February 2009 Space News

Russia launches military satellite from Baikonur RIA Novosti 28 Feb 2009 -- Russia has successfully launched a Proton-K heavy carrier rocket with a military satellite from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan, a Space Forces spokesman said Saturday.
Russian Proton-K rocket orbits military satellite RIA Novosti 28 Feb 2009 -- Russia's Proton-K heavy carrier rocket launched from the Baikonur space center earlier Saturday has successfully orbited a Russian military satellite, a Space Forces spokesman said.
Boeing Submits Proposal for Altair Lunar Lander Study Contract Boeing 27 Feb 2009 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], through its Space Exploration division, submitted a proposal to NASA today for Altair lunar lander design support. NASA is expected to award multiple contracts this spring.
Northrop Grumman Delivers Cryocooler for Advanced Baseline Imager Sensor Northrop Grumman 27 Feb 2009 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) delivered the final flight module cooler assemblies for the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) sensor to ITT Corporation.
Northrop Grumman Completes Engineering Thermal Vacuum Testing of the SBIRS GEO-2 Payload Northrop Grumman 27 Feb 2009 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has successfully completed thermal vacuum testing of the second geosynchronous orbit (GEO-2) payload for the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS), a key process that exercised the payload in a complete test-like-you-fly sequence to prove both performance and functionality.
Raytheon to Produce GPS-Related Advanced Anti-Jamming Antenna System Raytheon 26 Feb 2009 -- A subsidiary of Raytheon Company has received a U.S. Air Force contract for initial production of the GPS Advanced Digital Antenna Production system.
NASA's Kepler Satellite to Seek Distant Earth-like Planets VOA 26 Feb 2009 -- On March 5, the U.S. space agency NASA is set to launch its newest space telescope.
Missile Defense Capable, but Needs More Testing, Pentagon Official Says AFPS 26 Feb 2009 -- US missile defense is prepared to defend against North Korean threats, but the system needs more testing.
Poland confirms plans to deploy U.S. Patriot missile systems RIA Novosti 26 Feb 2009 -- US Patriot air defense systems will be placed in Poland regardlessof the deployment of a US missile defense base.
NASA delays next shuttle launch until March 12 RIA Novosti 26 Feb 2009 -- NASA has postponed the launch of shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station until March 12.
Russia set to put U.S. telecom satellite into orbit RIA Novosti 26 Feb 2009 -- Russia is planning to launch a US Telstar telecom satellite on a Zenith carrier rocket from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan.
Participants named for Mars-500 flight simulation experiment RIA Novosti 26 Feb 2009 -- Russian Institute of Medical and Biological Problems named 6 to take part in experiment to simulate Mars flight.
ATK Awarded $90 Million Contract for Trident II Solid Rocket Propulsion Systems ATK 25 Feb 2009 -- Alliant Techsystems has received a $90 million contract from Lockheed Martin to produce solid rocket propulsion systems for all three stages of the U.S. Navy's Trident II (D-5) Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM).
Poland sticking to U.S. missile shield commitments - top brass RIA Novosti 25 Feb 2009 -- Poland is sticking to its commitments on the deployment of US missile shield elements on its territory.
GOCE "surfs" the Earth’s gravitational field EADS 24 Feb 2009 -- GOCE will circle the Earth for at least 20 months and measure the gravitational field more precisely than ever before.
Orbital's Launch of Taurus Rocket is Unsuccessful Orbital Sciences Corp. 24 Feb 2009 -- Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB) announced today that the launch of its Taurus XL rocket, which lifted off at 4:55 a.m. (EST) from Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA., carrying the company-built Orbiting Carbon Observatory satellite for NASA, did not achieve orbit
Climate Satellite Launch Fails, Spacecraft Falls to Earth VOA 24 Feb 2009 -- NASA mission intended to monitor carbon dioxide emissions suffered a setback when rocket carrying a satellite did not reach orbit.
South Korea warns North satellite launch would breach UN order RIA Novosti 24 Feb 2009 -- The launch of even a non-military satellite by N Korea would be considered a breach of a UN Security Council resolution.
