MARCH 2020 SPACE ECONOMY NEWS -JAD

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NASA to Reveal Name of Next Mars Rover, Hold Media TeleconferenceMarch 3, 2020 - NASA will unveil the name of the agency’s next Mars rover, currently known as Mars 2020, during a live event on NASA Television at 1:30 p.m. EST Thursday, March 5, followed by a media teleconference at 3:30 p.m. about the mission and the naming.

NASA’s UAM Grand Challenge Advances with Agreement SigningsMarch 3, 2020 - NASA has signed Space Act Agreements with 17 companies in the aviation industry to advance plans for the first in a series of technology demonstrations known as the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) Grand Challenge.

NASA Invites Media to View Orion Spacecraft for First Artemis MissionMarch 2, 2020 - NASA’s Orion spacecraft, a critical part of the agency’s Artemis I mission, has completed its three-month test campaign at NASA’s Plum Brook Station in Sandusky, Ohio, where it was subjected to the extreme temperatures and electromagnetic environment it will experience in its upcoming test mission to the Moon.

#BeAnAstronaut: NASA Seeks Applicants to Explore Moon, MarsMarch 2, 2020 - For the first time in more than four years, NASA began accepting applications Monday for future astronauts. Aspiring Moon to Mars explorers have until 11:59 p.m. EDT Tuesday, March 31, to apply.

NASA TV Coverage Set for SpaceX’s Next Space Station Resupply MissionFeb. 29, 2020 - NASA commercial cargo provider SpaceX is targeting 11:49 p.m. EST Friday, March 6, for the launch of its 20th resupply mission to the International Space Station.

NASA Awards Launch Services Contract for the Psyche MissionFeb. 28, 2020 - NASA has selected SpaceX of Hawthorne, California, to provide launch services for the agency’s Psyche mission. The Psyche mission currently is targeted to launch in July 2022 on a Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex 39A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

Seattle Students to Speak with NASA Astronaut Aboard Space StationFeb. 28, 2020 - Students from the greater Seattle area will have an opportunity next week to talk with a NASA astronaut aboard the International Space Station.

NASA, Boeing to Provide Outcome of Starliner OFT ReviewFeb. 28, 2020 - NASA and Boeing will host a media teleconference at 11 a.m. EST Friday, March 6, to discuss the outcome of the joint independent review team investigation into the primary issues detected during the company’s uncrewed Orbital Flight Test in December as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

NASA Selects New Instrument to Continue Key Climate RecordFeb. 26, 2020 - NASA has selected a new space-based instrument as an innovative and cost-effective approach to maintaining the 40-year data record of the balance between the solar radiation entering Earth’s atmosphere and the amount absorbed, reflected, and emitted.

Florida Students to Speak with NASA Astronaut Aboard Space StationFeb. 25, 2020 - Florida students will have an opportunity this week to talk with a NASA astronaut aboard the International Space Station.

NASA Administrator Statement on Passing of Katherine JohnsonFeb. 24, 2020 - The following is a statement from Administrator Jim Bridenstine on the passing of NASA legend Katherine Johnson, who worked for the agency from 1953 to 1986.

NASA Selects Proposals for Student Aeronautics, Space ProjectsFeb. 21, 2020 - NASA has awarded more than $39.8 million through the agency’s National Space Grant College and Fellowship Project to increase student and faculty engagement in STEM at community colleges, technical schools and universities across the nation.

Explorers Wanted: Media Invited to Experience Astronaut TrainingFeb. 20, 2020 - NASA is offering media a glimpse of astronaut training at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston on Tuesday, Feb. 25, before the application process opens March 2 for the next class of Artemis Generation astronauts.

Media Invited to Inside Look at NASA Marine Cloud StudyFeb. 20, 2020 - Media are invited to preview a NASA airborne science campaign to help improve weather and climate predictions at 9 a.m. EST Tuesday, Feb. 25, at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.

NASA Science, Cargo Heads to Space Station on Northrop Grumman MissionFeb. 15, 2020 - A Northrop Grumman Cygnus resupply spacecraft is on its way to the International Space Station with more than 8,000 pounds of science investigations and cargo after launching at 3:21 p.m. EST Saturday from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.

NASA Highlights Science on 20th SpaceX Resupply MissionFeb. 15, 2020 - NASA will host a media teleconference at 1 p.m. EST Thursday, Feb. 20, to discuss select science investigations launching on the next SpaceX commercial resupply flight to the International Space Station.

NASA Awards Contract to Launch CubeSat to Moon from VirginiaFeb. 14, 2020 - NASA has selected Rocket Lab of Huntington Beach, California, to provide launch services for the Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment (CAPSTONE) CubeSat.

NASA Invites Media to View Orion Spacecraft for Artemis I MissionFeb. 14, 2020 - Media accreditation is open for an opportunity to view the Artemis I Orion spacecraft following completion of testing at NASA’s Plum Brook Station in Sandusky, Ohio.

NASA Selects 4 Possible Missions to Study Secrets of the Solar SystemFeb. 13, 2020 - NASA has selected four Discovery Program investigations to develop concept studies for new missions.

NASA TV Coverage Set for Feb. 14 Cygnus Launch to Space StationFeb. 12, 2020 - Northrop Grumman’s next NASA resupply services mission to the International Space Station is targeted for launch at 3:21 p.m. EST Saturday, Feb. 15.

Explorers Wanted: NASA to Hire More Artemis Generation AstronautsFeb. 11, 2020 - As NASA prepares to launch American astronauts this year on American rockets from American soil to the International Space Station – with an eye toward the Moon and Mars – the agency is announcing it will accept applications March 2 to 31 for the next class of Artemis Generation astronauts.

NASA Administrator Statement on Moon to Mars Initiative, FY2021 BudgetFeb. 10, 2020 - The following is a statement from NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine:

Solar Orbiter Launch Takes Solar Science to New HeightsFeb. 10, 2020 - Solar Orbiter, a new collaborative mission between ESA (European Space Agency) and NASA to study the Sun, launched at 11:03 p.m. EST Sunday on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

https://spacenews.com/

he following is a statement from NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine:

“President Donald Trump’s Fiscal Year 2021 budget for NASA is worthy of 21st century exploration and discovery. The President’s budget invests more than $25 billion in NASA to fortify our innovative human space exploration program while maintaining strong support for our agency’s full suite of science, aeronautics, and technology work.

