February 2007 Space News

Northrop Grumman-Designed Spacecraft to Detect Lunar Water Ice Passes Critical Design Review, Moves Into Production Phase Northrop Grumman 28 Feb 2007 -- The Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) successfully completed critical design review, giving Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) the green-light to complete building flight hardware for the mission. As prime contractor, Northrop Grumman is building and integrating LCROSS for NASA Ames Research Center.
US Spacecraft Takes New Look at Jupiter on Way to Pluto VOA 28 Feb 2007 -- A U.S. spacecraft has taken the closest images of Jupiter since the Galileo probe perished in a programmed dive into the huge planet's atmosphere four years ago.
Iran: Rocket Launch Another Show Of Prowess RFE/RL 28 Feb 2007 -- Iran has given much publicity to what it calls its first successful launch of a rocket into space.
No adjustment to ISS orbit due to Atlantis launch postponement RIA Novosti 28 Feb 2007 -- The orbit of the International Space Station will not be adjusted March 2 as planned, because the launch of the Atlantis space shuttle has been postponed, Russia's Mission Control said Wednesday.
Finland concerned over U.S. missile defense plans RIA Novosti 28 Feb 2007 -- A senior member of the Finnish parliament said Wednesday the placement of elements of the U.S. missile shield in Central Europe could threaten Finland's security.
Russia may open new space launch site - Space Agency RIA Novosti 28 Feb 2007 -- Russia may open a new launch site for manned space missions, the head of the Russian space agency said Wednesday.
LOCKHEED MARTIN AWARDED $ 979 MILLION FOR AEGIS BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE Lockheed Martin 27 Feb 2007 -- The U.S. Department of Defense’s Missile Defense Agency (MDA) today awarded Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] $ 979,175,217 for continued development and evolution of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Weapon System.
NASA Postpones Atlantis Launch Because of Hail Damage VOA 27 Feb 2007 -- U.S. space officials have delayed the March 15 launch of the shuttle Atlantis after it was damaged by a big hail storm at the launch pad Monday
Raytheon to Offer World-Class Transformational Team in a Bid for Army's Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System Raytheon 27 Feb 2007 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) plans to offer the Army a world-class team in a bid for the U.S. Army Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS).
U.S. missile shield talks could take several years - Polish FM RIA Novosti 26 Feb 2007 -- Future talks on the deployment of a U.S. missile defense base in Poland could take several years, Poland's foreign minister said Monday.
Iran Launches First Space Rocket RFE/RL 25 Feb 2007 -- State television reports that Iran has successfully launched its first space rocket.
Plans for missile shield in Europe not understandable - Lavrov RIA Novosti 25 Feb 2007 -- The U.S. plans to create a missile shield in Eastern Europe are not quite understandable for Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Sunday.
U.S. says missile shield in Europe could evolve in future RIA Novosti 24 Feb 2007 -- The U.S. administration said Friday that elements of the U.S. missile defense system could be placed in the future not only in Poland and the Czech Republic but also in other countries.
DoD and NASA Partner on National Strategy for Aeronautical Testing 23 Feb 2007 -- The Department of Defense and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration recently signed an agreement focusing efforts to develop an integrated national strategy for managing their respective aeronautical test facilities
UK seeks to station US 'Son of Star Wars' on its soil IRNA 23 Feb 2007 -- The British government confirmed Friday that it was holding talks with the Bush Administration over the possibility of siting part of the controversial US missile defence system on UK soil.
U.S.: Rogue Threats Justify Missile Defense RFE/RL 23 Feb 2007 -- The United States says that it wants to build a European missile shield to protect against threats from countries it considers rogue states, including North Korea and Iran.
US Assures Russia on Missile Defense VOA 22 Feb 2007 -- American and Russian generals, diplomats and politicians are continuing an exchange of words over a U.S. proposal to deploy a new missile defense system in Europe
Missile Defenses in Europe Would Shield Against Iran, Not Russia AFPS 22 Feb 2007 -- Basing missile defenses in Eastern Europe would protect the United States, deployed U.S. troops and Europe against Iran and other rogue nations, but would pose no threat to Russia’s missile deterrent, the director of the Missile Defense Agency said here today.
