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Virgin Galactic VMS Eve Returns to Spaceport America

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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.
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"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.
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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>
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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>
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<h3>Pilot - Victor Glover</h3>
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<h3>Mission Specialist - Christina Koch</h3>
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<h3>Mission Specialist - Jermey Hansen</h3>
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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;
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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.
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1695250436245.jpeg" alt="" width="1650" height="1275">
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.
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1695245209619.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1280">
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.
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1695245271160.jpeg" alt="" width="4480" height="6720">
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.
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1695245194161.jpeg" alt="">
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.
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1695245318381.jpeg" alt="">
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

ABL Secures $15 Million Space System Command Responsive Launch Contract

Stoke Space has successfully completed the final test in their Hopper technology demonstration program.&nbsp;Earlier today Hopper2 conducted a vertical takeoff and vertical landing (VTVL) developmental test flight at Stoke Space's test site in Moses Lake, Washington. During the hop test, Hopper2 rose to an height of 30 feet before descending and landing exactly as planned within its designated landing zone after 15 seconds of flight.
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 </div>The Hopper2 test flight marked the successful conclusion of Stoke Space's Hopper technology demonstration program, with all planned objectives met. This achievement validates the technical viability of Stoke Space's unique approach to creating reliable and rapidly reusable space vehicles.The star of the show during this groundbreaking flight was Stoke Space's novel hydrogen/oxygen engine, which powered the Hopper2 throughout its brief yet critical test flight.<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1694998782865.jpeg" alt=""><h6 style="text-align: center">Credit: Stoke Space</h6>The regeneratively cooled heat shield also played a pivotal role, showcasing its capability to protect the spacecraft during "re-entry". Additionally, the differential throttle thrust vector control system was instrumental in maintaining the vehicle's stability and attitude control throughout the flight."We successfully completed all of the planned objectives. We’ve also proven that our novel approach to robust and rapidly reusable space vehicles is technically sound, and we’ve obtained an incredible amount of data that will enable us to confidently evolve the vehicle design from a technology demonstrator to a reliable reusable space vehicle." - Stoke SpaceStoke Space's avionics, software, and ground systems demonstrated exceptional reliability and performance during this test, underscoring the company's commitment to mastering every facet of reusable rocket technology. The extensive data collected during this program will prove invaluable as Stoke Space continues to refine its vehicle design, moving from a technology demonstrator to a dependable reusable space vehicle.Stoke Space has earned its place in aerospace history by becoming the fastest company to transition from initial seed funding to demonstrating an orbital-class vertical takeoff and vertical landing rocket. It is now just the third company in the United States to develop a liquid hydrogen rocket engine, firmly establishing its position as an industry leader in innovative rocket propulsion technology.The significance of this test campaign extends beyond Stoke Space's accomplishments alone. Several industry milestones were achieved during the Hopper2 test flight. Stoke Space became the first to conduct a flight test of a reusable Vertical Takeoff Vertical Landing (VTVL) rocket using differential throttling for attitude control. Additionally, the company conducted the first flight test of a reentry vehicle equipped with an active regeneratively cooled heat shield, surpassing expectations by operating at 100% of the expected heat load in a simulated environment.Having completed their Hopper technology demonstration program, the company will intensify its focus on the development of a reusable first stage.<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1694998749823.jpg" alt=""><h6 style="text-align: center">Credit: Stoke Space</h6><h6 style="text-align: center"><img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1694998847177.webp" alt=""></h6><h6 style="text-align: center">Credit: Stoke Space</h6>With their revolutionary second stage design, Stoke Space is striving to achieve a feat never before realized in aerospace: a rocket that is 100 percent reusable with a 24-hour turnaround time, advancing the industry further into this new era of space exploration and transportation.

Stoke Space has successfully conducted a vertical takeoff and vertical landing (VTVL) developmental test flight of Hopper2 at their test site in Moses Lake, Washington.

1st VTVL Rocket With Differential Throttling

2nd Globally To Fly Reusable Upper-Stage Rocket Prototype

3rd US Company With Liquid Hydrogen Rocket Engine

Hopper Technology Demonstration Program Complete

Stoke Space Hops Rocket For First Time

NASA Independent Study Team releases final report on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena.

NASA Releases Independent UAP Report "UAP Pose A Threat To US Airspace Safety"

NASA has released the full list of In Flight Anomalies (IFAs) from the Artemis 1 mission to TLP Network via a Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA) request.