“The budget proposed represents a 12 percent increase and makes this one of the strongest budgets in NASA history. The reinforced support from the President comes at a critical time as we lay the foundations for landing the first woman and the next man on the South Pole of the Moon by 2024. This budget keeps us firmly on that path.

“We are preparing to achieve pivotal milestones this year in development of the Space Launch System rocket, Orion spacecraft, and the Gateway. These make up the backbone of our Artemis program and are fully supported by this budget. They constitute our ability to build a sustainable lunar presence and eventually send human missions to Mars.

“Most noteworthy, is the President’s direct funding of more than $3 billon for the development of a human landing system. This is the first time we have had direct funding for a human lander since the Apollo Program. We are serious about our 2024 goals, and the President’s budget supports our efforts to get the job done.

“We soon will launch American astronauts on American rockets from American soil for the first time in nearly a decade. This recaptured ability will not only allow us to do more

science and more exploration than ever before, but will also broaden commercial activity in low-Earth orbit to support ever greater private partnerships.

“As we prepare to celebrate 20 years of continuous human presence aboard the International Space Station this year, we will continue to look for ways to partner with private enterprise and give more people access to the unique environment microgravity offers. Similarly, when we go to the Moon in the next four years, we are interested in taking the world with us. This includes those involved in our Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative and the international relationships we have forged over the decades.

“The FY 2021 budget positions NASA to spearhead a new era of human space exploration without focusing funds on one program at the expense of others. This all-of-NASA approach to the future will help us take advantage of all the exciting, new horizons emerging in science, aeronautics, and technology.

“The decadal survey priorities are strongly supported by this budget, including history’s first Mars sample return mission, the Europa Clipper, and development of a host of new trailblazing Earth observation missions. In aeronautics, the budget backs all our cutting-edge research on commercial use of supersonic aircraft, all-electric airplanes, and development of an unmanned aerial system that will make flying small drones safer and more efficient in the 21st century.

“NASA is on the cusp of embarking on era-defining exploration. The civilization-changing technology we develop will deepen humanity’s scientific knowledge of the universe and how to take care of our ever changing world.

“I am confident the FY 2021 budget’s proper investment in our agency’s priorities, coupled with your unmatched talents and expertise, will strengthen our national posture for continued space preeminence and, as President Trump said during his State of the Union speech last week, help our nation embrace the next frontier.”

 To learn more about NASA’s Fiscal Year 2021 budget, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/budget

-end-

Bettina Inclán / Matthew RydinHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600 / 202-603-7522bettina.inclan@nasa.gov / matthew.m.rydin@nasa.gov

Last Updated: Feb. 10, 2020

Editor: Sean Potter

SPACE.COM

Space News

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SpaceX celebrates Crew Dragon's 1st launch anniversary with epic videoBy   Tariq Malik   15 hours ago

Dramatic effect of coronavirus lockdowns seen from spaceBy   Rafi Letzter   15 hours ago There's been a sharp drop in air pollution over China since the acceleration of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, and satellites can see it from space.

SpaceX test-fires rocket for next Dragon cargo ship launch for NASABy   Amy Thompson   17 hours ago SpaceX has fired up the Falcon 9 rocket that will ferry the company's next cargo resupply mission for NASA into space Friday, March 6.

Coronavirus fears have shuttered one physics meeting. Here's how space conferences could respondBy   Leonard David   17 hours ago The spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus is beginning to affect major upcoming space and science gatherings.

Space collectibles dealer offers to fly flags, name tags to space stationBy   Robert Z. Pearlman   18 hours ago You can now plant your flag or add your tag to the outside of the International Space Station thanks to a space memorabilia company.

Pictures from space! Our image of the dayBy   Space.com Staff   19 hours ago Two white, oval-shaped storms in Jupiter's atmosphere have been spotted merging into one.

On This Day in Space: March 3, 1969: Apollo 9 launches 1st test flight of lunar moduleBy   Hanneke Weitering   a day ago

1.5 billion-year-old Earth had water everywhere, but not one continent, study suggestsBy   Mindy Weisberger   a day ago Chemicals in ancient ocean rocks hint that 3.2 billion years ago, the surface of a baby Earth was continent-free and covered by a global ocean.

Ripples in space-time could explain the mystery of why the universe existsBy   Yasemin Saplakoglu   a day ago A new study may help answer one of the universe's biggest mysteries.

Huge physics conference canceled at the last minute due to coronavirus fearsBy   Rafi Letzter   a day ago Organizers of the American Physical Society's March conference made the decision to cancel due to coronavirus concerns less than two days before the conference was set to begin.

Best night sky events of March 2020 (stargazing maps)By   Chris Vaughan   a day ago See what's up in the night sky for March 2020, including stargazing events and the moon's phases, in this Space.com gallery courtesy of Starry Night Software.

Astra's bid to win $12 million DARPA Launch Challenge comes up shortBy   Mike Wall   a day ago Spaceflight startup Astra scrubbed a planned orbital launch attempt of its Rocket 3.0 on Monday (March 2), meaning the company will not win the $12 million DARPA Launch Challenge.

SpaceX moving on to Starship SN2 prototype after SN1 bites the dust in testBy   Mike Wall   a day ago SpaceX's SN1 Starship prototype was destroyed during a pressure test on Friday (Feb. 28). But the SN2 is already under construction and being prepped for testing, Elon Musk said.

Want to go to the moon? NASA is now taking new astronaut applicationsBy   Elizabeth Howell   2 days ago If you've always wanted to fly to the International Space Station or go on to the moon, NASA's next recruitment effort promises to bring future astronauts to both locations.

