March 2007 Space News

Russian envoy warns of "serious conflict of interests" over US missile plans IRNA 31 Mar 2007 -- Russia's Ambassador to Germany Vladimir Kotenev warned of a "serious conflict of interests" following US plans to deploy 10 missile interceptors and a radar track system in Poland and the Czech Republic.
No U.S. missile shield elements deployment in Russia - ministry RIA Novosti 31 Mar 2007 -- A spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry denied Saturday media reports that Russia proposed the United States to deploy elements of missile defense shield on its territory.
NASA Reveals New Sun Phenomena VOA 30 Mar 2007 -- Several times each year, scientists and administrators at the US. Space Agency's headquarters in Washington, unveil their most recent discoveries and activities, and plans
Defense Expert Issues Warning on China's Anti-Satellite Efforts VOA 30 Mar 2007 -- A U.S. defense expert is urging Washington to take seriously the possibility that China could develop space weapons to use against the United States
Japan, Netherlands deploy first SAM batteries RIA Novosti 30 Mar 2007 -- The first battery of the Patriot Advanced Capability 3 surface-to-air missiles (PAC3) was delivered Friday to the Iruma air base, north of Tokyo.
U.S. Invites Russian Participation in Missile Defense Program Washington File 29 Mar 2007 -- Top U.S. defense and diplomatic officials again invited Russian participation in a newly developed air defense system in Europe designed as a safeguard against ballistic missile attacks from potential threats in East Asia and the Middle East.
Next International Space Station Crew To Launch April 7 Washington File 29 Mar 2007 -- The next crew of the International Space Station is set to launch April 7 in a Russian Soyuz spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Expedition 15 commander Fyodor Yurchikhin, flight engineer and Soyuz commander Oleg Kotov, and spaceflight participant Charles Simonyi will dock with the station April 9.
Raytheon to Pursue U.S. Air Force Network and Space O&M Contract Raytheon 29 Mar 2007 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) will lead an industry team in pursuit of Network and Space Operations & Maintenance, or NSOM, a program to provide operations and maintenance services to the Air Force Satellite Control Network.
Russia to adopt long-term space program - Putin RIA Novosti 29 Mar 2007 -- Russia's Security Council will discuss a long-term space program through 2040, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.
Russia calls for broader talks on U.S. missile shield - FM RIA Novosti 29 Mar 2007 -- Russia's foreign minister called Thursday for broader consultations on the deployment of elements of the U.S. missile defense system in Central Europe.
EU foreign policy chief calls for debate on U.S. missile plans RIA Novosti 29 Mar 2007 -- The European Union's foreign policy chief said Thursday that EU states should discuss Washington's plans to deploy elements of its missile defense system in Central Europe.
Missile Defense System Protects United States, Allies AFPS 28 Mar 2007 -- The United States has been fielding a missile defense system aimed toward defending itself, its deployed forces and its allies against emerging threats, a top military official said today.
Boeing Announces Industry Team for Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle Upper Stage Production Boeing 28 Mar 2007 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] will lead a team of suppliers in pursuit of a contract for production of the upper stage for the Ares I crew launch vehicle, NASA's first new human-rated launch vehicle since the space shuttle.
Russia to respond to U.S. missile shield plans in Europe RIA Novosti 28 Mar 2007 -- Russia will be guided by a principle of "reasonable sufficiency" in its response to U.S. missile shield plans in Europe, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told Germany's Handelsblatt newspaper Wednesday.
Glonass system to be launched by year-end - Sergei Ivanov RIA Novosti 28 Mar 2007 -- The Glonass global navigation system will be inaugurated later this year, Russia's first deputy prime minister said Wednesday.
U.S. missile defense chief argues for missile shield in space RIA Novosti 28 Mar 2007 -- A senior U.S. official in charge of America's missile defense program told a congressional committee Tuesday that some elements should be deployed in space, including a "space-based layer" in near-Earth orbit.
