Space Tourism, Space Transport and Space Exploration News
April 18, 2024
ROCKET SCIENCE
SpaceX launches Falcon 9, carrying 23 Starlink satellites from Florida



Washington DC (UPI) Apr 17, 2024
SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket, carrying 23 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit early Wednesday evening, under clear, sunny skies in Florida. "Merlin engine ignition and liftoff of Falcon 9!" SpaceX wrote in a post on X. "Five, four, three, two, one, zero, mission liftoff," as video of the launch shows the 230-foot rocket lifting off at 5:26 p.m. EDT from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. More than eight minutes later, SpaceX announced the roc ... read more

ROCKET SCIENCE
Ariane 6 debut includes Portugal's first university CubeSat for aircraft tracking
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Apr 17, 2024
Europe's next-generation rocket, Ariane 6, is set to embark on its inaugural flight, carrying a series of space missions each with their own distinct goals and enthusiastic teams supporting them. Th ... more
ROCKET SCIENCE
Sidus Space Joins Orbital Transports Partner Program to Broaden Market Presence
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 18, 2024
Sidus Space, Inc. (NASDAQ: SIDU), a diversified satellite and data service provider, has entered the Orbital Transports Partner Program, aiming to broaden its reach in the global space sector. This ... more
DRAGON SPACE
China gears up for Shenzhou XVIII manned space mission
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Apr 18, 2024
The China Manned Space Agency has announced that the Shenzhou XVIII mission is poised for launch in the upcoming days, aiming to deliver three astronauts to the Tiangong space station. On Wedn ... more
ROCKET SCIENCE
Boeing Starliner rolls to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station ahead of May launch
Washington DC (UPI) Apr 16, 2024
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft took a road trip Tuesday before its May 6 liftoff, moving from the Kennedy Space Center to the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. ... more
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DRAGON SPACE
Astronaut fitness regimes critical in Tiangong Space Station
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Apr 12, 2024
With China's ambitious plans to expand its space missions, the health of astronauts during prolonged spaceflights has become a vital concern. The state-of-the-art equipment aboard the Tiangong Space ... more
ROCKET SCIENCE
Reusable rocket engine completes major test in China
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Apr 16, 2024
In a significant advance for China's space capabilities, a new reusable rocket engine has passed a critical test, marking a key milestone in the country's efforts to develop reusable launch vehicles ... more
ROCKET SCIENCE
Private Sector Innovation and Its Impact on the Space Industry
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Apr 15, 2024
The private sector's involvement in space exploration has dramatically transformed the landscape of the industry. Companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and others have introduced new technologies and ... more
ROCKET SCIENCE
Flight Works creates modular propulsion system for AFRL with $5.7M contract
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 15, 2024
Flight Works has entered into a $5.7 million contract with the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) to develop a green, refuelable propulsion unit known as the Propulsion Unit with Modular Applications (PU ... more

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DRAGON SPACE


China finds use for space tech in extending food shelf life

ROCKET SCIENCE
NASA continues Artemis program amid advancements in Starship program at SpaceX
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Apr 12, 2024
As the race to the Moon intensifies, NASA's Artemis program and SpaceX's Starship represent two pivotal, yet distinct approaches to lunar exploration. Despite the emergence of cost-effective alterna ... more
ROCKET SCIENCE
Kennedy Space Center Enhances Altitude Chamber for Artemis II Spacecraft Trials
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 12, 2024
As NASA prepares for the Artemis II mission, the Orion spacecraft is set for extensive testing to ensure its readiness for lunar exploration. Engineers at Kennedy Space Center have recently upgraded the altitude chamber used for these tests. ... more
ROCKET SCIENCE
Russian rocket lifts off at third attempt
Moscow (AFP) April 11, 2024
A Russian rocket blasted off for a test flight on Thursday at the third try, after previous launch attempts earlier this week were aborted in the final seconds of countdown. ... more
ROCKET SCIENCE
SpaceX launches military weather satellite into orbit
Washington DC (UPI) Apr 11, 2024
SpaceX launched its second national security mission of 2024 on Thursday with a Falcon 9 rocket lifting the U.S. Space Force mission USSF-62 into orbit. ... more
ROCKET SCIENCE
Rocket Lab Advances Electron Rocket Reusability with Successful Stage Reflight Preparation
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Apr 11, 2024
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) has unveiled plans to reintegrate a previously flown Electron rocket's first stage tank into its production line, marking a crucial step towards achieving the fir ... more
DRAGON SPACE


