Tag: Orbital
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SES-8 heads to Florida for next Falcon 9 v1.1 launch
The Orbital-built SES-8 telecommunications satellite has begun its road journey to Florida ahead of its November 1 (NET) launch atop of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 v1.1 launch vehicle. The satellite is rolling to the Cape Canaveral area on the back of a truck, ahead of processing and integration with the upgraded F9 that is preparing for…
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Orbital’s Cygnus successfully berthed on the ISS
Orbital’s Cygnus spacecraft made its second attempt to dock with the International Space Station (ISS) on Sunday morning, resulting in a successful capture and berthing by the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS). A week has passed since a discrepancy in the GPS data between the ISS and Cygnus resulted in the need to delay…
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Green light for Cygnus to re-approach ISS for Sunday berthing
NASA managers have approved Orbital’s Cygnus spacecraft for a second attempt to rendezvous and berth with the International Space Station. Cygnus required one line of code to be updated to its software, following a GPS discrepancy between the spacecraft and the Station. The successful action resulted in approval to press ahead with berthing on Sunday…
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Cygnus delays ISS berthing following GPS discrepancy
Orbital’s Cygnus spacecraft was into the final leg of berthing with the International Space Station (ISS) on Sunday morning, prior to a discrepancy relating to the way the ISS and Cygnus determine GPS data. The fascinating issue can be fixed via an update to Cygnus’ software, allowing for a second rendezvous and berthing attempt no…
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As Cygnus heads to the ISS Orbital already eyeing the future
As Orbital Sciences Corporation’s first Cygnus spacecraft, the G. David Low, conducts a series of tests and rendezvous maneuvers that will bring it within reach of the International Space Station (ISS) robotic arm Sunday, the company continues preparations and planning for the next Station resupply mission and increased cargo delivery capabilities for future missions. ORB-D…
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Orbital’s Antares launches Cygnus on debut mission to ISS
Orbital Sciences Corporation have launched the first Cygnus spacecraft Wednesday, beginning a demonstration mission to the International Space Station which will verify that the vehicle is ready to support NASA’s resupply needs. Liftoff from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport on Wallops Island, Virginia, atop an Antares rocket occurred at 10:58 EDT. Cygnus ORB-D: The Cygnus Orb-D1…
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Antares rolled out ahead of ORB-D mission – 24 hour delay
Orbital’s Antares launch vehicle is deep into preparations for its second trip into space – delayed 24 hours to Wednesday – this time hosting the debut mission for the Cygnus resupply ship. Known as ORB-D, Cygnus will make its long-awaited flight to the International Space Station (ISS), with the aim of validating multiple demonstration milestones…
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Orbital’s Minotaur V launches LADEE mission to the Moon
NASA’s latest mission to the Moon launched aboard an Orbital Sciences Minotaur rocket Friday night. Liftoff of the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer from the Wallops launch facility was on schedule at (23:27 EDT) 03:27 UTC on Saturday. LADEE Mission: The Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer, or LADEE, is the fifth NASA mission…
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Countdowns and Testing – Commercial Space steps up a gear
Several commercial space companies are in the midst of critical testing and launch preparations. While the increase in activity is aimed at successfully achieving differing mission objectives, the overall drive is one based on private companies becoming the new gate keepers of Low Earth Orbit (LEO), freeing NASA to set sail for deep space destinations.…
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NASA planners switch next SpaceX Dragon mission to 2014
Planners within the ISS program have manifested the next two Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) missions. Both Orbital’s CRS-1 (ORB-1) and SpaceX’s CRS-3 (SpX-3) missions were initially provided with the same orbital place-holder in December, prior to this week’s decision to allow Cygnus to fly ahead of Dragon, with the latter moving to NET January 17,…