April 2006 Space News

ATK Propulsion and Composite Technologies Support Successful Launch of Delta II, CloudSat, and CALIPSO ATK 28 Apr 2006 -- Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) solid propulsion and composite technologies supported today’s successful launch of a Boeing Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The launch successfully placed the NASA satellites CloudSat and CALIPSO into orbit. As elements of both satellites, ATK composite structures will help scientists gather information on air quality and long-term climate issues.
Boeing Delta II Lifts NASA Spacecraft to Orbit Boeing 28 Apr 2006 -- A Boeing [NYSE: BA] Delta II rocket today successfully launched to orbit a pair of NASA satellites that will further study clouds and aerosols.
General Dynamics Payload Control Processor Runs Primary Science Instrument on CALIPSO Spacecraft Launched Today General Dynamics 28 Apr 2006 -- General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems provided the payload control processor for the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) spacecraft, which was launched today at 3:02 a.m. PDT from Vandenberg Air Force Base in Calif. The processor will be used by the primary science instrument, a light detection and ranging (lidar) system. Data gathered will help NASA and other science communities better predict climate changes and improve weather forecasts. General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).
LOCKHEED MARTIN TEAM LAUNCHES SECOND PAYLOAD FOR MDA'S CRITICAL MEASUREMENTS/COUNTERMEASURES PROGRAM Lockheed Martin 28 Apr 2006 -- A Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) team today successfully launched a scientific payload for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA’s) Critical Measurements/Countermeasures Program to study measurements from various missile defense sensors. This was the second payload launched this month from the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii, by the Lockheed Martin-led Targets and Countermeasures industry team.
Rocket Engine Roars Into Fourth Decade of Launch Success Pratt & Whitney 28 Apr 2006 -- For the 207th time -- and counting -- an RS-27 booster rocket engine, built by United Technologies’ [NYSE: UTX] Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Inc., has powered satellites into space. This time it was the pairing of CloudSat and CALIPSO, which were launched today from Vandenberg Air Force Base and will provide a new, more intense look at the Earth’s atmosphere.
Successful launch of the climatology Calipso satellite, integrated by Alcatel Alenia Space Thales 28 Apr 2006 -- Alcatel Alenia Space announced today the successful launch of the Calipso climatology satellite, based on its Proteus platform and integrated in its French sites. The satellite was launched by a Delta 2 rocket on April 28, 2006 at 3:02 a.m. PDT from the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, along with the Cloudsat satellite.
International Space Station Update NASA 28 Apr 2006 -- The 13th crew of the International Space Station this week began unloading some of the more than 5,000 pounds of new supplies that arrived
NASA Postpones Further Space Shuttle Safety Upgrades VOA 28 Apr 2006 -- The U.S. space agency NASA has completed its initial safety modifications to the space shuttle's external fuel tank and wants to see how it flies before making any more
Delta II launch successful AFPN 28 Apr 2006 -- A Delta II rocket was launched from here today at 3:02 a.m. The rocket took off from Space Launch Complex 2 carrying NASA's Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations, or CALIPSO, and CloudSat satellites.
NASA Launches Satellites for Weather, Climate, Air-Quality Studies NASA 28 Apr 2006 -- Two NASA satellites were launched on missions to reveal the secrets of clouds and aerosols.
Los Angeles AFB dedicates new Schriever Space Complex AFPN 27 Apr 2006 -- The Space and Missile Systems Center here officially dedicated its Schriever Space Complex April 24.
IAI's EROS B Commercial Satellite Successfully Launched From the Cosmodrome in Svobodni, Siberia in Russia Israel Aerospace Industries 26 Apr 2006 -- ImageSat International (ISI) announced yesterday (April 25, 2006) that an EROS B commercial observation satellite, manufactured by Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) was successfully launched from the Cosmodrome located in Svobodni, Siberia, Russia. The satellite was sent into orbit by the Russian Start-1 launcher.
