August 2008 Space News

Moscow still seeking dialogue with U.S. on missile defense RIA Novosti 29 Aug 2008 -- Russia is seeking to continue dialogue with the U.S. on issues relating to a new strategic arms treaty and missile defense, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Friday.
Russia launches RapidEye remote sensing satellites RIA Novosti 29 Aug 2008 -- Russia has launched a constellation of five remote Earth sensing satellites from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan, the federal space agency said Friday.
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne to Launch Next-Generation of Commercial Satellite to Map, Measure and Monitor the Earth 29 Aug 2008 -- Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) company, will help scientists map, measure and monitor the environment by boosting the next-generation GeoEye-1 commercial satellite into orbit from Vandenberg Air Force Base on Sept. 4.
U.S. Air Force/Lockheed Martin Team Achieves Major Operational Milestone On First SBIRS HEO System Lockheed Martin 28 Aug 2008 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] announced today that the U.S. Air Force has certified readiness for dedicated operational utility evaluation and trial period operations of the first Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO-1) payload and associated ground system in preparation for use by the warfighter.
Space Tracking and Surveillance System's Demonstration Satellites Complete Acoustic Testing At Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman 28 Aug 2008 -- The two Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) demonstration satellites being built by prime contractor Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) have successfully completed acoustic testing.
ISS orbit adjusted to dodge space junk - mission control RIA Novosti 28 Aug 2008 -- The International Space Station's orbit has been adjusted to avoid a cluster of space garbage, Russia's Mission Control Center (MCC) said on Thursday.
Globalstar begins production assembly and testing of new second-generation satellites Thales 27 Aug 2008 -- Globalstar, Inc. (NASDAQ:GSAT), the world's largest provider of mobile satellite voice and data services to businesses, government and individuals, today announced that satellite manufacturer Thales Alenia Space has begun production assembly, integration and testing of the first Globalstar second-generation flight model satellites.
Russia builds Angara launch pad, confirms maiden flight in 2010 RIA Novosti 27 Aug 2008 -- Russia's Design Bureau for Transport Machinery has completed the construction of a launch pad for a new-generation carrier rocket at the Plesetsk space center in northern Russia, the company head said on Wednesday.
Russia to respond militarily to U.S. missile shield RIA Novosti 27 Aug 2008 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has said Russia will have to respond militarily to the deployment of elements of a U.S. missile shield in Central Europe.
U.S.-manned Patriot missile base to be set up in Poland by 2012 RIA Novosti 26 Aug 2008 -- A garrison of 100 U.S. military personnel will be based at an Army Patriot missile battery in Poland due to be established by 2012, a U.S. official said.
US Remains Open to Dialogue With Moscow on Missile Defense VOA 26 Aug 2008 -- The Bush administration said Monday it remains open to dialogue with Moscow on U.S. European missile-defense plans despite Russia's angry response to the signing of a U.S.-Polish agreement on the issue last week
Missile Defense Elements Participate in Air Force Test MDA 25 Aug 2008 -- Lieutenant General Henry "Trey" Obering, Missile Defense Agency (MDA) director, announced today the successful completion of an exercise involving Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) elements while participating in a routine operational test of a U.S. Air Force strategic missile from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. as a "target of opportunity," conducted on August 13, 2008
U.S. Official Says NATO Benefits From Missile Agreement AFPS 25 Aug 2008 -- The agreement between the United States and Poland on ballistic missile defense is important for the relationship between the two countries and for the NATO alliance, a senior State Department official said today.
Thales Alenia Space and Inmarsat PLC sign an ATP for the EuropaSat S-Band satellite project Thales 22 Aug 2008 -- Thales Alenia Space and Inmarsat signed today an ATP (Authorization To Proceed) for the development of the "EuropaSat" satellite to provide mobile broadcast and two-way telecommunications services in the S-Band throughout Europe.
Missile Defense Agreement Unrelated to Russia, Rice Says AFPS 21 Aug 2008 -- Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and her Polish counterpart agreed to place 10 missile defense interceptors in Poland to defend against threats from Iran and North Korea, not to weaken Russia, the secretary said.
Orbital Awarded Contract for IS-18 Commercial Communications Satellite by Intelsat Orbital Sciences Corp. 21 Aug 2008 -- Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB) today announced that it has been selected by Intelsat, Ltd., the world’s leading provider of commercial satellite services, to design, build and deliver the Intelsat-18 (IS-18) commercial communications satellite.
Poland, US Sign Missile Agreement VOA 20 Aug 2008 -- The United States and Poland formally signed a deal to deploy American missiles in the east European nation.
Iran to send first astronaut into space within 10 years RIA Novosti 20 Aug 2008
Proton-M carrier rocket successfully orbits Inmarsat 4F3 satellite RIA Novosti 19 Aug 2008 -- A Proton-M launched from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan successfully orbited an Inmarsat-4 (I-4) satellite.
Proton-M carrier rocket successfully launched from Baikonur RIA Novosti 19 Aug 2008 -- A Proton-M was launched from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan with the aim of orbiting an Inmarsat-4 (I-4) satellite.