NASA Releases Artemis 1 In Flight Anomalies Breakdown

This morning, NASA and its international partners cleared the crew of 4 who will fly aboard Crew Dragon early next year as part of the Axiom 3 mission, operated by Axiom Space. As the name suggests, this is Axiom&rsquo;s third human spaceflight mission &mdash; previously flying Ax1 on April 8th 2022, and Ax2 on May 21st 2023.
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Axiom 3, a collaborations between Axiom Space and the European Space Agency. It will fly three European crew members, and truly reinstate the &ldquo;international&rdquo; aspect of the ISS.
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<h1 class="p1">Crew</h1>
<h2 class="p1"><img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1694534777168.jpg"></h2>
<h2 class="p1">Cmdr. Michael L&oacute;pez-Alegr&iacute;a</h2>
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Michael &ldquo;MLA&rdquo; is a veteran NASA astronaut with three shuttle missions, 1 Soyuz mission, and Axiom&rsquo;s first private spaceflight mission under his belt. MLA has also completed 10 spacewalks during his 276 days in space.
During Axiom 3, Michael will be helping with station activities, science, as well as helping his three crew members live and work in space. On top of his on-orbit duties, MLA will be in charge of commanding the Crew Dragon capsule, which is largely automated.
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<h2 class="p1">Pilot Walter Villadei</h2>
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Born in Rome in April 1974, Walter Villadei serves as a colonel in the Italian Air Force and leads the Space Policy and Operations Office of the General Directorate for Space. He's also part of the Scientific Committee of the Italian Space Agency. With experience flying aircrafts like C-130J, G-222, MB339, and the multirole Eurofighter Typhoon, Villadei has participated in numerous military operations abroad and flight training exercises, including "Red Flag."
In 2008, he underwent cosmonaut training in Russia, preparing as a Soyuz flight engineer. This included advanced Orlan, centrifuge, and hypoxia training. In 2021, he was selected for Virgin Galactic's &ldquo;Galactic 01&rdquo; mission to research the human body's transition from gravity to microgravity, serving as mission lead.
Villadei holds a master's in Aerospace Engineering from Naples University and specialised in aeronautical engineering in Rome. Off-duty, he resides in Rome with his family and enjoys hobbies like swimming, running, and scuba diving. Fluent in both English and Italian, his passion for aviation and space led him to pilot Axiom Space&rsquo;s third private mission to the ISS, Ax-3.
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<h2 class="p1">MS Alper Gezeravcı</h2>
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Born in Silifke, T&uuml;rkiye, in December 1979, Gezeravcı graduated from the Air Force Academy in Istanbul with a B.S. in Electronics Engineering and later earned a master's from the Air Force Institute of Technology. With over seven years as a fighter pilot in the Turkish Air Force, he flew aircraft including the F-5, T-38, and F-16. He also served as an officer and captain with Turkish Airlines for another seven years.
Recently, he was the Academic Wing Commander at the 10th Base Command Unit in Adana, overseeing squadron standardisation, training documentation, and pilot exams. Passionate about sports, Gezeravcı enjoys activities like scuba diving, sailing, and mountain hiking. His military background includes survival training and deployments.
Gezeravcı is set to be the first Turkish astronaut to fly to space, serving as a mission specialist for Ax3.
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<h2 class="p1">MS Marcus Wandt</h2>
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Born in Sweden in 1980, Marcus Wandt boasts two decades of aviation expertise, having served the Swedish Air Force as a fighter pilot, squadron commander, wing commander, and chief test pilot. Initially part of the European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut reserve, he now serves as an ESA project astronaut.
From 2003 to 2014, Wandt operated as a Swedish Air Force fighter pilot, partaking in international exercises and deployments. In 2006, he founded Intuitech AB, focusing on tactical training, and later became SAAB Aeronautics' chief test pilot in Link&ouml;ping, Sweden. In 2022, Wandt was named to the ESA astronaut reserve.
Educationally, Wandt graduated from Sundsta-&Auml;lvkullen High School in 1999 and pursued electronics and space engineering at Chalmers University, earning a master's in electrical engineering in 2007. He also graduated as an officer from the Karlberg Military Academy in 2005 and trained as an experimental test pilot at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, graduating top of his class in 2013-2014.
Currently a lieutenant colonel in the Swedish Air Force, Wandt is fluent in Swedish and English. He's set to become the second Swedish ESA astronaut on the International Space Station as a mission specialist for Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3).
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Axiom 3 is scheduled to launch NET January 2024 from Launch Complex 39A.

This morning, NASA and its international partners cleared the crew of 4 who will fly aboard Crew Dragon early next year as part of the Axiom 3 mission, operated by Axiom Space. 

Axiom Space Announces International Crew Of Axiom 3 Mission

In a groundbreaking announcement, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has discovered the presence of carbon-bearing molecules, including methane and carbon dioxide, on the exoplanet K2-18b just a 120 light years away.&nbsp;
In 2019 NASA discovered water vapors on K2-18b through observations with NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. These observations set in motion a series of further studies that have since revolutionized our understanding of this distant celestial system. The first of those studies is now complete and has been published.
K2-18b, orbits the cool dwarf star K2-18, 120 light-years away from Earth, within the constellation Leo.&nbsp;
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<h6 style="text-align: center;">Credit: NASA Exoplanet Catalog</h6>
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<h6 style="text-align: center;">Credit: NASA Exoplanet&nbsp; Catalog</h6>
K2-18b orbits K2-18 every 32.9 days. Its unique classification as a sub-Neptune, a category of exoplanets characterized by sizes falling between that of Earth and Neptune, sets it apart from anything within our solar system.
This exoplanet, approximately 8.6 times as Earth, has captured the attention of astronomers due to its potential as a Hycean exoplanet, boasting the intriguing possibility of a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and a surface concealed beneath a water ocean.
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<h6 style="text-align: center;">Credit: NASA Exoplanet Catalog</h6>
The notion that K2-18b might be a Hycean exoplanet has piqued the interest of astronomers. Many in the field believe that these planets hold great promise as potential environments to search for signs of life beyond our planet.
"Our findings underscore the importance of considering diverse habitable environments in the search for life elsewhere. Traditionally, the search for life on exoplanets has focused primarily on smaller rocky planets, but the larger Hycean worlds are significantly more conducive to atmospheric observations." - Nikku Madhusudhan, Lead Resercher &amp; Astronomer at the University of Cambridge
The abundance of methane and carbon dioxide, coupled with the absence of ammonia, lends credence to the hypothesis that K2-18b might host a water ocean beneath its hydrogen-rich atmosphere.
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Initial Webb observations also hinted at the presence of dimethyl sulfide (DMS), a molecule only that is only produced by life on Earth. DMS is predominantly emitted by phytoplankton in marine environments, suggesting the potential for biological activity on K2-18b.
The detection of DMS requires further validation through upcoming Webb observations, which will ascertain its presence in significant quantities.
While K2-18b occupies the habitable zone and now boasts the presence of carbon-bearing molecules, it remains uncertain whether the planet can truly support life. Its substantial size, with a radius 2.6 times that of Earth, suggests the likelihood of a mantle composed of high-pressure ice, akin to Neptune. This is coupled with a thinner hydrogen-rich atmosphere and the possibility of a water-covered surface, characteristics typical of Hycean worlds. Yet, questions linger regarding the habitability of its ocean, which may be too hot to sustain life or remain in a liquid state.
"Although this kind of planet does not exist in our solar system, sub-Neptunes are the most common type of planet known so far in the galaxy. We have obtained the most detailed spectrum of a habitable-zone sub-Neptune to date, and this allowed us to work out the molecules that exist in its atmosphere." - Subhajit Sarkar of Cardiff University
Characterizing the atmospheres of exoplanets like K2-18b, including identifying their gases and physical conditions, presents a significant challenge as these planets are often overshadowed by the intense glare of their parent stars, making the study of their atmospheres particularly complex.
The research team ingeniously circumvented this challenge by analyzing the light from K2-18b's parent star as it passed through the exoplanet's atmosphere during transits. These transits, or passages of the exoplanet in front of its host star, were first detected in 2015 during NASA's K2 mission. This phenomenon allowed astronomers to observe minute changes in the star's brightness as it traversed the exoplanet's atmosphere, revealing vital information about its composition.
&nbsp;"This result was only possible because of the extended wavelength range and unprecedented sensitivity of Webb, which enabled robust detection of spectral features with just two transits." - Nikku Madhusudhan, Lead Resercher &amp; Astronomer at the University of Cambridge
The precision of a single Webb transit observation is equal that of eight Hubble observations conducted over several years and in a narrower wavelength range.
These findings represent only the initial steps in the research, with numerous additional observations of K2-18b planned.
"This means our work here is but an early demonstration of what Webb can observe in habitable-zone exoplanets." - &nbsp;Savvas Constantinou, University of Cambridge
The team's K2-18b discovery and research have been accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, and they intend to conduct further research using the telescope's Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) spectrograph, which promises to validate their discoveries and provide fresh insights into K2-18 b's environmental conditions.
"Our findings are a promising step towards a deeper understanding of Hycean worlds in this quest." - Nikku Madhusudhan, Lead Resercher &amp; Astronomer at the University of Cambridge
As scientists continue to unravel the mysteries of distant exoplanets, the search for life beyond Earth, has taken a significant leap forward today!