Proposed Missile Defenses in Europe Would Target Iranian Threat Washington File 22 Feb 2007 -- A senior State Department official says a plan to deploy elements of a limited missile defense system in Central Europe is not meant to upset a cooperative relationship between the United States and Russia.
Analysis: The Final Frontier for Weapons cfr.org 22 Feb 2007 -- China’s decision in January to blast one of its own aging weather satellites out of orbit using a ballistic missile drew global criticism
NASA's Northrop Grumman-Built Chandra X-ray Observatory Continues to Produce Observations for Amazing Discoveries Northrop Grumman 22 Feb 2007 -- More than seven years after its launch and more than two years past design life, NASA's Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC)-built Chandra X-ray Observatory continues to produce data that enables astronomers to make extraordinary discoveries.
ISS crew repair antenna malfunction during spacewalk RIA Novosti 22 Feb 2007 -- Two members of the 14th crew of the International Space Station have repaired a malfunctioning antenna during a spacewalk, mission control said Thursday.
German FM calls for civilized dialogue on U.S. missile shield RIA Novosti 22 Feb 2007 -- The German foreign minister Thursday called for a broad dialogue on the deployment of elements of the U.S. missile defense system in Central Europe, without accusations against the United States.
ISS crew starts planned space walk RIA Novosti 22 Feb 2007 -- Two members of the 14th crew of the International Space Station have started their scheduled spacewalk Thursday to repair malfunctions that occurred during the docking of the Progress M-58 with the station.
Rice says US missile system to be deployed in Poland, Czech Republic aims at Iran IRNA 21 Feb 2007 -- US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said on Wednesday that the missile system the US has planned to deploy in Poland and the Czech Republic is aimed at a possible launch from Iran.
Space Cooperation Highlights 200 Years of U.S.-Russia Relations Washington File 21 Feb 2007 -- On the same day that NASA commemorated the 45th anniversary of John Glenn’s orbits of Earth in Friendship 7 in 1962, the U.S. Department of State celebrated 200 years of U.S.-Russian diplomatic relations with a February 20 program on U.S.-Russia cooperation in space.
U.S. must discuss missile shield with Russia, EU - Kwasniewski RIA Novosti 21 Feb 2007 -- Poland's ex-president Aleksander Kwasniewski said Warsaw should insist that Washington discuss its missile defense plans with Russia and the European Union.
Missile shield in Europe will not tackle Iran, N. Korea threat RIA Novosti 21 Feb 2007 -- Elements of the U.S. missile defense system in Europe will not allow the United States to stop the threat of missile launches from rogue states, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday.
Soyuz TMA-10 spacecraft to transport 15th crew to ISS April 7 RIA Novosti 20 Feb 2007 -- A Soyuz TMA-10 spacecraft with 15th International Space Station (ISS) expedition will be launched April 7, 2007 from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan, the Russian Space Agency said Tuesday.
Missile shield in Europe could lead to cold war - Slovak ex-premier RIA Novosti 20 Feb 2007 -- The deployment of elements of the U.S. missile defense system in Central Europe could lead to a deterioration in relations between Russia and NATO, a former prime minister of Slovakia said Tuesday.
ATK Composite and Propulsion Technologies Help Launch NASA THEMIS Satellite ATK 19 Feb 2007 -- Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) propulsion and composite technologies supported Saturday's successful launch of the United Launch Alliance's Delta II rocket carrying NASA's Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) satellites
Polish, Czech Leaders Discuss Missile-Defense Plan RFE/RL 19 Feb 2007 -- The prime ministers of Poland and the Czech Republic say they are likely to accept a U.S. proposal to host elements of an antimissile system on their territories.
Altai asks Russian space agency to clear region of space garbage RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2007 -- The authorities of Russia's Altai Republic in southwest Siberia have asked the country's space agency to clean up the region of space garbage.
German FM Criticizes US Preparations for Missile Defense System in Europe VOA 19 Feb 2007 -- Germany's foreign minister has criticized the United States for failing to include Russia in discussions about a proposed missile defense system in Europe.
