'NOTHING SHORT OF SPECTACULAR': ESA'S BIOMASS SATELLITE RELEASES 1ST VIEWS OF EARTH FROM ORBIT - ESA’s biomass satellite has delivered its inaugural set of breathtaking Earth images from orbit, showcasing a stunning, high-resolution perspective of our planet’s varied landscapes and atmospheres. These visuals not only highlight advanced space imaging capabilities but also support the agency’s mission to monitor carbon-rich biomass and improve environmental studies. The new views capture everything from dynamic weather patterns to expansive natural terrains, underscoring significant technological milestones in remote sensing and offering fresh insights into Earth’s intricate systems.   More
(Source: Space.com - Jun 24)

ULA LAUNCHES KUIPER 2 MISSION ON ATLAS 5 ROCKET FROM CAPE CANAVERAL - or a second time this year, United Launch Alliance launched an Atlas 5 rocket carrying 27 of Amazon’s Project Kuiper internet satellites into low Earth orbit. This was just the second production batch that will make up a constellation of more than 3,200 satellites eventually.   More
(Source: SpaceFlight Now - Jun 24)

SPACEX LAUNCHES 27 STARLINK SATELLITES FROM FLORIDA - SpaceX’s Falcon 9 lifted off on October 23 carrying a new batch of Starlink satellites, with the company once again demonstrating the efficiency of its reusable booster technology by flying booster B1069. The mission added valuable capacity to the global broadband network while highlighting the ongoing evolution of cost-effective, high-performance space launch systems. Meticulous pre-launch preparations and a well-executed flight trajectory contributed to a smooth deployment, reinforcing SpaceX’s leadership in commercial space endeavors and paving the way for future satellite network expansions and technological innovations in orbital deployment.   More
(Source: Space.com - Jun 24)

SPACEX’S TRANSPORTER 14 LAUNCH WILL CARRY MORE THAN 150 CAPSULES OF DNA, HUMAN REMAINS - SpaceX is set to launch its Transporter-14 rideshare mission on June 21, carrying a payload that includes over 150 capsules with unique contents such as preserved DNA samples and human remains. This mission exemplifies how commercial space ventures are expanding the scope of what can be sent to orbit, from scientific instruments to items with deep personal and historical significance. Utilizing reusable rocket technology, SpaceX aims to provide cost-effective access to space while offering an innovative platform for transporting a diverse range of payloads. The mission not only highlights advances in spaceflight reliability but also opens a new chapter in preserving human history and legacy beyond our planet.   More
(Source: Space.com - Jun 23)

LEAK ON INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION DELAYS SPACEX LAUNCH OF AXIOM-4 ASTRONAUTS - A leak detected aboard the International Space Station has pushed back the scheduled SpaceX launch carrying the Axiom 4 private astronaut crew. Engineers are investigating the source of the anomaly to ensure that all safety protocols are met before proceeding with the mission. The incident has prompted a careful reassessment of the station’s systems and highlighted the challenges of operating in space, reflecting the ongoing balancing act between maintaining strict safety standards and advancing commercial spaceflight efforts.   More
(Source: Space.com - Jun 22)

CHINA LAUNCHES CHINASAT-9C SATELLITE INTO ORBIT - China has achieved another space milestone by successfully sending its Chinasat-9C satellite into orbit on June 21, 2025. Using a state-of-the-art launch vehicle, the mission underscores the nation’s commitment to advancing its space capabilities and expanding its satellite network. The new satellite is set to enhance communications and data transmission across a range of applications, reinforcing China’s technological prowess in both commercial and scientific arenas. Chinese officials celebrated the launch as a significant step forward in the continuous evolution of the country’s aerospace infrastructure and innovation drive.   More
(Source: CGTN - Jun 22)

DEAD NASA SATELLITE UNEXPECTEDLY EMITS POWERFUL RADIO PULSE - On June 13, 2024, astronomers using the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder detected an extraordinarily brief and intense radio pulse—lasting less than 30 nanoseconds and peaking at over 300 kilojanskys—originating from the defunct NASA Relay 2 satellite launched in 1964 and decommissioned in 1967. The burst, which briefly outshone all other celestial radio sources, is believed to have been caused by either a sudden electrostatic discharge as the satellite accumulated charge in orbit or by a micrometeoroid impact that created a plasma plume. This unexpected emission from a long-silent space relic highlights a rare and intriguing phenomenon, offering new insights into dormant spacecraft behavior, potential space debris monitoring techniques, and the risks posed by electrostatic events.   More
(Source: New Scientist - Jun 21)

UND TO LAUNCH STATE’S FIRST-EVER SATELLITE MISSION - The University of North Dakota is set to launch a historic satellite mission this Saturday at 4:19 p.m. CDT from Vandenberg Space Force Base, marking the first-ever satellites commissioned in North Dakota. This dual-satellite mission, dubbed ROADS (Rendezvous & Operations for Autonomous Docking and Servicing), was developed with engineering firm AVS USA. Hitching a ride aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the low-Earth orbit satellites will be operated from UND’s Odegard School, where they’ll engage in autonomous rendezvous and docking maneuvers while enabling hands-on student training in tracking and communications. A key objective is to build UND’s capacity in satellite operations—expanding opportunities for experiential learning in areas ranging from Doppler tracking to amateur radio—while also advancing research in satellite refueling, a critical technology for extending satellite lifespans.   More
(Source: SatNews - Jun 21)

HIGH WINDS SCRUB ROCKET LAB'S PLANNED LAUNCH OF A SECRET SATELLITE TO ORBIT - Rocket Lab’s “Symphony in the Stars” mission, set to launch on June 20, aims to place a secret satellite into a 650 km circular orbit from their New Zealand pad atop an Electron rocket. The mission – for a confidential commercial customer – marks Rocket Lab’s ninth launch of 2025 and 67th overall. Launch control remains tight-lipped about the payload's function, offering no further details. A live webcast from Rocket Lab will begin approximately 30 minutes before lift-off, though high-altitude winds could threaten the schedule, as has happened with past launches.   More
(Source: Space.com - Jun 21)

Previous Next