Satellite News

EUMETSAT confirmed 17 October as the new launch date for MetOp-A, Europe’s first polar-orbiting satellite.

The upper composite of ESA’s new small launcher has passed its vibration tests at ESA’s European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC).

NASA is extending a previous contract action with ATK Thiokol to continue design and development of the first stage for the Ares I crew launch vehicle. The extension has a maximum value of US$35 million.

The Stennis Space Center recently conducted the final space shuttle main engine test on its A-1 Test Stand.

The launch of the European MetOp-A polar-orbiting meteorological satellite aboard a Soyuz 2-1a launch vehicle from Baikonur space centre, originally slated for 7 October, has been postponed.

ATK — the prime contractor for the first stage of the Ares I crew launch vehicle, along with NASA, the U.S. Army, and the United Space Alliance — recently completed testing of a newly designed pilot parachute.

The first of five SAR Lupe satellites has been completed by German aerospace company OHB-System AG and is undergoing final environmental testing.

Seven more rocket launches are planned at Russia’s Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan by the end of 2006, according to Interfax news agency.