Dnepr rocket to be launched April 17 - space agency RIA Novosti 28 Mar 2007 -- The launch of a Dnepr rocket, grounded since a crash last summer, has been postponed until April 17 for technical reasons, a spokesman for the Russian Space Agency said.
U.S./Israel Complete Successful Arrow Missile Defense Test MDA 26 Mar 2007 -- Air Force Lieutenant General Henry “Trey” Obering III, Missile Defense Agency Director, today announced the successful completion of the latest ballistic missile test, by the joint U.S./Israel Arrow missile defense system
Czech govt. to announce decision on U.S. missile shield Wed. RIA Novosti 26 Mar 2007 -- The government of the Czech Republic will announce Wednesday its decision regarding the deployment of a radar system on its territory as part of a U.S. missile shield in Central Europe, the Polish press agency PAP said Monday.
Israel successfully tests upgraded Arrow missile defense system RIA Novosti 26 Mar 2007 -- Israel has conducted a successful launch of a modernized interceptor missile used as part of the Hetz (Arrow II) missile defense system, the country's Defense Ministry said Monday.
NATO chief for discussing missile shield in Russia-NATO Council RIA Novosti 26 Mar 2007 -- NATO's secretary general said the proposed deployment of a U.S. missile shield in Central Europe had to be discussed within the Russia-NATO Council.
Soyuz TMA-9 module relocation set for March 30 - mission control RIA Novosti 26 Mar 2007 -- Soyuz TMA-9 is scheduled to relocate from the Zarya Module on the International Space Station, also known as the Functional Cargo Block, to the Zvezda Service Module March 30, a Mission Control spokesman said Monday.
Russia allocates $380 million for Glonass in 2007 RIA Novosti 26 Mar 2007 -- Russia has earmarked 9.88 billion rubles ($380 million) for its global navigation system Glonass program in 2007, the Russian space agency said Monday.
Sea-Based X-Band Radar Participates Successfully in Key Missile Defense Flight Test Raytheon 23 Mar 2007 -- The Raytheon-developed X- Band Radar (XBR) portion of the Sea-Based X-Band Radar, or SBX, performed successfully in a flight test of the Ground Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) element of the Ballistic Missile Defense System conducted by the Missile Defense Agency March 20, 2007.
Raytheon Successfully Completes Testing of Navy Multiband Terminal Satellite Communications System Ahead of Schedule Raytheon 23 Mar 2007 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has determined it has successfully completed all formal testing of the Navy Multiband Terminal (NMT) satellite communication system and exceeded performance requirements while finishing nearly three weeks ahead of schedule.
International Mission To Study Sun Returns Spectacular Images Washignton File 23 Mar 2007 -- An international mission to study the sun has returned new, detailed images of the solar atmosphere that scientists say will change the way they understand Earth's nearest star.
Russia to launch international space lab in 2011 RIA Novosti 23 Mar 2007 -- Russia will launch an astrophysical space lab in 2011 from the Baikonur or Kourou (French Guiana) space center, the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roskosmos) said Friday.
U.S. air shield possible only with Russia's involvement - FM RIA Novosti 23 Mar 2007 -- U.S. plans to deploy air defense missiles in Europe could negatively affect Russia's relations with NATO if implemented unilaterally without Russia's involvement or any consideration of collective interests, Russia's foreign minister said Friday.
US General Tells China Anti-Missile Test Caused Confusion VOA 23 Mar 2007 -- The United States' top general is encouraging military leaders in China to be more transparent as they build up their country's armed forces
International Partnerships Plan Continued Exploration of Mars Washignton File 22 Mar 2007 -- Future missions will search for evidence of life on the Red Planet
Shuttle Atlantis Grounded by Fuel Tank Damage VOA 22 Mar 2007 -- The U.S. space agency NASA says storm damage repairs are likely to keep the space shuttle Atlantis grounded at least until May, two months after it was originally set to visit the International Space Station
Cosmonauts to carry out spacewalks with tourists if trained RIA Novosti 22 Mar 2007 -- Russian astronauts preparing for next month's trip to the International Space Station said they would be happy to carry out spacewalks with tourists who were properly trained.