In a groundbreaking announcement, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has discovered the presence of carbon-bearing molecules, including methane and carbon dioxide, on the exoplanet K2-18b just a 120 light years away. 

JWST Discovers Methane, CO2 On on K2-18b, Possible DMS Detection

In a mission cloaked in secrecy akin to the classified operations of national security endeavors, Virgin Galactic successfully completed its third commercial suborbital spaceflight today (September 8, 2023).
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The mission began when VSS Unity lifted off tethered to the VMS Eve mothership aircraft, at 10:34 am Eastern from Spaceport America in New Mexico. Once VMS Eve reached its target deployment allituted, VSS Unity was released and ignited its rocket engine, launching the spacecraft towards space.
VSS United reached an alltiude of 88.6 kilometers before commencing its graceful descent and touching down on the runway at the spaceport at precisely 11:36 a.m. Eastern.
This particular mission, codenamed "Galactic 03," marked the third commercial endeavor for Unity.&nbsp;Guiding the Galactic 03 mission was Commander Nicola Pecile, with Michael Masucci serving as the pilot and Beth Moses, Virgin Galactic's chief astronaut instructor, occupying the cabin alongside them. In line with the Galactic 02 flight, three private astronauts were also aboard the spacecraft.
However, a significant departure from previous missions was the company's decision to withhold the identities of the private astronauts until after Unity had safely returned to Earth. This secrecy contradicted the traditional practice observed in both government and private crewed missions, where the full crew roster is publicly disclosed weeks or even months ahead of launch. Virgin Galactic refrained from elucidating the reasons behind this uncharacteristic veil of confidentiality.
A day prior to launch Virgin Galactic released the first clue to who was onboard by posting a video showing the left arm sleves of Astronaut 014, 015, and 016. Then while VSS Unity was making its decent back to Spaceport America a video was releaed showing the crew floating in space minutes earlier. Following Unity's landing, Virgin Galactic finally unveiled the names of the private astronauts.
"It's an honor to see our 'Galactic 03' crew realize their lifelong dreams of spaceflight as they inspire our manifest of Future Astronauts." - Michael Colglazier, Virgin Galactic's Chief Executive
<h3>So Who Was Onboard?</h3>
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<h3>Astronaut 014 - Ken Baxter</h3>
Ken Baxter, nicknamed "Rocketman," is a Las Vegas real estate entrepreneur with a lifelong fascination for space. He was inspired to pursue space travel after watching an interview with Sir Richard Branson about Virgin Galactic's commercial space venture.
Ken reached out to Branson, committed to the idea, and eventually purchashed the first ticket from Branson in 2022.
Besides his interest in space, Ken is known for his successful marketing and sales skills, having closed over 56,000 real estate transactions. He and his wife, Linda, are also passionate about environmental conservation, supporting various ecological and educational initiatives through their Green Global charity and family foundation.
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<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1694213304186.png" alt="">
<h3>Astronaut 015 - Tim Nash</h3>
Timothy Nash is a South African entrepreneur, adventurer, conservationist, and member of the Hubbard Council of The National Geographic Society.&nbsp;He has a deep passion for aviation and science and has longed to go to space since buying a ticket on Virgin Galactic in 2006.
Timothy made history during the Galactic 03 mission by carrying two significant fossils of human ancestors with him into space: the clavicle (collar bone) of the almost 2-million-year-old Australopithecus sediba and a thumb bone of Homo naledi, dating back approximately 250,000 years. These fossils were found in the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Johannesburg, South Africa. This journey symbolizes the connection between human exploration and space travel, highlighting how the endeavors of these ancient species contributed to our ability to venture into space.
Timothy Nash proudly displays a DNA tattoo on his leg, representing Virgin Galactic's "DNA of Flight."
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1694213275945.png" alt="">
<h3>Astronaut 014 - Adrian Reynard</h3>
Adrian Reynard is a highly accomplished Chartered Engineer with two doctorates in science and engineering. He holds professorships at two universities and is recognized as a Fellow of prestigious organizations such as the Royal Aeronautical Society, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and the Royal Academy of Engineering.
At a young age of 19, he designed and built a motorcycle, using it to break five world land speed records in motorcycle racing.
In 1973, Adrian founded Reynard Racing Cars Ltd, a company that became renowned for manufacturing racing cars that achieved numerous championships in various categories, including Formula 3, Formula 3000, IndyCar, Le Mans, and multiple ChampCar titles. His company became the largest racing car manufacturer globally during the 1990s and received two Queen's Awards for Export.
Adrian's passion for space was influenced by his father's career as an aviation engineer, and he, like his fellow Galactic 03 crewmates, grew up during the era when space travel was emerging in the 1960s.
Adrian carried two medals from renowned Gemini and Apollo Astronauts on his Galactic 03 flight: the NASA Distinguished Service Medal awarded to Ed White and an Apollo 1 Mission Medal that Gus Grissom was supposed to take into space. During his flight on VSS Unity, Adrian will proudly display the UK flag, the British Racing Club Driver's patch, and an emblem representing the Friends of Race Against Dementia organization.
While Virgin Galactic opted for secrecy regarding its passengers, some of the astronauts themselves had been openly discussing the upcoming flight. For instance, Ken Baxter had maintained a dedicated website where he provided regular updates on his preparations for the mission. Notably, Baxter's website described him as "America's First Space Tourist," a title typically associated with Dennis Tito, who, 22 years ago, paid for a seat on a Soyuz flight to the International Space Station.
Diverging further from past practices, Virgin Galactic chose not to provide a webcast of the Galactic 03 mission. Instead, the company relied on social media updates to disseminate real-time information, echoing its approach during the May test flight.
<h3>Next Mission Confirmed</h3>
Virgin Galactic has confirmed its plans for the Galactic 04 mission, scheduled for early October, continuing the company's impressive cadence of monthly missions. The future of commercial space travel appears increasingly promising, as Virgin Galactic remains at the forefront of this pioneering industry.