Air Force supports NASA mission to study auroras AFPN 18 Feb 2007 -- Airmen from the 45th Space Wing supported the Feb. 17 launch of a Delta II booster carrying five NASA probes on a mission called "THEMIS," which will study auroral substorms, an avalanche of solar wind powered magnetic energy that intensifies the northern and southern lights.
NASA Mission to Seek Polar Lights' Energy Source VOA 18 Feb 2007 -- The U.S. space agency NASA has launched five satellites - the most ever from one rocket - to locate the source of energy in Earth's magnetic field that triggers the colorful, dancing auroras over the north and south poles
India to launch 3 more satellites for better weather forecast IRNA 15 Feb 2007 -- Three more satellites are about to join India's fleet to forecast ravaging cyclones and monsoon.
Raytheon Awarded $212 Million Contract for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense Radar Raytheon 15 Feb 2007 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has been awarded a $212 million contract by the Missile Defense Agency for the manufacture, delivery and integration support of one Terminal High Altitude Area Defense radar, also called the AN/TPY-2 radar.
Raytheon to Deliver Navy Multiband Terminal Satellite Communication System for Testing Raytheon 15 Feb 2007 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) is ready to deliver the Navy Multiband Terminal satellite communication system to the U.S. Navy for formal tests to begin later this week.
China, Russia Clash With US Over Space Weapons Treaty VOA 13 Feb 2007 -- China and Russia clashed with the United States Tuesday over a proposal to the United Nations Conference on Disarmament to create a treaty on space weapons.
U.S. gyrodyne malfunction repaired - Russian space agency RIA Novosti 13 Feb 2007 -- One of the U.S. gyrodynes on the International Space Station, disconnected Sunday due to a malfunction, has been repaired and put back into operation, the Russian space agency said Tuesday.
U.S./Israel Complete Successful Arrow Missile Defense Test MDA 12 Feb 2007 -- The Missile Defense Agency today announced the successful ballistic missile intercept Sunday by the joint U.S./Israel Arrow missile defense system
Russia to launch laboratory module to ISS in 2009 RIA Novosti 12 Feb 2007 -- The completion of a laboratory module for the International Space Station depends on financing, but it should be ready for launch in 2009, the head of the Khrunichev State Space Scientific Production Center said Monday.
Russia ready to help Europe with anti-missile defense - Ivanov RIA Novosti 11 Feb 2007 -- Russia is prepared to cooperate with the West in creating a European anti-missile defense system, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov said Sunday.
New space technology provides less shake, rattle, roll AFPN 10 Feb 2007 -- Current deployment mechanisms operating aboard spacecraft primarily consist of heavy springs which, when activated, inflict shock to components such as solar arrays and antennae.
Deployment of U.S. missile defense could trigger new arms race RIA Novosti 10 Feb 2007 -- Deployment of a U.S. missile defense system in Central Europe could trigger a new spiral of the arms race, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday.
Raytheon Completes Delivery of Early Missile-Warning Sensors for U.S. Space Tracking & Surveillance System Program Raytheon 09 Feb 2007 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) successfully delivered the second of two advanced infrared sensor payloads to Northrop Grumman Space Technology for the missile-warning Space Tracking & Surveillance System Block 6 program.
Raytheon Successfully Demonstrates Satellite Communications Alternative Raytheon 09 Feb 2007 -- During an exercise with the I Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) successfully demonstrated that a traditional, transportable satellite communications terminal could be field configured to communicate without acquiring a satellite connection.
Russia will not be dragged into an arms race - defense minister RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2007 -- Russia will not allow itself to be drawn into an arms race, Russia's defense minister said Friday in reference to U.S. plans to place a missile shield in Central Europe.
Russia's Ivanov slams U.S. missile shield plans in Europe RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2007 -- Washington's plans to deploy elements of its anti-ballistic missile system in Europe may affect the military-strategic situation, the Russian defense minister said Friday.
Russia to give "intellectual" response to U.S. missile shield RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2007 -- Russia will respond in an "intellectual" way to moves by the United States to position its anti-ballistic missile defense systems in locations that threaten Russia, the foreign minister said Friday.
