March 2012 Space News

US Official Says Missile Defense Will Not Impact Russia VOA 30 Mar 2012 -- Political controversy has erupted in the United States after an open microphone at a nuclear security conference in South Korea caught U.S. President Barack Obama telling Russian President Dmitry Medvedev that he will have more 'flexibility' after the U.S. election in November. On Friday, the top American arms control negotiator visited Moscow and gave the American outlook for arms control and missile defense.
Russia Can Help All ISS Astronauts with Rehabilitation - Roscosmos RIA Novosti 30 Mar 2012 -- Russia is ready to offer its medical experience for the rehabilitation of post-flight astronauts from partner countries on the International Space Station, the head of the Russian space agency, Roscosomos, Vladimir Popovkin, said on Friday.
Russian Proton-M Puts Military Satellite into Orbit RIA Novosti 30 Mar 2012 -- Russia's Space Forces launched a Proton-M carrier rocket with a Cosmos class military satellite on board on Friday, spokesman Lt. Col. Alexey Zolotukhin said.
U.S., Russia may Compromise on Missile Shield in 2 Years RIA Novosti 29 Mar 2012 -- U.S. President Barack Obama hopes to reach a compromised agreement with Russia on the American missile defense system in Europe next year or in 2014, Josh Earnest, White House's deputy press secretary, said.
North Korea to Allow World to Monitor Launch RIA Novosti 29 Mar 2012 -- North Korea will allow foreign experts and journalists to observe the planned launch of a long-range rocket next month, Yonhap news agency reported on Thursday.
Russia Invites NATO Chief to Missile Defense Conference RIA Novosti 28 Mar 2012 -- The Russian Defense Ministry will invite NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen on Wednesday to attend an international conference on missile defense in Moscow on May 3-4, a senior defense official said.
Russia to Build Nuclear Space Engine by 2017 RIA Novosti 28 Mar 2012 -- A Russian Megawatt-class nuclear propulsion system for long-range manned spacecraft must be ready by 2017, Skolkovo Foundation's Nuclear Cluster head Denis Kovalevich said on Wednesday.
Space Station Crew Set to Land April 27 – Roscosmos RIA Novosti 28 Mar 2012 -- Russia's space agency Roscosmos has set the date for the return of the Soyuz TMA-22 manned spacecraft from the International Space Station (ISS) to Earth for April 27, head of manned flight programs at Roscosmos Alexei Krasnov said on Wednesday.
Growing Missile Threat Needs Robust Defenses, Official Says AFPS 27 Mar 2012 -- The United States is well protected against the current threat from limited intercontinental ballistic missile attacks, but the threat is growing, underscoring the need for a robust and flexible defense system, a senior Pentagon official said here yesterday.
Obama Defends 'Flexibility' Comment, Hits Back At Republicans RFE/RL 27 Mar 2012 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has defended private comments he made to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev after opposition U.S. Republicans accused him of planning to give in to Russian demands if reelected.
Obama Asked Medvedev for 'Space' on Missile Defense RIA Novosti 27 Mar 2012 -- A live microphone has captured U.S. President Barack Obama telling Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev he will have more room to negotiate on missile defense after the November election.
Soviet Weather Satellite Falls in Antarctica RIA Novosti 27 Mar 2012 -- Meteor 1-1, the Soviet Union's first fully operational weather satellite, fell in Antarctica on Tuesday after more than four decades in orbit, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
News conference following the Nuclear Security Summit Office of the President of Russia 27 Mar 2012
Pyongyang Vows to Go Ahead with Satellite Launch RIA Novosti 27 Mar 2012 -- North Korea will not abandon plans to launch an Earth observation satellite in April, the Korean Central News Agency said.
Russia Puts U.S. Satellite In Orbit RIA Novosti 26 Mar 2012 -- Russia's Proton-M carrier rocket successfully put a U.S. telecoms satellite into orbit on Monday, space officials said.
Russia and U.S. Maintain Stance on Missile Defense – Medvedev RIA Novosti 26 Mar 2012 -- Russian-US relations are at an all-time high, President Medvedev told President Obama at a nuclear security summit in Seoul on Monday - but not high enough, it seems, to find a common stance on deployment of missile defense in Europe.
