February 2016 Space News

China to conduct more than 20 satellite launches in 2016 People's Daily 29 Feb 2016 -- The year 2016 is a big year for China's aerospace industry, as several rockets will be sent into space, including Tiangong-2, an orbiting space lab and Shenzhou-11, a manned spacecraft with two people on board.
Pentagon's Multi-Billion Dollar Radar Blimps Can't Track Targets Sputnik 27 Feb 2016 -- The Pentagon's JLENS program caused massive embarrassment when one of the $1 billion surveillance balloons broke loose in Maryland in October 2015. A new report has revealed more bad news: the expensive radar blimps aren't effective.
Forewarned is Forearmed: Russia Boosts Its Missile Defense Capabilities Sputnik 26 Feb 2016 -- Using a new type of radar, Russia is about to establish a global early warning network rivaling that of the USSR.
China concerned over US missiles in South Korea Press TV 25 Feb 2016 -- Beijing has expressed concern over the possible deployment of an American missile system in South Korea, saying it could jeopardize China's national security.
South Korea dismisses China warning about US missile system Press TV 24 Feb 2016 -- South Korea has rejected China's warning that a US missile system planned to be set up on Korean soil would harm relations between Seoul and Beijing.
DPRK Accedes to Space-related International Agreements KCNA 23 Feb 2016 -- The DPRK acceded to the agreement on the rescue of astronauts, the return of astronauts and the return of objects launched into outer space and the convention on international liability for damage caused by space objects on February 22, Juche 105 (2016), according to the decision of its government.
China says US missiles due in South Kroea will harm its security Press TV 23 Feb 2016 -- China has warned that a United States missile system planned to be set up on South Korea's soil would harm its security.
U.S., Israel Begin Weeklong Ballistic Missile Defense Exercise AFPS 22 Feb 2016 -- The United States and Israel began a weeklong ballistic missile defense exercise yesterday, a Pentagon spokesman said today.
Next lunar probe mission: Chang'e-5 is under way People's Daily 22 Feb 2016 -- China's first moon lander, Chang'e-3, awakened automatically on Thursday after 'sleeping' through the lunar night, entering its 28th lunar day, China's State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense (SASTIND) announced on Friday.
Russian Space Intelligence Center to Receive New Radars - Chief Sputnik 22 Feb 2016 -- Russia's Main Space Intelligence Center will receive new radars, optical electronics and advanced means of technical surveillance in the near future.
US Cargo Spacecraft Cygnus Leaves ISS After 72-Day Mission Sputnik 19 Feb 2016 -- The US automated cargo spacecraft Cygnus finished its mission on the International Space Station (ISS), according to the Russian Mission Control Center (MCC).
KCNA Commentary Snipes at Projected U.S. THAAD Deployment in S. Korea KCNA 19 Feb 2016 -- The Park Geun Hye regime of south Korea announced on Feb. 7 that it would negotiate with the U.S. for the deployment of THAAD in south Korea.
Possible US THAAD deployment in ROK confuses and angers Chinese people People's Daily 15 Feb 2016 -- The U.S. has requested China's cooperation in resolving the the DPRK nuclear issue, at the same time, it planned to deploy the THAAD system with its allies, which confuses and angers the Chinese people, said Fu Ying, chairwoman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of China's National People's Congress Saturday.
US anti-missile system threatens China's interests: Beijing Press TV 15 Feb 2016 -- China says the possible US deployment of an anti-missile system to the Korean Peninsula is a threat to China's strategic interests, and Beijing will not allow its "national security interests to be damaged."
China opposes possible U.S. THAAD deployment in S. Korea People's Daily 13 Feb 2016 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday spoke out against the possible deployment of an advanced U.S. missile defence system in South Korea, stressing that it would complicate the regional stability situation.
US deploys new Patriot missiles to South Korea Press TV 13 Feb 2016 -- The United States has temporarily deployed an additional Patriot missile battery in South Korea in response to North Korea's nuclear test and a long-range rocket launch.