Preparations for Launch of Experimental Communications Satellite in Full Gear KCNA 24 Feb 2009 -- A spokesman for the Korean Committee of Space Technology issued statement on Feb. 24.
North Korea Announces Plans for 'Satellite' Launch VOA 24 Feb 2009 -- North Korea has spelled out in its clearest terms yet its intention to launch what it describes as a "communications satellite."
ATK and AFRL Successfully Test Development Motor for Integrated High Payoff Rocket Propulsion Technology Program ATK 23 Feb 2009 -- Alliant Techsystems and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Edwards Air Force Base have successfully tested a developmental solid rocket motor -- designated Phase II -- as part of the Integrated High Payoff Rocket Propulsion Technology (IHPRPT) program.
Orbital Set to Launch Orbiting Carbon Observatory Earth Science Satellite Aboard Taurus Rocket for NASA Orbital Sciences Corp. 23 Feb 2009 -- Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB) today announced that it is in final preparations to launch the company-built Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO) satellite for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Help NASA name the next space station module AFNS 20 Feb 2009 -- NASA is asking the public to help name the International Space Station's next module - a control tower for robotics in space and the world's ultimate observation deck.
Satellite collision debris may hamper space launches RIA Novosti 20 Feb 2009 -- Debris from collision involving two satellites could pose a serious threat for future launches of spacecraft into a geostationary orbit.
Astrium helps enable the maiden flight of the SIDM UAV in a foreign theatre of operations by supplying new satellite bandwidth in Afghanistan EADS 19 Feb 2009 -- The SIDM, which provides information to safeguard the French armed forces within a radius of several hundred kilometres, requires two civil Ku-band satellite links: a low data rate link for it to be remotely controlled from a ground station, and a high data rate link for it to send in real time the data collected (video, photos) during the flight.
Northrop Grumman-Built Laser Demonstrates Long-Duration, Lethal Lasing Onboard Airborne Laser Aircraft Northrop Grumman 19 Feb 2009 -- The high-energy laser built by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) successfully fired multiple long-duration blasts onboard the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) Airborne Laser (ABL) during intensive ground tests concluded Feb. 12.
Ballistic Missile Defense Efforts Tied to Iran, Gates Says AFPS 19 Feb 2009 -- Defense Secretary Gates: NATO ballistic missile defense system wouldn’t be needed if Iran didn’t pose a threat.
Russia says U.S. may go beyond European missile plans RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2009 -- Moscow is not ruling out that Washington may go further than its missile defense plans for Central Europe.
Gates to discuss US missile shield with Polish leaders IRNA 19 Feb 2009 -- US Secretary of Defense Gates is due to meet with Polish leaders to discuss deployment of the missile shield in Poland.
Poland seeks to host U.S. missile shield elements RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2009 -- Warsaw hopes US will continue its plans to deploy missile shield elements in Poland.
Thales Alenia Space delivers two deep space observatories to launch site Thales 19 Feb 2009 -- The Herschel and Planck satellites, built by Thales Alenia Space as prime contractor for the European Space Agency, have arrived at the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana, for final preparations leading up to an Ariane 5 launch on April 16. These two space observatories, the most complex ever built in Europe, will be placed in orbit at a stable point 1.5 million kilometers from Earth, to ensure the thermal conditions needed to observe some of the coldest radiation in the Universe.
Boeing Submits Proposals to NASA for Ares V Rocket Design Support Boeing 18 Feb 2009 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced that its Space Exploration division has submitted proposals to NASA for the Ares V Phase 1 Design Support Contracts.
NPOESS' Primary Sensor Completes Vibration Tests; First VIIRS Flight Unit On Path to Thermal Vacuum Test Northrop Grumman 18 Feb 2009 -- A primary operational and science instrument for the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) has passed a key environmental test at Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) subcontractor, Raytheon Company.