NASA picks SpaceX Falcon Heavy to launch Psyche mission to metal asteroid in 2022By   Samantha Mathewson   2 days ago NASA has contracted SpaceX to launch its Psyche mission to a unique metal asteroid in July 2022.

The Picard Panel: Beam into our 'Star Trek: Picard' talk today!By   Tariq Malik   2 days ago On Friday's through March, Space.com is taking a look at "Star Trek: Picard," the latest installment in the "Star Trek" franchise on the streaming service CBS All Access. Here's how to watch!

Oddball giant white dwarf may have formed in epic crash of smaller starsBy   Charles Q. Choi   2 days ago A giant white dwarf star may be the offspring of a collision between two other white dwarfs, a new study finds.

Mysterious 'antihydrogen' particles reveal uncanny quantum effectBy   Rafi Letzter   2 days ago The bubbling, raucous quantum vacuum distorts the shape of every hydrogen atom in the universe, and it distorts antimatter "antihydrogen" too.

Star maps through the ages: A Q&A with the author of 'The Sky Atlas'By   Meghan Bartels   2 days ago Sure, humans have looked to the stars for millennia, but it's still difficult to step into the shoes of all those people.

Meet LUVOIR, which might become one of NASA's next big space telescopesBy   Meghan Bartels   2 days ago NASA faces a difficult choice: What does the agency want to select as its next big space telescope, the instrument that will shape scientists' research in the 2040s?

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See Mars with Jupiter and Saturn in the dawn sky in MarchBy   Joe Rao   2 days ago This is a good week to check out progress of the planet Mars as it continues toward an unusually close approach to the Earth in early fall.

SpaceX aims to launch 70 missions a year from Florida's Space Coast by 2023By   Elizabeth Howell   3 days ago SpaceX is planning a huge boost to the number of rocket launches from its Florida launch sites in the next few years and build a mobile service tower for rockets.

Get royal and rowdy with SyFy's 'Vagrant Queen' trailerBy   George Marston   3 days ago Vault Comic's Vagrant Queen comes to TV.

Astronomers spot hundreds of baby stars and planet-forming disksBy   Samantha Mathewson   3 days ago Astronomers have imaged more than 300 newborn stars, revealing new clues about the early stages of star formation and the birth of planets.

Melting ice in Antarctica reveals new uncharted islandBy   Brandon Specktor   3 days ago Researchers discovered an uncharted island beneath melting Antarctic ice. Its rocky underbelly could hold clues to the continent's response to climate change.

SpaceX's Starship SN1 prototype appears to burst during pressure testBy   Tariq Malik   4 days ago SpaceX's latest prototype for its massive Starship rocket appeared to burst during a pressure test late Friday (Feb. 28), blowing apart.

Foul weather delays Astra's 1st DARPA Launch Challenge liftoff in AlaskaBy   Mike Wall   4 days ago Stealthy startup Astra hoped to win $2 million with its first-ever orbital launch today (Feb. 29), but Mother Nature prevented the DARPA Launch Challenge liftoff.

Elon Musk approves of the US Space Force, eyes 'Star Trek' potentialBy   Mike Wall   4 days ago SpaceX's billionaire founder and CEO said he's onboard with the sixth branch of the U.S. military, which President Donald Trump officially established in December 2019.

'Starter' Earth grew in a flash. Here's how the planet did it.By   Laura Geggel   4 days ago Proto-Earth was on a fast track to planet formation.

Happy Leap Day 2020! Google doodle celebrates Earth's extra day, but why?By   Elizabeth Howell   4 days ago Happy Leap Day, world! Today (Feb. 29) marks a rare event in the calendar — an extra day that occurs each "Leap Year" to keep our calendar in check. Google is celebrating with a cute Google doodle.

Astra to loft 1st mission for DARPA Launch Challenge Monday: Here's how to watch liveBy   Mike Wall   4 days ago The stealthy startup Astra aims to win $2 million with its first-ever orbital launch Monday (March 2), and you can watch the liftoff live.

Watch live @ 3:30 pm EST Monday: Astra launching 1st DARPA Launch Challenge flightBy   Space.com Staff   4 days ago The stealthy startup Astra will launch its first Rocket 3.0 for the DARPA Launch Challenge Monday (March 2), and you can watch it live online here.

Smithsonian Open Access launches with space artifact 2D and 3D imagesBy   Robert Z. Pearlman   4 days ago The Smithsonian has just relinquished its claim on hundreds, if not thousands of space artifacts.

Freeman Dyson, quantum physicist who imagined alien megastructures, has died at 96By   Rafi Letzter   5 days ago Physicist Freeman Dyson was known for his work on quantum physics and mathematics, as well as his big ideas about the far future.

The top space stories of the week!By   Doris Elin Urrutia   5 days ago These are the top space stories this week from Space.com.

Space photos: The most amazing images this week!By   Doris Elin Urrutia   5 days ago Here are our picks for the most amazing space photos of the week.

Boeing defends Starliner space capsule ground tests after problematic debut flightBy   Hanneke Weitering   5 days ago

RIP, MarCO! The world's first cubesats to Mars are gone for goodBy   Meghan Bartels   5 days ago In September 2019, NASA started the second half of an epic game of Marco Polo; early this month the agency declared it over for good.

Relativity Space will 3D-print rockets at new autonomous factory in Long Beach, CaliforniaBy   Mike Wall   5 days ago The company aims to revolutionize rocketry via 3D printing and intelligent automation.

How scientists found Earth's new minimoon and why it won't stay here foreverBy   Elizabeth Howell   5 days ago A weird "minimoon" found circling Earth likely won't be there long.

https://www.spacex.com/news

FEBRUARY 17, 2020

STARLINK MISSION

On Monday, February 17 at 10:05 a.m. EST, or 15:05 UTC, SpaceX launched its fifth Starlink

mission from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.

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JANUARY 29, 2020

STARLINK MISSION

On Wednesday, January 29 at 9:06 a.m. EST, or 14:06 UTC, SpaceX completed its fourth launch of

Starlink satellites from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station,

Florida.