US Deploys Additional Defensive Patriot Missile System in South Korea VOA 13 Feb 2016 -- The United States has temporarily deployed an additional Patriot missile battery in South Korea. The move was done in response to North Korea's nuclear test and long-range missile launch.
South Korea, US to begin missile system talks: South Korean official Press TV 12 Feb 2016 -- South Korea and the US are set to begin talks as early as next week on the deployment of an advanced missile system in South Korea, an official with the Asian country says.
Deploying Missile Defense in S Korea to Cost US $1.25Bln Sputnik 12 Feb 2016 -- The South Korean National Defense Ministry said that a single battery of the US THAAD missile defense system deployed in South Korea would cost up to $1.25 billion for 48 interceptors.
Seoul: US, South Korea to Discuss Missile Defense System VOA 12 Feb 2016 -- The U.S. and South Korea will hold talks next week on deploying an advanced missile defense system in response to North Korea's recent nuclear and missile tests, a Seoul defense official confirmed.
Air Force rolls out FY 2017 space budget AFNS 11 Feb 2016 -- Air Force leaders met with the media to discuss specifics of the service's fiscal year 2017 space budget at the Pentagon Feb. 11.
US missile shield system in South Korea can spark arms race: Russia Press TV 11 Feb 2016 -- Russia has warned the deployment of a missile shield system in South Korea by the US can launch "an arms race" in the region.
McCain Questions Pentagon Purchases From Sanction-Hit Russian Firm RFE/RL 11 Feb 2016 -- The chairman of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee is demanding answers from the Pentagon over its purchase of rocket engines from a Russian company for military satellite launches.
Department of Defense Press Briefing by Vice Adm. Syring on the FY 2017 Missile Defense Agency Budget in the Pentagon Press Briefing Room DoD 09 Feb 2016 -- Presenter: Vice Adm. Syring
S. Korea confirms DPRK satellite's successful launch into orbit People's Daily 09 Feb 2016 -- South Korea's defense ministry said Tuesday that a satellite, launched two days earlier by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), had successfully flied into orbit.
US deploying anti-missile system on N Korea's doorstep Press TV 09 Feb 2016 -- The US Department of Defense says it is planning to deploy an advanced missile system to South Korea "as quickly as possible" to counter the growing threat of Pyongyang's weapons capabilities.
Seoul Confirms North Korea Successfully Put Satellite Into Orbit Sputnik 09 Feb 2016 -- North Korea has successfully put into orbit the Kwangmyongsong-4 satellite, the South Korean Defense Ministry confirmed Tuesday.
Successful Launch of Satellite Hailed in Provinces KCNA 09 Feb 2016 -- Army-people rallies of North Phyongan, South Hwanghae and North Hamgyong Provinces for hailing the successful launch of earth observation satellite Kwangmyongsong-4 took place on Tuesday.
Successful Satellite Launch Encourages People in DPRK KCNA 09 Feb 2016 -- The successful launch of earth observation satellite Kwangmyongsong-4 immerses all the people of the DPRK in a great festive mood.
Pyongyang City Army-People Meeting Hail Successful Launch of Satellite KCNA 08 Feb 2016 -- A Pyongyang city army-people meeting for hailing the successful launch of earth observation satellite Kwangmyongsong-4 took place Monday
Launch of Satellite, Independent Right of DPRK KCNA 08 Feb 2016 -- All the people in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea have greeted the Lunar New Year's Day of Juche 105 (2016) and the 68th anniversary of the revolutionary regular armed forces, with great pleasure over the successful launch of earth observation satellite Kwangmyongsong-4.
China regrets over DPRK' s satellite launch People's Daily 08 Feb 2016 -- China expressed regrets on the launch by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) of an earth observation satellite Sunday morning, calling for calm on the Korean Peninsula.
