Satellite News

Rocket: Chang Zheng 2-D; Payload: Shijian-10 [SJ-10]; Date: 6 April 2016, 1738 UTC; Launch site: Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, China. The retrievable scientific research satellite was placed in a 234 km x 267 km x 42.9 degrees orbit.

NASA provider SpaceX is scheduled to launch its eighth Commercial Resupply Services mission to the International Space Station on Friday, 8 April, at 2043 UTC.

The next pair of Galileo satellites to be orbited by Arianespace for Europe’s global satellite navigation system have arrived in French Guiana, positioning them to be readied for a May lift-off aboard a Soyuz launcher from the Spaceport.

Roskosmos has vehemently rejected reports that the Proton rocket’s Briz-M upper stage disintegrated after placing the ExoMars 2016 satellite into orbit.

On 28 March, China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) signed a Framework Agreement with Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT LTD) for the procurement and in-orbit delivery of two communications satellites, NigComSat-2 and -3.

The Sentinel-3A Earth observation satellite, built by Thales Alenia Space as prime contractor on behalf of the European Space Agency for the European Commission’s Copernicus programme, has reached the stage when all its instrument are operating and transmitting their scientific data, in line with the expectations for this global ocean and land monitoring mission.

A Boeing Delta II launch vehicle lifted Mars Odyssey from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, on 7 April 2001.