Missile Defense Elements Participate in Air Force Operational Missile Test MDA 08 Feb 2007 -- Lt. General Henry “Trey” Obering, Missile Defense Agency (MDA) director, announced today the successful completion of an exercise held Feb. 7 involving Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) elements while participating in a routine operational test of a U.S. Air Force strategic missile from Vandenberg AFB, Calif. as a “target of opportunity.”
Schriever Airmen assist during satellite program move AFPN 08 Feb 2007 -- The 6th Space Operations Squadron Airmen here are assisting with satellite control authority of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, augmenting National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration specialists who deployed to Schriever Jan. 29 from their facilities in Suitland, Md.
Northrop Grumman Successfully Checks Out Sensors On New Air Force Weather Satellite Northrop Grumman 08 Feb 2007 -- Five weather and space environmental sensors onboard the recently launched Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellite, F-17, have been switched on and are operating successfully, according to Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC), the Air Force's DMSP sensor management contractor.
ISS crew begins spacewalk RIA Novosti 08 Feb 2007 -- Two members of the 14th crew of the International Space Station have started their third spacewalk in nine days, NASA said Thursday.
Russian analysts suspect U.S. of intentions to revive "Cold War" RIA Novosti 08 Feb 2007 -- Russian analysts argue that Washington's consistent efforts to redeploy its missile defense system closer to Russia's borders may be an indication the U.S. administration seeks to revive the "Cold War" against Moscow and its allies.
New Sea-Based Missile Defense Radar Completes Successful Journey to Alaska MDA 07 Feb 2007 -- Lt. General Henry “Trey” Obering, Missile Defense Agency director, announced today that the Sea-based Xband Radar (SBX) has successfully traveled from Hawaii to the waters of the Aleutian Island chain of Alaska.
Vandenberg team launches Minuteman III AFPN 07 Feb 2007 -- An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from North Vandenberg Feb. 7 at 12:14 a.m.
NASA to Review Psychological Screening Process VOA 07 Feb 2007 -- The U.S. Space Agency (NASA) says it will review its psychological screening process one day after a U.S. astronaut was charged with attempting to kill an alleged romantic rival
Raytheon Completes Patriot Live-Fire Test with 3-for-3 Successes Raytheon 07 Feb 2007 -- A Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) Configuration 3 Patriot system, composed of a Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missile-T (GEM-T), a Patriot launcher, engagement control station and Patriot radar, destroyed a surrogate cruise missile target to complete a perfect three-for-three mission set as part of a two-month evaluation at White Sands Missile Range, N.M.
Airborne Laser In-Flight Testing MDA 06 Feb 2007 -- Lt. General Henry “Trey” Obering III, Missile Defense Agency (MDA) director, announced that the Airborne Laser is currently undergoing flight testing of the beam control/fire control system, which includes both the Tracking Illuminator Laser and Beacon Illuminator Laser
General: US Must Check Capability After Chinese Anti-Satellite Test VOA 06 Feb 2007 -- The top U.S. military officer says the United States needs to look at its own capabilities in the wake of China's anti-satellite weapon test last month, with a view toward closing any capability gap that now exists
Interim Polar System reaches full operational capability AFPN 06 Feb 2007 -- Air Force officials announced Feb. 6 the successful launch and delivery for operational service of the second Interim Polar System payload.
Northrop Grumman Delivers Payload Module Ahead of Schedule For First Advanced EHF Military Communications Satellite Northrop Grumman 06 Feb 2007 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has delivered the payload module for the first Advanced Extremely High Frequency (EHF) military communications satellite ahead of schedule to the Sunnyvale, Calif., facilities of Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT), prime contractor for the Advanced EHF program.
Bush’s $17.3 Billion Budget Request Supports Space Leadership Washington File 06 Feb 2007 -- President Bush’s $17.3 billion budget request for NASA for the fiscal year beginning October 2007 (FY 2008) would provide needed funding for the space shuttle and International Space Station, but budget cuts over the past few years could jeopardize the schedule for replacing the space shuttle by 2014.