Clipper to be resubmitted to Russian space agency by late 2007 RIA Novosti 22 Mar 2007 -- Energia, a leading Russian spacecraft corporation, will resubmit an improved variant of a new Clipper space shuttle to the Russian space agency by late 2007, the corporation's head said Thursday.
Ukraine's Rada concerned over missile shield placement in Europe RIA Novosti 22 Mar 2007 -- Ukraine's parliament issued a statement Thursday expressing concerns over the possible deployment of U.S. missile defense elements in Central Europe.
15th expedition to ISS approved, Soyuz TMA-10 launch due April 7 RIA Novosti 22 Mar 2007 -- The crew of the 15th expedition to the International Space Station (ISS) has been approved and the fifth space tourist has been cleared to fly.
Missile Defense Flight Test Successfully Completed MDA 21 Mar 2007 -- Lt. Gen. Henry “Trey” Obering, Missile Defense Agency director, today announced the successful execution of an important test involving the tracking of a long-range target missile by radars that are being incorporated into the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS).
Airborne Laser fires tracking laser, hits target AFPN 21 Mar 2007 -- The YAL-1A Airborne Laser, a modified Boeing 747-400F, successfully test fired its target illuminator laser March 15 during a five-hour test flight.
General Says US Missile Defense Much Improved Since North Korean Test in July VOA 21 Mar 2007 -- The commander of U.S. strategic forces says the United States has significantly improved its missile defense and deterrent capability since North Korea's series of missile tests last July
Russia Accuses U.S. Of 'Disrespecting' European Allies RFE/RL 21 Mar 2007 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov today accused the United States of disrespecting its European allies as Washington seeks to build a missile-defense shield.
Raytheon Successfully Completes Testing of Navy Multiband Terminal Satellite Communications System Ahead of Schedule Raytheon 21 Mar 2007 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and the U.S. Navy have successfully completed all formal testing of the Navy Multiband Terminal (NMT) satellite communication system--exceeding performance requirements and finishing nearly three weeks ahead of schedule.
Boeing, Missile Defense Agency Complete Successful Test of Sea-Based Radar Boeing 21 Mar 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], working with industry teammates and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, last night successfully completed a Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system test using a powerful new sea-based sensor that will play a key role in defending the nation against hostile ballistic missiles.
LOCKHEED MARTIN COMPLETES WORK ON MODERNIZED GPS SATELLITES Lockheed Martin 21 Mar 2007 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] announced today the delivery of the eighth and final satellite in the modernized Global Positioning System Block IIR (GPS IIR-M) production program to the Air Force.
Ukraine not ready for missile shield placement - president RIA Novosti 21 Mar 2007 -- Ukraine should not make any hasty decisions on the placement of a missile shield on its territory until a common global approach to this issue has been developed, President Viktor Yushchenko said Wednesday.
Moscow hopes U.S. will listen to argument against missile shield RIA Novosti 21 Mar 2007 -- Russia's foreign minister said Moscow hoped the United States would listen to its appeal against Washington's plans to deploy a missile shield in Central Europe and the Caucasus.
Boeing TSAT Laser Communications System Demonstrates Mission-Level Capabilities and Performance Boeing 20 Mar 2007 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and its partners became the first team to successfully demonstrate the ability of its Transformational Satellite (TSAT) laser communications system to deliver high-power operations at three data rates during recent U.S. Air Force tests.
U.S. missile defense threat to stability - Russian AF official RIA Novosti 20 Mar 2007 -- U.S. missile defense deployment in Central Europe poses a serious threat to Russia's national security and could undermine strategic stability in the world, a high-ranking Russian Air Force official said Tuesday.