In a mission cloaked in secrecy akin to the classified operations of national security endeavors, Virgin Galactic successfully completed its third commercial suborbital spaceflight today (September 8, 2023).

Virgin Galactic's Galactic 03 Mission Complete, Mystery Crew Revealed

Relativity Space has officially announced a strategic agreement with NASA's Stennis Space Center to lease the historic A-2 test stand. The Apollo era test stand is set to be used in a significant role in the development of Relativity Space's Terran R rocket.
Relativity Space will invest $2.76 million to lease the A-2 test stand for an initial period of seven years, with an option to extend the lease for an additional ten years. This landmark agreement underscores the company's commitment to leveraging the extensive resources and expertise available at the Stennis Space Center for their cutting-edge projects.
The A-2 test stand, originally constructed in the 1960s, played a vital role in testing the second stage of the Saturn V rocket and later the Space Shuttle Main Engines during the Space Shuttle program.
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<h6 style="text-align: center;">Credit: NASA</h6>
After brief usage in testing the J-2X engine for NASA's Constellation program's Ares rockets, the A-2 test stand was mothballed nearly a decade ago.
Relativity Space has ambitious plans to refurbish and repurpose the A-2 test stand, with the primary objective of supporting the vertical testing of the reusable first stage of its Terran R rocket.
This refurbishment will empower the A-2 test stand to handle an increased engine thrust capacity, soaring from 650,000 to a formidable 3.3 million pounds-force. As a result, Relativity Space anticipates that this facility will expedite the testing process and enable a swifter pace of development for their rocket's first stage.
&nbsp;"Exclusive access to these rare, national-asset facilities through partnership with NASA uniquely enables Relativity to develop a world-class launch vehicle." - Tim Ellis, Chief Executive of Relativity Space
&nbsp;The collaboration between Relativity Space and NASA signifies the critical role that public-private partnerships play in advancing space technology. Relativity Space has had a longstanding relationship with NASA's Stennis Space Center, utilizing its facilities for engine testing purposes, both for the original Terran 1 small launch vehicle and the larger Terran R rocket. In October 2022, Relativity Space unveiled ambitious expansion plans at Stennis, which include the construction of new test stands, office buildings, and a vehicle hangar.
Although specific figures for the refurbishment of the A-2 test stand were not disclosed, Relativity Space has committed to investing approximately $267 million in developing its facilities at the Stennis Space Center.
With the addition of the A-2 test stand to its footprint at Stennis, Relativity Space now boasts a total area of 298 acres, solidifying its status as the largest commercial tenant at the center.
"This increased footprint is a testament to Relativity&rsquo;s continued progress in the commercial space arena. It also is a testament to the value of NASA Stennis and our test complex infrastructure in supporting commercial space endeavors." - Rick Gilbrech, Director of Stennis
This expansion comes on the heels of Relativity Space's strategic decision in April to retire its Terran 1 rocket after an unsuccessful launch in March that failed to reach orbit. The company has since redirected its focus and resources towards the Terran R, a medium- to heavy-lift vehicle featuring a reusable first stage.
The Terran R is projected to make its maiden launch as early as 2026.

Relativity Space has officially announced a strategic agreement with NASA's Stennis Space Center to lease the historic A-2 test stand. The Apollo era test stand is set to be used in a significant role in the development of Relativity Space's Terran R rocket.