NASA Selects Orbital's Pegasus Rocket to Launch NuSTAR Space Science Satellite Orbital Sciences Corp. 18 Feb 2009 -- Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB), one of the world's leading space technology companies, today announced that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will once again rely on the company to provide both the satellite and launch vehicle for an important upcoming space science mission that utilizes highly productive and cost effective smaller space systems
Satellite to Identify Carbon Hot Spots Around Globe VOA 18 Feb 2009 -- Washington State University professor George Mount is on the trail of a mystery: Tracking carbon dioxide, a key culprit in global warming.
Boeing Delivers 1st Communications Payload to MUOS Prime Contractor Boeing 17 Feb 2009 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has delivered the first Legacy Communications payload and the first digital channelizer to Lockheed Martin in support of the U.S. Navy's new Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) communications system.
Numerex and Savi to Launch GlobalTag Combining GPS, RFID and Satellite Communications Lockheed Martin 17 Feb 2009 -- Numerex Corp. (NASDAQ: NMRX) and Savi, a Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] company, today announced their technology partnership to co-develop what would be the first asset and shipment monitoring device that combines Global Satellite Positioning, active Radio Frequency Identification and Satellite Communications.
Lockheed Martin-Built DSCS Satellites Achieve Historic Milestone Lockheed Martin 17 Feb 2009 -- A U.S. Air Force/Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] team announced today that the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) III constellation has surpassed 200 years of on-orbit operations, the longest total operational experience of any U.S. military communications satellite constellation.
Northrop Grumman Ships LCROSS to NASA's Kennedy Space Center Northrop Grumman 17 Feb 2009 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) shipped the Lunar CRater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) to NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida. At KSC, LCROSS will be integrated with the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) onto an Atlas V launch vehicle for launch this spring.
ATK Begins Building Advanced Support Structure for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope ATK 16 Feb 2009 -- Alliant Techsystems has started to assemble the Primary Mirror Backplane Support Structure, or spine, of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) at its Magna, Utah, facility.
Northrop Grumman Team Completes GPS OCX System Design Review Northrop Grumman 16 Feb 2009 -- Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC) successfully completed the System Design Review for the Global Positioning System (GPS) Next Generation Operational Control Segment (OCX) program, the final major milestone under the Phase A contract, laying the foundation for a low-risk, cost-effective Phase B contract.
KCNA on DPRK's Right to Space Development KCNA 16 Feb 2009 -- Recently the U.S. and some other countries claimed that the DPRK is making "preparations for launching long-distance missile."
Shuttle Discovery launch postponed until Feb. 27 - NASA RIA Novosti 14 Feb 2009 -- The U.S. space agency NASA has set a new target date for the launch of space shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station (ISS) due to technical reasons.
Orbital-Built NSS-9 Communications Satellite Successfully Launched for SES New Skies Orbital Sciences Corp. 13 Feb 2009 -- Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB), the world's leading manufacturer of smaller-sized geosynchronous (GEO) communications satellites, announced today that the NSS-9 satellite, which is based on the company's STAR-2 platform, was successfully launched into orbit during a mission that took place on Thursday, February 12, 2009
Missile Defense: A 'Virtual' Issue That Could Get Real Results RFE/RL 13 Feb 2009 -- Supporters of US missile defense say the initiative is needed to make the world a safer place.
U.S. Offers Moscow Concession On Missile Shield RFE/RL 13 Feb 2009 -- US ready to look at remodeling missile-defense plans to include Moscow.
Successful launch of two SPIRALE demonstration satellites for an early warning system Thales 13 Feb 2009 -- Two demonstration satellites for SPIRALE (French acronym for "preliminary infrared warning system") were successfully launched from Kourou, French Guiana, by an Ariane 5 rocket. As prime contractor for this national program, on behalf of the DGA, the French defence procurement agency, EADS Astrium will supply and operate a complete system designed to collect infrared images of terrestrial backgrounds.
US Signals Flexibility With Moscow on Missile Defense VOA 13 Feb 2009 -- State department official: US open to reconfiguring a European missile-defense program that has generated Russian concerns.
