Satellite News

Rocket: H-IIA F17; Payload: Venus Climate Orbiter “Akatsuki” (Planet-C), Ikaros, Negai, Waseda-Sat2, KSAT; Date: 20 May 2010, 2158 UTC; Launch Site: Tanegashima Space Center, Japan. Initial data indicate the launch was successful.

Arianespace announced the launch contract signing of the Skynet 5D satellite with Astrium. Arianespace had already been chosen by Astrium to launch the Skynet 5A, 5B and 5C satellites.

Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) said it completed the preliminary design review for the propulsion system that it is building for a NASA spacecraft that will study the lunar atmosphere.

EchoStar Corp. is close to an agreement to buy Satelites Mexicanos, S. A. de C. V., Mexican Communications Minister Juan Molinar Horcasitas was quoted as saying.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems said it has aligned its Commercial Space Systems unit within the company’s Global Communications Systems business, a new organisational structure designed to enhance synergies and efficiencies in providing advanced communications solutions to government and commercial customers around the globe.

NASA’s Mars Exploration Rover Project today passed a Martian longevity record. The Opportunity rover surpassed the duration record set by NASA’s Viking 1 Lander of six years and 116 days operating on the surface of Mars. The effects of favourable weather on the red planet could also help the rovers generate more power.