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JANUARY 19, 2020

CREW DRAGON LAUNCH ESCAPE DEMONSTRATION

On Sunday, January 19, SpaceX successfully completed an in-flight test of Crew Dragon’s launch

escape capabilities from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in

Florida.

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JANUARY 08, 2020

DRAGON RESUPPLY MISSION (CRS-19) SPLASHDOWN

Packed with about 3,800 pounds of cargo and science, SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft departed the

International Space Station on Tuesday, January 7.

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JANUARY 07, 2020

STARLINK MISSION

On Monday, January 6 at 9:19 p.m. EST, or 2:19 UTC on January 7, SpaceX launched its third

launch of Starlink satellites from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Air Force

Station, Florida.

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DECEMBER 17, 2019

JCSAT-18/KACIFIC1 MISSION

On Monday, December 16 at 7:10 p.m. EST, SpaceX launched JCSAT-18/Kacific1 from Space

Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. The satellite was

deployed approximately 33 minutes after liftoff.

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DECEMBER 08, 2019

DRAGON ARRIVES AT THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION

Dragon arrived at the International Space Station on December 8, 2019 and was captured at 2:05

a.m. PDT while flying over 250 statute miles over the South Pacific.

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ROSCOSMOS

NEWS NEWS55 years of Cosmos-57 spacecraft test flightFebruary 22, 2020, 09:00 GMT

55 years ago, on February 22, 1965 a three-stage launch vehicle Voskhod carrying an unmanned prototype of Voskhod-2 (3КД) spacecraft was launched from Launch Site No.31 of the Baikonur Cosmodrome under the development test program of the first in the world human egress into space.UN Scientific and Technical Subcommittee on Space sessionFebruary 21, 2020, 08:30 GMT

Early February Roscosmos representatives participated in the scheduled session of the UN Scientific and Technical Subcommittee on Space of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space as part of the official delegation of the Russian Federation. The sessions took place from February 3 till February 14, 2020.Successful launch from Plesetsk CosmodromeFebruary 20, 2020, 14:00 GMT

Today, on February 20 at 08:24:54 UTC, the Russian Aerospace Forces crew successfully launched the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with the Russian communications satellite Meridian onboard.New Ekspress satellites delivered to BaikonurFebruary 20, 2020, 12:26 GMT

Ekspress-80 and Ekspress-103 satellites built by Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev company (part of Roscosmos) have been delivered to the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Rocket and space industry specialists started working to prepare them for the launch.Soyuz MS-16 crew replacementFebruary 19, 2020, 15:20 GMT

Soyuz MS-16 Russian prime crew members - Roscosmos cosmonauts Nikolay Tikhonov and Andrey Babkin will be replaced by the backup cosmonauts for medical grounds, with Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner becoming the spacecraft commander and flight engineer respectively. NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy continues his preparations for the flight in accordance with the schedule.Cosmonauts Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner passed the manual approach testFebruary 19, 2020, 10:28 GMT

ISS-63 crews continue taking preflight tests at Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center. On February 19, 2020, the Soyuz MS-16 backup crew Russian members Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner took the manual approach test using the Don-Soyuz simulator. Crew commander Anatoly Ivanishin is working in the descent module while flight engineer Ivan Vagner is in the habitable room. Commander controls the automatic approach process and transfers over to manual control in case of a non-nominal situation turns up (onboard computer failure, Kurs-NA system failure with no distance and speed data available).Cosmonaut Sergey Prokopiev celebrates his 45th birthdayFebruary 19, 2020, 06:00 GMT

Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Prokopiev has love of the sky and space literally in his blood. His parents met each other in an astronomy club and attended parachute sport classes.Search and recovery of Soyuz-2 carrier rocket stages continueFebruary 17, 2020, 12:16 GMT

The specialists continue works to recover fragments of the Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket. The launch vehicle successfully lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on February 7, 2020. The located stages are recovered from the drop zone in Sverdlovsk Oblast and Khanty-Mansiisk autonomous district.The Governor’s prize was handed to the Energia employeesFebruary 17, 2020, 07:04 GMT

The team of RSC Energia consisting of Fedor Voronin and Mikhail Kharchikov received the Moscow Region Governor’s Prize in the sphere of Science and Innovations 2019 for participation in the development of the Ikarus scientific equipment designed to study the migration routes of wild animals and birds from outer space. Certificates to award the competition winners were handed by Deputy Prime Minister of the Moscow Region V.V. Khromov.Soyuz MS-16 crew meetingFebruary 15, 2020, 15:22 GMT

On February 15, 2020, ahead of the coming Soyuz MS-16 crewed spacecraft flight to the International Space Station, its Russian crewmembers Roscosmos cosmonauts Nikolay Tikhonov and Andrey Babkin made a public appearance at the Center for Space and Aviation (Space Pavilion) at VDNKh. The Space Lessons open meeting was hosted by Hero of Russia, pilot-cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin who also delivered a welcoming speech.Alternating current plasmatron resource testsFebruary 14, 2020, 08:47 GMT

Keldysh Research Center specialists conducted a complex of alternating current plasmatron resource tests at 1 megawatt.Metrology base opened at Vostochny cosmodromeFebruary 13, 2020, 10:50 GMT

Metrology base opened at the Vostochny Cosmodrome allowing the local specialists standardize instruments using their own resources. A metrology unit was created with the necessary specialists hired, equipment installed. The base includes a newly built complex of buildings with a three-storeyed facility, a warehouse and a garage for five special vehicles.Soyuz-5 rocket chief designers councilFebruary 13, 2020, 09:30 GMT

On February 12, RSC Energia hosted Chief Designers Council for Soyuz-5 space rocket system chaired by RSC Energia Director General - Chief Designer Nikolay Sevastianov.2018 cosmonaut candidates presented their logoFebruary 13, 2020, 07:45 GMT

Following the tradition to create a logo at the cosmonaut training general stage, the 2018 cosmonaut candidates decided to create their own logo to place it on their training suits. The logo symbolizes the values uniting the crew and general vision of the profession.Emergencies monitoring via Earth’s remote sensing dataFebruary 13, 2020, 07:00 GMT

