The Chinasat 16 experimental communications satellite (aka Shi Jian 13) was aboard a CALT operated Long March 3B-G2 (CZ 3B-G2) which lifted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, in southwest China, at 1104 GMT on 12 April 2017. The satellite is based on the...
While SpaceX concentrates on making its partly reusable rocket even more low cost, by dint of recovering the payload fairing using control thrusters and parachutes, it has even grander ambitions. SpaceX founder Elon Musk has apparently decided to resuscitate his plan...
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) was formally chosen by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) as the prime contractor for the Engineering Test Satellite 9 (ETS-9). The experimental communications spacecraft is scheduled to launch in 2021 and will test...
Starting a small launch vehicle operation remains a risky business. US start-up small launch vehicle firm, Firefly, which laid off staff last year after a withdrawal of a major investor, is now having its assets sold off. While there were doubts about its first stage...
It was again the case of “always the bridesmaid but never the bride” for the US aerospace giant Northrop Grumman Corporation, as during March, the firm, along with its team partner BAE Systems (formerly British Aerospace), formally withdrew its entry for...
When SpaceX first achieved the recovery of its Falcon 9 rocket’s first stage in late 2015 (admittedly after a few failed attempts), the world hailed it as a new step in spaceflight. However, the truth is that nothing practical for actual space operations was proven...