Relativity Space Expands NASA Stennis Ops With Historic Test Stand Lease

South Africa has formally become a part of the China-led International Lunar Research Station Cooperation (ILRS).
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the China National Space Administration (CNSA) and the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) was signed on September 1, marking South Africa's commitment to the ambitious project aimed at establishing a permanent moon base.
The signing ceremony took place at the SANSA headquarters in South Africa, where Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Chen Xiaodong, representing CNSA, and Humbulani Mudau, the CEO of SANSA, put their signatures on the historic document.&nbsp; The roots of this partnership were established during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to South Africa on August 22, when bilateral agreements on official space cooperation were initially inked. These agreements were further solidified during the 2023 BRICS Summit, which South Africa had the privilege of hosting.
The newly forged agreement outlines comprehensive cooperation between CNSA and SANSA, encompassing various aspects of the ILRS project. This includes the demonstration, implementation, operation, and application of the lunar station, as well as collaborative efforts in training and other key areas.
The International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) project, spearheaded by China, is an ambitious endeavor with the ultimate goal of establishing a permanent lunar base by the 2030s. It is widely considered a China-led counterpart and potential competitor to NASA's Artemis Program.
China has a series of robotic missions planned for the 2020s as precursors to this lunar base project. These missions include the Chang'e-7 mission set for 2026, focusing on the lunar south pole, and Chang'e-8 in 2028, which will test in-situ resource utilization and 3D-printing technology.
The most ambitious phase of the ILRS project is slated for the 2030s, with the launch of five major infrastructure missions employing super heavy-lift launchers to construct the lunar base. Initially, these missions will be robotic in nature, but the long-term vision includes hosting astronauts on the moon's surface.
Notably, the Russian Luna 25 mission was originally intended to be part of the ILRS initiative, but it tragically crashed into the moon following an anomalous lunar orbit burn.
Beijing is in the process of establishing an organization called ILRSCO, which will coordinate the international moon base initiative. The goal is to complete the signing of agreements and MoUs with space agencies and organizations as founding members of ILRSCO by October of this year. The ILRSCO headquarters will be located in Deep Space Science City, situated in Hefei, Anhui province, China. This facility will encompass a range of infrastructure, including areas dedicated to design simulation, operation control, data processing, sample storage and research, and international training centers.
In recent months, CNSA has made significant progress in building partnerships for the ILRS project. A joint ILRS statement was signed with Venezuela on July 17, and agreements with the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO), Swiss firm nanoSPACE AG, and the Hawaii-based International Lunar Observatory Association (ILOA) have also been established. Pakistan has expressed its intent to join the ILRS as well.&nbsp;
In contrast, the U.S.-led Artemis project, a counterpart to ILRS, has garnered participation from 28 countries, with recent additions including Argentina, India, and Ecuador. These countries have signed up to the Artemis Accords, which serve as the political framework for the initiative.
As South Africa joins the ILRS project, it marks a significant step forward in international collaboration for lunar exploration. With ambitions to establish a permanent moon base within this decade, the ILRS project continues to gather momentum.

South Africa has formally become a part of the China-led International Lunar Research Station Cooperation (ILRS).

South Africa Formally Partners With China On Lunar Base

In a groundbreaking development for biotechnology applications and for the first time in history, a human body part has been successfully 3D-printing using human tissue in microgravity.
Redwire (NYSE: RDW) has announced the successful 3D printing and return to earth of a human knee meniscus using human tissue with their 3D BioFabrication Facility (BFF). The meniscus was successfully transported from the International Space Station (ISS) to Earth aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft that brought Crew-6 back on September 4. The tissue, printed in July, has now arrived at a terrestrial laboratory.
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1694209645411.jpeg" alt="">
<h6 style="text-align: center;">Credit : Redwire</h6>
Collaborating with the Uniformed Services University, Redwire aimed to contribute to the development of improved treatments for injuries such as meniscus tears, which are frequently encountered by service members. For Redwire, the experiment served as a demonstration of the BFF's capability to manufacture tissues for a wide range of applications.
"For us, it's a great target tissue to go after. It allows us to test out our ability to put cells into this type of system, to look at their viability and it's, in a way, a jumping-off point to other tissues that we're going to investigate." - Ken Savin, Chief Scientist at Redwire
The achievement opens the door to a multitude of biotechnological possibilities in space, with a particular focus on producing human tissues for pharmaceutical applications and model development.
"Being able to develop any type of tissue that you want in space in the future has distinct advantages. It will lead us down the path towards model development, tissue replacement therapy, and, ultimately, organ replacement therapy as well." - Ken Savin, Chief Scientist at Redwire
What makes bioprinting in space remarkable is the absence of gravity-related limitations. Normally you have to add chemicals or some kind of structure or framework that allows you to print in that third dimension. Otherwise, it all settles into a puddle. By printing in space, things that are only slightly more viscous than water can be printed into three dimensions.
Redwire is already planning its next ambitious experiment for the BFF, scheduled to launch in November on a cargo Dragon mission. This forthcoming mission will involve the printing of cardiac tissue, testing the BFF's ability to manufacture more complex tissues and evaluate the cells' capacity to function in rhythm.
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<h6 style="text-align: center;">Credit : Redwire&nbsp;</h6>
"I think heart tissue therapy is a big deal and one that we see value in delivering." - Ken Savin, Chief Scientist at Redwire
Redwire's success has piqued the interest of the pharmaceutical community, with growing demand for experiments using the BFF and other ISS facilities. With the sucess of the BFF "normal everyday scientists" across America are now submitting experiments to be done in space including those who have not traditionally ventured into microgravity research.
"We can talk about those opportunities and try to make an experiment that will test out their hypothesis in space. It's doable, and it happens." - Ken Savin, Chief Scientist at Redwire
The successful 3D-printing of human tissue in microgravity marks a significant step forward in the realm of biotechnology in space, promising groundbreaking developments in medical research and potential life-saving therapies in the future.
As Redwire continues to push the boundaries of scientific exploration, it is clear that the future of healthcare and biotechnology may very well be intertwined with the vast possibilities offered by the cosmos.
<h3>About Redwire</h3>
Redwire Corporation (NYSE: RDW) is a global leader in mission critical space solutions and high reliability components for the next generation space economy, with valuable intellectual property for solar power generation, in-space 3D printing and manufacturing, avionics, critical components, sensors, digital engineering and space-based biotechnology. It combines decades of flight heritage with an agile and innovative culture. The company&rsquo;s &ldquo;Heritage plus Innovation&rdquo; strategy enables it to combine proven performance with new, innovative capabilities to provide its customers with the building blocks for the present and future of space infrastructure.

In a groundbreaking development for biotechnology applications and for the first time in history, a human body part has been successfully 3D-printing using human tissue in microgravity. 

Redwire Successfully 3D Prints Human Tissue in Microgravity Aboard the ISS & Returns It To Earth

The FAA has closed the SpaceX Starship Super Heavy mishap investigation.The final report cites multiple root causes of the April 20, 2023, mishap and 63 corrective actions SpaceX must take to prevent mishap reoccurrence.
Corrective actions include redesigns of vehicle hardware to prevent leaks and fires, redesign of the launch pad to increase its robustness, incorporation of additional reviews in the design process, additional analysis and testing of safety critical systems and components including the Autonomous Flight Safety System, and the application of additional change control practices.
SpaceX have already begun to work on these corrective actions, including new engine purge vents on both the ship and booster, to prevent fires breaking out. There is also the addition of the new water cooled steel flame deflector, which increses the robustness of the pad, as can be seen by the reduced damage the pad has taken during static fires. SpaceX also performed a test of the upgraded Flight Termination System, which successfuly destroyed a test tank at the Massey's test site.

