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Vega C to launch five Copernicus spacecraft
The European Commission awarded a contract to Arianespace Nov. 29 for launches of five Copernicus Earth observation spacecraft on Vega C rockets between 2024 and 2026.
China’s Tianzhou-4 cargo spacecraft deployed a small satellite before deorbiting
China’s Tianzhou-4 cargo spacecraft released a small satellite after its departure from the Tiangong space station and ahead of its controlled deorbiting.
Shenzhou 15 astronauts arrive at China’s space station for first crew handover
China has six astronauts aboard its recently-completed space station for the first time following the arrival of three crew members aboard Shenzhou-15.
NASA cancels GeoCarb greenhouse gas monitoring mission
NASA has canceled a greenhouse gas monitoring mission once intended to fly as a commercial hosted payload after the mission lost its ride to orbit and suffered severe cost overruns.
South Korean leader eyes “landing on moon in 2032, Mars in 2045”
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said Nov. 28 that the country will land a robotic spacecraft on the moon in 2032 and on Mars in 2045.
ESA’s ExoMars plans depend on NASA contributions
While the European Space Agency has secured funding to continue the ExoMars mission for a 2028 launch, that plan requires cooperation with NASA that has yet to be finalized.
Artemis 1 mission reaches halfway point
As the Artemis 1 mission reaches the halfway mark, NASA managers are adding additional test objectives for the Orion spacecraft to prepare for the vehicle’s first crewed flight.
China outlines pathway for lunar and deep space exploration
China has laid out its pathway for robotic and crewed lunar and deep space exploration, with a number of missions building towards a permanent moon base.
India’s PSLV rocket launches nine satellites in final mission of 2022
India’s space agency ISRO launched a one-ton Earth observation satellite and eight nanosatellites to sun-synchronous polar orbit Nov. 26 aboard the nation’s workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket.
Orion enters lunar distant retrograde orbit
NASA’s Orion spacecraft entered a high-altitude orbit around the moon Nov. 25 in the latest major step in the Artemis 1 uncrewed test flight.
ESA announces new astronaut class
ESA has selected its first new astronauts in more than a decade, although long-term flight opportunities for the agency’s astronaut corps remain uncertain.
China to use space station to test space-based solar power
China intends to use its newly-completed Tiangong space station to test key technologies required for space-based polar power.
Europe looks to commercialize lunar exploration efforts
The European Space Agency is looking to create a more sustainable path for space, starting with growing commercial partnerships in lunar exploration.
ESA leadership optimistic about funding as ministerial begins
As European ministers gather to allocate funding for European Space Agency programs for the next three years, agency leadership is optimistic about winning support for its priorities.
NASA confirms decision to keep JWST name after historical report
NASA says a historical review of actions by former administrator James Webb confirmed its decision to keep the agency’s flagship space telescope named after him.