No anti-missile radars in Russian embassies-Space Forces command RIA Novosti 20 Mar 2007 -- Ballistic missile early warning (BMEWS) radars will not be deployed on the premises of Russian embassies abroad, Russian Space Forces command said Tuesday.
LOCKHEED MARTIN RECEIVES $376 MILLION CONTRACT FOR PAC-3 MISSILE PROGRAM Lockheed Martin 19 Mar 2007 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has received a $376 million contract from the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) for hardware and services associated with the combat-proven Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile program
US should have consulted Russia on defense in Europe - opinion RIA Novosti 19 Mar 2007 -- The United States should have consulted Russia on its plans to deploy missile defense elements in the Czech Republic and Poland, a political scientist said Monday.
Ukraine government to report on missile shield to parliament RIA Novosti 19 Mar 2007 -- Ukraine's parliament is planning Wednesday to hear reports by the Defense Ministry and Foreign Ministry about the possible deployment of missile-defense systems on Ukrainian soil, a deputy parliament speaker said Monday.
Oldest GPS satellite being prepared for disposal AFPN 17 Mar 2007 -- The oldest operational satellite in the GPS constellation has broadcast its signal for more than 16 years, during which time that signal's mission applications -- and the people who make sure the signal is available -- have changed dramatically.
Airborne Laser Completes Successful In-Flight First Firing of Laser Tracking System MDA 16 Mar 2007 -- Lt. General Henry A. “Trey” Obering, Missile Defense Agency director, announced today the successful completion March 15, 2007 of the first in-flight test of the laser targeting system for the Airborne Laser (ABL)
Boeing-led Airborne Laser Team Fires Tracking Laser at Airborne Target Boeing 16 Mar 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], along with industry teammates and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, yesterday successfully fired the Airborne Laser (ABL) weapon system's tracking laser in-flight at an airborne target for the first time.
Davidson Joins Raytheon-Led Team in Bid for Army's Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System Raytheon 16 Mar 2007 -- Davidson Technologies Inc. has joined Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) industry team in a bid for the U.S. Army Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS).
US missile defense in Europe could drag Russia into arms race - gen. RIA Novosti 16 Mar 2007 -- U.S. missile defense deployment in Europe could drag Russia into a new arms race, a senior Russian air defense commander said Friday.
Russian, U.S. experts to meet over missile shield in April RIA Novosti 16 Mar 2007 -- Russian and U.S. experts will discuss Washington's missile defense plans in Central Europe on the sidelines of a NATO-Russia Council meeting in April, a NATO official said Friday.
Europe missile shield decision should include Russia - French DM RIA Novosti 15 Mar 2007 -- Any decision to deploy elements of a missile defense system in Eastern Europe should be made only after a genuine dialogue with Russia, France's defense minister said Thursday.
Is Space For Sale? VOA 14 Mar 2007 -- Space tourism is no longer science fiction, at least for those who can afford it.
ISS orbit to be adjusted March 16 - mission control RIA Novosti 14 Mar 2007 -- The International Space Station's orbit will be adjusted March 16 to prepare for the docking of a Russian spacecraft, Russia's mission control said Wednesday.
Sea-Based X-Band Radar Completes Fine Calibration Testing Raytheon 13 Mar 2007 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has successfully completed fine calibration of the X-Band Radar portion of the Sea-Based X-Band Radar, or SBX, marking a major achievement in the development of a key component of the Missile Defense Agency's Ground- Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system.
Sea Launch explosion due to engine failure - space agency RIA Novosti 13 Mar 2007 -- An unsuccessful rocket launch under the Sea Launch project in late January was caused by engine failure, the press secretary of Russia's federal space agency said Tuesday.
Russian top brass hopes East Europe will deny U.S. air shield RIA Novosti 13 Mar 2007 -- A top Russian military official said Tuesday he hoped East European NATO countries would refuse to deploy U.S. air defense missiles on their territory.