Russia condemns DPRK's long-range rocket launch People's Daily 08 Feb 2016 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry on Sunday condemned the long-range rocket launch of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
DPRK's satellite estimated to double predecessor in weight: S.Korea People's Daily 08 Feb 2016 -- The weight of a newly launched satellite of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) was estimated to have doubled that of its predecessor, indicating an advancement in ballistic missile technology, South Korea's spy agency said Sunday.
Post-Sanctions Iran set to buy 2 telcom satellites: Minister ISNA 07 Feb 2016 -- Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mahmoud Vaezi said that following removal of sanctions, Iran has been in serious negotiations with foreign firms in the last three weeks.
Seoul, Washington to start talks on US missile deployment Press TV 07 Feb 2016 -- South Korean and US military officials are set to begin formal negotiations on the possible deployment of an American missile system to the Korean Peninsula to deal with what they call threats from the North.
Russia Developing New Global Positioning Spacecraft for Glonass Sputnik 07 Feb 2016 -- Russia is working on new generation spacecraft for the Glonass system, according to the country's deputy prime minister.
Seoul Warns Russia, China of Missile Defense Deployment Talks With US Sputnik 07 Feb 2016 -- Seoul has let Moscow and Beijing know in advance of the decision to start official negotiations with Washington on the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system on the South Korean territory, the government said in a statement on Sunday.
Russian Glonass-M Satellite Reaches Orbit on Soyuz-2.1B Carrier Rocket Sputnik 07 Feb 2016 -- The Glonass-M navigation satellite, launched from Russia's Plesetsk space center on a Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket, was brought to its target orbit by the Fregat upper stage, the Russian Defense Ministry said Sunday.
South Korea, US to Discuss Deploying Missile Defense System VOA 07 Feb 2016 -- South Korea and the U.S. will formally discuss deploying a missile-defense system known as THAAD, after North Korea claimed to have launched a satellite into space.
Condemning DPR Korea's missile launch, Security Council to pursue 'significant measures' in response UN News 07 Feb 2016 -- Following emergency consultations today, the United Nations Security Council strongly condemned the missile launched by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), and announced that it will "expeditiously" adopt a new resolution in response to "these dangerous and serious violations."
UN chief calls on DPR Korea to halt 'provocative actions' following missile launch UN News 07 Feb 2016 -- Following a missile launch by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is calling on the country's Government "to halt its provocative actions and return to compliance with its international obligations."
UN Security Council Strongly Condemns North Korea Rocket Launch VOA 07 Feb 2016 -- The U.N. Security Council has strongly condemned North Korea's launch of a long-range rocket on Sunday.
Global Community Outraged by North Korean Rocket Launch VOA 07 Feb 2016 -- Global reaction to North Korea's announcement of launching a long-range rocket has been swift and created universal international outrage.
Rocket Launch Boosts Push for New US Sanctions on North Korea VOA 07 Feb 2016 -- International condemnation of North Korea's rocket launch extended to Washington, where the Obama administration and U.S. lawmakers expressed renewed resolve to counter Pyongyang's nuclear program and military ambitions.
N. Korea's 'Space Mission' Seen as Missile Development VOA 07 Feb 2016 -- North Korea's latest long-range rocket launch is raising concerns in the United States and its allies that the communist country is moving forward with its ballistic missile program.
South Korea: Pyongyang Rocket Launch Requires Quick UN Action VOA 07 Feb 2016 -- North Korea's launch of a long-range rocket Sunday, carrying what it said is a satellite in defiance of U.N. sanctions barring it from using ballistic-missile technology, has led to calls for quick action against Pyongyang.
NATO Secretary General condemns North Korea's rocket launch NATO 07 Feb 2016 -- I strongly condemn the launch by North Korea of a rocket using ballistic missile technology today, which follows the North Korean nuclear weapons test on January 6.
UN Security Council condemns N Korea rocket launch Press TV 07 Feb 2016 -- The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has strongly condemned North Korea for its latest launch of a long-range rocket.