Lockheed Martin Receives Orbus 1A Motors From ATK For Missile Defense Agency's Boost Vehicle-Plus Program Lockheed Martin 26 Apr 2006 -- Lockheed Martin’s (NYSE: LMT) Courtland, Ala., production facility has received the first two Orbus 1A motor assemblies from Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) for the Boost Vehicle-Plus program.
The ISS Progress 21 Arrives At The International Space Station NASA 26 Apr 2006 -- The ISS Progress 21 is filled with 2.5 tons of food, fuel and personal items for the station's Expedition 13 crew.
NASA Strives to Keep US at Forefront of Space Exploration VOA 26 Apr 2006 -- The U.S. space agency NASA says the next decade poses challenges as great as those engineers and scientists faced two generations ago when the space program was in its infancy
Orbital To Supply Alcatel Alenia Space With Satellite Platform And Perform Spacecraft Integration For SES Americom's AMC-21 Satellite Orbital Sciences Corp. 25 Apr 2006 -- Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB) today announced that it has signed a contract with Alcatel Alenia Space of France to supply a STAR-2 spacecraft bus and provide final spacecraft and system integration and test of SES AMERICOM's AMC-21 commercial communications satellite.
Raytheon and ATK Demonstrate SM-3 Block IA Third Stage Rocket Motor Raytheon 25 Apr 2006 -- Raytheon Company and Alliant Techsystems (ATK) successfully demonstrated the new Block IA version of a Standard Missile-3 Block IA third stage rocket motor (TSRM).
ATK Receives Go-ahead for Additional Crew Launch Vehicle Work ATK 24 Apr 2006 -- Alliant Techsystems (NYSE:ATK) has received a $28.6 million work order from NASA to design and develop the first stage of NASA’s next-generation human launch system, the Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV). The work order authorizes ATK to continue working toward completion of design and certification of a first stage propulsion system through September 2006. The work completed over the next six months will prepare ATK for the first major milestone in the development of the CLV, the September Systems Requirement Review (SRR).
SES AMERICOM's new AMC-21 telecommunication satellite awarded to Alcatel Alenia Space Thales 24 Apr 2006 -- Alcatel Alenia Space today announced that it has signed a contract to build a new powerful telecommunication satellite for the U.S. operator SES AMERICOM, an SES GLOBAL company (Luxembourg and Paris Euronext exchanges: SESG). Beginning in mid-2008, the AMC-21 satellite will transmit programming to PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) affiliated television stations throughout the Continental United States (CONUS), Alaska, Hawaii and Caribbean regions, expand occasional resources for broadcasters, and support enterprise communications networks.
Thaicom 5 satellite, built by Alcatel Alenia Space, arrives at launch site in French Guiana Thales 24 Apr 2006 -- The Thaicom 5 communications satellite, built by Alcatel Alenia Space as prime contractor, arrived April 22 at the launch site in Kourou, French Guiana. The launch by an Ariane 5 ECA is slated for May 26. Thaicom 5 is the second satellite built by Alcatel Alenia Space for Thailand.
NASA's Chandra Finds Black Holes Are 'Green' NASA 24 Apr 2006 -- Black holes are the most fuel efficient engines in the universe.
International Space Station Status Report NASA 24 Apr 2006 -- A shipment of supplies is on its way to the International Space Station.
European Columbus Laboratory For ISS Ready For Delivery ESA 24 Apr 2006 -- The Columbus laboratory is Europe's cornerstone contribution to the International Space Station.
Atlas V rocket successfully launches satellite AFPN 21 Apr 2006 -- The 45th Space Wing supported the successful launch of the Astra European telecommunications satellite on an Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 here at 4:27 p.m. April 20.
