Tag: SpaceX
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ISS updates failure investigations and future configuration challenges
The International Space Station Increment 25 are ending their first full week on the orbital outpost, as specialists on the ground continue their investigation into the events leading up to the failure of the GPRVs (Gas Pressure Regulation Valves) in April and Pump Module (PM) in July. Engineers are also evaluating the ISS’s long-term module…
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STS-133: SpaceX’s DragonEye set for late installation on Discovery
The DragonEye (DE) relative navigation sensor – set to ride with Discovery on STS-133 – will be installed two weeks later than planned, following a laser rod failure during testing. Discovery – currently enjoying a smooth processing flow – will be conducting the second test for the sensor during her arrival at the International Space…
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SpaceX success for maiden launch of Falcon 9
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launch vehicle has enjoyed a successful maiden flight on Friday, carrying a prototype Dragon spacecraft into orbit. Launch – at 2:45pm Eastern – came near the end of a four hour launch window, which was interrupted by an issue with the Flight Termination System (FTS) – several incursions into the Range, and an abort at T-3…
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Teal predict over 2,200 payloads to be launched over next 20 years
The Teal Group – a defense and aerospace consulting firm that provides intelligence to government and industry – estimates 2,229 space payloads will be launched to Earth, Lunar and deep space trajectories from 2010-2029. The Virginia-based group is also predicting a bright future for SpaceX’s Dragon, and Orbital’s Cygnus capsules, as they prepare to come…
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SpaceX announce successful activation of Dragon’s CUCU onboard ISS
Following its arrival onboard shuttle Atlantis during STS-129, the CRS UHF Communication Unit (CUCU) – a key element for the upcoming demonstration of SpaceX’s Dragon capsule – has passed a series of tests on the International Space Station (ISS), allowing the commercial company to confirm its successful activation. Atlantis and ISS aid Dragon’s future: The…
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Orion removed from NASA control – MOD positioning for commercial role
NASA managers are pushing through the shutdown of the Constellation Program (CxP) at a pace, with a series of memos showing all the Ares test flights have already been cancelled, along Orion ‘defunded’ and returned to the sole control of contractor Lockheed Martin. Meanwhile, MOD director Paul Hill has written to NASA administrator Charlie Bolden,…
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STS-129 ready to support Dragon communication demo with ISS
When STS-129 launches next week, Atlantis will have one eye on the future, as she carries the CRS UHF Communication Unit (CUCU), a key element for the upcoming demonstration of SpaceX’s Dragon capsule, ahead of its debut arrival at the International Space Station (ISS) in 2010. STS-129’s Dragon Payload: The Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS)…
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Falcon 1 launches with RazakSat for Malaysia’s ATSB
The fifth launch of the SpaceX Falcon 1 carrier rocket is underway, carrying the RazakSat spacecraft for Malaysia’s Astronautic Technology (M) Sdn. Bhd. The launch, which marks the first flight of a commercial payload aboard a Falcon rocket, was delayed to 03:35 GMT (11:35pm Eastern). Launch/Mission Overview: RazakSat, formerly known as MACSat, was originally scheduled…
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STS-127: NASA managers recommend mission length increase to 16 days
Due to a conflict with Shuttle Crew Scheduling Constraints (SCSC) rules relating to off duty time during flight, NASA managers have recommended an increase of STS-127 to a 16 day mission (16+0+2). The confirmation came via a PRCB (Program Requirements Control Board) meeting presentation, which also outlined alternative options. The mission length will be under review…
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Ares/Orion slipping up to 18 months – Shuttle extension gains upper hand
NASA’s Constellation Program (CxP) will conduct a “Content and Schedule” summit meeting in the next few months, after it was evaluated their current schedules are “broken”. The meeting will aim to protect against a slip that is estimated to be as serious as 18 months, or outright cancellation for Ares I. Meanwhile, the push for…