CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION, Fla. (NASA PR) — The Dec. 6 launch of a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V 551 rocket carrying the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Space Test Program 3 (STP-3) mission has been scrubbed. The team repaired the ground storage system but will require additional time to verify the sample integrity of the fuel prior to tanking operations. Launch of the mission – which hosts NASA’s Laser […]

KOUROU, French Guiana (ESA PR) — Europe’s largest satellite constellation has grown even bigger, following the launch of two more Galileo navigation satellites by Soyuz launcher from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana on 5 December. Galileo satellites 27-28 add to an existing 26-satellite constellation in orbit, providing the world’s most precise satnav positioning to more than 2.3 billion users around the globe.

• Fleet Space reveals growth strategy following $26.4m (USD) investment 
• Fleet to unlock high speed connectivity for everything with unlimited data services anywhere
• Alpha satellites will be the world’s first constellation of fully 3D printed satellites
• The first Alpha satellites are planned to launch in 2022, with high speed global continuous connectivity coverage planned by 2026
• Alpha will enable Fleet to deliver services on new frequency bands serving more markets and use cases than ever before
• Tech to accelerate radical efficiencies unlocked by Internet of Things (IoT)
• Bold new strategy is endorsement of and commitment to Australia’s space industry
• Fleet to unlock high speed connectivity for everything, unlimited data services anywhere

SYDNEY, Australia (Fleet Space PR) — “It is Fleet Space’s vision that everyone, everywhere, has access to unlimited connectivity, no matter where they are on the globe; in cities, remote regions, on land or navigating the oceans. Our recent Series B investment empowered us to realise this vision by embarking on a bold new strategy. This new chapter in our story is led by the development of a new constellation of satellites named Alpha, which will work in harmony with our existing Centauri constellation. Alpha represents a major step forward and the first time a satellite has been created entirely through 3D-printing.”

BRASILIA (AEB PR) — The Brazilian Space Agency (AEB) participated in the closing ceremony of the course on “Law and Cooperation in the Space Area”, promoted by the Organizzazione Internazionale Italo-Latino Americana (IILA), this Thursday (2). The course was held between November 9th and December 2nd, and was aimed at space agencies and professionals from Mercosur countries. The event was attended by the president of the AEB, Carlos Moura, as well as directors of space agencies from several countries.

“We have a lot of synergy, many challenges and goals in common, with which we can work together to bring solutions and progress to our peoples,” said Carlos.

WASHINGTON (NASA PR) — Social media users are invited to register to take part in our global virtual NASA Social for the Imaging X-Ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) mission, scheduled to launch Dec. 9, 2021. This will be NASA’s first satellite dedicated to measuring X-ray polarization from many sources in space.

MOSCOW (Roscosmos PR) — “I would like us to discuss the issue of creating the Eurasian Space Agency today,” suggested the head of Roscosmos, Dmitry Rogozin. His idea was supported by all forum participants. The Business Forum of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) “Space Integration” is taking place in Moscow. It discusses issues of digitalization of the rocket and space industry in the EAEU space, the prospects for industrial cooperation, as […]

KOUROU, French Guiana (Roscosmos PR) — In accordance with the flight program, two new European Galileo FOC M9 satellites have successfully separated from the Fregat upper stage. Navigation spacecraft are in target orbit and are taken over by the customer. The launch vehicles of the State Corporation Roscosmos – the Soyuz-ST-B launch vehicle and the Fregat upper stage – worked without comment.

The launch complex in Florida will supplement the one being built at SpaceX’s facility at Boca Chica, Texas. NASA issued a statement about the project. NASA signed a property agreement with SpaceX in 2014 which allows them to develop Space Launch Complex 39A to serve as a platform for the company’s commercial launch activities. It’s within the rights of their lease agreement to make launch infrastructure improvements within the boundaries […]

WASHINGTON (NASA PR) — NASA intends to issue a sole source modification to SpaceX to acquire up to three additional crew flights to the International Space Station as part of its Commercial Crew Transportation Capabilities (CCtCap) contract. The additional crew flights allow NASA to maintain an uninterrupted U.S. capability for human access to the space station.

BAIKONUR COSMODROME, Kazakhstan (Roscosmos PR) — On Thursday, December 2, 2021, the 20th expedition to the ISS crews conducted a check inspection of the Soyuz MS-20 spacecraft. After an introductory briefing, the cosmonauts and spaceflight participants familiarized themselves with the composition, placement of cargo and equipment in the descent vehicle and in the habitable compartment. At the end of the inspection, the crews returned no remarks and thanked all the […]

By Katherine Schauer
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

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