LOCKHEED MARTIN-BUILT ASTRA-1KR SATELLITE LAUNCHED SUCCESSFULLY Lockheed Martin 20 Apr 2006 -- The ASTRA-1KR telecommunications satellite, designed and built by Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] for SES ASTRA of Betzdorf, Luxembourg, was launched successfully today from Cape Canaveral, Fla., aboard an Atlas V launch vehicle provided by International Launch Services (ILS), a Lockheed Martin joint venture. Lift-off occurred at 4:27 PM EDT and initial contact with the satellite, called acquisition of signal, was confirmed at 5:43 PM EDT from the Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS) satellite tracking station in Uralla, Australia
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne and RD Amross Power Atlas V Mission Pratt & Whitney 20 Apr 2006 -- Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) company, and RD Amross, LLC, a joint venture formed by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne and NPO Energomash, provided power for both the upper stage and the booster stage, respectively, of Lockheed Martin’s Atlas V launched today from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
Mars Express's OMEGA Uncovers Possible Sites for Life ESA 20 Apr 2006 -- Scientists have discovered the three ages of Martian geological history.
Russia scraps ISS orbit adjustment, cargo launch to go ahead RIA Novosti 20 Apr 2006 -- Russia's Mission Control said Thursday it had cancelled plans to widen the International Space Station's orbit, but the launch of a cargo ship to the world's sole civilian space station remained unaffected.
ESA's ISO Provides the First View of Monstrous Stars Being Born ESA 20 Apr 2006 -- Scientists have secured their first look at the birth of monstrous stars.
Boeing Delivers Satellite to DIRECTV Following Successful On-Orbit Testing Boeing 19 Apr 2006 -- Boeing [NYSE:BA] today announced the handover of the Spaceway F2 satellite to DIRECTV, Inc., the second of four Boeing satellites that will provide DIRECTV with the capacity to broadcast hundreds of local and national high definition (HD) channels, positioning DIRECTV as the nation's leading provider of HD programming.
Boeing Opens Launch Systems Office in Huntsville and Teams with Northrop Grumman for CLV Second Stage Production Boeing 19 Apr 2006 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] has opened an Exploration Launch Systems office in Huntsville, Ala., to support the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center's Constellation program and the human space transportation elements.
Lockheed Martin-Built ASTRA-1KR Satellite Ready For Launch From Cape Canaveral, FL Lockheed Martin 19 Apr 2006 -- The ASTRA-1KR telecommunications satellite, designed and built by Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] for SES ASTRA of Betzdorf, Luxembourg, is ready for launch April 20 from Cape Canaveral, Fla., aboard an Atlas V launch vehicle provided by International Launch Services (ILS), a Lockheed Martin joint venture.
Successful Test Validates Lockheed Martin Design For Advanced Military Communications Satellite Lockheed Martin 19 Apr 2006 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] announced today that it has successfully completed a critical structural test of the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (EHF) spacecraft. The Advanced EHF system will provide global, highly secure, protected, survivable communications for all warfighters serving under the U.S. Department of Defense.
Boeing selects Alcatel Alenia Space to provide the tanks for its Delta II vehicle Thales 18 Apr 2006 -- Alcatel Alenia Space has recently been awarded a contract, worth approximately 11 million dollars, by the Boeing Company for manufacturing 12 additional Second Stage Tank Assemblies for the Delta II rocket. The delivery of the new tanks, which will be manufactured in the Alcatel Alenia Space facilities in Turin, Italy, will occur between 2007 and 2009.
Atlas V Astra launch planned AFPN 18 Apr 2006 -- The Air Force's 45th Space Wing will support the launch of an ASTRA European telecommunications satellite on an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Fla., April 20.
NASA Achieves Breakthrough in Black Hole Simulation NASA 18 Apr -- NASA scientists have reached a breakthroughthat allows them to simulate what gravitational waves from merging black holes look like.
ATK Motors Perform Flawlessly in Launch of Minotaur Rocket ATK 17 Apr 2006 -- Two Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) Orion motors performed flawlessly in this weekend’s successful flight of a Minotaur launch vehicle from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The launch placed a constellation of six microsatellites into orbit. The satellites will collect data for weather prediction, and ionosphere, climate and gravity research. This data will be available to the international scientific community in near real-time.
