Launch
Blue Origin launches New Shepard vehicle intended for crewed flights
Blue Origin flew a new model of its New Shepard suborbital vehicle Jan. 14, a flight the company says brings it “really close” to finally flying people.
China moves to next stage of super heavy rocket development
China’s space contractor has announced progress on rocket engines designed for major space missions, including a new engine for future lunar missions.
SpaceX wins contracts for lunar lander, environmental satellite launches
SpaceX secured contracts Jan. 13 for the launches of a commercial lunar lander mission backed by NASA as well as a privately funded satellite to track methane emissions.
Blue Origin preparing for next New Shepard flight
Blue Origin is gearing up for the next test flight of its New Shepard suborbital vehicle as soon as Jan. 14.
45th Space Wing forecasts more than 50 launches in 2021
As many as 53 space missions are projected to lift off in 2021 from Florida’s Space Coast, the vice commander of the 45th Space Wing said Jan. 12.
Aerojet Rocketdyne completes assembly of its first AR1 rocket engine
Aerojet Rocketdyne has completed the assembly of the first AR1, a new rocket engine funded by the U.S. Air Force.
SpaceX launches Turksat 5A
A SpaceX Falcon 9 launched a Turkish communications satellite Jan. 7 to start what may be the busiest year yet for the launch company.
Arianespace seeks greater support from European governments
The head of Arianespace asked European governments to provide his company with more support in order to balance what he called government support of American competitors “with no precedent.”
Momentus delays first Vigoride launch
In-space transportation provider Momentus is delaying its first operational mission, which was to fly on a SpaceX Falcon 9 later this month, because of delays completing an interagency review.
DARPA satellites damaged at processing facility ahead of SpaceX launch
Two satellites from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency that were part of a SpaceX rideshare mission were damaged Jan. 4 at the payload processing facility.
Virgin Orbit, Rocket Lab schedule first launches of 2021
Virgin Orbit has rescheduled its second orbital launch attempt for Jan. 10 as another small launch vehicle company, Rocket Lab, announces plans for its first launch of 2021.
Space Force’s small launch program looks to pick up pace after a year of delays
The Space Force says it plans to evaluate as many emerging small launch providers as possible.
China’s CASC targets more than 40 space launches in 2021
China’s main space contractor aims to conduct more than 40 orbital launches in 2021, including launching a space station module and human spaceflight missions.
SpaceX wins $150 million contract to launch Space Development Agency satellites
SpaceX has been awarded a $150.4 million contract to launch as many as 28 satellites for the Pentagon’s space agency.
Soyuz launches French reconnaissance satellite in final 2020 launch
A Soyuz rocket successfully launched a French reconnaissance satellite Dec. 29 in what is likely the final launch of an active 2020 in spaceflight.
Dealing with dust: A back-to-the-moon dilemma
The next chapter in the U.S. human exploration of the moon, the Artemis Project, will dispatch crews there for extended periods of time. But there’s one flash back message from the Apollo moonwalkers worth heeding: the place is a Disneyland of dust.