EU denounces North Korea rocket launch Press TV 07 Feb 2016 -- The European Union (EU) has lashed out at North Korea for its latest launch of a long-range rocket.
UN chief slams North Korea for 'provocative' rocket launch Press TV 07 Feb 2016 -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has denounced as "deeply deplorable" North Korea's new long-range rocket launch, which Pyongyang says was aimed at putting an observation satellite into orbit.
US condemns 'provocative' North Korea rocket launch Press TV 07 Feb 2016 -- The United States has condemned North Korea's launch of a long-range rocket, calling it a 'destabilizing and provocative' move.
UN Sec. Council Pledges 'Significant' Sanctions After North Korean Rocket Launch RFE/RL 07 Feb 2016 -- The UN Security Council has strongly condemned North Korea's rocket launch and said it would adopt a new resolution with 'significant' new sanctions.
UNSC Sanctions Against North Korea Should Not Cause Economic Collapse Sputnik 07 Feb 2016 -- New UN Security Council sanctions against Pyongyang should not trigger a humanitarian and economic collapse in the country, Russia's Envoy to the United Nations Vitaly Churkin said Sunday.
UNSC to Unite Around 'Swift Response' to N Korea's Rocket Launch - US Envoy Sputnik 07 Feb 2016 -- The United Nations Security Council is looking forward to a joint effort of its members in response to repeated violations of UN resolutions by North Korea, the US ambassador to the United Nations said Sunday.
UN Security Council Condemns North Korea's Satellite Launch - President Sputnik 07 Feb 2016 -- The UNSC has condemned North Korea's long-range rocket and satellite launch.
Current UN Sanctions Cannot Stop N Korea's Nuclear Development - Beijing Sputnik 07 Feb 2016 -- Existing UN sanctions imposed on North Korea over its nuclear activities are unable to stop Pyongyang from developing nuclear weapons, Chinese Permanent Representative to the UN Liu Jieyi said Sunday.
North Korea Capable of Testing Submarine-Launched Missiles at 'Any Time' Sputnik 07 Feb 2016 -- According to South Korea's military chiefs it is impossible to predict Pyongyang's actions Seoul expects North Korea to commit provocations 'at any time'.
Meteorological Experts Rejoice over Successful Satellite Launch KCNA 07 Feb 2016 -- Scientists and researchers of the State Hydro-meteorological Administration are delighted at the news about the successful launch of earth observation satellite Kwangmyongsong-4.
Pyongyangites Hail Successful Satellite Launch KCNA 07 Feb 2016 -- The successful launch of earth observation satellite Kwangmyongsong-4 drives Pyongyangites into great ecstasy.
DPRK National Aerospace Development Administration Releases Report on Satellite Launch KCNA 07 Feb 2016 -- The DPRK National Aerospace Development Administration on Sunday issued a report on the successful launch of earth observation satellite Kwangmyongsong-4.
DPRK launches long-range rocket People's Daily 07 Feb 2016 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Sunday launched a long-range rocket as planned, Yonhap news agency reported citing South Korea's defense authorities.
DPRK launches satellite amid fears of escalating tensions on Korean Peninsula People's Daily 07 Feb 2016 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) launches a long-range rocket Sunday morning, according to a report by South Korean news agency Yonhap.
DPRK announces successful launch of Kwangmyongsong-4 satellite People's Daily 07 Feb 2016 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Sunday successfully launched a Kwangmyongsong-4 satellite, the Korean Central Television (KCTV) reported.
China regrets DPRK's satellite launch People's Daily 07 Feb 2016 -- China expressed regrets after the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) launched an earth-observation satellite Sunday morning, calling for calmness to avoid further escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
DPRK's rocket launch unacceptable, says Abe, gov't to lodge strong protest People's Daily 07 Feb 2016 -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abeon Sunday rapped a long-range rocket launch by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), saying the launch is 'unacceptable' and violated relevant UN resolution.