Lockheed Martin Goes-R Program Team To Include SAIC And IBM Lockheed Martin 17 Apr 2006 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] announced today that Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) and IBM Business Consulting Services have joined the GOES-R Lockheed Martin Team in competition for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R) program.
Lockheed Martin Team Launches Payload For MDA's Critical Measurements/Countermeasures Program Lockheed Martin 17 Apr 2006 -- A Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) team successfully launched a scientific payload April 13 for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA’s) Critical Measurements/Countermeasures Program. Lockheed Martin leads the Targets and Countermeasures industry team, which launched the vehicle and its payload from the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii.
Orbital Successfully Launches Target Vehicle For MDA's Critical Measurements/Countermeasures Program Orbital Sciences Corp. 17 Apr 2006 -- Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB) announced today that it successfully launched a two-stage medium-range target vehicle that supported the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) Critical Measurements/Countermeasures Program, Campaign 2 (CMCM-2). The launch of Orbital's target vehicle, which was based on two SR-19 rocket motors, originated from the Pacific Missile Range Facility on April 13, 2006.
Orbital Successfully Launches Minotaur Rocket Carrying Array Of Small Scientific Satellites Into Orbit Orbital Sciences Corp. 17 Apr 2006 -- Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB) announced today that its Minotaur I space launch vehicle successfully delivered six small scientific satellites into low-Earth orbit in a mission that originated from Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB), CA on April 14.
Minotaur launch successful AFPN 17 Apr 2006 -- A Minotaur rocket was successfully launched at 6:40 p.m. April 14 from Space Launch Complex-8 on south Vandenberg.
The 13th Crew of the International Space Station Wraps Up Its First Week Flying Solo NASA 14 Apr 2006 -- The crew's work has included station maintenance, medical and other experiments and standard daily exercise.
NASA Releases First Mars Images from Two Orbiter Cameras Washington File 14 Apr 2006 -- Researchers released the first Mars images April 13 from two of three science cameras on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.
Raytheon Awarded $47 Million Contract for Patriot Upgrades Raytheon 13 Apr 2006 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has been awarded a U.S. Army contract valued at more than $47 million to upgrade Patriot PAC-2 missiles to the latest GEM+ configuration.
Calipso climatology satellite, integrated by Alcatel Alenia Space, ready for launch Thales 13 Apr 2006 -- The Calipso (Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation) satellite, for which Alcatel Alenia Space handled the delivery of the satellite platform and the spacecraft-payload integration, will be launched on April 21 at 3:02 a.m. PDT. The Calipso mission is part of a joint program between French space agency CNES and NASA of the United States, and will be launched along with the Cloudsat satellite from the Vandenberg air force base in California, using a Delta 2 rocket.
Mars Orbiting Cameras Debut As NASA Craft Adjusts Orbit NASA 13 Apr 2006 -- Researchers today released the first Mars images from two of the three science cameras on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.
U.S.-Taiwanese Innovative Satellite Array To Launch April 14 Washington File 13 Apr 2006 -- A globe-spanning constellation of six satellites expected to improve weather forecasts, monitor climate change and enhance space weather research will head into orbit April 14.
NASA Rovers Head for New Sites After Studying Mars Layers Washington File 13 Apr 2006 -- NASA's Mars rover Spirit has reached a safe site for the Martian winter; its twin, Opportunity, is making fast progress toward a safe destination of its own.
Unexpected Detail in First-Ever Venus South Pole Images ESA 13 Apr 2006 -- ESA's Venus Express has returned the first-ever images of the hothouse planet's south pole from a distance of 206 452 kilometres, showing surprisingly clear structures and unexpected detail.
Sea Launch Successfully Delivers JCSAT-9 to Orbit Boeing 12 Apr 2006 -- Sea Launch Company today successfully delivered the JCSAT-9 communications satellite to geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO). Early data indicate the spacecraft is accurately positioned and in excellent condition.
