May 2010 Space News

Russia, U.S. to create first joint satellite navigation venture RIA Novosti 31 May 2010 -- Russian Space Systems corp and US Trimble Navigation Group have signed an agreement to create a joint sat nav venture.
Duma to consider response to U.S. missile deployment in Poland RIA Novosti 29 May 2010 -- The State Duma will discuss Russia's response to the deployment of U.S. missiles in Poland during debates on the new Russian-U.S. strategic arms reduction treaty, Duma speaker Boris Gryzlov said on Saturday.
True Aim Sought by US in Establishing MD in Europe Disclosed KCNA 29 May 2010 -- It was reported some days ago that a decision was made on deploying a PAC-3 unit in Morag area, Poland, and an agreement on the deployment of the latest interceptor missile system in Romania was concluded by the U.S. appeasement and pressure. The U.S. is lobbying Bulgaria in this regard while its Aegis warships are deployed in the waters off the Southern and Northern Europe.
No apologies from Poland over missiles RIA Novosti 29 May 2010 -- Poland will not apologize to Russia for deploying U.S. Patriot missiles on its soil, Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said on Saturday.
Boeing GPS IIF-1 Satellite Sends 1st Signals from Space Boeing 28 May 2010 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] has acquired the first on-orbit signals from the Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF-1 satellite, the inaugural spacecraft in a 12-satellite constellation that the company is building for the U.S. Air Force. The signals indicate that the spacecraft bus is functioning normally and ready to begin orbital maneuvers and operational testing.
Thales Alenia Space announces start of Yamal-400 programme Thales 28 May 2010 -- Thales Alenia Space announced today the official start of the Yamal-400 program for Russian operator Gazprom Space Systems (GSS). The two satellites in this programme, Yamal-401 and Yamal-402, will provide both fixed communications and broadcast services.
Astrium in Spain delivers the antenna for NASA’s latest Mars rover EADS 28 May 2010 -- Astrium Spain, through its site in Madrid, has delivered the flight model of the High Gain Antenna System (HGAS) to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory of NASA. This is the main and final milestone of this contract within the frame of bilateral collaboration agreements between JPL and CDTI (Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico Industrial) which holds the Spanish delegation to ESA. The programme was initiated back in 2006 as an extension of the Spanish collaboration in the REMS instrument led by the Astrobiology Centre (CAB), with support and advice from Professor Juan Pérez Mercader, Director of CAB during that period, establishing the signature of the corresponding bilateral collaboration agreements necessary for the participation of the Spanish space companies.
HYLAS 1 successfully completes thermal vacuum testing EADS 28 May 2010 -- The Highly Adaptable Satellite (HYLAS) 1, which is being developed by Astrium for the satellite broadband operator Avanti Communications, has successfully completed a month-long test campaign designed to expose the satellite to the rigours of space.
Russia sees no justification for Poland hosting U.S. missiles RIA Novosti 28 May 2010 -- Russia can find no reason that would justify the deployment of U.S. Patriot missiles near the Polish-Russian border.
US Troops, Patriot Missiles in Poland Spark Russian Concern VOA 27 May 2010 -- U.S. troops and Patriot missile batteries arrived in Poland this week, where they will be stationed in the northern town of Morag.
Russia wants explanations on deployment of U.S. Patriot missiles in Poland RIA Novosti 27 May 2010 -- Moscow expects an explanation on the deployment of U. Patriot missiles near the Polish-Russian border.
Lockheed Martin Dedicates New PAC-3 Missile Facility In Camden, Arkansas Lockheed Martin 26 May 2010 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] dedicated the expansion of its state-of-the-art Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile production complex in Camden, AR, during a ribbon cutting ceremony today. The company anticipates that the new facility will allow for continued production expansion and modest employment growth over the next several years.
Lockheed Martin-Developed Tool Enables Scientists To Efficiently Utilize Massive Data Stream From NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory Lockheed Martin 26 May 2010 -- The immense volume of data generated by the suite of instruments on NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) requires new tools for efficient identifying and accessing data that is most relevant to research investigations. Scientists at the Solar and Astrophysics Laboratory of the Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] Advanced Technology Center (ATC) in Palo Alto have developed the Heliophysics Events Knowledgebase (HEK) to fill this need.