S.Korean president denounces DPRK's rocket launch People's Daily 07 Feb 2016 -- South Korean President Park Geun-hye on Sunday denounced the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s rocket launch, describing it as an unacceptable provocative act, her office said.
S.Korea sees DPRK rocket's successful launch into space People's Daily 07 Feb 2016 -- South Korean's military has seen a rocket launched by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) successfully entering into space, regarding it as a similar intercontinental ballistic missile to the Unha-3 rocket test-fired in late 2012.
North Korea launches long-range rocket: Reports Press TV 07 Feb 2016 -- North Korea has launched a long-range rocket despite warnings by a number of neighbors and world powers.
North Korea Rocket Launch Raises Nuclear Concerns RFE/RL 07 Feb 2016 -- North Korea launched a long-range rocket into space early on February 7, raising nuclear concerns in neighboring countries and in Washington.
UN Chief Condemns N. Korea Rocket Launch as 'Deplorable' Sputnik 07 Feb 2016 -- UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon condemned North Korea's long-range rocket launch and called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Sunday.
Stratcom Assessment: North Korea Launches Missile AFPS 06 Feb 2016 -- Detected and assessed as a North Korean launch, U.S. Strategic Command systems tracked a missile today on a southerly route over the Yellow Sea.
D.P.R.K. Missile Launch US Dept. of State 06 Feb 2016 -- "The United States strongly condemns today's missile launch by the D.P.R.K. - a flagrant violation of UN Security Council Resolutions related to the D.P.R.K. use of ballistic missile technology."
North Korea Rocket Launch Deemed Successful and Deplorable VOA 06 Feb 2016 -- North Korea launched a long-range rocket Sunday, carrying what it said is a satellite in defiance of U.N. sanctions barring it from using ballistic missile technology.
Statement by National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice on the North Korean Missile Launch The White House 06 Feb 2016
China Conducts Final Tests on Most Powerful Homegrown Rocket Sputnik 06 Feb 2016 -- China's largest and most powerful rocket the Long March 5 underwent final tests at the Wen-chang Satellite Launch Center in Hainan province.
U.S. officials say North Korea may be nearing launch IRNA 06 Feb 2016 -- Satellite images taken this week of North Korea's Sohae rocket launch site show apparent fueling activity seen in the past shortly before a rocket launch, a U.S. think-tank said, as U.S government officials signaled that a launch could occur as early as Monday.
DPRK advances rocket launch window to Feb. 7-14: Yonhap People's Daily 06 Feb 2016 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has advanced the window of its planned long-range rocket launch to Feb. 7-14, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported Saturday.
South Korea Says North Korea Moving Closer to Rocket Launch VOA 05 Feb 2016 -- North Korea appears to be moving quickly on its preparations for a long-range rocket launch, South Korea's Defense Ministry said Friday.
S. Korean defense chief orders active response to DPRK's possible launch People's Daily 05 Feb 2016 -- South Korea's defense chief on Friday ordered an active response to the possible satellite launch by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), which said it will conduct the launch as early as next week.
Satellite launch will incur new price for Pyongyang People's Daily 04 Feb 2016 -- North Korea notified the International Maritime Organization on Tuesday that it will launch what it called an 'earth observation satellite' sometime between February 8 and 25. It is anticipated that the launch will be around February 16, the anniversary of the birth of late North Korean leader Kim Jong-il.
Get Lost, GPS: China Plans Launch of 40 Beidou Navigation Satellites Sputnik 04 Feb 2016 -- China is planning to launch approximately 40 Beidou navigation satellites over the next five years, Xinhua reported.
Japan to Move Patriot Missile Systems in Response to N Korea Rocket Launch Sputnik 04 Feb 2016 -- Japan began redeploying its Patriot missile systems to the southernmost archipelago of Sakishima from the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) in Hiroshima to prepare for North Korea's announced satellite launch, Japanese media reported Thursday.