Air Force's satellite-loaded Atlas V is 50th launch success AFPN 12 Mar 2007 -- The Air Force marked its 50th consecutive successful launch March 8 with an Atlas V loaded with six experimental satellites.
Future is bright for Air Force space assets AFPN 12 Mar 2007 -- The Airmen of Air Force Space Command are tracking a lot more than the man-made space junk that orbits the Earth.
India's communication satellite launched successfully IRNA 12 Mar 2007 -- India's latest communication satellite, the INST-4B, was launched successfully at 3033 hours IST (Indian Standard Time) Monday morning from Kouru in French Guyana by the Ariane-5 launch vehicle.
NATO chief warns of split over US `son of star wars' IRNA 12 Mar 2007 -- NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer warned Monday that the transatlantic military alliance risks being split between countries covered by the controversial US `son of star wars' program and other member states left exposed.
NATO chief warns of split in Europe over planned US missile base IRNA 12 Mar 2007 -- Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Jaap de Hoop Scheffer has warned that the alliance risks being split between countries that would be covered by the US's proposed missile defence program and other member states left exposed to missile threats.
Raytheon's 'Pure Fleet' $38.6 Million Contract Award To Enhance Patriot Global Capabilities Raytheon 12 Mar 2007 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) received a $38.6 million Army contract to provide increased capability for warfighters now using the Patriot Advanced Capability-2 (PAC-2) configuration.
NASA To Host International Space University Summer Session Washington File 09 Mar 2007 -- NASA announced March 7 that its Ames Research Center in California will host the 2009 International Space University (ISU) Summer Session Program, an intensive nine-week course of study in subjects ranging from engineering and physical sciences to satellite applications and policy.
ATK Composite Technology Supports Atlas V Launch ATK 09 Mar 2007 -- Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) composite technology supported yesterday's successful launch of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
Boeing Orbital Express to Demonstrate New On-Orbit Servicing Capability Boeing 09 Mar 2007 -- A Boeing-led [NYSE: BA] industry team today announced the successful launch of Orbital Express, a demonstration spacecraft that is part of a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) program aimed at demonstrating fully autonomous on-orbit spacecraft servicing capabilities.
No U.S. missiles on Armenian soil - deputy FM RIA Novosti 09 Mar 2007 -- Armenia's deputy foreign minister said Friday the Caucasus state was not considering the possibility of deploying elements of a U.S. missile defense system on its soil.
THAAD Radar Completes Successful Target Tracking Test MDA 08 Mar 2007 -- Lt. General Henry “Trey” Obering, Missile Defense Agency director, announced today the successful completion of an important radar data collection flight test for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense element.
Boeing Delivers 500th PAC-3 Missile Seeker to Lockheed Martin Boeing 08 Mar 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has delivered the U.S. Army's 500th Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile seeker, a component that enables the weapon system to detect and track targets. Lockheed Martin Corp. [NYSE: LMT] is the PAC-3 Missile prime contractor.
Commander Expresses Optimism About Pacific Region Missile Defense AFPS 08 Mar 2007 --Spurred by North Korean missile testing in 2006, the United States has made significant strides this year in upgrading its missile detection in the Pacific region, the top U.S. Pacific Command official said yesterday.
Astronaut Suni Williams Describes Life Aboard Space Station Washington File 07 Mar 2007 -- The audio signal was clear from the International Space Station (ISS). Except for a slight lag in transmission, the astronauts might have been across town
Raytheon to Pursue U.S. Air Force $160 Million Upgrade for the Next Generation GPS Control Segment Raytheon 07 Mar 2007 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) will lead an industry team in pursuit of the next generation Global Positioning System Control Segment (OCX), a program to provide command, control, and mission support for current GPS Block II and III satellites as well as support to existing and new interfaces
NATO has yet to discuss U.S. missile shield in Europe - official RIA Novosti 07 Mar 2007 -- BRUSSELS, March 7 (RIA Novosti) - NATO has not yet discussed U.S. plans to deploy elements of its missile defense system in Europe, a spokesman said Wednesday.
