News
Daily coverage of the global space industry with an emphasis on business and political news.
NASA to review safety cultures at commercial crew companies
NASA plans to carry out a review in the coming months of the safety practices at Boeing and SpaceX, an examination reportedly prompted by the actions of SpaceX founder Elon Musk.
Advisory committee seeks to enhance commercial space activities
A new advisory committee has proposed a set of recommendations to NASA in areas ranging from export control to advertising to enhance commercial activities in space.
Arianespace Vega launches second Moroccan Earth-observation satellite
An Arianespace Vega rocket launched the Mohammed 6-B satellite for Morocco the evening of Nov. 20, placing the satellite in the same orbit as its twin satellite Mohammed 6-A that launched a year ago, also on a Vega rocket.
Senator seeks assurances on JWST and WFIRST funding
As Congress works to finalize a fiscal year 2019 spending bill for NASA, a senator is asking colleagues to secure the future of two of NASA’s largest astrophysics missions.
NASA studying three-stage approach to human-class lunar landers
As NASA starts to build up details about its plans to return humans to the moon, the agency is studying concepts for “human-class” lunar landers that would involve three-stage vehicles whose individual components could be flown on a range of launch vehicles.
Future military satcom system puts cybersecurity first
Electronic threats against satellite communication have rapidly escalated in the last few years and will continue to advance in the foreseeable future.
How much does a Space Force cost? Analyst lays out menu of options
The obvious conclusion from Harrison’s study is that the size and budget of a new military service for space can vary considerably depending on the scope of the reorganization.
NASA selects landing site for Mars 2020 rover
NASA has chosen a Martian crater that once hosted a lake and river delta as the landing site for a mission that will collect samples for eventual return to Earth.
China’s latest Beidou satellite launch clears way for Chang’e-4 lunar far side mission
The launch means China is now able proceed with its pioneering Chang’e-4 lunar mission, which will attempt the first ever soft-landing on the far side of the moon, with launch expected Dec. 7.
Nelson concedes defeat in reelection battle
Sen. Bill Nelson, the leading advocate for space among Democratic senators, formally conceded defeat Nov. 18 in his bid to win a fourth term.
Virgin Orbit performs first captive carry flight
Virgin Orbit performed the first captive carry flight of its LauncherOne air-launch system Nov. 18, a key testing milestone as the company moves closer to a first flight.
Government inertia a problem for small satellite industry
Steve Nixon: “I think there’s some bureaucratic inertia. Also there’s a space industrial complex that might not want to see a shift to much cheaper assets.”
Musk hints at further changes in BFR design
Two months after he unveiled a revised design for SpaceX’s next-generation launch system, Elon Musk suggested that the company is making more changes to the design.
Antares launches Cygnus cargo spacecraft to ISS
Northrop Grumman successfully launched a Cygnus cargo spacecraft to the International Space Station Nov. 17 after two days of weather delays.
FCC moves forward with orbital debris reform amid soul-searching about its responsibilities
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission pressed forward with plans to firm up its rules about space safety and orbital debris Nov. 15 while at the same time questioning whether it is the right agency to do so.
Advisory group skeptical of NASA lunar exploration plans
NASA’s plans to return humans to the surface of the moon within 10 years got a chilly reception from an advisory group Nov. 15, who called on the agency to accelerate that timeframe and reconsider development of the Gateway facility in lunar orbit.