Roscosmos Russian Earth’s remote sensing means operator continues monitoring the emergencies via the Russian orbit group.General Director of RSC Energia: development of the new spacecraft became a scientific and engineering challengeFebruary 13, 2020, 06:30 GMT

Rocket and Space Corporation Energia continues development of a super-heavy launch vehicle and the new manned spacecraft Orel, which are to become parts of the new space transportation system enabling missions to the Moon and beyond. The Corporation also continues construction of new modules for the Russian Segment of the International Space Station. General Director of the Rocket and Space Corporation Energia Nikolai Sevastianov spoke in his interview to TASS about the status of these projects, financial situation of the company, the problems that had accumulated in the industry and the ways to resolve them.Cosmonauts Tikhonov and Babkin passed manual docking testFebruary 12, 2020, 13:32 GMT

On February 13, 2020, Soyuz MS-16 crewed spacecraft commander Nikolay Tikhonov and flight engineer Andrey Babkin took the test on manual berthing and redocking.Dmitry Rogozin meets the Ambassador of FranceFebruary 12, 2020, 10:11 GMT

On February 11, 2020, a scheduled meeting between Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin and the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Russia Pierre Levy. The meeting was also participated by Roscosmos deputy directors and profile department heads.Soyuz-5 rocket engine experimental works commencedFebruary 12, 2020, 09:00 GMT

Voronezh Center for Rocket Engine Manufacturing (NPO Energomash integrated rocket manufacturing structure, part of Roscosmos) started experimental works to create a four-chamber engine RD-0124MS for the second stage of the Soyuz-5 Russian perspective carrier rocket developed by RSC Progress (part of Roscosmos).ART-XC telescope: two months of workFebruary 12, 2020, 07:15 GMT

Russia’s Spektr-RG orbital observatory continues its active work circling around the Sun-Earth L2 libration point. The image below shows the survey map composed by ART-XC Russian telescope starting from December 8, 2019 till February 9, 2020. Two months saw the telescope cover 26% of all the sky, more than 10,000 square deg.Cosmonauts Nikolay Tikhonov and Andrey Babkin mastering 3D-bioprintingFebruary 11, 2020, 14:00 GMT

ISS-63 prime crewmembers cosmonauts Nikolay Tikhonov and Andrey Babkin are undergoing preflight training in all spheres. Beside training on the Soyuz MS and the International Space Station Russian segment simulators, the cosmonauts are taking part in practical sessions by the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center scientific specialists.Alexander Skvortsov's postflight press conferenceFebruary 10, 2020, 13:17 GMT

Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Skvortsov gave his postflight conference on February 10, 2020 at Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC). After a 200-day long mission to the International Space Station, on February 6, 2020 he successfully returned to Earth.Indian candidates for a human spaceflight start training in RussiaFebruary 10, 2020, 12:17 GMT

This Monday Gagarin Research & Test Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) has started the planned training program of Indian candidates for a spaceflight under the contract between Glavkosmos, JSC (part of the State Space Corporation Roscosmos) and the Human Spaceflight Centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).ISS-63 crew practical examsFebruary 07, 2020, 14:30 GMT

After taking the test of knowledge, the International Space Station 63rd long-term mission prime crew went on to practical exams using the simulators. On February 7, 2020 Roscosmos cosmonauts Nikolay Tikhonov and Andrey Babkin took the Teleoperator test to practice Progress MS cargo vehicle remote control.Roscosmos discussed cooperation with DLRFebruary 07, 2020, 13:30 GMT

Roscosmos Executive Director for Perspective Programs and Science Alexander Bloshenko met with Prof. Dr. Hansjoerg Dittus, German Aerospace Center (DLR) Executive Board Member for Space Research and Technology; Susanna Gross, DLR Programs Department Head, and others.Elektro-L No. 3 satellite first imagesFebruary 07, 2020, 13:00 GMT

On February 7, 2020, at 01:30 UTC, during flight tests Elektro-L No. 3 spacecraft captured and transmitted the first photos of the Earth in the visible and infrared ranges. The Russian Elektro-L No. 3 satellite is located at the geostationary orbit in the point 165.8 deg. eastern longitude, all its service systems functioning as expected.Cosmonaut Alexander Skvortsov is back homeFebruary 07, 2020, 07:00 GMT

On February 6, 2020, at 19:55 UTC a Tupolev Tu-204-300 charter flight with Soyuz MS-13 crewed spaceflight commander Alexander Skvortsov landed at Chkalovsky airport in Moscow Oblast.First in 2020 OneWeb launch under the Glavkosmos contract with Arianespace was a successFebruary 07, 2020, 02:30 GMT

A successful launch of 34 OneWeb satellites aboard the Soyuz-2.1 b launch vehicle with the Fregat upper stage was executed on Friday from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The launch was carried out under the contract between Glavkosmos (part of the State Space Corporation Roscosmos) and Arianespace in close cooperation with other Roscosmos enterprises – Progress Space Rocket Center, Lavochkin Association, and TsENKI.Emergencies monitoring via Earth’s remote sensing dataFebruary 06, 2020, 12:15 GMT

Roscosmos Russian Earth’s remote sensing means operator continues monitoring the emergencies via the Russian orbit group.Utyosy are back to EarthFebruary 06, 2020, 09:15 GMT

The Soyuz MS-13 crew has safely returned to Earth. The descent and landing went rountinely,Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Skvortsov, ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano and NASA astronaut Christina Koch are fine.Soyuz MS-13 undocked from ISSFebruary 06, 2020, 05:50 GMT

According to the International Space Station flight plan, on February 6, 2020 at 05:30 UTC Soyuz MS-13 spacecraft routinely undocked from the Poisk module of the Russian segment of the ISS. The spacecraft crew includes Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Skvortsov, ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano and NASA astronaut Christina Koch.Dmitry Rogozin met with head of Stratonavtika labFebruary 05, 2020, 15:00 GMT

Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin met with Denis Efremov, Stratonavtikaaerospace laboratory head. Thelaboratory deals with developing the projects to use stratosphere aerostats.Oleg Skripochka assumes command of the ISSFebruary 05, 2020, 14:30 GMT

The 61st International Space Station long-term mission work comes to an end with Soyuz MS-13 crew of Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Skvortsov, ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano and NASA astronaut Christina Koch getting ready to return to Earth in accordance with the flight plan.Elektro-L No. 3 in the operating pointFebruary 03, 2020, 14:40 GMT

On February 1, 2020, in accordance with the flight sequence a final correctional impulse was given to Elektro-L No. 3 satellite to finish the satellite transfer to the operating point at 165.8 deg. eastern longitude. Elektro-L No. 3 Russian hydrometeorological satellite was manufactured by NPO Lavochkin (part of Roscosmos).