NATO Tells Russia Not to 'Waste Money' on Anti-Shield Deployment RIA Novosti 26 Mar 2012 -- The deployment by the Kremlin of tactical weapons to protect against a planned U.S.-led missile shield in Europe would be to squander funds that could be used to improve living standards in Russia, NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen said on Monday.
Soviet Weather Satellite to Fall to Earth RIA Novosti 26 Mar 2012 -- Meteor-1, the Soviet Union's first fully operational weather satellite, will on Monday night re-enter the Earth's atmosphere after more than four decades in orbit, the web site of the U.S. Strategic Command said.
India offers to launch satellite for South Korea IRNA 25 Mar 2012 -- Seeking to enhance ties with South Korea, India today offered to launch a satellite for Seoul and invited its businesses to invest in the country, particularly in the infrastructure sector.
US Missile Shield Not Aimed at Russia – McFaul RIA Novosti 25 Mar 2012 -- The U.S. missiles planned for basin in Europe have no capability against Russian missiles, U.S. Ambassador to Moscow Michael McFaul said on his Twitter account on Sunday.
Russia Launches Proton-M Carrier Rocket RIA Novosti 25 Mar 2012 -- Russia's Proton-M carrier rocket with a U.S. telecoms satellite was launched early on Sunday from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan, a spokesman for the Federal Space Agency Roscosmos said.
N.Korea transports missile to launch facility RIA Novosti 25 Mar 2012 -- North Korea transported an object believed to be the main portion of a long-range ballistic missile to a missile launch facility in the country's northwest, Kyodo news said quoting diplomatic sources.
Space Junk Misses ISS RIA Novosti 24 Mar 2012 -- A piece of space debris missed the International Space Station (ISS) on Saturday, forcing its crew members to take shelter in rescue craft, NASA said.
Passing Debris Forces ISS Crew to Escape Pods VOA 24 Mar 2012 -- Six astronauts at the International Space Station took refuge in escape pods Saturday as a chunk of space debris whizzed by them.
DPRK Foreign Ministry Spokesman on Launch of Working Satellite KCNA 23 Mar 2012 -- A spokesman for the DPRK Foreign Ministry released the following statement Friday
Time Running Out for Missile Shield Talks RIA Novosti 23 Mar 2012 -- Russia is still open for dialogue on a planned U.S. missile shield in Europe, but opportunities for discussion are decreasing.
General: Space Capability Integral to All Military Operations AFPS 23 Mar 2012 -- Commander of Air Force Space Command: Space capabilities have become integral to all military operations.
Taiwan seen well-poised to jointly develop advanced navigation system CNA 23 Mar 2012 -- Taiwan and Europe could jointly tackle the growing market for a new satellite navigation system, given Taiwan’s strength in the field of electronics and semiconductors.
Ariane Rocket Heads For International Space Station RFE/RL 23 Mar 2012 -- A European Ariane rocket has blasted off from French Guiana carrying supplies to the International Space Station.
U.S. Denies Disclosing Missile Defense Data to Russia RIA Novosti 22 Mar 2012 -- The U.S. has never provided Russia with secret information concerning the deployment of its missile shield elements in Europe.
Iran will send monkey into space in early 2012 IRNA 22 Mar 2012 -- Head of Iranian Space Agency, Hamid Fazeli: Iranian shuttle, Kavoshgar-5 (Explorer-5) carrying monkey to space will be launched into space during March-August 2012.
Russia to Focus on Its Orbital Cluster – Popovkin RIA Novosti 22 Mar 2012 -- Russia will prioritize the development of its satellites over manned spaceflight, aiming to boost the country’s economy, the head of the Federal Space Agency Vladimir Popovkin said.
Investigators Check GLONASS Spending Amid Space Row RIA Novosti 22 Mar 2012 -- Investigators have been brought in to look into alleged misuse of federal funding, following a high-profile public row between the Russian space agency and a manufacturing subsidiary.
Rogozin Slams Russian Space Industry Spat RIA Novosti 22 Mar 2012 -- Dmitry Rogozin, Russian deputy prime minister in charge of space and defense, strongly condemned the mutual accusations exchanged by the Russian space agency and a space industry contractor.
