A test version of the Space Launch System universal stage adapter has arrived at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center for validation procedures. The adapter is a critical component that will connect the upgraded exploration upper stage to the Orion spacecraft for the SLS rocket’s advanced Block 1B configuration, NASA said. The Block 1B variant will make its […]
Science Applications International Corp. announced that it has secured a $444 million contract for the U.S. Space Force’s Digital Transformation, Acquisition, Modernization and Modification initiative. The contract targets upgrades within Space Systems Command and Space Launch Deltas 30 and 45, SAIC said. The contract tasks SAIC to modernize space launch range instrumentation to boost launch […]
The Biden-Harris administration is requesting over $25 billion for NASA in the fiscal year 2025 budget to continue its work on better understanding the planet and space. Bill Nelson, administrator of the U.S. space agency, said the White House’s budget proposal will help ensure that the United States remains a leader in space exploration, scientific […]
A more powerful version of the Space Launch System rocket for future Artemis missions is in store for NASA. The SLS Block 1B uses the same core stage and solid rocket as the original SLS but features a more powerful second stage called the exploration upper stage. The EUS, which replaces the interim cryogenic propulsion […]
L3Harris Technologies has selected Maxar Space Systems to design and produce Maxar 300 spacecraft platforms for the Space Development Agency’s Tranche 2 Tracking Layer program. The Maxar 300 spacecraft features flexible and scalable electrical and data interfaces for various payloads; configurable telemetry, tracking and command; inter-satellite link support; solar arrays and batteries; and chemical or […]
Orion Space Solutions, an Arcfield subsidiary, has announced the launch of its Rapid Revisit Optical Cloud Imager satellite to demonstrate the spacecraft’s capabilities to support Space Systems Command’s weather forecasting function. The electro-optical/infrared weather system cubesat was sent into orbit aboard the SpaceX Transporter-10 rideshare mission launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base on March 4. […]
The Department of the Air Force’s AFWERX and the U.S. Space Force’s SpaceWERX have selected eligible applicants for their Strategic Funding Increase program for 2024. STRATFI is designed to help small businesses overcome challenges between development and full production. A small business benefits from the program as it receives support from a partner government organization, […]
Rhea Space Activity has announced a $750,000 grant under NASA’s TechFlights solicitation to test two autonomous navigation systems in cislunar space. The Jervis Autonomy Modules will fly on two separate communications satellites in lunar orbit designed to communicate with the ispace technologies U.S.-developed APEX 1.0 lunar lander, RSA said Wednesday. JAM is intended to enable […]
Carlsbad, California-based Viasat has partnered with vehicle launch and space systems supplier Rocket Lab USA in space communications networks demonstrations for the NASA Communications Services Project on a near-Earth orbit communication network to replace the agency’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System. Viasat will perform the demonstrations as part of two CSP contracts totaling $80 […]
Reps. Judy Chu, D-Calif., and Don Bacon, R-Neb., have restarted the Planetary Science Caucus in Congress, aiming to educate other lawmakers and the public on the importance of space exploration. In an event hosted by The Planetary Society on Tuesday, Chu said that the United States needs the caucus at a time when the future […]