Russia: US missiles in Poland do not strengthen security RIA Novosti 26 May 2010 -- The deployment of the U.S. Patriot missiles in Poland does not enhance regional security and cooperation.
Russia Criticizes U.S. Patriot Missile Deployment Near Kaliningrad RFE/RL 26 May 2010 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry has criticized the US deployment of missiles in Poland, saying the move did not help security or trust.
Poland welcomes U.S. missile battery as key to national security RIA Novosti 26 May 2010 -- The stationing of US Patriots missiles on Polish soil is an important step in strengthening Poland's security.
Shuttle Atlantis completes final space mission, lands at Canaveral RIA Novosti 26 May 2010 -- The space shuttle Atlantis with a crew of six landed at Cape Canaveral in Florida on Wednesday, completing its final space mission.
ISS orbit lowered prior to Soyuz landing - Russian space agency RIA Novosti 26 May 2010 -- The orbital altitude of the ISS was lowered by 1.5 kilometers to ensure perfect conditions for the re-entry of the Soyuz landing capsule.
Japan draws plans to build research center on moon RIA Novosti 26 May 2010 -- Japan is developing a program to build a scientific research base on the moon.
Azerbaijan signs agreement on lease of Malaysian orbital position for its telecoms satellite RIA Novosti 26 May 2010 -- Azerbaijan signed an agreement on leasing the orbital position owned by the Malaysian company MEASAT.
Photos Reveal Stunning Perspectives of Space VOA 26 May 2010 -- For decades, the U.S. space agency, NASA, has been exploring space not only with manned spacecraft, but with robotic space probes like Mars Odyssey and Cassini.
Lockheed Martin Delivers First U.S. Air Force Advanced EHF Satellite Lockheed Martin 25 May 2010 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has delivered the first satellite in the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) program to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., where it will be prepared for a July 30 liftoff aboard an Atlas V launch vehicle. The AEHF system will provide the U.S. military and national leaders with global, protected, high capacity and secure communications.
Northrop Grumman Tests First Airborne Ka-Band Satellite Terminal Northrop Grumman 25 May 2010 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has successfully completed flight testing of an airborne satellite communications system, part of a network that will significantly enhance communications capabilities for warfighters. This represents the first airborne terminal system to be certified for connection to the Wideband Global Satellite (WGS).
New ISS crew begins pre-flight exams RIA Novosti 25 May 2010 -- The main and the reserve crew of the Soyuz TMA-19 spacecraft began sitting pre-flight exams ahead of mission to the International Space Station.
ComSatBw-2 telecom satellite built by Thales Alenia Space successfully launched Thales 24 May 2010 -- The second ComSatBw satellite, designed, built and integrated by Thales Alenia Space on behalf of EADS Astrium, the space segment prime contractor, was successfully launched on May 21 by an Ariane 5 ECA from Kourou spaceport.
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Awarded $20 Million Contract From Missile Defense Agency Pratt & Whitney 24 May 2010 -- Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne received a $20.3 million contract for the first phase to design, develop and test a High-Performance Liquid Upper-Stage propulsion system that will support early intercept capabilities for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company.
US Development of New Type War Hardware KCNA 24 May 2010 -- The test of individual component of a new type medium-range anti-aircraft system is now progressing at its final phase.
NASA fixes bug on Voyager 2, restarts science data transmissions RIA Novosti 24 May 2010 -- NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft has resumed sending science data from deep space after engineers fixed a bug.
50th Ariane 5 launch is a success EADS 22 May 2010 -- Ariane 5, developed and built by Astrium, enjoyed its 50th launch from Kourou in French Guyana at 00h35 (Paris time). François Auque, CEO of Astrium, congratulated and thanked all concerned “for this 36th successful launch in a row, which once again demonstrates the reliability of this Astrium-built launcher.”
NASA sets date for Curiosity mission to Mars RIA Novosti 21 May 2010 -- NASA has set the date for its next Mars mission, choosing a schedule that will allow for better monitoring of the spacecraft's descent to the surface of the Red Planet, the U.S. space agency said on its website.