Russia Readies Proton-M for Intelsat-22 Launch RIA Novosti 22 Mar 2012 -- A state commission on approved the readiness of a Proton-M carrier rocket for the launch of a U.S. telecoms satellite.
U.S. Never Disclosed Missile Defense Data to Russia RIA Novosti 21 Mar 2012 -- The United States has never provided Russia with a secret information concerning the deployment of its missile shield elements in Europe.
Japan to Deploy Interceptors to Counter North Korean Launch RIA Novosti 20 Mar 2012 -- Japan will deploy missile interceptors on a southern island chain ahead of a planned North Korean satellite launch.
Medvedev Vows to Counter European Missile Shield RIA Novosti 20 Mar 2012 -- Russia’s outgoing President Dmitry Medvedev said the country must be prepared to respond by 2017-2018 to deployment of a missile shield in Europe.
SAIC Awarded Contract by U.S. Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific SAIC 19 Mar 2012 -- Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) announced today it was awarded a prime contract by the U.S. Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific (SSC Pacific) to provide a full range of systems engineering, software development, test and evaluation, and program management services in support of ocean surveillance systems.
North Korea Launch Plan Raising Regional Tensions VOA 19 Mar 2012 -- Pyongyang shows no sign of backing away from plans to conduct what it says would be its third space launch, next month.
KCNA Blasts Lee Myung Bak's Impudent Remarks KCNA 19 Mar 2012 -- Lee Myung Bak is to talk nonsense about the DPRK's announcement of satellite launch.
DPRK's Satellite Launch Not Contradictory to DPRK-U.S. Agreement KCNA 19 Mar 2012 -- The south Korean puppet forces are busy with a smear campaign over the issue of DPRK's launch of Kwangmyongsong-3.
Launch of Satellite Kwangmyongsong-3 Is Legitimate Right of DPRK KCNA 18 Mar 2012 -- Some forces are letting loose a spate of gossip as regards the launch of Kwangmyongsong-3.
Japan Can Crash Down N.Korea Satellite If Necessary - Minister RIA Novosti 17 Mar 2012 -- The Japanese Armed Forces could shoot down North Korea's satellite, planned to be launched next month, as the need arises, Japan's Sankei newspaper reported on Saturday quoting Defense Minister Naoki Tanaka as saying.
KCNA Reports about Preparations for Satellite Launch KCNA 17 Mar 2012 -- The Korean Central News Agency issued report on Saturday.
DOD: North Korea Rocket Launch Would Destabilize Region AFPS 16 Mar 2012 -- The April launch of a long-range rocket announced by North Korea today would violate U.N. resolutions and represent a destabilizing influence in the region, Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. John Kirby said here today.
UN chief urges DPR Korea to reconsider decision to launch 'satellite' UN News Centre 16 Mar 2012 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to reconsider its decision to launch a so-called 'application satellite' next month and fully comply with relevant Security Council resolutions.
US: N. Korea Rocket Launch Would Make Food Aid 'Hard to Imagine' VOA 16 Mar 2012 -- The United States says North Korea's planned rocket launch imperils the delivery of food aid as part of last month's agreement on nuclear inspections. North Korea announced Friday that it will launch a satellite-carrying a long-range rocket in April.
North Korea to Launch Satellite for Kim's Birthday RIA Novosti 16 Mar 2012 -- North Korea will launch an earth observation satellite next month to mark the 100th birthday of its late founding leader Kim Il-sung, the state news agency KCNA reported on Friday.
Russia Warns N.Korea Against Satellite Launch RIA Novosti 16 Mar 2012 -- Russia urged Pyongyang on Friday not to go ahead with its planned satellite launch, which would set it against the international community.
North Korea Plans April 'Space' Launch VOA 16 Mar 2012 -- In what is likely to be widely considered a violation of its recent agreement to halt ballistic-missile tests, North Korea has made a surprise announcement that it intends to conduct a satellite launch next month.
DPRK to Launch Application Satellite KCNA 16 Mar 2012 -- The DPRK is to launch a working satellite, Kwangmyongsong-3, manufactured by itself with indigenous technology to mark the 100th birth anniversary of President Kim Il Sung.
