Launch
Rocket Lab launches Argos tracking payload
A Rocket Lab Electron rocket launched a satellite Oct. 7 carrying a payload for U.S. and French government agencies that will track wildlife and collect other sensor data.
Ariane 6 upper stage testing underway
ArianeGroup has started static-fire tests of the upper stage of the Ariane 6 rocket, a key step in the development of the vehicle whose first launch remains uncertain.
Virgin Orbit awaiting license for first UK launch
Virgin Orbit says it is technically ready for its next LauncherOne mission, and the first orbital launch from the United Kingdom, but is still waiting on a launch license from the British government.
India on track for OneWeb launch in second half of October
India expects to conduct the first launch of OneWeb satellites in eight months during the second half of October, Indian space agency ISRO said Oct. 5.
After successful first launch, Firefly sets sight on national security market
After winning a $17.6 million Space Force contract for a 2023 mission, Firefly eyes more opportunities in the military market
SpaceX launches Crew-5 mission to the space station
A SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft with four people on board is on its way to the International Space Station after a successful launch Oct. 5.
SES closer to $4 billion payout after ULA launch to near-geostationary orbit
United Launch Alliance launched a pair of satellites for SES Oct. 4 that are vital to the operator’s bid to claim nearly $4 billion in C-band clearing proceeds.
SpaceX to upgrade Cape Canaveral pad for crew and cargo missions
As SpaceX prepares to launch a new crew to the International Space Station from one pad at the Kennedy Space Center, it is starting work to upgrade another pad at Cape Canaveral as a backup.
Firefly’s Alpha rocket reaches orbit on second launch
Firefly Aerospace’s Alpha launch vehicle reached orbit on its second launch Oct. 1, more than a year after the vehicle’s first launch failed.
South Korea seeks $32.9 million to launch satellites grounded by Russia sanctions
SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea’s science ministry plans to set aside 47.2 billion won ($32.9 million) in next year’s budget to launch two satellites that have been left grounded because of Western sanctions …
NASA and Astra modify TROPICS launch contract
NASA and Astra Space have revised a launch contract originally awarded for the launch of a cubesat constellation after Astra retired the launch vehicle that would have launched those spacecraft.
Crew-5 launch preparations continue amid hurricane threat
NASA is, for now, moving ahead with plans for a launch of the next crew to the International Space Station early next week as it watches an approaching hurricane.
China conducts trio of orbital launches across two days
China launched eight classified remote sensing satellites across three launches in recent days, adding to the country’s development of reconnaissance capabilities.
ULA’s Delta 4 prepares for final West Coast launch as Vandenberg seeks new tenants
After completing the NROL-91 mission, ULA will start vacating SLC-6 and consolidate operations at SLC-3
Draft solicitation for national security space launch services expected in early 2023
Brig. Gen. Stephen Purdy said DoD has to approve the NSSL Phase 3 strategy before a draft request for proposals can be released
