Satellite News

NASA has selected a science instrument for an upcoming Japan-led sample return mission to the moons of Mars planned for launch in 2024.

The second attempt to launch NOAA’s JPSS-1 satellite on 15 November at 0947 UTC was scrubbed due to excessive upper level winds. The team is working to establish a new launch opportunity.

SpaceX’s planned launch of a secret Zuma payload for the U.S. government has been delayed at least 24 hours to 16 November. SpaceX said that “Both Falcon 9 and the payload remain healthy; teams will use the extra day to conduct some additional mission assurance work in advance of launch.”

A signed contract for the Earth Observation satellites for the UrtheDaily Constellation was announced by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) and UrtheCast of Canada.

Thales Alenia Space has been chosen by the Italian space agency ASI to develop an instrument called RIME (Radar sounder for Icy Moons Exploration) for the JUICE (JUpiter Icy moons Explorer) mission, part of the European Space Agency’s “2015-25 Cosmic Vision” programme.

SSL was selected by NASA to conduct a four-month study for a module that will provide power and control for NASA’s deep space gateway concept.

The launch of a United Launch Alliance Delta II carrying the JPSS-1 mission for NASA and NOAA was scrubbed today due to a red range and a late launch vehicle alarm.

Thales Alenia Space has signed a contract with ArianeGroup, prime contractor and design authority of Ariane 6, to design, develop, qualify and manufacture the telemetry transmitter of the new European launcher.