Korean People Confident of Successful Satellite Launch KCNA 16 Mar 2012 -- A spokesman for the Korean Committee for Space Technology made public a statement at noon Friday that the DPRK will launch an application satellite, Kwangmyongsong-3, manufactured by local scientists and technicians.
Satellite Launch to Display National Strength of Korea KCNA 16 Mar 2012 -- A spokesman for the Korean Committee for Space Technology announced at noon Friday that the DPRK is to launch Kwangmyongsong-3, a polar-orbiting earth observation satellite, in mid-April.
Announcement on Upcoming Satellite Launch Delights Korean Scientists KCNA 16 Mar 2012 -- A spokesman for the Korean Committee for Space Technology (KCST) announced Friday that the DPRK would launch Kwangmyongsong-3, a polar-orbiting earth observation satellite, by carrier rocket Unha-3 between April 12 and 16 to mark the 100th birth anniversary of President Kim Il Sung.
Launch of Working Satellite Will Represent Might of DPRK KCNA 16 Mar 2012 -- The spokesman for the Korean Committee for Space Technology announced Friday that the DPRK will launch a home-made application satellite to mark the centenary of birth of President Kim Il Sung (April 15).
Launch of Kwangmyongsong-3 Will Be Pride for DPRK KCNA 16 Mar 2012 -- The spokesman for the Korean Committee for Space Technology in a statement Friday announced that a home-made application satellite would be launched to mark the centenary of birth of President Kim Il Sung (April 15).
Astrium: New private communications services for French troops on overseas operations EADS 14 Mar 2012 -- Astrium Services has signed a new multi-year contract with the Economat des Armées (French MoD’s Joint Logistics and Supply Agency) for the provision of private communications services to French forces deployed on overseas operations.
India to launch home-built RISAT-1 next month IRNA 14 Mar 2012 -- India is expected to launch next month an indigenously designed and developed satellite that has the unique capability of imaging during day and night and in all weather conditions.
Boeing to Build 4 Satellites for Asia Broadcast Satellite/Satmex Team Boeing 13 Mar 2012 -- The Boeing Company has been awarded a four-satellite contract, with options for four additional satellites, through a joint procurement by Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS) and Satélites Mexicanos (Satmex). Financial details were not disclosed.
Boeing Completes Preliminary Design Review of Commercial Crew Space Transportation Vehicle Boeing 13 Mar 2012 -- Boeing successfully completed a Preliminary Design Review (PDR) of the company’s integrated Commercial Crew Space Transportation system, which includes the Crew Space Transportation (CST)-100 spacecraft, on March 12.
Astrium’s satellites reap first fruits in Canada EADS 13 Mar 2012 -- Astrium Services’ PixAgri satellite imaging service for crop management has just successfully completed its first agricultural campaign for “La Coop fédérée”, the largest agrifood business in Quebec, Canada.
Russia Drafts New Space Exploration Strategy RIA Novosti 13 Mar 2012 -- Russia's Federal Space Agency Roscosmos has submitted to the government a draft of a space exploration strategy until 2030, Kommersant business daily reported on Tuesday.
Astrium: double delivery for ATV-3 Edoardo Amaldi launch EADS 12 Mar 2012 -- Astrium, Europe’s leading space company, is completing the mission preparation for the Automated Transfer Vehicle ATV-3.
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Successfully Completes Latest Hot-Fire Test on Launch Abort Engine for Boeing’s CST-100 spacecraft Pratt & Whitney 12 Mar 2012 -- Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, a United Technologies Corp. company, successfully completed a full-mission duration hot-fire test on a Launch Abort Engine (LAE) for Boeing’s Crew Space Transportation (CST)-100 spacecraft.
Sea Launch Signs Two Satellite Launch Contracts RIA Novosti 12 Mar 2012 -- The Sea Launch consortium said on Monday it has signed contracts on the launch of a European and a U.S. telecoms satellites.
U.S. May Disclose Missile Defense Data to Russia RIA Novosti 12 Mar 2012 -- The U.S. has said it is willing to disclose classified information to Russia on the missile defense shield to be deployed in Europe, a move that a military analyst said could solve the impasse over the American program.
