NASA has selected Astra Space Inc. to provide a launch service for the agency’s Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation Structure and Storm Intensity with a Constellation of SmallSats (TROPICS) mission. The TROPICS mission consists of a constellation of six cubesats and will increase the scientific community’s understanding of storm processes. The launch service contract for the […]
Launch Facilities
Direct From SmallSat Symposium, Sir Richard Branson, Founder, Virgin Galactic, + Dan Hart, President + CEO, Virgin Orbit, Keynote Address
Chris Stott, Executive Chairman, Mansat, was the moderator of this extremely interesting interview of Sir Richard Branson, the Founder of Virgin Galactic, and Dan Hart, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Virgin Orbit, on Day Three of the SmallSat Symposium. Chris Stott (CS): Gentlemen, you are making the extraordinary look amazing. That launch was […]
Major Mods To Space Launch Complex-41 + Facilities Completed By ULA
United Launch Alliance (ULA) has modified Space Launch Complex-41 and the processing facilities in support of Vulcan Centaur’s inaugural launch later this year. The multi-year project to prepare for the larger and more capable launch vehicle culminated in the new mobile launch platform being rolled to the launch pad for final testing. At Space Launch […]
Virgin Orbit’s Launch of First Satellite for Dutch Ministry of Defense
Europe comes to southern California to launch Royal Netherlands Air Force’s (RNLAF) first ever satellite from the Virgin Orbit launch company. Virgin Orbit will conduct this mission from Mojave Air and Space Port in California. Virgin will launch the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s 6U CubeSat called BRIK-II. Designed and integrated by ISIS, BRIK-II will serve […]
SpaceX May Well Be Rig’d
Why on Earth would SpaceX purchase oil rigs? Why, to convert them into seagoing launch platforms, that’s why… especially as such edifices can trim costs as trajectories for launch vehicles are heavily influenced by the location of the rocket liftoffs and oil rigs have a certain mobility as far as “settling in” is concerned. Offering […]