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The closure of the mishap investigation does not signal an immediate resumption of Starship launches at Boca Chica. SpaceX must implement all corrective actions that impact public safety and apply for and receive a license modification from the FAA that addresses all safety, environmental and other applicable regulatory requirements prior to the next Starship launch.
&nbsp;Hopefully, SpaceX has already tackled most of these corrective actions, and can launch the next Starship flight in the coming weeks. Elon Musk has posted on X that Starship is ready for flight, and they're only waiting on the FAA to publish a launch license.
<h3>SpaceX Statement</h3>
Shortly after the FAA closed the mishap investigation, SpaceX issued an update on its website, stating that SpaceX has implemented many of the corrective actions found during the report, including actions that were not related to the failures during the test flight but would increase reliability in the futrure. These include a new electric powered Thrust Vector Control (TVC) system for the Raptor engines, as well as a hotsaging ring, which will make the stage separation proccess much simpler.&nbsp;
"Testing development flight hardware in a flight environment is what enables our teams to quickly learn and execute design changes and hardware upgrades to improve the probability of success in the future. We learned a tremendous amount about the vehicle and ground systems during Starship&rsquo;s first flight test. Recursive improvement is essential as we work to build a fully reusable launch system capable of carrying satellites, payloads, crew, and cargo to a variety of orbits and Earth, lunar, or Martian landing sites." - SpaceX.
BACKGROUND
The FAA oversaw the SpaceX-led investigation to ensure the company complied with its FAA-approved mishap plan and other regulatory requirements. The FAA was involved in every step of the mishap investigation and granted NASA and the National Transportation Safety Board official observer status.
The mishap investigation report contains proprietary data and U.S Export Control information and is not available for public release.

The FAA has closed the SpaceX Starship Super Heavy mishap investigation.The final report cites multiple root causes of the April 20, 2023, mishap and 63 corrective actions SpaceX must take to prevent mishap reoccurrence.

FAA Completes SpaceX Starship IFT-1 Investigation, 63 Corrective Actions Required

Firefly Aerospace has signed an agreement with L3Harris Technologies to conduct three dedicated missions on Firefly's Alpha rocket.
The satellites are currently being designed and constructed by L3Harris, under a $225 million contract awarded by the U.S. government. The satellites are slated to play a vital role in supporting the national security space mission.
"Firefly is honored to support the ongoing mission needs of L3Harris as they continue to deliver satellite systems that advance our national security," - Bill Weber, CEO of Firefly Aerospace
In anticipation of these launches and in response to increasing demand, Firefly Aerospace is scaling up its production of the Alpha rocket at its manufacturing and testing facility located in Briggs, Texas. This expansion is intended to support both government and commercial launches, demonstrating Firefly's commitment to meeting the growing needs of the space launch industry.&nbsp;
The agreement outlines that the three dedicated launches on the Alpha rocket are scheduled for 2026 and are set to launch from Firefly's Space Launch Complex SLC-2 at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Firefly's Alpha rocket is specifically designed to transport payloads of more than 1,000 kilograms to low Earth orbit and is launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
L3Harris Technologies, on the other hand, specializes in the development and construction of satellites for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the intelligence community.
The partnership between Firefly Aerospace and L3Harris Technologies marks a significant step forward in advancing the capabilities of the Alpha rocket and strengthening national security through the deployment of cutting-edge satellite systems.&nbsp;

Firefly Aerospace has signed an agreement with L3Harris Technologies to conduct three dedicated missions on Firefly's Alpha rocket. The satellites are currently being designed and constructed by L3Harris, under a $225 million contract awarded by the U.S. government. 

L3Harris Selects Firefly To Launch US National Security Satellites

China's Galactic Energy has successfully conducted their first sea launch, marking the company's ninth consecutive successful launch.
The milestone was achieved as the Ceres-1 solid rocket, affectionately named "The Little Mermaid," roared to life from a transport erector launcher on a mobile sea platform off the coast of Haiyang, Shandong province, at 5:34 am Eastern (0934 UTC) on September 5.
The Ceres-1 rocket carried a payload of four satellites destined for Guodian Gaoke, a prominent commercial enterprise actively working on its ambitious Tianqi Low-Earth Orbit narrow-band Internet of Things (IoT) constellation.
These satellites, known as Tianqi satellites 21-24, were targeted to be deployed in an 800-kilometer-altitude orbit. The inclusion of chemical propulsion systems in these satellites enables them to perform critical orbital maneuvers, facilitating their roles in the IoT constellation.
Guodian Gaoke currently has 21 satellites already in orbit and aims to complete its 38-satellite constellation by 2024.
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<h6 style="text-align: center;">Credit: Galactic Energy</h6>
The Ceres-1 rocket itself boasts impressive specifications. It has a diameter of 1.4 meters, a length of approximately 20 meters, a take-off mass of approximately 33 tons, and features a liquid propellant upper stage. This rocket has the capability to deliver payloads of up to 400 kg to low Earth orbit (LEO) or 300 kg to a 500-kilometer-altitude sun-synchronous orbit (SSO).
This mission was the first to reach the 800-kilometer altitude mark, showcasing China's growing capabilities in space access.
China's Eastern sea launch spaceport in Haiyang played a crucial role in facilitating this historic launch. The mobile rocket launch barge, known as DE FU 15002, served as the launch platform, underscoring the versatility and adaptability of sea-based launch systems.
The successful deployment of these four Tianqi satellites and the flawless execution of the "The Little Mermaid" sea launch reaffirm China's growing presence in the commercial space sector.&nbsp;Galactic Energy continues to make strides in its efforts to expand access to space for various industries and further cement China's position as a prominent player in the global space industry.

China's Galactic Energy has successfully conducted their first sea launch, marking the company's ninth consecutive successful launch.

