Satellite News

SpaceX launched an Earth-observation satellite along with two small piggyback payloads today (Aug. 30) and aced yet another rocket touchdown.

The launch of a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy carrying the NROL-44 mission for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office was scrubbed on 29 Augustdue to an unexpected condition during terminal count at approximately three seconds before lift-off.

SpaceX said it stood down from the launch of Starlink satellites on 30 August due to inclement weather during pre-flight operations.

NASA has selected five proposals for concept studies of missions to help improve understanding of the dynamics of the Sun and the constantly changing space environment with which it interacts around Earth. The information will improve understanding about the universe as well as offer key information to help protect astronauts, satellites, and communications signals – such as GPS – in space.

NASA has approved the final development stage of the Southwest Research Institute-led Lucy mission to explore the Trojan asteroids in preparation for its October 2021 launch.

Glavkosmos JSC and JSC Academician M.F. Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems (ISS-Reshetnev Company) signed a Memorandum on joint participation in the implementation of the Comprehensive Scientific and Technical Program of the Full Innovation Cycle “Global information satellite systems” (GISS Program).

These are the top space stories this week from Space.com.

On Aug. 30, 1992, astronomers spotted an object orbiting the sun beyond Pluto for the very first time. how it happened in our On This Day in Space video series!