Wreckage of two satellites in orbit poses serious threat to others RIA Novosti 13 Feb 2009 -- The remnants of satellites that collided on poses a serious threat to other satellites on the same orbit.
Russian space freighter docks with orbital station RIA Novosti 13 Feb 2009 -- A Russian cargo spacecraft successfully docked with the International Space Station.
ATK Plays Critical Technical Role On NASA's Moon Mineralogy Mapper Mission ATK 12 Feb 2009 -- Alliant Techsystems , is celebrating the news that NASA's Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) has reached lunar orbit aboard the Indian Space Research Organization's Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft and is now operational.
Herschel space telescope on its way to Kourou EADS 12 Feb 2009 -- As part of an international industrial consortium led by Thales Alenia Space, Astrium Friedrichshafen has been responsible for building the payload module, which consists of the cryostat, the optical bench, the scientific instrument harness, the solar array and sun shade (Astrium subsidiary Dutch Space), and finally the interface structure to the telescope and the service module (Astrium Spain).
First Lockheed Martin-Built Milstar Satellite Marks 15 Years On Orbit Lockheed Martin 12 Feb 2009 -- The first U.S. Air Force Milstar communications satellite, built by a Lockheed Martin [NTSE:LMT] team, has achieved 15 years of on-orbit operations.
Satellite Collision Debris May Affect Space Operations, Cartwright Says AFPS 12 Feb 2009 -- Vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff: Collision of two communication satellites may affect future space operations.
Satellites Collide In Space -- A Sign Of Things To Come? RFE/RL 12 Feb 2009 -- NASA: Two communications satellites collided in the first-ever crash of 2 intact spacecraft in orbit.
Russian Officials: Satellite Wreckage No Current Threat to Space Station VOA 12 Feb 2009 -- Russian officials: Wreckage of 2 satellites that collided poses no current threat to the International Space Station.
Satellite collision debris 'no threat to ISS' - Roscosmos RIA Novosti 12 Feb 2009 -- Debris from a satellite collision involving poses no threat to the International Space Station.
Russian and US satellites collide IRNA 12 Feb 2009 -- US and Russian communications satellites have collided in space in what is thought to be the biggest incident of its kind to date.
US, Russian Satellites Collide in Orbit VOA 12 Feb 2009 -- A defunct Russian communications satellite has smashed into a U.S. satellite in orbit, creating a possible risk to the International Space Station.
Iran to launch first manned spaceflight by 2021 RIA Novosti 12 Feb 2009 -- Iran will send its first man into space on board its own spacecraft by 2021, the head of Iran's Aerospace Agency announced on Thursday.
Iran to manufacture seven other satellites IRNA 12 Feb 2009 -- Minister of Telecommunications and Information Technology Soleimani: Iranian scientists are to manufacture seven other satellites.
Successful launch of Express-AM44 & Express-MD1 telecom satellites with Thales Alenia Space Thales 11 Feb 2009 -- The AM44 telecommunication satellite has been successfully launched today by a Proton-M rocket from the Baikonour Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. ISS Reshetnev (formerly NPO-PM) is the satellite prime contractor and platform provider. Thales Alenia Space built the payload. The Express-AM44 satellite, dedicated to the Russian Satellite Communication Company (RSCC), was launched with its Express-MD1 co-passenger, also equipped with a Thales Alenia Space payload on board a Khrunichev satellite.
US missile shield deployment would force Iskander move RIA Novosti 11 Feb 2009 -- Russia's FM reiterated Moscow would be forced to position missiles if US missile defense components were deployed.
Proton-M rocket successfully orbits 2 new telecom satellites RIA Novosti 11 Feb 2009 -- A Proton-M rocket has successfully orbited 2 new Russian Express-series communications satellites.
Three Astrium satellites onboard the next Ariane 5 EADS 10 Feb 2009 -- Astrium is the prime contractor for three satellites that will be placed into orbit by the next Ariane launch: the HOT BIRDTM 10 broadcast satellite for Eutelsat, and the two satellites of the Spirale demonstrator for the French Armament Procurement Agency (DGA).