DPR Korea's intention to launch a satellite 'deeply troubling' - UN chief UN News 03 Feb 2016 -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today said the intention of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to launch a satellite in the coming weeks is a "deeply worrying development."
S. Korean politicians urge DPRK to drop rocket launch plan People's Daily 03 Feb 2016 -- South Korean politicians on Wednesday called for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to drop its rocket launch plan.
Japan urges DPRK to refrain from satellite launch, calls plans threat to national security People's Daily 03 Feb 2016 -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday strongly urged the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to refrain from its planned satellite launch, stating that Japan believes the DPRK is planning to test a long-range ballistic missile.
S. Korea warns harsh price against DPRK's satellite launch People's Daily 03 Feb 2016 -- South Korea on Wednesday warned a harsh price against possible launch of long-range ballistic missile by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) following Pyongyang's notification of its plan to launch a satellite into orbit.
White House condemns DPRK's satellite launch plan, urging swift int'l response People's Daily 03 Feb 2016 -- The White House on Tuesday condemned the new satellite launch plan of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), urging a swift response of the international community to what it called 'another irresponsible provocation.'
Japan will destroy North Korea missile in case of threat: Tokyo Press TV 03 Feb 2016 -- Tokyo has ordered ballistic missile defense units in the Sea of Japan and onshore to shoot down any North Korean missile that would threaten its territory.
North Korea to pay severe price for missile launch: South Press TV 03 Feb 2016 -- South Korea has warned the neighboring North of a "severe price" if it proceeds with a plan to launch a long-range missile later this month.
US warns of 'tough' UN sanctions over N Korea satellite launch Press TV 03 Feb 2016 -- The US State Department has harshly slammed North Korea's plans for satellite launch as an "egregious violation" of international obligations, warning of "tough" UN sanctions against the country.
China Seriously Concerned Over N Korea's Upcoming Satellite Rocket Launch Sputnik 03 Feb 2016 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said that China is seriously concerned over North Korea's plans to launch a satellite using a ballistic missile.
South Korea, Japan Warn Against North Korea Missile Launch VOA 03 Feb 2016 -- Japan and South Korea joined the United States Wednesday in demanding that North Korea cancel plans to send a long-range rocket into space, saying the launch would violate United Nations resolutions banning ballistic-missile and nuclear weapon development in the country.
UN: North Korea Plans Satellite Launch This Month VOA 02 Feb 2016 -- North Korea has notified the U.N.'s International Maritime Organization of its plan to launch an "earth observation satellite" later this month, a move that has raised concerns in the U.S. and with other world powers that Pyongyang is trying to covertly advance long-range missile technology.
Final GPS IIF satellite moves to next processing phase toward launch AFNS 02 Feb 2016 -- When a space vehicle is loaded with 320 pounds of hydrazine, the 45th Space Wing's Airmen-led GPS processing team knows they are in their final stages toward launching a premier capability to the warfighter.
Russia Opposes Deployment of US THAAD Defense System in South Korea Sputnik 02 Feb 2016 -- Russia believes that the deployment of THAAD in South Korea will not be helpful to peace and security in Northeast Asia nor to the resolution of the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, according to Russian Ambassador to Seoul Alexander Timonin.
Japan Deploys Patriot Missiles at 3 Bases to Counter N Korean Threat Sputnik 02 Feb 2016 -- Japan has deployed Patriot surface-to-air missile systems at three of its military bases to counter a perceived threat from North Korea, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said Tuesday.
Japan confirms deployment of anti-missile systems amid DPRK launch fears People's Daily 02 Feb 2016 -- The Japanese government confirmed Tuesday it has readied itself for a possible test-firing of a rocket or ballistic missile by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) by deploying both ground and sea-based antimissile interceptors.
S. Korea drums up need for THAAD deployment after DPRK nuke test People's Daily 01 Feb 2016 -- South Korea's military and ruling party chief on Monday drummed up need to deploy a U.S. missile defense battery on its territory after the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s nuclear test in early January.

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