Official: 2013 Budget Targets Space Capability Resilience AFPS 09 Mar 2012 -- The $9.6 billion for space programs within President Barack Obama's fiscal year 2013 budget request will boost resilience for U.S. space capabilities but cut some modernization and other programs, Air Force Gen. William L. Shelton, commander of the Air Force Space Command, told a House panel yesterday.
Lockheed Martin Space Fence Radar Prototype Tracking Orbiting Objects Lockheed Martin 08 Mar 2012 -- A prototype of a new radar system developed by a Lockheed Martin-led team is now tracking orbiting space objects, bringing the U.S. Air Force’s Space Fence program one step closer to revolutionizing our nation’s space situational awareness.
Experts Testify on DOD Missile Defense System AFPS 08 Mar 2012 -- Technical challenges remain for the complex ballistic missile defense system designed to protect the United States and its allies, but the capability is crucial to the nation's defense posture, experts told a congressional panel this week.
Lockheed Martin Completes Delivery of All Components of 1st THAAD Battery to U.S. Army Lockheed Martin 07 Mar 2012 -- Lockheed Martin has completed delivery of all hardware and components associated with the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) weapon system’s first U.S. Army Battery.
Raytheon Awarded $138.7 Million Contract for Patriot Engineering Services Raytheon 07 Mar 2012 -- Raytheon Company received a $138.7 million contract to provide engineering services for the Patriot Air and Missile Defense System.
Russia to Hold International Conference on Missile Defense RIA Novosti 07 Mar 2012 -- The Russian Defense Ministry will hold an international conference on missile defense on May 3-4, Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov said on Wednesday.
Boeing and Artel to Provide Commercial Satellite Services to US Government Boeing 06 Mar 2012 -- Boeing announced today that Boeing Commercial Satellite Services (BCSS), a unit of Boeing Satellite Systems International, will collaborate with Artel, a global leader in information technology and managed network services, to distribute Inmarsat-3, -4 and -5 bandwidth to potential U.S. government customers.
Astrium wins Helios through life support contract extension EADS 06 Mar 2012 -- Astrium, Europe’s leading space technology company, has signed a through life support contract with the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA Délégation générale de l’armement) to continue to be responsible for the ground segment maintenance (MCO) of the Helios 2 military optical reconnaissance system.
Russian-Azeri Talks on Gabala Radar 'Make Progress' RIA Novosti 06 Mar 2012 -- Russia and Azerbaijan have made 'some progress' in settling their dispute over Moscow's lease of the Gabala missile defense radar, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Tuesday.
Russia Unveils Android for Space Missions RIA Novosti 06 Mar 2012 -- Russia has built a space android to work in orbit, its first space robot in more than two decades, Izvestia daily said on Tuesday.
Lockheed Martin GOES-R Geostationary Lightning Mapper Instrument Completes Sensitivity Testing Lockheed Martin 05 Mar 2012 -- The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) – R Series Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) spaceflight instrument Engineering Development Unit completed optical-electronic lightning sensitivity testing in January at the Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Center in Palo Alto and showed excellent performance.
Northrop Grumman Continues to Make Progress on NASA's James Webb Space Telescope Spacecraft as Key Component Completes Design Northrop Grumman 05 Mar 2012 -- An important spacecraft component that will enable NASA's James Webb Space Telescope to deliver clear images passed its Critical Design Review at Northrop Grumman Corporation. Now cleared for manufacturing, it represents an important step in the spacecraft's progress.
Lockheed Martin Selects Alaska’s Kodiak Launch Complex To Support Future Athena Launches Lockheed Martin 02 Mar 2012 -- Lockheed Martin Corporation announced today that it has chosen Alaska’s Kodiak Launch Complex (KLC) as its dedicated West Coast launch facility for Athena rocket launches.
Putin Blames U.S. for Failed Missile Defense Talks RIA Novosti 02 Mar 2012 -- Washington’s talks with Moscow on European missile defense failed because of U.S. negotiators.
Russia to Bargain for Gabala Radar With Scan on Alternatives RIA Novosti 02 Mar 2012 -- Russia has been bargaining with Azerbaijan about a key station in its ballistic missile early warning system
Next Space Station May be Based on Other Planet RIA Novosti 02 Mar 2012 -- A future international space station could be built on another planet rather than in the Earth’s orbit.

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