Media accreditation for Soyuz MS-16 spacecraft launchFebruary 03, 2020, 11:24 GMT

Roscosmos State Corporation starts the process of accreditation of media representatives to cover the launch of the Soyuz MS-16 crew spacecraft.Three Soyuz units ready for launch campaigns at VostochnyFebruary 03, 2020, 08:12 GMT

TsENKI Vostochny Space Center branch specialists together with RSC Progress (both being parts of Roscosmos) have completed the third Soyuz-2.1b mechanical unit assembly cycle according to the schedule.Soyuz-2.1b with OneWeb satellites installed at the launchpadFebruary 03, 2020, 04:45 GMT

According to the decision of the State Commission, in the morning of February 3, 2020, the Soyuz-2.1b with the Fregat-M booster and British OneWeb communication satellites was rolled out from the assembly and testing facility and installed at the launchpad No. 31 of the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

ARTICLES ARCHIVE

CHINA SPACE AGENCY

http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/english/index.html

News more

China's heaviest satellite positioned in geosynchronous orbit [01-07]

China's largest carrier rocket Long March-5 makes new flight [12-27]

Macao's moon, planetary lab to boost China's deep space exploration [12-15]

Macao's moon, planetary lab to boost China's deep space explorationDate：2019-12-15

A model of the space exploration satellite Macao Science 1. [Photo/China National Space

Administration]

Macao's first space exploration satellite was named Macao Science 1, the special administrative region

(SAR)'s Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Tam Chon Weng announced Sunday at an opening

ceremony of an aerospace exhibition.

During the opening ceremony, vice administrator of China National Space Administration (CNSA) Wu

Yanhua also announced that the CNSA would set up Macao Space Exploration and Science Center to

assist deep space exploration cooperation between China and international society, and help such

institutions in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to work with each other.

The satellite, which will be launched in 2021, is the first of its kind to probe the South Atlantic Anomaly

(SAA), a region of reduced magnetic intensity where the inner radiation belt is at its lowest altitude.

Geophysicists believe the study of SAA can help them find the reason of Earth's weakening magnetic

field.

The satellite program is operated by China's State Key Laboratory of Lunar and Planetary Science,

which was approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology and established on Oct 8, 2018 in

Macao University of Science and Technology (MUST).

Prof Zhang Keke, chief of the laboratory, is a world renowned Earth and planetary physicist. He came to

Macao from University of Exeter, Britain in 2018.

"This satellite program is moving forward much faster than I have expected," he told Xinhua in an

recent interview. "I can concentrate all the resources into this key laboratory."

Zhang's research team has about 40 experts and scholars, including leading figures and young talents

from well-known global institutions, and have participated in major projects of China's deep space

exploration long before the laboratory had been recognized by Ministry of Science and Technology.

China is set to launch its Mars explorer in 2020. Zhang's team also has taken part in the research and

development of the Mars explorer.

"The Mars explorer will collect many data from Mars and we will use our equipment to analyze those

data for the study of Mars' inner structure and planetary evolution history," he said.

Besides the deep space exploration, the laboratory scholars also do research on lunar physics, planetary

physics, lunar geology and planetary chemistry.

Associate Prof Zhu Menghua from the laboratory made a breakthrough this year, as his paper

Reconstructing the Late-accretion History of the Moon was published in Nature in July.

Zhu used the supercomputing platform of the MUST to study the process of different celestial bodies

hitting the Earth and the Moon at different angles and the differences in retained mass through multiple

simulation, and revealed the mystery of lack of iron in the lunar mantle compared with that of earth.

This experiment and its result provide new point of view to the late-accretion history of the Earth and

moon, indirectly proved the great collision theory of the formation of the moon, and provide new

scientific support for data analysis of Chang'e 4 and subsequent lunar and Mars exploration missions.

Zhu has also studied planetary biology, a field where scientists try to find what kind of extreme

environment can survive.

He told Xinhua that the planetary biology is a hot spot in international community but a new territory in

China.

Associate Prof Andre Guimaraes Lemos Antunes, one of the laboratory's planetary biologists, said

China is at an exciting stage of space exploration. In Macao, the State Key Laboratory has convenient

conditions to conduct cutting-edge research and engage in China's space program.

"This is very interesting and I am willing to contribute to all of this," he said.

As a Portuguese, Antunes feels at home in Macao. "The interesting thing about Macao is that it has

historical ties with Portugal, so I'm very happy to work here."

The team is very diverse and interdisciplinary. Working side by side with colleagues in different fields

such as computer modeling, space exploration and geophysics has been an interesting experience, he

added. (Xinhua)China's Chang'e-4 mission team awarded Team Gold Medal by UK's Royal Aeronautical Society [11-28]

VIRGIN GALACTIC

https://www.virgingalactic.com/news/

Virgin Galactic Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2019 Financial ResultsRead more

Virgin Galactic Welcomes SpaceShipTwo Unity to Spaceport America, New MexicoVirgin Galactic Captive Carry Test Flight Marks Relocation of Spaceflight Operations to Spaceport AmericaRead more

FEBRUARY 12, 2020

Beth Moses: Reflections from an AstronautRead more

JANUARY 15, 2020

Enrico Palermo appointed as Virgin Galactic’s Chief Operating OfficerRead more

JANUARY 08, 2020

Second Spaceship in Virgin Galactic’s Fleet Completes Major Build Milestone“Weight on Wheels” furthers company’s goal of a commercial spaceship fleetRead more

DECEMBER 16, 2019

The Spaceship Company attaches feather structure to wing on the next Virgin Galactic spaceshipRead more

DECEMBER 13, 2019

Reflecting on a Remarkable YearRead more

DECEMBER 02, 2019

Virgin Galactic places Main Oxidiser Tank into its next spaceshipRead more

Virgin Galactic has kicked off its Astronaut Readiness Program – the

process of preparing Future Astronaut customers for their flights to space.