Space Devices Ensure Health of Taikonauts Aboard Tiangong Space Station

ROCKET SCIENCE
Russia cancels rocket launch for second day running
Moscow April 10, 2024
Russia on Wednesday cancelled a high-profile rocket launch at the last minute for the second day running, in a fresh setback for the country's space programme. ... more
ROCKET SCIENCE
Ariane 6 Set for Maiden Voyage with Robusta-3A Satellite Aboard
Paris, France (SPX) Apr 10, 2024
Europe's latest heavy-lift launcher, Ariane 6, is set to embark on its inaugural flight, carrying a diverse array of missions including Earth observation, deep space exploration, and critical techno ... more
ROCKET SCIENCE
Delta IV Heavy Completes Its Final Mission with NROL-70 Launch by US Space Force and ULA
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 10, 2024
The US Space Force's Space Systems Command (SSC), together with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and United Launch Alliance (ULA), has successfully launched the NROL-70 mission. This launch, ... more
ROCKET SCIENCE
RS-25 engines certified for future Artemis missions after long testing program
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 08, 2024
L3Harris Technologies and Aerojet Rocketdyne have concluded a comprehensive series of development and certification tests for the RS-25 engine, confirming its readiness for upcoming Artemis missions ... more
ROCKET SCIENCE
From Florida, ULA Delta IV Heavy lifts off for final time
Washington DC (UPI) Apr 9, 2024
For the final time, a Delta IV Heavy rocket roared skyward from Florida on Tuesday. ... more
ROCKET SCIENCE
Private space company, Taobao team up to test rocket-powered deliveries
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Apr 09, 2024
A private Chinese commercial rocket developer, Beijing Sepoch Technology Co, is exploring the use of reusable rocket technology for expedited delivery services in a joint research project with Aliba ... more
ROCKET SCIENCE
DARPA awards Phase Four with contract for Very Low Earth Orbit Propulsion System
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 05, 2024
In a significant advancement for satellite technology, Phase Four has been awarded a $14.9 million contract by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop an air-breathing elect ... more
ROCKET SCIENCE
SpaceX launches 23 Starlink satellites ahead of two weekend launches
Washington DC (UPI) Apr 5, 2024
SpaceX launched a payload of 23 Starlink satellites Friday atop a Falcon 9 booster from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Complex. ... more
ROCKET SCIENCE
China continues to grow its remote-sensing fleet with Yaogan 42A launch
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Apr 04, 2024
In a significant stride for its earth observation endeavors, China's aerospace community celebrated a new milestone with the successful deployment of the Yaogan ... more
ROCKET SCIENCE
Starship's Third Launch: A Glimpse into the future of reusable launch vehicles
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Apr 04, 2024
In the latest chapter of space exploration, SpaceX's third Starship test flight emerges as a pivotal moment, pushing the boundaries of current rocketry technology. This endeavor highlighted both the ... more
ROCKET SCIENCE
Ariane 6's Maiden launch to deploy Radio Interferometry Experiment for NASA
Paris, France (SPX) Apr 03, 2024
Europe is poised to launch its newest rocket, Ariane 6, marking a significant advancement in space mission versatility. This inaugural flight is set to carry a diverse array of missions, each with i ... more
ROCKET SCIENCE
North Korea says it test-fired new solid-fuel hypersonic missile
Seoul (AFP) April 3, 2024
North Korea's Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch of a new medium-to-long range solid-fuel hypersonic missile, state media said Wednesday, hailing the "important military strategic value" of the new weapon. ... more
ROCKET SCIENCE
Impulso Space inks deal with Relativity Space for comprehensive launch support
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 03, 2024
Impulso.Space USA Corp. has clinched a key contract with Relativity Space Inc., marking a significant step in its journey as a premier provider of full-spectrum launch services. This agreement cemen ... more
ROCKET SCIENCE
Lockheed Martin Ventures Backs Helicity Space for Fusion Propulsion Advancements
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 03, 2024
Helicity Space, a trailblazer in fusion power for in-space propulsion and power technology, has garnered investment from Lockheed Martin Ventures, signaling a significant endorsement from the aerosp ... more
ROCKET SCIENCE
Rocket Lab set to launch dual-orbit mission featuring KAIST and NASA satellites
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Apr 02, 2024
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (NASDAQ: RKLB) has announced the launch window for its upcoming Electron mission named 'Beginning Of The Swarm'. The mission, set to take off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in ... more
ROCKET SCIENCE
North Korea says it fired new intermediate-range hypersonic missile
Washington DC (UPI) Apr 2, 2024
North Korea successfully test-fired a new intermediate-range hypersonic missile, state media reported Wednesday, adding another nuclear-capable weapon to its expanding arsenal. ... more
ROCKET SCIENCE
Finishing touches for South Australia's first permanent spaceport ahead of Inaugural Launch
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Apr 01, 2024
New launch facilities at the Koonibba Test Range, South Australia's first permanent spaceport, are almost complete ahead of the impending inaugural launch. Located northwest of Ceduna, the ran ... more
ROCKET SCIENCE
TEXUS rockets propel scientific research with recent successful launches
Paris, France (SPX) Apr 01, 2024
On March 24, 2024, the Airbus-managed TEXUS 60 sounding rocket embarked on its mission from Esrange Space Center in Kiruna, Sweden, at precisely 10:45 CET. This launch successfully achieved an apoge ... more
ROCKET SCIENCE
SpaceX launches 23 satellites, completing 260th reflight of an orbital class rocket
Washington DC (UPI) Mar 31, 2024
Elon Musk's SpaceX launched 23 satellites into low-Earth orbit on Saturday, completing the company's 260th re-flight of an orbital class rocket seven years after first achieving the act. ... more
ROCKET SCIENCE
SpaceX sends Eutelsat telecom satellite into orbit
Washington DC (UPI) Mar 30, 2024
SpaceX on Saturday launched a Falcon9 rocket supporting the Eutelstat 36D mission from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. ... more
ROCKET SCIENCE
Technical setback delays launch of final Delta IV Heavy
Space Coast FL (SPX) Mar 29, 2024
Launch of the final Delta IV Heavy has been delayed until further notice. An issue with a liquid pump in the gaseous nitrogen pipeline, crucial for providing pneumatic pressure to the launch vehicle ... more
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