Japan moves to test "space yacht" and solve Venus's "biggest mystery" RIA Novosti 21 May 2010 -- A Japanese H-2A rocket blasted off from the Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan on Friday carrying the country's first Venus probe and an experimental solar sail, the country's space agency said.
Astronauts Install New Batteries on Space Station VOA 21 May 2010 -- Astronauts from the U.S. space shuttle Atlantis finished installing a new six-pack of batteries on the International Space Station Friday during the third and final spacewalk of their mission.
Lockheed Martin Realigns Commercial Space Systems Structure Lockheed Martin 20 May 2010 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] Space Systems has aligned its Commercial Space Systems unit within the company's Global Communications Systems business, a new organizational structure designed to enhance synergies and efficiencies in providing advanced communications solutions to government and commercial customers around the globe.
Atlantis crew fixes antenna dish on ISS during second spacewalk RIA Novosti 20 May 2010 -- Two U.S. astronauts from the crew of the space shuttle Atlantis carried out on Wednesday a second spacewalk to perform scheduled maintenance work on the International Space Station (ISS).
Official Cites Flaws in Reports on Missile Defense Tests AFPS 19 May 2010 -- Reports that Defense Department officials deemed flawed missile defense tests to be successful are based on incomplete information, a Missile Defense Agency spokesman said yesterday in a “DoD Live” bloggers roundtable.
Kiev says Russian rival to GPS good for Ukraine's security RIA Novosti 19 May 2010 -- Ukraine's participation in Russia's global satellite navigation project is in the country's national interest, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Volodymyr Semynozhenko said on Wednesday.
1st Boeing GPS IIF Spacecraft Ready for Launch from Cape Canaveral Boeing 18 May 2010 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced today that the first of 12 Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF navigation spacecraft that the company is building for the U.S. Air Force has successfully completed prelaunch testing. The satellite, GPS IIF-1, is scheduled for a May 20 launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
Moscow expects U.S. reaction to missile defense system by year end RIA Novosti 18 May 2010 -- US reaction to Russia's proposal of a European missile defense system will be clear by the end of the year.
Power outage during space walk RIA Novosti 18 May 2010 -- A partial power outage at the International Space Station briefly interrupted spacewalk, knocking out robotic camera views of the two astronauts.
Atlantis astronauts carry out first scheduled spacewalk outside ISS RIA Novosti 18 May 2010 -- US astronauts successfully carried out their first scheduled spacewalk on routine maintenance of the ISS.
Russia, U.S. may jointly develop spacecraft engines RIA Novosti 18 May 2010 -- Russia and the US may soon reach an agreement on the joint development of new engines for spacecraft.
Russia announces participants in Mars flight simulation mission RIA Novosti 18 May 2010 -- The names of the participants in a 520-day simulation of an expedition to Mars were announced.
NATO Unveils Draft of New Mission Blueprint VOA 17 May 2010 -- NATO has unveiled an operations blueprint for the next decade that expands the defense organization's mandate to include counter-terrorism, the war in Afghanistan and missile defense.
Boeing Completes On-orbit Handover of DIRECTV 12 Satellite Boeing 17 May 2010 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that it has completed the on-orbit handover of the DIRECTV 12 satellite. DIRECTV will use the Boeing 702HP satellite to provide high-definition television (HDTV) broadcasting to local and national markets throughout the United States.
Astronauts Begin First of Three Spacewalks VOA 17 May 2010 -- Astronauts onboard the US space shuttle Atlantis have embarked on their first of three spacewalks.
KCNA and US missile defense KCNA 16 May 2010 -- The United States describes its moves to establish a missile defence system (MD) as measures for "protecting" its own country.
Russian officer says developing new weapon for space defense RIA Novosti 15 May 2010 -- Russia's air and space forces are preparing for future threats from space with a "fundamentally new weapon," a senior officer said Saturday on Ekho Moskvy radio.
Boeing Provides New Antenna, Batteries for Shuttle Mission to Space Station Boeing 14 May 2010 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] has provided critical parts that Space Shuttle Atlantis will carry to the International Space Station (ISS) when the orbiter launches today on the 32nd and final flight of its quarter-century career. The parts include six replacement batteries and a space-to-ground antenna (SGANT) with accompanying boom assembly.
