A private Chinese solid rocket has conducted its first successful launch, two years after failing its first test flight. A Kuaizhou 11 rocket lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center at 8:15 p.m. EST on Dec. 6 (0115 GMT or 9:15 a.m. local time on Wednesday, Dec. 7), sending the VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) test satellite into orbit. The launcher is operated by Expace, a commercial spinoff from the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), a state-owned defense giant. Related: The latest news about China’s space program…
Read MoreMonth: December 2022
NASA Awards Contract for Liquid Hydrogen
NASA has awarded a contract to Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. of Allentown, Pennsylvania, to supply up to 7.5 million pounds of liquid hydrogen to support operations at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and the nearby Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Read MoreNASA Awards Safety, Mission Assurance Support Services Contract
NASA has selected A-P-T Research, Inc. of Huntsville, Alabama, to provide safety and mission assurance support services at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Read MoreApollo 17 Astronauts Capture Iconic Blue Marble 50 Years Ago
This classic photograph of the Earth was taken on Dec. 7, 1972, by the crew of the final Apollo mission, Apollo 17, as they traveled toward the moon on their lunar landing mission.
Read MoreNASA Sets Coverage for SWOT Water Survey Mission Launch
NASA will provide coverage of the upcoming prelaunch and launch activities for the international Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission.
Read MoreSpaceX reveals ‘Starshield’ satellite project for national security use
SpaceX is expanding its satellite-internet business. SpaceX already beams broadband service to customers around the world via its huge and ever-growing Starlink constellation. Over the weekend, Elon Musk‘s company revealed that Starlink now has a partner project called Starshield, which is tailored for use by government agencies, particularly those in the national security sector. “Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts,” SpaceX’s newly posted Starshield page (opens in new tab) reads. “While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for…
Read MoreAmazon tests machine learning software to analyze satellite images from space
For the past 10 months, Amazon has been testing a machine learning software in space that can analyze Earth observation images on its own and send only the best ones to Earth. Earth observation satellites have experienced a massive boom over the past decade. Hundreds of satellites, government-owned and private alike, circle the planet and keep an eye on its surface, monitoring signs of climate change but also activities of enemy states. The amount of data these satellites acquire is so vast that sending it all to Earth is challenging…
Read MoreListen to the Artemis 1 Orion capsule phone home from deep space
NASA’s Artemis 1 mission continues to be a source of wonder for observers here on Earth. Orion is currently headed home after successfully executing an engine burn on Monday (Dec. 5) while just 79 miles (128 kilometers) above the lunar surface, producing some truly spectacular images in the process. NASA mission managers have stated that Orion has been performing “phenomenally” throughout its maiden voyage that will end on Sunday (Dec. 11) when the spacecraft splashes down in a U.S. Navy training range off the coast of California. On Dec. 3,…
Read MoreNASA to Discuss Climate Research, Mitigation Efforts
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson will discuss the agency’s climate portfolio at 11 a.m. EST on Thursday, Dec. 8 from NASA Headquarters in Washington.
Read MoreNASA Administrator, Astronauts Bring Space to Washington Schools
NASA is supporting a nationwide initiative to provide nutritious and hands-on educational kits to children, teachers, and families in need. Members of the media are invited in-person to the next event in Washington to learn more about the Artemis Learning Lunchbox initiative from NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, as well as agency astronauts.
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