South Korean astronauts for flight to ISS start training RIA Novosti 07 Mar 2007 -- Two South Korean astronauts, one of whom will fly to the International Space Station (ISS), have started training in Zvyozdny Gorodok outside Moscow.
General Dynamics Joins Raytheon Team in a Bid for Army's Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System Raytheon 06 Mar 2007 -- General Dynamics C4 Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has joined a Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN)-led world-class team in a bid for the U.S. Army Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS).
Russia wants answers on expansion of U.S. missile shield - FM RIA Novosti 06 Mar 2007 -- Russia's foreign minister said Tuesday that Moscow intends to press for answers to questions it has regarding the expansion of the United States' missile shield.
U.S., Russia could cooperate on missile defense - ambassador RIA Novosti 06 Mar 2007 -- The United States is prepared to cooperate with Russia on missile defense, the U.S. Ambassador in Russia said Tuesday.
Russian bombers could suppress U.S. missile shield - general RIA Novosti 05 Mar 2007 -- Russia's strategic aviation has sufficient potential to suppress elements of a U.S. missile defense shield should it be deployed in Central Europe, the commander of the Strategic Air Force said Monday.
Russia set to launch satellites from submarine - Navy chief RIA Novosti 05 Mar 2007 -- Russia will launch foreign satellites into orbit from a submarine in 2007, the Navy commander said Monday.
Russia to launch first micro-satellites in 2008 - space agency RIA Novosti 05 Mar 2007 -- Russia intends to launch its first research micro-satellites in 2008, the Federal Space Agency said Monday.
European Missile Defense Would Protect Against Mideast Threats Washington File 02 Mar 2007 -- Although the United States advocates placing limited missile defense capabilities in Europe, a senior U.S. government nonproliferation expert says it has no interest in sparking an arms race with Russia.
Ukraine PM wants U.S. to discuss radar deployment with Kiev RIA Novosti 03 Mar 2007 -- Ukraine's premier said his country opposed unilateral decisions on global security systems and wanted to discuss the issue with the United States.
US shield in Ukraine, Caucasus could spark regional crisis-MP RIA Novosti 02 Mar 2007 -- Including Ukraine and the Caucasus nations into a U.S. air-defense system could cause another internal political crisis in these countries, a senior Russian MP said Friday.
Russia could respond to U.S. radar in Caucasus - Air Force chief RIA Novosti 02 Mar 2007 -- The deployment of a U.S. anti-missile radar system in the Caucasus would not affect Russia's defense capabilities, but the country could have to respond to the move nevertheless, the Russian Air Force commander said Friday.
General Says U.S. Wants Antimissile Base In Caucasus RFE/RL 02 Mar 2007 -- The head of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency says Washington wants to base an antimissile radar in the Caucasus.
Two New US Spacecraft Offer Better Warning of Solar Outbursts VOA 01 Mar 2007 -- The U.S. space agency NASA says two new spacecraft orbiting Earth are giving scientists an unprecedented ability to track storms on the sun all the way to Earth
ATK Receives Contract Valued At Nearly $5 Million For Oriole Rocket Motors ATK 01 Mar 2007 -- Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) received a contract valued at nearly $5 million to manufacture fifteen Oriole solid propellant rocket motors for use in testing U.S. missile defense capabilities
L-3 Communications Integrated Systems Awarded $26 Million Contract to Support NASA's Airborne Observatory L-3 Communications 01 Mar 2007 -- L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL) announced today that its L-3 Integrated Systems (L-3 IS) subsidiary has been awarded a follow-on contract with a potential value of up to $26 million to provide developmental and engineering work on the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) from NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center.
Raytheon Awarded $18 Million Contract to Provide Patriot Support to Kuwait Raytheon 01 Mar 2007 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) received an $18 million operation and maintenance support contract from the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command to provide Kuwait with Patriot system technical assistance.