U.S. Air Force Awards Lockheed Martin-Led Team $75 Million Contract To Extend TSAT Risk Reduction/System Definition Phase Lockheed Martin 10 Feb 2009 -- The U.S. Air Force has awarded the Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT]/Northrop Grumman [NYSE: NOC] Transformational Satellite Communications System (TSAT) Space Segment Team a $75-million, six-month extension to its Risk Reduction and System Definition (RR&SD) contract.
Senior US Officer Calls Iran's Space Technology 'Rudimentary' But Worrisome VOA 10 Feb 2009 -- Top U.S. military officer: Concerned Iran's launch of a satellite mean it is developing a missile that could reach the US.
Japan's Intention to Develop Early Warning Satellite Disclosed KCNA 10 Feb 2009 -- The Defense Ministry of Japan shaped the "basic policy on development and use of space" calling for an early warning satellite.
Clinton Says US Could 'Reconsider' European Missile Defense Plan VOA 10 Feb 2009 -- Secretary of State Clinton: Administration might reconsider missile defense system if Iran stopped drive for nuclear weapons.
Russian Cargo Ship Heads for Space Station VOA 10 Feb 2009 -- An unmanned Russian cargo ship is on its way to the International Space Station to deliver supplies for the orbital outpost's three-member crew.
EADS North America to supply the DynaWorks® Test Data Management System to NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center EADS 09 Feb 2009 -- EADS North America’s TYX Corp. business unit has been selected to provide the DynaWorks® tool for data, management, processing and analysis to the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
Major Test Of Second Advanced EHF Military Communications Satellite Underway At Lockheed Martin Lockheed Martin 09 Feb 2009 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] announced today that the second Advanced Extremely High Frequency (EHF) military communications satellite is now undergoing thermal vacuum testing at the company's Sunnyvale, Calif. facilities.
Raytheon Awarded $246 Million for UAE Patriot Raytheon 09 Feb 2009 -- Raytheon Company has received a $246 million Foreign Military Sales contract for Patriot system spares for the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Replica of 'Omid' satellite on display IRNA 09 Feb 2009 -- A replica of 'Omid' satellite, which was successfully sent into orbit recently, is on display at Mosalla and will remain on show until February 13.
Iran working over creation of four new satellites - minister RIA Novosti 08 Feb 2009 -- Iranian scientists are working over the creation of four new satellites for their placement into a near-Earth orbit, Iranian Communications Minister Mohammad Soleimani said on Sunday.
Russia welcomes U.S. readiness to consult on missile shield RIA Novosti 08 Feb 2009 -- Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov welcomed on Sunday the U.S. readiness to consult Russia on a planned missile shield system in Europe.
Russia's Progress digital cargo spacecraft 'buried' in Pacific RIA Novosti 08 Feb 2009 -- Russia's new, digitally-controlled Progress M-01M series spacecraft was "buried" on Sunday at a "spaceship cemetery" in the southern Pacific, Mission Control said.
U.S. to develop missile shield in Europe, consult Russia - Biden RIA Novosti 07 Feb 2009 -- The United States will continue to work on a planned missile defense system in Central Europe, but it will consult Russia, Vice President Joe Biden said on Saturday.
Polish PM reiterates country's commitment to U.S. missile shield RIA Novosti 07 Feb 2009 -- Poland will follow through with the deployment of U.S. missile shield elements on its territory, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said at the 45th Munich Security Conference on Saturday.
Polish PM to discuss missile shield with U.S. vice president RIA Novosti 07 Feb 2009 -- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk will discuss the U.S. missile defense shield planned for Central Europe with Vice President Joe Biden during a meeting at a security conference in Germany on Saturday.
