Satellite News

Rocket: Chang Zheng-3B/Y1; Payload: Beidou-3M11, Beidou-3M12 [Beidou-35, Beidou-36]; Date: 24 August 2018, 2352 UTC; Launch site: Xichang Satellite Launch Center, China. The twin satellites entered Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) orbit more than three hours after the launch.

The U.S. Air Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) Global Positioning Systems (GPS) Directorate achieved a major programme milestone on 21 August successfully delivering the first GPS III satellite to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida to begin launch processing.

The Kepler spacecraft went into sleep mode after successfully downloading Campaign 18 data, NASA said.

Powered by Aerojet Rocketdyne propulsion, OSIRIS-REx’s long-awaited approach of Asteroid Bennu has officially begun. With the asteroid now in sight, the spacecraft’s onboard thrusters will begin to conduct a number of approach manoeuvres to match Bennu’s orbital velocity to prepare for arrival on 3 December.