Galactic Energy's Ceres-1 Reaches Orbit On First Sea Launch Mission

SDA Seeks Bids For 54 Hypersonic Missile-Tracking Satellites Contract
In a significant step toward enhancing the United States' missile detection and early-warning capabilities, the Space Development Agency (SDA) has release a solicitation for the procurement of 54 satellites equipped with advanced infrared sensors.
SDA's request for proposals states, "The Tranche 2 Tracking Layer prototyping effort will accelerate the capability to provide global, persistent indications, detection, warning, tracking, and identification of conventional and advanced missile threats, including hypersonic missile systems."
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<h6 style="text-align: center;">Credit: Space Development Agency</h6>
The fully deployed Tranche 2 Tracking Layer is envisioned as a network of satellites operating in low Earth orbit, approximately 1,000 kilometers above and will include more than 100 space vehicles across multiple planes. Each satellite will be equipped with essential components, including an infrared sensor payload, optical communications terminals, as well as Ka-band and S-band communications payloads, making them critical assets for bolstering the nation's defense and security capabilities in the increasingly complex realm of space.
While the initial solicitation is for 54 satellites, SDA has indicated that additional procurement may occur based on available funding. These satellites are scheduled to be deployed across six orbital planes as early as 2027, with each plane launched on a dedicated national security space mission using either United Launch Alliance or SpaceX rockets.
The solicitation, which outlines the requirements for the project, sets the deadline for proposal submissions on October 5, 2023.
This initiative comes after the successful acquisition of Tranche 0 Tracking Layer satellites from SpaceX and L3Harris, as well as the order of 14 Tranche 1 satellites from L3Harris, 14 from Northrop Grumman, and seven from Raytheon Technologies. Thus far, only the SpaceX tracking satellites have been launched into orbit.
While the exact number of vendors selected for this new contract remains undisclosed, SDA has expressed its intention to divide the contract among multiple companies.
Leaders of the U.S. Space Force emphasize that the Tracking Layer will significantly bolster the Department of Defense's (DoD) existing missile-warning satellite capabilities, which are situated at much higher altitudes in geostationary Earth orbits. It has been noted that DoD intends to phase out the procurement of geostationary satellites due to their lengthy development timelines, averaging around seven years. Meanwhile, China is actively pursuing the rapid development of new satellite constellations, further underlining the urgency of this initiative.
<h3>Who Is SDA?</h3>
The Space Development Agency, a component of the United States Space Force, has coined its layered satellite network as the "Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture." This architecture comprises a Transport Layer of interconnected communications satellites tasked with transmitting data collected by the Tracking Layer's missile-detection and early-warning sensor satellites.

The Space Development Agency (SDA) has release a solicitation for the procurement of 54 satellites equipped with advanced infrared sensors.

SDA Seeks Bids For 54 Hypersonic Missile-Tracking Satellites

The US Space Force in an effort to provide a clearer and more concise understanding of its mission has unveiled a new mission statement today. "Secure our nation's interests in, from, and to space"
The mission statement was crowd-sourced from members across the ranks of the Space Force, marking a significant step towards defining the branch's role in the 21st century.
The decision to revise the Space Force's mission statement was initiated by U.S. Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman earlier this year, who recognized that the original mission statement, established when the Space Force was founded in December 2019, was convoluted and challenging to communicate both to the public and Congress.
The prior mission statement stated that the "U.S. Space Force is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping Guardians to conduct global space operations that enhance the way our joint and coalition forces fight, while also offering decision-makers military options to achieve national objectives."
Gen. Saltzman's set out to change the US Space Force's making it simpler, more straightforward, that doesn't sound like corporate jargon. The result is the concise and direct statement, "Secure our nation's interests in, from, and to space."
The use of the word "secure" in the new mission statement carries a dual purpose. It emphasizes the Space Force's primary responsibility for safeguarding U.S. space assets and ensuring that all branches of the U.S. military, as well as allied nations, have uninterrupted access to satellite-based capabilities.
The phrase "in, from, and to space" embedded in the new mission statement reflects the multifaceted functions of the Space Force.
<ol>
<li>
Securing Interests "In Space": This aspect of the mission involves the Space Force's commitment to dominate and counter any adversaries' use of anti-satellite weapons. It underscores the Space Force's vital role in ensuring the safety and security of assets in Earth's orbit.
</li>
<li>
Capabilities "From Space": The mission to provide satellite services that the military heavily relies upon, including communication, navigation, and missile warning, falls under this category. It highlights the Space Force's involvement in maintaining the critical systems that enable global military operations.
</li>
<li>
Protection of Interests "To Space": This facet emphasizes the Space Force's role in guaranteeing assured access to orbit through launch vehicles and ground infrastructure. Ensuring that the United States can deploy assets and capabilities to space without interruption or hindrance is central to this aspect of the mission.
</li>
</ol>
The Space Force shares common responsibilities with other military services, such as organizing, training, and equipping forces. However, given its status as a newly established branch of the military, it is essential for the Space Force to establish its unique brand and identity.
Gen. Saltzman's efforts to simplify and clarify the mission statement have been met with widespread approval, both within the Space Force and among the public. This revised statement not only encapsulates the core responsibilities of the Space Force but also underscores its significance in safeguarding the United States' interests in the increasingly important domain of space.
The unveiling of this new mission statement signifies a pivotal moment in the Space Force's evolution, allowing it to better communicate its purpose and contributions to the nation's defense.&nbsp;

The US Space Force in an effort to provide a clearer and more concise understanding of its mission has unveiled a new mission statement today. "Secure our nation's interests in, from, and to space"

US Space Force Unveils New Mission Statement

On Tuesday September 5th at 2:20pm, SpaceX integrated Starship 25 on top Super Heavy Booster 9 at the orbital launch pad in Starbase, Texas. This pairing forms the vehicle that will perform the second integrated flight test of Starship, after the first test in April.
Booster 9 has successfuly completed its second static fire test, after the first test was aborted due to too many engines shutting down, and has had a hot staging ring installed, which SpaceX hopes will make the stage separation process much simpler than the previous approach of flipping the two vehicles apart.
Ship 25 has also completed its individual vehicle testing, and has now had its lift points removed and covered with TPS tiles, as well as its livery being added.
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With the two vehicles successfully integrated, all that's left to do is destack the ship again momentarily to arm its Flight Termination System (which has been upgraded since the previous test) then re-stack it atop booster 9. It had been assumed that SpaceX would perform a fuelling test of the integrated stack, however Elon Musk has posted on X that Starship is now ready for launch, so it seems like these tests are no longer necessary&nbsp;
Now it's a matter of waiting for the FAA to publish its mishap investigtion report and issue SpaceX a launch licence. This should hopefully be completed soon, and we can see Starship take to the skies once again in the coming weeks.