Iran threat behind Poland's interest in missile defense RIA Novosti 06 Feb 2007 -- Poland may agree to the deployment of a U.S. missile defense system on its territory because it perceives a threat from Iran, not Russia or Belarus, Polish military attache Andrzej Lewandowski said Tuesday.
Russia against militarizing outer space - defense minister RIA Novosti 06 Feb 2007 -- Russia's defense minister said again Tuesday that the country is vehemently opposed to the militarization of outer space.
India's space agency chief slams Chinese anti-satellite test IRNA 05 Feb 2007 -- Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) chief G Madhavan Nair has slammed China for its anti-satellite missile test, terming the shooting down as one against international convention, and said New Delhi should make efforts to exert pressure on Beijing not to undertake such strikes.
NEW MISSILE WARNING SATELLITE BUILT BY LOCKHEED MARTIN COMPLETES KEY ENVIRONMENTAL TEST PHASE Lockheed Martin 05 Feb 2007 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] announced today that the first Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous orbit (GEO) spacecraft bus has successfully completed engineering thermal vacuum testing at its facilities in Sunnyvale, Calif. SBIRS will provide early warning of missile launches and support other missions simultaneously, including missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace characterization.
Northrop Grumman-Built Defense Support Program Flight 23 Moves Toward Launch With Integration of Satellite and Launch Vehicle Payload Adapter Northrop Grumman 05 Feb 2007 -- Launch processing of the 23rd and final Northrop Grumman Corporation-built (NYSE:NOC) Defense Support Program (DSP) satellite took a major step forward with the mating of the satellite and the launch vehicle payload adapter. DSP Flight 23 will be launched on April 1 by a Delta IV-Heavy from the United States Canaveral Air Force Station, Launch Complex 37.
U.S. missile shield plans in Europe target Russia - expert RIA Novosti 05 Feb 2007 -- Plans to deploy elements of a U.S. anti-missile defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic are aimed at Russia, a senior Russian military expert said Monday.
ISS astronauts start second spacewalk this year RIA Novosti 04 Feb 2007 -- Two astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS) have begun their second spacewalk this year, NASA reported Sunday.
Russia unconvinced with U.S. reasons for missile defense in EU RIA Novosti 03 Feb 2007 -- Reasons of the United States to deploy elements of an anti-missile defense system in Europe are not an adequate response to modern threats and do not convince Russia, the Russian foreign minister said Saturday.
Russia speaks for broader space cooperation with U.S. - Lavrov RIA Novosti 03 Feb 2007 -- Russia speaks for broader cooperation with the United States in space exploration, particularly for military purposes, the Russian foreign minister said Saturday.
U.S. Seeks More Transparency from China on Defense Issues Washington File 02 Feb 2007 -- The United States is monitoring closely China’s military modernization efforts while also pushing Beijing to be more transparent about its intentions and participate more fully in a dialogue to head off the risk of miscalculation, a senior U.S. defense official says.
Arnold teams provide NASA with test data AFPN 02 Feb 2007 -- Two teams at the Engineering Development Center's Hypervelocity Wind Tunnel 9 here were recently involved in tests for NASA's next crew exploration vehicle.
Northrop Grumman On Track to Test Fire Kinetic Energy Interceptor Booster in 2008 Lockheed Martin 02 Feb 2007 -- The Kinetic Energy Interceptor program, under development by prime contractor Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC), is on schedule to meet the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) objective of a 2008 booster flight, the company said today.
U.S. sensitive to Russian concerns on missile defense - diplomat RIA Novosti 02 Feb 2007 -- The United States will take into account Russia's concerns regarding its plans to deploy elements of an anti-missile defense system in Europe, a high-ranking U.S. diplomat said Friday on condition of anonymity.
No danger to ISS from Chinese satellite debris - Russian expert RIA Novosti 02 Feb 2007 -- Debris from a satellite destroyed by a Chinese missile does not threaten the International Space Station, a Russian space official said Friday.
Russia will respond effectively to U.S. missile defense in EU RIA Novosti 01 Feb 2007 -- Russia will develop an effective response to United States plans to deploy missile defense systems in Poland and the Czech Republic, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.