Lockheed Martin-Built JCSAT-9 Satellite Launched Successfully Lockheed Martin 12 Apr 2006 -- The JCSAT-9 telecommunications satellite, designed and built by Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] for JSAT Corporation of Japan was successfully launched aboard a Sea Launch Zenit-3SL launch vehicle from the Pacific Equator. Lift-off occurred at 7:30 p.m. EDT and initial contact with the satellite, called acquisition of signal, was confirmed at 9:16 p.m. EDT from the Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS) satellite tracking station in Uralla, Australia.
Missile defense site named after President Reagan AFPN 12 Apr 2006 -- The missile defense site here took on a new name April 10.
Space superiority a priority for Air Force authority AFPN 12 Apr 2006 -- They almost scrapped the mission. An Air Force weather officer and the satellites at his disposal talked them out of it.
Hubble Finds "Tenth Planet" is Slightly Larger Than Pluto NASA 11 Apr 2006 -- NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has seen distinctly the "tenth planet," currently nicknamed "Xena," and has found that it is only slightly larger than Pluto.
NASA Chooses New Spacecraft To Search for Water on Moon Washington File 11 Apr 2006 -- NASA officials have announced that the agency will send a small "secondary payload" spacecraft to the moon with the launch of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), scheduled for October 2008.
International Project Improves Satellite Measurements Washington File 11 Apr 2006 -- Researchers in France and the United States have improved a technique for obtaining satellite radar images in areas where calm or covered seas usually prevent accurate recordings.
European 'Venus Express' Begins Orbiting Earth's 'Evil Twin' Planet VOA 11 Apr 2006 -- A European spacecraft has arrived at Venus to study Earth's hot, hazy sister planet
Europe Scores New Planetary Success ESA 11 Apr 2006 -- Venus Express enters orbit around the Hothouse Planet.
Russia prepares lunar program to recover energy resources RIA Novosti 11 Apr 2006 -- Russia is preparing to launch an ambitious lunar project which could provide access to alternative energy resources, a company involved in the project said Tuesday.
Sea Launch Initiates Countdown for JCSAT-9 Launch Boeing 10 Apr 2006 -- The Sea Launch team has initiated a 72-hour countdown in preparation for the launch of the JCSAT-9 communications satellite, scheduled for Wednesday, April 12 (revised from April 11), at the opening of a 34-minute launch window, at 4:30 pm Pacific Daylight Time (23:30 GMT).
Lockheed Martin-Built JCSAT-9 Satellite Ready For Launch Lockheed Martin 10 Apr 2006 -- The JCSAT-9 telecommunications satellite, designed and built by Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] for JSAT Corporation of Japan, is ready for launch April 12. The launch is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EDT aboard a Sea Launch Zenit-3SL launch vehicle. JCSAT-9 is the second in a series of seven satellite launches planned this year for Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS) and the first of three satellites Lockheed Martin will deliver to JSAT over the next two years.
Northrop Grumman Congratulates Missile Defense Agency on Dedication of Ronald W. Reagan Missile Defense Site at Vandenberg Northrop Grumman 10 Apr 2006 -- The U.S. Missile Defense Agency today dedicated the "Ronald W. Reagan Missile Defense Site" at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) provides the critical battle management and launch control software that is responsible for launching the interceptors and orchestrating the engagement sequence for the current Ground-based Midcourse System.
Northrop Grumman Performs Second Successful Test of Kinetic Energy Interceptor Battle Management Capability, Ahead of Schedule Northrop Grumman 10 Apr 2006 -- Last week, Northrop Grumman again successfully performed a test of the Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI) battle management capability, known as the Fire Control and Communications system (KFC/C). This is the second consecutive KFC/C test performed ahead of schedule this year. The first test was performed on March 1.
Raytheon Awarded $114 Million Contract for Upgraded Early Warning Radar at Thule, Greenland Raytheon 10 Apr 2006 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has been awarded a $114 million contract by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to implement the Upgraded Early Warning Radar (UEWR) program at Thule, Greenland.
