Launch
NASA approves “load-and-go” fueling for SpaceX commercial crew launches
NASA announced Aug. 17 that it will allow SpaceX to use a fueling approach for its commercial crew missions that attracted prior scrutiny, pending a final series of tests.
Proposed standard seeks to offer more launch flexibility for smallsats
A proposed standard announced at a conference last week seeks to provide the same launch flexibility for larger smallsats currently enjoyed by cubesats.
Foust Forward | As the launch industry grows, it finds it needs to share
The commercial spaceflight industry has been enjoying success both on and off the launch pad this year.
NASA says RS-25 engine test a success despite ending early
NASA says an Aug. 14 test of an engine for the Space Launch System was a success despite an unspecified “facility issue” that caused the test to end early.
Ariane 6 is nearing completion, but Europe’s work is far from over
ESA is pushing European industry to continue innovating and finding efficiencies even after Vega C’s introduction in 2019 and Ariane 6’s debut in 2020.
Exos Aerospace reschedules first suborbital launch
Exos Aerospace, a Texas company developing a reusable suborbital rocket, now plans to carry out a first flight of its vehicle in late August as it sets its sights on a follow-on orbital vehicle.
NASA launches Parker Solar Probe mission to study the sun up close
A NASA mission to travel closer to the sun than any previous spacecraft is on its way after a successful launch from Cape Canaveral Aug. 12.
Japan’s Interstellar Technologies goes full throttle toward small orbital rocket
Interstellar Technologies is developing the main engine for an orbital rocket designed to carry 100 kilograms and slated for a 2020 test flight.
Rocket Lab announces order for 10 Electron launches from new Dubai company
Rocket Lab announced an agreement Aug. 7 with a new Dubai-based smallsat company for 10 launches of its Electron small rocket.
Vega’s long-awaited (small) successes
Although the mostly Italian Vega rocket was added to the Arianespace family in 2012, it’s only recently achieved tangible success in wooing the smallest spacecraft operators.
Five decades after Black Arrow, a reawakening UK launch industry aims for bullseye
After years of efforts within the British government, and lobbying by the country’s space industry, the U.K. is taking steps to get back in the launch business.
D-Orbit to launch 10 Astrocast satellites on Vega rocket
D-Orbit, an Italian company entering the rideshare market, won a deal to launch 10 Astrocast cubesats on a future Vega mission as it develops an advanced, free-flying deployer.
Hyten: U.S. needs plan to modernize space launch infrastructure
Hyten: At some point someone has to decide it’s time to pull the plug and invest in the future.
Ursa Major aims to disrupt launcher vertical integration trend
Colorado startup Ursa Major Technologies is building a line of rocket engines that it hopes smallsat launch companies will choose over building their own engines in-house.
SpaceX launches Telkom Indonesia satellite on first reflight of Block 5 Falcon 9 booster
SpaceX conducted its first relaunch of the Block 5 Falcon 9 rocket Aug. 7, successfully delivering a communications satellite into a geostationary transfer orbit for Telkom Indonesia.
