Satellite News

ESA has signed contracts for the development of the Ariane 6 new-generation launcher, its launch base and the Vega C evolution of the current small launcher.

Orbital ATK said it is on track to launch its next CRS mission late this year and is moving forward with integration of a new first stage propulsion system into the Antares launch vehicle in preparation for multiple CRS missions in 2016.

NASA’s Game Changing Development (GCD) programme has selected two proposals for Phase II awards targeted toward developing new energy storage technologies to replace the battery systems currently used by the agency’s space programme.

Scientists have completed their initial calibration of the two instruments on NASA’s new Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) satellite observatory, launched on 31 January. The other instrument, however, still isn’t working.

Ad Astra Rocket Company and NASA have successfully completed contract negotiations on the company’s Next Space Technology Exploration Partnerships (NextSTEP) award, announced on 31 March 2015, and now enter the execution phase of the project.

Globalstar, Inc. announced its financial and operating results for the second quarter of 2015.

The second passenger for Arianespace’s next Ariane 5 flight has been fuelled, completing another major step for the 20 August launch from French Guiana.

Space enthusiasts have an opportunity to contribute to NASA’s exploration goals through the next round of the agency’s CubeSat Launch Initiative. Applicants must submit their proposals electronically by 24 November.