International Space Station Team Receives 2009 Collier Trophy Honoring America’s Greatest Achievement Lockheed Martin 14 May 2010 -- The 2009 Robert J. Collier Trophy has been presented to NASA and the International Space Station Team by the National Aeronautic Association. The Collier Trophy is awarded annually "for the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America, with respect to improving the performance, efficiency, and safety of air or space vehicles, the value of which has been thoroughly demonstrated by actual use during the preceding year."
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne's Space Shuttle Main Engines Power Delivery of Russian Module to International Space Station Pratt & Whitney 14 May 2010 -- Three Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSME) today successfully powered the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on a mission to deliver the Russian Rassvet Mini-Research Module to the International Space Station. With the launch of mission STS-132, these three engines have achieved 36 space flights. The SSME is the only fully-reusable, high-performance rocket engine rated for human space flight. Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company.
US Space Shuttle Atlantis Lifts Off on Its Final Mission VOA 14 May 2010 -- US space shuttle Atlantis has lifted off as scheduled from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida in one of the last missions of the shuttle fleet.
Russia to launch first carrier rocket from Kourou on December 17 RIA Novosti 14 May 2010 -- The first launch of a Russian Soyuz-ST carrier rocket from the Kourou space center scheduled for December 17.
Russia's space defenses in shambles RIA Novosti 13 May 2010 -- A group of retired Russian generals warned that the country's space defenses are obsolete and have a limited capability.
Space station crew set to relocate Russian spacecraft RIA Novosti 12 May 2010 -- The crew of the International Space Station will relocate a Russian spacecraft to free a docking port for a new research module.
Astrium ships ATV “Johannes Kepler” EADS 11 May 2010 -- “Johannes Kepler”, the second European spacecraft for the International Space Station (ISS), is on its way to the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) has undergone extensive system testing at Astrium’s Bremen site over the last few months and has now been given the go-ahead for the final preparation stage prior to the cargo spacecraft’s flight to the ISS. “Johannes Kepler” is slated for launch at the end of 2010. On behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA), Astrium is responsible for both the development and production of the ATV. The production of ATV units two to five – as well as mission preparation and operations support – is covered by the contract, which governs the operation and provision of the European components of the ISS. Astrium is responsible for carrying out these activities on behalf of ESA.
Lockheed Martin Awarded Contract To Deliver VINASAT-2 For Nation Of Vietnam Lockheed Martin 11 May 2010 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] announced today the award of a contract by Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) of Vietnam to build the VINASAT-2 satellite. In-orbit delivery is slated for the second quarter of 2012. Financial terms were not disclosed.
U.S. shuttle Atlantis to deliver chip from Newton's apple tree to ISS RIA Novosti 11 May 2010 -- US space shuttle Atlantis will deliver to the International Space Station a chip from an apple tree.
Russian top space official arrives in France's Kourou space center RIA Novosti 11 May 2010 -- The head of Russia's federal space agency arrived at the Kourou space center in French Guiana.
Thales Alenia Space wins a contract to design and build high-capacity APSTAR 7B telecommunication satellite for APT Thales 10 May 2010 -- Thales Alenia Space announced it has signed, on April 23, 2010, a contract with the APT Satellite Company Limited, a leading satellite operator in the Asia Pacific Region, for the design, manufacture and delivery on ground of a high-capacity telecommunication satellite. The contract also includes Launch Campaign, Launch and Early Operational Phase, In Orbit Tests as well as On Site Support, Dynamic Satellite Simulator, Satellite Control Centre and Baseband Subsystem.
Taiwan achieves successful rocket launch CNA 10 May 2010 -- Tawain's National Space Organization touted the launch of Sounding Rocket VII as a success, describing it as a major breakthrough in Taiwan's efforts.
Russian space freighter undocked from ISS RIA Novosti 10 May 2010 -- The crew of the International Space Station (ISS) undocked a Russian space freighter.