As the first and only private company to have put humans into space in a

vehicle built for commercial service, we are now finalizing all elements of

the customer experience, including the recently unveiled customer

spacesuits, created in partnership with Under Armour , and the interior of

our Gateway to Space headquarters at Spaceport America. The next

phase in this process is to ensure that Future Astronauts are optimally

prepared to fly to space.

The Astronaut Readiness Program launched this week at the Under

Armour Global HQ in Baltimore where we were joined by Future

Astronauts who will be among the first to fly with Virgin Galactic. Guided

and instructed by some of our key team members, they carried out a

number of flight preparation activities. Through completing this unique

program they are helping us to tailor and perfect the program for those

who follow.

Our spacewear partner, Under Armour, hosted this gathering at its

extensive, high-tech campus – an ideal location for the variety of different

activities.

Perhaps the most exciting exercise for many Future Astronauts was being

fitted for their personal, spaceflight garments.  These are tailored to each

Future Astronaut and will remain theirs to keep post-flight. We are

carrying out the fittings now, so that perfectly tailored training suits and

spacesuits will be ready and waiting for our Future Astronauts as they

arrive at Spaceport America for final flight preparation and spaceflight.

As part of the Readiness Program, in sessions led by Chief Astronaut

Instructor, Beth Moses, and Chief Pilot, Dave Mackay, we shared more

detailed information with Future Astronauts about what to expect from

preparation time at Spaceport America and from the spaceflight itself.

Both Beth and Dave flew to space in February this year, so were able to

provide exciting insights based on actual experience.

Chief Pilot Dave Mackay sits down with Virgin Galactic Future Astronauts

Health and fitness are important components of the spaceflight and a part

of our absolute commitment to safety. Virgin Galactic is proud to be

opening space to more people than ever before and while our Future

Astronauts will not need to meet the incredibly rigorous levels of fitness

required of government space agency astronauts, our in-house Medical

Team conducted specially designed Medical Consultations with each

Future Astronaut as part of the week’s program.

Alongside those consultations, the Under Armour team led sessions on

mobility and nutrition. Paul Winsper, Vice President of Athlete

Performance at Under Armour, is ideally placed to provide this guidance

as it draws on the relevant elements of training programs he provides for

elite Under Armour athlete ambassadors; helping them to perform to a

level which unlocks their true potential. Our Future Astronauts left the

session with a tailored performance program, which along with medical

consultation results, will aim to use health and fitness as a tool to

optimize the spaceflight experience.

Lead Designer Nick Cienski trains with Under Armour model

George Whitesides, CEO, Virgin Galactic, said:

‘’Introducing our Astronaut Readiness Program to our first customers

marks an exciting point in our journey as we move closer to the start of

commercial service. It is an important step in the process to ensure that

our customers are prepared and equipped with the knowledge and

training that will help ensure that they savour every second of their

spaceflight which we hope will go beyond expectations. My introduction to

Virgin Galactic was as a customer,  so I’ve seen first-hand the benefits of

involving Future Astronauts as we prepare each individual for the trip of a

lifetime.’’

Virgin Galactic has more than 600 Future Astronauts from 60 countries –

all signed up to fly on SpaceShipTwo. We have been a customer-focused

business from the start and one of the many benefits of this early

customer community has been its assistance in shaping the customer

journey.

We will now be using the feedback from this week in Baltimore to build on

that model. We discussed with our Future Astronauts how the training and

the community can be best shaped for those waiting to fly and for those

who have flown. Spaceflight has profound and transformative qualities

and we want to provide a platform which will allow our Future Astronauts

to share their new perspectives with the world and their local

communities, thereby inspiring others.

Clare Pelly, Head of The Astronaut Office, said:

‘’As we kick off the program which will prepare Future Astronauts for a

transformational spaceflight experience, we once again draw on the

support from our unique, pioneering community. In doing so, we can

ensure that each journey with Virgin Galactic is as good and relevant as it

possibly can be; not only before, but during and after the incredible,

personal experience of spaceflight. ‘’

OCTOBER 28, 2019

Invest in the Future of Human Spaceflight

Virgin Galactic’s Purpose states that “Together we Open Space to Change

the World for Good”. The “Together” part of that statement is important;

space is hard and transforming the access we have to it, takes a

concerted and combined effort.

As Richard said in his “Letter to my Grandchildren” on the occasion of

Virgin Galactic’s first space flight: “When you set off on challenging but

important adventures exceptional people come forward to join the

journey, people who are consistently by your side and on your side,

people who share your dreams and people who help make them reality”.

That has been Virgin Galactic’s experience from day one: our 600 Future

Astronaut customers from 60 countries who provided a vital, early proof

of market and who have helped to define and perfect our product; our

incredible workforce –the only team in the world to have built and flown a

Mach 3 winged, commercial space vehicle and our partners, like Land

Rover, Under Armour and Boeing who are strengthening our business and

enhancing our customers’ experience.

The fascination with human spaceflight is universal and as we start to

create a new transportation infrastructure which will transform our

business and personal relationships with space, there will be more and

more opportunities for everyone to get involved. That process of

democratisation is at the heart of our business and what drives the new

age of space exploration and discovery.

We added one more in a long line of firsts today and furthered the

democratisation of space, as Virgin Galactic Holdings became the first and

only publicly listed human spaceflight company, with shares starting to

trade on the New York Stock Exchange this morning, under the stock

ticker SPCE.