U.S., Russian, Brazilian Space Station Astronauts Back on Earth Washington File 10 Apr 2006 -- After orbiting Earth more than 3,000 times during six months on the International Space Station, Expedition 12 Commander Bill McArthur and Flight Engineer Valery Tokarev returned to the planet April 8 in Kazakhstan.
NASA Will Send Spacecraft on Death Dive into Moon as Part of 2008 Mission VOA 10 Apr 2006 -- America's return to the moon in 2008 will make a big impact - in the literal sense. The U.S. space agency NASA says an unmanned spacecraft that will orbit the moon will be accompanied by projectiles that will smash into the moon's south pole and raise clouds of debris visible from Earth.
NASA Chooses New Spacecraft to Search for Water on Moon NASA 10 Apr 2006 -- The Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite will travel independent of the orbiter to search for water ice.
Three Crewmen Return to Earth in Russian Soyuz Spacecraft VOA 09 Apr 2006 -- A three-man crew landed in Kazakhstan early Sunday local time after a flight from the International Space Station
ISS Crewmen Return to Earth NASA 08 Apr 2006 -- Expedition 12 Commander Bill McArthur and Flight Engineer Valery Tokarev returned to the planet Sunday morning in Kazakhstan. With them was Marcos Pontes, Brazil’s first astronaut.
LOCKHEED MARTIN WINS $408 MILLION SATELLITE SUPPORT CONTRACT Lockheed Martin 07 Apr 2006 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] won a cost plus award contract worth up to $408 million over 10 years to provide a broad array of satellite and missile systems support to the US Air Force.
Vandenberg launches Minuteman III AFPN 07 Apr 2006 -- An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from Vandenberg today at 6 a.m.
ESA's Venus Express to Reach Final Destination ESA 07 Apr 2006 -- ESA's Venus Express spacecraft is about to reach its final destination. The rendezvous is due to take place on 11 April.
Next Phase Reached in Definition of Mars Sample Return Mission ESA 07 Apr 2006 -- ESA has taken a further step in preparing for participation in Mars Sample Return (MSR), the landmark mission to return samples from the Red Planet.
Russian govt. to spend more on space in 2006-15 - official RIA Novosti 07 Apr 2006 -- Government spending on space programs will increase in the next ten years, the country's top space official said Friday.
DoD Official: Rudimentary Missile Defense System in Place AFPS 06 Apr 2006 -- The United States now has a rudimentary missile defense system in place, a senior defense official told the Senate's strategic forces subcommittee here April 4.
NASA, Space Tourism Company Agree on Shuttle Runway Use Washington File 06 Apr 2006 -- NASA and a private space entertainment and tourism company announced April 4 that the company will begin regular use of the space shuttle's runway and landing facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Alcatel pursues the transfer of its satellite activities and critical systems for security to Thales Thales 05 Apr 2006 -- Alcatel (Paris : CGEP.PA and NYSE : ALA) is pleased that the Board of Thales has approved the acquisition in principle of its satellite subsidiaries, its railway signalling business and its integration and services activities for mission-critical systems.
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Completes Assembly of First Common Extensible Cryogenic Engine Demonstrator Pratt & Whitney 05 Apr 2006 -- Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) company, has completed assembly of the first Common Extensible Cryogenic Engine (CECE) demonstrator supporting NASA’s Vision for Space Exploration.
NASA's Spitzer Finds Hints of Planet Birth Around Dead Star NASA 05 Apr 2006 -- NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope has uncovered new evidence that planets might rise up out of a dead star's ashes.
Astronomers Find Signs Planets Might Form Around Dead Stars VOA 05 Apr 2006 -- New evidence from an orbiting U.S. telescope indicates that planets might rise up out of a dead star's ashes.