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne to Help United Launch Alliance Design and Develop Emergency Detection System for Human Spaceflight Missions Pratt & Whitney 07 May 2010 -- Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne received a $1.8 million contract from United Launch Alliance to help design and develop an Emergency Detection System (EDS) for human spaceflights to be proposed for Atlas V and Delta IV launch vehicles. The EDS is part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Development (CCDev) program, which aims to stimulate efforts within the private sector to develop, demonstrate and accelerate human spaceflight capabilities. Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company.
Thales Alenia Space and Telespazio sign contract for Sicral 2 Thales 07 May 2010 -- Thales Alenia Space Italia and Telespazio announced today that they have signed a contract with the Italian Ministry of Defence and the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) for the development of the Sicral 2 satellite and ground segment for military communications. The contract is worth about €295m in total, of which €193m relates to Thales Alenia Space and €102m to Telespazio. The contract is likely to commence in early June, shortly after the Framework Loan Agreement with the selected bank is signed. This result was due to the decisive and essential commitment of the Italian ministry of defense, which supported this major project from the outset, along with the French ministry of defense.
Iran to orbit 5-6 telecom satellites 'soon' RIA Novosti 07 May 2010 -- Iranian Telecommunications Minister Taqipour: Tehran is planning to launch up to six satellites in the near future.
Russian space freighter ready to leave orbital station RIA Novosti 07 May 2010 -- The crew of the International Space Station has loaded a Russian space freighter with garbage and readied the spacecraft for undocking.
NASA, Lockheed Martin Team Launch Crew Safety to New Heights Lockheed Martin 06 May 2010 -- Within 97 seconds of an initial 500,000-pound blast of solid rocket motor thrust, Orion completed its first successful flight test of the launch abort system (LAS) at the U.S. Army’s White Sands Missile Range near Las Cruces, New Mexico at 7 a.m. MT.
Space Shuttle may continue through next year - Roscosmos RIA Novosti 06 May 2010 -- Russian Federal Space Agency Roscosmos: US Space Shuttle program may not come to an end this year.
Russia to provide bankrupt Sea Launch consortium with $30 million RIA Novosti 06 May 2010 -- Russian company will provide Sea Launch consortium with $30 million to help the spacecraft launch service.
Herschel and Planck to log one year of successes in space Thales 05 May 2010 -- Herschel and Planck – designed to answer crucial questions regarding the origins, evolution and fate of the Universe and its components. These two jewels of high technology, considered as the most complex satellites ever produced in Europe, were both developed and built by an industrial team led by Thales Alenia Space under the largest contract ever awarded by the European Space Agency for a science mission.
No official talks on US missile defense plans - Bulgarian ambassador RIA Novosti 05 May 2010 -- Bulgaria is not holding any official talks with the United States on hosting elements of a U.S. missile shield on its soil.
KCNA and US Missile Defense KCNA 04 May 2010 -- US noisier trumpeting about "missile threats" from the DPRK and Iran.
Boeing Delivers Additional Training Capability for GMD Missile Defense System Boeing 04 May 2010 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], working with industry teammates and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, has delivered a second GMD System Trainer (GST) for the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system at Fort Greely. GMD is the United States’ only defense against long-range ballistic missile threats.
Raytheon Delivers 100th Standard Missile-3 Block IA to Missile Defense Agency Raytheon 04 May 2010 -- In a significant production milestone, Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) delivered the 100th Standard Missile-3 Block IA to the Missile Defense Agency.
U.S. Navy's Dual Band Radar Achieves X- and S-Band Milestone Raytheon 03 May 2010 -- For the first time, the U.S. Navy has successfully tracked targets with a multiband radar featuring a common radar suite controller.
Lockheed Martin Delivers Next-to-Last Space Shuttle Flight Tank to NASA Lockheed Martin 03 May 2010 -- External Tank-137 is scheduled to depart the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility at 8 p.m. CDT today bound for Kennedy Space Center.
Russian Progress freighter docks manually with ISS RIA Novosti 02 May 2010 -- Russia's Progress M-05M space freighter docked with the International Space Station (ISS) manually late on Saturday night, a spokesman for the Russian Mission Control Center said.
Russian space freighter set to dock with orbital station RIA Novosti 01 May 2010 -- A Russian space cargo ship is expected to dock with the International Space Station (ISS) late on Saturday delivering fresh supplies to the current crew, Russia's Mission Control said.

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