ATK Propulsion and Composite Technologies Key to Successful Delta II Launch ATK 06 Feb 2009 -- Alliant Techsystems played a key role in the successful launch of United Launch Alliance's Delta II rocket today from NASA's Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., carrying the NOAA-N Prime satellite for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
First North American Antenna enables next phase in ALMA Observatory General Dynamics 06 Feb 2009 -- Astronomers celebrated today the formal acceptance of the first North American antenna by the Joint ALMA Observatory
Nation's Newest Advanced Polar Operational Environmental Satellite Launched Lockheed Martin 06 Feb 2009 -- The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft, the final Polar Operational Environmental Satellite (POES), was launched successfully this morning at 2:22 a.m. PST from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Engine Launches Meteorological Satellite into Orbit Pratt & Whitney 06 Feb 2009 -- Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne helped scientists track fast-breaking storms and monitor climate change by boosting a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration satellite into orbit from Vandenberg Air Force Base today.
Raytheon Submits Final Proposal for NOAA's Environmental Satellite Ground Segment Raytheon 06 Feb 2009 -- Raytheon Company has submitted its final proposal for the development of the ground segment for NOAA's (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) next-generation Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite R series, known as GOES-R.
Obama will not reject European missile shield plans - expert RIA Novosti 06 Feb 2009 -- Washington unlikely to scrap Bush administration's plans to deploy elements of missile defense shield in Central Europe.
Another satellite will be launched : Space official IRNA 06 Feb 2009 -- Head of Space Organization: Iran will launch other satellites of different capabilities into space within the next 2 or 3 years.
Iran's Satellite Stirs Nuclear Concerns VOA 06 Feb 2009 -- On 3 February 2009 with great domestic fanfare, Iran put its first satellite, called Omid, into orbit.
Russia's Progress cargo spacecraft undocks from ISS RIA Novosti 06 Feb 2009 -- Russia's Progress M-01M cargo spacecraft undocked from the International Space Station and will become a temporary space lab.
Boeing SBSS System Progressing Toward 1st Launch Boeing 05 Feb 2009 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has successfully completed initial satellite testing and has demonstrated end-to-end mission functionality of the ground and space systems of the integrated Space Based Space Surveillance (SBSS) system.
Gazprom & Thales Alenia Space signed the contract for manufacturing 2 Yamal-400 comm. satellites Thales 05 Feb 2009 -- Today in Gazprom headquarters, Dmitry Sevastiyanov, Director General of Gazprom Space Systems, and Reynald Seznec, CEO of Thales Alenia Space, signed the contract for manufacturing and delivering two Yamal-400 new generation communications satellites. The ambassador of France to Russia Jean de Gliniasty, and the Chairman of Gazprom Space Systems board, Gazprom board member - Head of Property and Corporate Managing Department Olga Pavlova also participated in the signing ceremony.
Orbital Preparing for Launch of NSS-9 Communications Satellite for SES New Skies Orbital Sciences Corp. 05 Feb 2009 -- Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB), one of the world’s leading space technology companies, announced today that it is in final preparations for the launch of the NSS-9 commercial communications satellite for its customer SES NEW SKIES of The Hague, The Netherlands.
Iran's Omid satellite for scientific purpose: Elham IRNA 05 Feb 2009 -- Government Spokesman Elham dismissed Western concern over Iran's first domestic satellite, saying it has no military application.
Russian carrier rocket to orbit European satellite March 16 RIA Novosti 05 Feb 2009 -- The launch of a Russian Rockot carrier rocket with Europe's first GOCE satellite on board has been scheduled for March 16.
NASA Delays Discovery Shuttle Launch VOA 04 Feb 2009 -- NASA will delay next week's scheduled launch of the space shuttle Discovery to run tests on a newly installed set of fuel valves.
Iranian satellite to stay in orbit for two months RIA Novosti 04 Feb 2009 -- Iran's first indigenous satellite will stay in orbit for at least two months as it sends processed technical data back to Earth.
Boeing Ships 2nd Wideband Global SATCOM Satellite to Launch Site Boeing 04 Feb 2009 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that it has shipped the second in a series of new, high-capacity military communications satellites to Cape Canaveral Air Station in Florida, where it will be readied for a March launch.