Third Inmarsat-4 satellite set for launch on 19 August 2008 EADS 18 Aug 2008 -- The third Inmarsat-4 satellite, designed and built by Astrium, is scheduled for launch in the night of 18 to 19 August 2008 from Baikonur by an ILS provided Proton Breeze M vehicle.
Northrop Grumman Applies Laser Weapon Successes to Design Beam Control System for U.S. Army Mobile Laser Northrop Grumman 18 Aug 2008 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has performed all preliminary design review requirements for a rugged beam control subsystem for the U.S. Army's High Energy Laser Technology Demonstrator (HEL TD).
Orbital-Built AMC-21 Communications Satellite Successfully Launched Orbital Sciences Corp. 18 Aug 2008 -- Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB), the world’s leading manufacturer of smaller-sized geosynchronous (GEO) communications satellites, announced today that the AMC-21 satellite, which is based on the company’s STAR-2 platform, was successfully launched into orbit during a mission that took place on Thursday, August 14, 2008.
Iran launches satellite into orbit IRNA 18 Aug 2008
Condoleezza Rice due in Warsaw to sign U.S. missile shield deal RIA Novosti 18 Aug 2008 -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to visit Warsaw to sign a deal on the deployment of elements of a U.S. missile shield.
Ministry confirms Safir satellite-carrier rocket launch IRNA 17 Aug 2008 -- Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics said Friday that in presence of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iran's `Safir' (Messenger) satellite-carrier rocket, carrying Iran's first `Omid' (Hope) Satellite, was successfully launched into the space tentatively on Sunday.
Iran successfully fires rocket carrying its 1st satellite IRNA 17 Aug 2008 -- Joint Chief of Staff on Sunday congratulated Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and brave Iranian nation on successful launching of the rocket carrying the country's first satellite.
Iran Launches Satellite-Carrier Rocket, US Expresses Concern VOA 17 Aug 2008 -- Iran says it has successfully test-launched a rocket capable of carrying a domestically-built satellite into space.
Iran to launch 1st domestic satellite soon - Ahmadinejad INA 16 Aug 2008 -- Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad added in his press interview in Istanbul Friday that Iran would in near future launch its first domestic satellite to the space.
Ukraine Ready To Work With West On Missile Defense RFE/RL 16 Aug 2008 -- Ukraine says it is ready to make its missile warning systems available for Western countries after Russia announced it was pulling out of a long-term missile defense agreement.
Ukraine seeks integration into European missile defense RIA Novosti 16 Aug 2008 -- Ukraine may integrate its early warning missile system with Europe or propose other countries use its missile defense capabilities, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said Saturday.
Poland Signs U.S. Missile-Shield Deal RFE/RL 15 Aug 2008 -- The Polish government has signed a deal to host U.S. missiles to complete an antimissile shield the United States says will protect it and Europe from attacks by rogue states.
Russia's NATO envoy calls U.S. missile shield 'dead cat' RIA Novosti 15 Aug 2008 -- Russia's ambassador to NATO has compared the U.S. missile defense system to "a dead cat," since its effectiveness can only be verified as a result of reciprocal thermonuclear missile strikes.
U.S., Poland sign missile defense deal RIA Novosti 15 Aug 2008 -- The United States and Poland agree to deploy U.S. interceptor missiles in the former Communist-bloc country.
AMC-21 telecommunication satellite successfully launched Thales 15 Aug 2008 -- The AMC-21 communication satellite built by Thales Alenia Space was successfully launched on August 14 by an Ariane 5 ECA from Kourou, French Guiana. This satellite will be operated by SES AMERICOM from the 125 degrees West orbital position.
Russian rocket to launch U.S. commercial satellite Aug. 19 RIA Novosti 15 Aug 2008 -- A Russian Proton-M rocket carrying an Inmarsat communications satellite will be launched August 19.
U.S. missile shield in Europe targets Russia - Medvedev RIA Novosti 15 Aug 2008 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev: No doubt U.S. missile defense shield for Central Europe is aimed against Russia.
Medvedev: US Missile Shield Aimed at Russia VOA 15 Aug 2008
Poland Closer to Agreeing with US on Missile Shield VOA 14 Aug 2008 -- U.S. and Polish diplomats are wrapping up talks on U.S. missile defense, Poland's foreign minister saying the two narrowed their differences.
Raytheon Awarded $34.4 Million to Continue Patriot 'Pure Fleet' Upgrades Raytheon 14 Aug 2008 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has received a $34.4 million U.S. Army contract continuing Patriot "Pure Fleet" modernization.
Boeing Tests Entire Weapon System on Advanced Tactical Laser Aircraft Boeing 13 Aug 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has successfully completed the first ground test of the entire weapon system integrated aboard the Advanced Tactical Laser (ATL) aircraft, achieving a key milestone in the ATL Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration program.
