Launch
Launch of U.S. Space Force missile-warning satellite delayed indefinitely
The launch of a U.S. Space Force mission known as USSF-12 has been put on indefinite pause.
Planet and SpaceX announce multiyear launch agreement
Planet announced a multiyear agreement Aug. 5 that designates SpaceX as the Earth-observation company’s “go-to-launch provider through the end of 2025.”
House panel wants details on Space Force plans to upgrade launch infrastructure
The House Armed Services Committee’s subcommittee on strategic forces in its markup of the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act raises concerns about the state of the U.S. space launch infrastructure.
Space Force renames Florida-based launch wing Space Launch Delta 45
The U.S. Space Force has officially renamed the 45th Space Wing that oversees Florida’s launch ranges Space Launch Delta 45.
U.S. Space Command to recommend investments in space infrastructure
“As we move forward, we’re going to want to find ways to be more mobile in space,” said Lt. Gen. John Shaw, deputy commander of U.S. Space Command.
Voyager Space Holdings to acquire The Launch Company
Voyager Space Holdings announced that it plans to acquire The Launch Company.
Op-ed | FAA streamlining effort empowers U.S. launch industry
The FAA’s rapid success in creating updated launch and reentry rules reflects its leadership’s measured look at the current regulations and willingness to build on what they have learned from the commercial launch community.
ManTech gets $20 million contract extension for Space Force launch systems engineering
SMC awarded a six-month extension while it reviews bids for launch systems engineering and integration services.
Launch industry puts emergency plans in place for coronavirus, but missions so far remain on schedule
ULA's Tory Bruno: “We are limiting non essential business travel but that doesn’t include launch and rockets.”
OHB defends self-funded launcher effort
OHB hopes to have a small launcher capable of sending 200 kilograms to low Earth orbit conduct a first flight by the end of 2021.
45th Space Wing commander: Changes underway to support commercial launch
Brig. Gen. Schiess: “We have to improve turnaround both with new technology and processes."
Chinese light launch blitz continues with Kuaizhou-1A mission
A commercial Kuaizhou-1A rocket launched two satellites late Friday, continuing a recent intense period of light launch vehicle activity in China.
Op-ed | It’s time for a 21st century licensing system for space
The FAA’s former commercial space transportation describes what he thinks a 21st century licensing system should look like — at the very top level — and offers some ideas on the best way to implement such a regime.
Safety last: Reckless behavior provides China with economic competitive advantages in space launch
China has recently made it clear it intends to contend aggressively over this important industry and it is worth noting that extremely lax regulation has often played a critical role that nation’s ability to undercut other U.S. industries.
Falcon Heavy sends first commercial satellite into orbit
SpaceX sent the Arabsat-6A communications satellite into geosynchronous transfer orbit April 11, completing the Falcon Heavy rocket’s first commercial launch.
Virgin Galactic reschedules SpaceShipTwo flight for Feb. 22
Virgin Galactic scrubbed the Feb. 20 flight test for SpaceShipTwo, the air-launched suborbital spaceplane, due to high winds in Mojave, California. The flight test is now scheduled for Friday, Feb. 22.
SpaceShipTwo aims to reach space again
Virgin Galactic plans to conduct a fifth test flight Feb. 20 of its suborbital spaceplane SpaceShipTwo, VSS Unity.
Air Force Space Command confident private companies can support military launch needs
Lt. Gen. David “DT” Thompson noted the U.S. is on the verge of a boom in commercial space, although the health of the industry is “always a little bit of a concern."