Boeing Orbital Express Program Passes Major Test Milestones Boeing 04 Apr 2006 -- The Boeing [NYSE: BA] Orbital Express system, a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) program aimed at demonstrating fully autonomous on-orbit satellite servicing, last month completed two major test milestones. The program completed its Baseline Integrated System Test (BIST) of the Autonomous Space Transport Robotic Operations (ASTRO) spacecraft and a series of electromagnetic interference and compatibility tests to verify component operation in the spacecraft's actual electromagnetic environment.
Boeing Awards $57 Million Contract to ViaSat for Mobile Satellite Ground System Boeing 04 Apr 2006 -- Boeing [NYSE:BA] has awarded ViaSat, Inc. [NASDAQ: VSAT] a contract valued at approximately $57 million to develop the ground-based beam-forming system for the new Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) communications network.
LOCKHEED MARTIN COMPLETES TESTING ON AEGIS BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE UPGRADE Lockheed Martin 04 Apr 2006 -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) announced the successful completion of land-based testing for the next enhancement to the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Weapon System. Completion of this testing is a key milestone to provide tactically certified capability to engage short and medium range ballistic missiles on all Aegis BMD ships.
Lockheed Martin / Northrop Grumman TSAT Team Achieves High-Data-Rate Communications Processor Milestone Northrop Grumman 04 Apr 2006 -- A team led by Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) and Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) became the first to successfully demonstrate the interoperability of a new high-data-rate protected waveform in the initial test of the Next Generation Processor/Router (NGPR), the brain of future Internet protocol-based military satellite communications for the Transformational Satellite Communications System (TSAT).
Northrop Grumman Proposes Space Missions to Go ... in 48 Hours or Less Northrop Grumman 04 Apr 2006 -- The U.S. Air Force would be able to launch satellites or deliver special purpose payloads in as little as 48 hours using a new, rapid-turnaround launch system proposed by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC). The new concept, called a Hybrid Launch Vehicle (HLV), would also reduce launch costs by approximately two-thirds compared to the cost of using a medium evolved expendable launch vehicle.
Globalstar awards Alcatel Alenia Space a study contract to replace its satellite constellation Thales 04 Apr 2006 -- Globalstar has awarded Alcatel Alenia Space a study contract for the design of a new satellite constellation aiming at replacing Globalstar's first generation satellites.
International Cooperation on Missile Defense Capabilities Growing Washington File 04 Apr 2006 -- Growing international cooperation in building missile defense capabilities represents a new, forward-looking consensus on defending against current and future threats, says Paula DeSutter, assistant secretary of state for verification, compliance and implementation.
NASA and Zero-G Agree on Regular Shuttle Runway Use NASA 04 Apr 2006 -- NASA and Zero Gravity Corp. of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., announced that ZERO-G will begin to regularly use the space shuttle's runway and landing facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
BAE Systems to bring Surrey Satellite Technology SmallSat capability to United States BAE Systems 03 Apr 2006 -- BAE Systems has begun partnering with Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (SSTL) to bring the U.K. technology firms small-satellite technology and processes to the U.S. market.
EADS SPACE Services takes a 49% stake in LONDON SATELLITE EXCHANGE EADS 03 Apr 2006 -- EADS SPACE Services has been working jointly since two years with London Satellite Exchange, whose operational base is in Toulouse, notably on the ASTEL S contract for the French MOD.
New Crew Docks with International Space Station Washington File 03 Apr 2006 -- A new crew docked at the International Space Station late March 31 to start a six-month mission.
NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Begins Adjusting Orbit Washington File 03 Apr 2006 -- NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter March 30 began a crucial six-month effort to shrink its orbit gradually into the best geometry for the mission's science work.
New Crew Arrives at the International Space Station NASA 01 Apr 2006 -- A new crew pulled into port at the International Space Station late Friday to start a six-month mission.
Russian Spacecraft Docks at International Space Station VOA 01 Apr 2006 -- The three-man crew of a Russian Soyuz spacecraft, including the first Brazilian to go to space, has joined the two-man crew in the International Space Station.

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