On Tuesday September 5th at 2:20pm, SpaceX integrated Starship 25 on top Super Heavy Booster 9 at the orbital launch pad in Starbase, Texas.

SpaceX Almost Ready For Second Starship Launch, Integrates Vehicle

Microsoft Corporation has announced a five-year partnership with Synthetaic, a Wisconsin-based startup specializing in utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze data from space and air sensors. The collaboration will see Microsoft provide Synthetaic with extensive cloud-computing resources to further advance their AI-driven data analysis capabilities.
Synthetaic gained widespread attention earlier this year when it successfully used AI in combination with Planet Labs' satellite imagery archive to independently track the trajectory of a Chinese spy balloon as it traversed the United States before its eventual interception.
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Their AI product, the Rapid Automatic Image Categorization (RAIC) tool, was originally built on the Microsoft Azure cloud platform, cementing the foundation for this newly announced partnership.
Under this agreement, Microsoft will grant Synthetaic access to nearly 1 million hours of cloud compute resources, significantly expanding the startup's capacity for processing vast amounts of data from space and air sensors. This collaboration is set to propel Synthetaic's capabilities in geospatial, static, and video imagery analysis, focusing on applications in national security, disaster response, environmental monitoring, and sustainability operations.
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1693632147301.jpg" alt="" width="2099" height="1126">
"AI has the power to unlock an enormous amount of information and insights in the vast quantities of data collected by governments and organizations around the world. Through this partnership with Synthetaic, we are combining our latest advances in AI with their data analytics tools to help expand our understanding of our world." - Corey Jaskolski, Founder and CEO of Synthetaic
"Through this partnership with Synthetaic, we are combining our latest advances in AI with their data analytics tools to help expand our understanding of our world," - Jason Zander, Microsoft's Executive Vice President of Strategic Missions and Technologies
One of the notable outcomes of this partnership is the availability of the RAIC data analysis tool to government agencies. It will be accessible through the Microsoft Azure Government Cloud, ensuring that agencies can leverage AI capabilities while adhering to the high standards of security and compliance necessary for handling sensitive government data.&nbsp;
The collaboration between Microsoft and Synthetaic represents a significant step forward in harnessing AI and cloud-computing resources to process and analyze large datasets collected from space and air sensors.

Microsoft Corporation has announced a five-year partnership with Synthetaic, a Wisconsin-based startup specializing in utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze data from space and air sensors.

Microsoft Partners With Synthetaic On AI And Data Analysis

A team led by NASA in Utah&rsquo;s West Desert are in the final stages of preparing for the arrival of the first US asteroid sample which&nbsp;will return to Earth this September.
The OSIRIS-REx mission, short for Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security &ndash; Regolith Explorer, is poised to unlock new insights into the formation of our solar system through the analysis of these pristine asteroid samples.
"Boy, is the science team excited to get that. We're going back to the dawn of the solar system." - Dante Lauretta, Principal Investigator for OSIRIS-REx at the University of Arizona
The OSIRIS-REx capsule, carrying material collected from the asteroid Bennu during a "touch-and-go" mission in October 2020, will arrive on Earth early in the morning on September 24, 2023.
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1693631239919.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="600">
In a crucial dress rehearsal on August 30, teams executed a flawless practice run for the recovery of the sample return capsule from NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission.
<img src="https://cdn.tlpnetwork.com/uploads/1693631324098.jpg" alt="">
The rehearsal was part of the final preparations for the return of the genuine OSIRIS-REx capsule, carrying an estimated 250 grams of invaluable material from Bennu. The capsule was dropped from a helicopter at an altitude of more than 2,000 meters, descending under a parachute to land at the Utah Test and Training Range west of Salt Lake City. There, personnel underwent a series of procedures to prepare the capsule for transport to NASA's Johnson Space Center.
"We put our teams in the field, in the environment they're going to be in, using the communications tools and the equipment they're actually going to use on the day of recovery." - Rich Burns, OSIRIS-REx Project Manager at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center
There are still several critical milestones to achieve before scientists can begin analyzing the precious samples. On September 10, the spacecraft will perform a crucial maneuver to align its trajectory with the Utah Test and Training Range. A week later, another maneuver will further refine its path, aiming for an elliptical region of 650 square kilometers within the range.
The final decision to release the capsule will be made just hours before the landing; when the spacecraft will be about 108,000 kilometers from Earth.
"We have a very long four hours from release until reentry." - Sandra Freund, OSIRIS-REx Program Manager at Lockheed Martin
The capsule will reenter Earth's atmosphere at a staggering speed of more than 43,000 kilometers per hour, gradually slowing down during reentry and parachute deployment, eventually landing safely 13 minutes later.&nbsp;After releasing the capsule, the main OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will execute a "divert" maneuver to avoid reentering Earth's atmosphere. It will pass by Earth at a distance of 800 kilometers, setting the stage for an extended mission to visit the asteroid Apophis shortly after its close flyby of Earth in 2029.
NASA is prepared for contingencies during the reentry and landing phase, including the possibility of the capsule crashing into the ground at high speed, as was the case with NASA's Genesis mission in 2004. The team is ready to preserve as much of the sample as possible if any issues arise.
If all goes according to plan, the analysis of the samples will commence almost immediately after the sample container is safely delivered to a clean room at a curation facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center. An October 11 press conference will mark the beginning of the analysis phase, followed by presentations at the Fall Meeting of the American Geophysical Union in December.

A team led by NASA in Utah’s West Desert are in the final stages of preparing for the arrival of the first US asteroid sample which will return to Earth this September.

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