This historical milestone means that now, for the first time, anyone can

invest in the exciting future of human spaceflight and contribute to the

benefits to humanity, that we believe will result from improving space

transportation and extending the space experience to many thousands of

people from all walks of life.

The successful conclusion of Virgin Galactic’s merger with Social Capital

Hedosophia and the start of trading today is a result of an intense period

of work but gives us a solid foundation to complete our flight test

program, commence regular commercial passenger flights with our

SpaceShipTwo system and also start to look at future technologies and

markets as we build the Spaceline for Earth.

As Richard said at the start of trading in New York: “To fellow investors,

employees of VG and The Spaceship Company, business partners and

customers – thank you for your commitment to our great company, which

has made today’s exciting announcement possible. With our proprietary

spaceflight system, special airspace access at Spaceport America,

globally-recognized brand and broad investor interest, we believe Virgin

Galactic is ideally positioned to capitalize on the fast-growing,

multibillion-dollar commercial space market and ultimately open space to

thousands of new astronauts. Today, we accomplished one mission, and

as we bring more and more future astronauts to space, we look forward to

accomplishing many more.

Continue ReadingSee All

OCTOBER 8, 2019

Boeing to Invest in Human Spaceflight Pioneer Virgin GalacticRead more

Virgin Galactic Opens the Doors to the ‘Gateway to Space’Read more

Virgin Galactic Opens the Doors to the ‘Gateway to

Space’

Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA (15th August 2019):

Virgin Galactic today revealed the first look at the interior fit-out of

its Gateway to Space building at Spaceport America in New Mexico. The

work completed showcased two floors of the building primarily focused on

spaceflight operations, which also incorporates communal spaces

designed for use in the future by Virgin Galactic customers, along with

their friends and families. Completion of this interior work means the

spaceport facility is now operationally functional and able to support

Virgin Galactic’s flight requirements.

One of the hallmarks of the Virgin brand for over nearly half a century has

been the use of inspired and bold design to transform customer

experiences. It is an ethos that has been successfully applied across

industrial sectors and design disciplines. From aircraft cabins to hotel

bedrooms and from fitness classes to bank accounts.

Virgin Galactic has striven to remain faithful to that tradition by choosing

an elegant, experience-focused concept for the space launch system

itself. Similarly, the company’s choice to operate from Spaceport America

in New Mexico was due in no small part to the state’s decision to

commission landmark architecture for the world’s first purpose-built

commercial spaceport. The Foster + Partners Gateway to Space facility

pays homage to the past in its respect for the ancient surrounding

landscape while powerfully embracing the future through energy

efficiency and sustainability. It was also specifically designed to enable

Virgin Galactic to create an unparalleled experience as its customers

prepare for journeys of a lifetime before graduating as astronauts.

The first floor is focused on our home planet, and is named Gaia,

representing the point of departure and return, as well as the purpose of

each astronaut’s journey. The color palettes and the use of natural

materials aims to bring the stunning landscape which surrounds

Spaceport inside. The floor design, furniture and fittings promote social

interaction and human discourse – a sense of togetherness and unity. An

elevated, interactive digital walkway will heighten the departure

experience for the Future Astronauts and their friends and family as they

set out from Spaceport to VSS Unity on the day of flight. The Earth-

focused design will provide a fitting welcome to those newly-graduated

astronauts returning from space with a new appreciation and

understanding of our home planet.

Gaia is subtly and unobtrusively zoned into practical, formal and informal

spaces which will host the space operations team, Future Astronauts and

their family and friends. It serves as the social hub of the building, where

everyone is part of the Virgin Galactic family; Future Astronauts will share

breakfast with spaceship pilots, grab coffee with rocket engineers and

pass the time of day with the team from Mission Control.

The focal point of Gaia is the Barista Island, a central bar made of back-lit

Italian marble hovering above hand-crafted oak providing a social hub for

our hospitality team to engage with guests and staff. Spaceflight

preparation will unite our teams with our Future Astronauts in the pursuit

of a common purpose. The Barista Island within Gaia will help to foster

that sense of camaraderie and the determination to deliver each Future

Astronauts’ personal mission.

The second floor is named Cirrus, representing light, air and flight. It is

the beating heart of spaceflight operations, and is connected to the

community hub of Gaia below through a double height atrium. The color

palette graduates from the earthy tones below in Gaia to lighter white and

grey shades, reflecting the skies beyond and providing a clean

environment supporting operational focus.

This area is home to Mission Control, the Mission Briefing Room, the Pilot

Corps and the rest of the Flight Operations team.

Mission Control enjoys a dedicated space which allows focus on flight

operations. Outside this space, the Flight Operations team and the pilots

are positioned to give an unrestricted view of ground operation areas

including the apron and runway.

Virgin Galactic’s space fleet will be housed in the Gateway to Space

hangar which is already home to VMS Eve. This huge expanse in the

middle of the building is large enough to accommodate two carrier

aircraft, each with a wingspan of 140 ft along with five SpaceShipTwo

vehicles.

The unveiling of Gaia and Cirrus brings to life a beautiful, world-first and

world-class facility and means that Spaceport America’s Gateway to

Space is now functionally operational – ready to host the remaining

portion of Virgin Galactic’s test flight program before welcoming its very

first Future Astronauts.

Project credits:

 

The fit-out project has been led by veteran Virgin architectural and

interior designer, Jeremy Brown, Virgin Galactic’s Design Director, in

collaboration with London-based Viewport Studio. Brown joined from

Virgin Atlantic to oversee this unique assignment.

 

Designed by:

 

Virgin Galactic in collaboration with Viewport Studio, London

www.viewportstudio.co.uk

 

Consultant team:

 

RMKM,

www.rmkmarch.com

PCM, Progressive Construction Management

www.progressivecm.net

 

Construction:

 

Flintco – www.flintco.com

VMS Eve arrives home to Spaceport America – a view from Chief Pilot Dave MackayRead more

JULY 31, 2019

Virgin Galactic Completes Wing for Next SpaceshipRead more

JULY