Orbital Supporting MEASAT In Replanning Mission Schedule Following Accidental Damage To Spacecraft Caused By Launch Service Provider's Ground Support Equipment Orbital Sciences Corp. 12 Aug 2008 -- Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB) is helping to support its customer, MEASAT Satellite Systems (MSE: MEASAT) in replanning the MEASAT 3a satellite mission following an accident that occurred over the weekend that damaged the spacecraft, the company stated today.
Lockheed Martin Achieves 12 Successful Missions In A Row For MDA's Targets And Countermeasures Prime Contract Lockheed Martin 12 Aug 2008 -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) announced today that as of June 25 its team has launched a total of 12 target missiles, all successfully, since 2005 for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency under the Targets and Countermeasures Prime Contract.
Boeing Opens New Pulse Line for Satellite Assembly Boeing 11 Aug 2008 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced today that it is ready to use a new "pulse line" process for assembling satellites in El Segundo, Calif.
Turkey set to create $1 bln missile shield in Ankara, Istanbul RIA Novosti 11 Aug 2008 -- Turkey plans to buy eight missile defense systems to protect itself against possible missile attacks.
Astrium delivers ARABSAT's BADR-6 satellite in orbit EADS 08 Aug 2008 -- The BADR-6 satellite built by EADS Astrium has been handed over to ARABSAT as part of the in-orbit delivery contract and has now entered commercial service.
Russia postpones Thai satellite launch RIA Novosti 7 Aug 2008 -- The launch of a converted intercontinental ballistic missile due to put a Thai earth observation satellite into orbit has been postponed once again.
Astrium wins Chilean optical Earth observation system EADS 07 Aug 2008 -- In the presence of the Chilean Minister of Defence, José Goñi, Astrium signed a contract for the development of the SSOT system ("Sistema satelital para Observación de la Tierra").
Lockheed Martin Team Completes Testing Of Propulsion Component For Mda's Multiple Kill Vehicle-L Lockheed Martin 07 Aug 2008 -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) announced today that its team has successfully completed testing of a key propulsion system component for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's Multiple Kill Vehicle-L (MKV-L) payload.
India postpones first lunar mission until mid-October RIA Novosti 7 Aug 2008 -- The launch of India's first unmanned mission to the Moon has been postponed until the middle of October.
Missile Defense Agency Completes Testing of Propulsion Component MDA 06 Aug 2008 -- Lieutenant General Henry "Trey" Obering, Missile Defense Agency director, announced today that testing of a key propulsion system component for the Agency's Multiple Kill Vehicle-L (MKV-L) payload has been successfully completed
Lockheed Martin-Built External Tank Is Pacing Item For Hubble Space Telescope Launch Lockheed Martin 06 Aug 2008 -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) delivered Space Shuttle External Tank-129 to NASA today, and the tank shipped from the Michoud Assembly Facility via enclosed barge at about 5 p.m. this evening, bound for Kennedy Space Center (KSC).
Russian launch of satellite on converted 'Satan' ICBM postponed RIA Novosti 6 Aug 2008 -- The launch of a converted RS-20 Voyevoda missile to put a Thai satellite in orbit has been postponed.
Boeing Awarded Contract for GPS Enhancement Demonstration Boeing 05 Aug 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has been awarded a $153.5 million U.S. Naval Research Laboratory contract to demonstrate High Integrity Global Positioning System (GPS) technology concepts
Lockheed Martin SBIRS Team Completes On-Orbit Handover Of First HEO Payload To U.S. Air Force Lockheed Martin 05 Aug 2008 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] announced today the successful on-orbit handover of the first Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO-1) payload and ground system to the U.S. Air Force in preparation for the start of certified operations later this year.
SAIC Awarded $19 Million Experimental Space Sensor Contract SAIC 05 Aug 2008 -- Science Applications International Corporation (NYSE: SAI) today announced it has received a subcontract from Orbital Sciences to deliver a wide-field-of-view sensor
Russia puts off launch of Inmarsat satellite until Aug. 19 RIA Novosti 5 Aug 2008 -- The launch of a Proton-M rocket carrying an Inmarsat communications satellite has been postponed from August 14 to 19.
Boeing Opens New Mission Control Center to Support Satellite Customers Boeing 04 Aug 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced the completion of a $10 million, 20,500-square-foot satellite Mission Control Center (MCC) in El Segundo, Calif.
THEOS, the THailand Earth Observation System, ready for Launch EADS 04 Aug 2008 -- THEOS, the THailand Earth Observation Satellite developed by Astrium for the Thai Space Agency GISTDA (Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency) is expected to be launched on 6 August 2008 on board a Dnepr rocket from the Yasny launch site in Russia.
Russia to launch Thai earth remote-sensing satellite on Aug. 6 RIA Novosti 4 Aug 2008 -- Russia will launch a converted RS-20 Voyevoda intercontinental ballistic missile to put a Thai earth observation satellite into orbit
Lockheed Martin Announces Workforce Reductions On Space Shuttle External Tank Program Lockheed Martin 04 Aug 2008 -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) informed its Michoud Operations workforce today that employee reductions would begin in the fall of 2008 and continue through September 2010 as a result of the build-out of External Tanks to support the planned fly-out of the Space Shuttle program.

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