief of the Small Launch and Targets Division
The awarding of this contract reflects the U.S. Space Force's commitment to enhancing its space access capabilities and ensuring rapid response to emerging national security requirements.&nbsp;
The Space Systems Command (SSC), which houses the AATS office, serves as the field command for the U.S. Space Force. SSC's mission is to acquire and deliver resilient warfighting capabilities that safeguard the nation's strategic advantage in space.
With a substantial $15 billion space acquisition budget for the Department of Defense, SSC is at the forefront of shaping the future of space operations.&nbsp;Furthermore, SSC operates on a collaborative model, working closely with joint forces, industry partners, government agencies, academic institutions, and allied organizations. This collaborative approach is vital for accelerating innovation and staying ahead of emerging threats in the dynamic and ever-evolving domain of space.
The demonstration of responsive launch capabilities aligns with the evolving needs of modern warfare and national security.&nbsp;

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.

$15 Million USD Contract Awarded to ABL Space Systems

Awarded by Small Launch and Targets Division at Kirkland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Amazon launches first Kuiper satellites

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