Boeing Awarded $250 Million Missile Defense Support Contract Boeing 04 Feb 2009 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] has been awarded a one-year, $250 million Missile Defense Agency (MDA) contract for Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) maintenance and operations support, ensuring the United States' only defense against long-range ballistic missiles remains ready for operational service.
Astrium and Thales Alenia Space partners of Arabsat for two more satellites Thales 04 Feb 2009 -- ARABSAT has selected the consortium of Astrium and Thales Alenia Space to build and deliver in orbit two new satellites, Arabsat 5C and Arabsat 6B. The manufacturing contracts were signed in Riyadh on 4 February 2009 by Eng. Khalid Balkheyour ARABSAT president and François Auque, CEO of Astrium, and Reynald Seznec, CEO of Thales Alenia Space.
Upgraded Early Warning Radar in Greenland Achieves Satellite Tracking in Record Time Raytheon 04 Feb 2009 -- Raytheon Company's Upgraded Early Warning Radar (UEWR) at Thule Air Base, Greenland, has achieved a significant milestone on its path toward operational status, successfully tracking its first satellite in an operational space surveillance mission configuration.
NASA admits successful launching of Omid Satellite IRNA 03 Feb 2009 -- The US space agency NASA has admitted successful sending of national Omid (Hope) Satellite into the orbit on Tuesday.
Iran Satellite Launch Heightens Missile Development Concerns AFPS 03 Feb 2009 -- Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell: Iran's launch of a low-orbit satellite into orbit yesterday "is clearly a concern of ours."
Iran Launches First Homemade Satellite RFE/RL 03 Feb 2009 -- Iran says it has launched its first completely homemade satellite into orbit.
Ahmadinejad says Iran proud of its Omid data-processing satellite IRNA 03 Feb 2009 -- Iran's President Ahmadinejad described the launching of Omid data-processing satellite as a very big source of pride for Iran.
Iran launches its first domestic satellite RIA Novosti 03 Feb 2009 -- Iran carried into orbit its first domestically-produced satellite on Tuesday, the country's national TV said.
Iran Launches First Homemade Satellite VOA 03 Feb 2009 -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is hailing the announced launch of his nation's first domestically-built satellite as a gift to the people of Iran.
Czech diplomat hopes for missile shield cooperation from Russia RIA Novosti 03 Feb 2009 -- Czech ambassador to Russia believed Moscow would eventually cooperate on missile shield in Europe.
Arianespace orders 35 Ariane 5 ECA launchers from Astrium EADS 02 Feb 2009 -- On Friday, January 30 at the European Space Agency headquarters in Paris, Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Arianespace, and Alain Charmeau, Chief Executive Officer of Astrium Space Transportation, signed a contract for the production of 35 Ariane 5 ECA launchers (designated the “PB” batch).
NGA and Lockheed Martin Deliver 4,000th Geospatial-Intelligence Workstation Lockheed Martin 02 Feb 2009 -- The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] recently reached a major milestone in the integration and delivery of geospatial data, installing the 4,000th user workstation under the Integrated Exploitation Capability (IEC) program and NGA’s Federated Partner contracts.
Northrop Grumman Prototype Ground Control System Successfully Controls GPS Test Satellite Northrop Grumman 02 Feb 2009 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has successfully demonstrated command and control of a Global Positioning System (GPS) IIR-M satellite using its Next Generation Operational Control Segment (OCX) engineering model.
COROT: delivering a rich harvest of data to scientists around the world Thales 02 Feb 2009 -- The COROT satellite developed by French space agency CNES and Thales Alenia Space has been in orbit since December 27, 2006. It scans predetermined swatches of the sky to detect exoplanets when they pass in front of their suns, and also explore the internal structure of these suns by measuring micro-fluctuations in their luminosity.
Officials Work to Meet Pentagon's Need for Space Capabilities AFPS 02 Feb 2009 -- Adapting new capabilities within the changing military space environment increasingly important to national security.

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