April 2010 Space News

Russia aims to follow U.S. lead in private funding of space projects RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2010 -- Russia wants to encourage private companies to invest in space exploration, the head of the country's space agency said on Thursday.
Russia plans to take grip on Arctic from space RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2010 -- Russia is planning to develop a unique satellite system to monitor climatic changes and survey energy resources in the Arctic region, Russia's top space official said on Thursday.
TanDEM-X – Mapping the Earth in 3D EADS 29 Apr 2010 -- The German radar satellite TanDEM-X, built by Astrium, has proven its suitability for operation in space in a series of special tests at IABG in Ottobrunn, near Munich. On 11 May, the satellite will leave Germany from Munich airport and head to the Baikonur space centre in Kazakhstan. Lift-off aboard a Russian Dnepr launcher is scheduled for 21 June 2010. As with the TerraSAR-X ‘sister mission’, the TanDEM-X project has been implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) and Astrium GmbH.
Thales Alenia Space delivers Eurobot Ground Prototype to ESA Thales 29 Apr 2010 -- Thales Alenia Space announced today that it has delivered the Eurobot Ground Prototype (EGP) to the European Space Agency (ESA), following successful testing and qualification.
Orbital Selected By Naval Research Laboratory for $95 Million Technical Services Contract Orbital Sciences Corp. 29 Apr 2010 -- Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB) announced today that it has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) for a spacecraft and airborne system support services contract valued at approximately $95 million over a five-year period. The contract was won in a competitive process by Orbital’s Technical Services Division (TSD), which is part of the company’s Space Systems Group. The NRL contract calls for Orbital technical personnel to conduct prototype spacecraft and airborne system and subsystem research, analysis and development, as well as integration, testing, and data processing and documentation activities.
NASA'S Webb Telescope Passes Mission Design Review Milestone Northrop Grumman 28 Apr 2010 -- NASA's Northrop Grumman-built (NYSE:NOC) James Webb Space Telescope has passed its most significant mission milestone to date, the Mission Critical Design Review, or MCDR. This signifies the integrated observatory will meet all science and engineering requirements for its mission.
CrIS Sensor Successfully Completes Thermal Vacuum Testing Northrop Grumman 28 Apr 2010 -- An advanced infrared sounding sensor that will help improve weather forecasting completed its final thermal vacuum test at Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) subcontractor ITT Corporation (NYSE:ITT). The instrument will be deployed on the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Preparatory Project spacecraft (NPP).
Russia launches freighter with candies, books to ISS RIA Novosti 28 Apr 2010 -- Russia has launched a cargo module to the International Space Station (ISS), mission control said on Wednesday.
"All systems go" for the Helios IIB satellite built by Astrium EADS 27 Apr 2010 -- The in-flight acceptance of the Helios IIB satellite has been successfully completed by Astrium on behalf of the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) and under delegation from the French space agency, CNES. Helios IIB will now enter its operational phase serving the partner countries France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Greece and Germany. CNES will be responsible for in orbit operations.
Orbital Successfully Launches First Minotaur IV Rocket for U.S. Air Force Orbital Sciences Corp. 27 Apr 2010 -- Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB), one of the world’s leading space technology companies, today announced that it successfully launched the first Minotaur IV rocket in support of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Hypersonic Technology Vehicle-2 (HTV-2) program. The Minotaur IV rocket is the newest in the Minotaur family of launchers that Orbital produces for the U.S. Air Force under the Orbital/Suborbital Program-2 contract.
Russia to send freighter with candy, books to ISS RIA Novosti 27 Apr 2010 -- Russia will launch a cargo module to the International Space Station (ISS) on April 28, mission control said on Tuesday.
Russia's Cosmos-3M space carrier orbits military satellite RIA Novosti 27 Apr 2010 -- A Russian carrier rocket orbited a military satellite on Tuesday at 6:08 Moscow time (2:08 GMT), a spokesman for the Russian Space Forces said.
Medvedev says Russia interested in NATO proposals on anti-missile defense RIA Novosti 27 Apr 2010 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said Moscow is interested in cooperation with NATO on issues of anti-missile defense in Europe.
Northrop Grumman, U.S. Army Achieve Key Milestone for Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System Northrop Grumman 26 Apr 2010 -- The U.S. Army and Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) have successfully completed an Interim Design Review (IDR) for the Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) Battle Command System (IBCS). The successful review means the IBCS program is ready to enter the design phase.
Orbital-Built SES-1 Communications Satellite Successfully Launched Orbital Sciences Corp. 26 Apr 2010 -- Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB), one of the world’s leading space technology companies, today announced that the SES-1satellite, built by the company for SES WORLD SKIES, was successfully launched into orbit aboard an International Launch Services (ILS) Proton rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The mission began on Saturday, April 24, with the lift-off of the Proton space launch vehicle at 7:18 a.m. (EDT). The satellite successfully separated from the Proton rocket’s Breeze M upper stage eight hours and 58 minutes after liftoff.
Russia's Proton rocket takes U.S. satellite to orbit RIA Novosti 25 Apr 2010 -- Russia's Proton-M carrier rocket, launched on Saturday from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan, took a U.S. telecommunications satellite to orbit after a nine-hour flight, a spokesman for Russia's federal space agency said on Sunday.
Russian rocket puts U.S. satellite into space RIA Novosti 24 Apr 2010 -- Russia's space forces launched on Saturday a Proton-M rocket carrying a U.S. satellite, the Defense Ministry said.
First Minotaur IV Lite launches from Vandenberg AFNS 23 Apr 2010 -- Members from the 30th Space Wing here launched the first Minotaur IV Lite launch vehicle at 4 p.m. April 22 here.
Air Force officials launch Atlas V carrying X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle AFNS 23 Apr 2010 -- Members of the 45th Space Wing here launched a United Launch Alliance-built Atlas V Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle carrying an X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle at 7:52 p.m. EDT April 22 here.
Boeing-built Orbital Test Vehicle X-37B Begins 1st Flight Boeing 22 Apr 2010 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced the successful launch of the Boeing-built Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV), also known as the X-37B, for the U.S. Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office. The OTV was launched on an Atlas V rocket into a low Earth orbit today at 7:52 p.m. Eastern time from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 41.
Lockheed Martin-Built Instruments See “First Light” on NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory Lockheed Martin 22 Apr 2010 -- Spectacular “first light” images and data from the three state-of-the art instruments on NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) were unveiled yesterday morning by NASA. The SDO spacecraft was launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on February 11, 2010.
Lockheed Martin-Built Hubble Space Telescope Marks 20 Years Of Astronomical Discovery Lockheed Martin 22 Apr 2010 -- NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope (HST), built and integrated at the Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] Space Systems facility in Sunnyvale, was launched 20 years ago aboard Space Shuttle Discovery, on April 24, 1990, ushering in a new golden age of astronomy. HST was released by the crew into Earth orbit the next day and the universe hasn't looked the same since.
Lockheed Martin Receives $25.7 Million THAAD Field Support Contract Lockheed Martin 22 Apr 2010 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE:LMT] has been awarded an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, with initial funding of $25.7 million, to provide support for the U.S. Army’s fielding of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Weapon System. The IDIQ contract consists of a four-year basic contract with five additional one-year options. The total maximum contract value is $435 million through 2019.
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Successfully Powers Launch of U.S. Military's X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle Pratt & Whitney 22 Apr 2010 -- Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne today helped boost into orbit the U.S. military’s X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle. The mission was launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., by a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. The Atlas V is powered by the RD AMROSS RD-180 booster engine and a Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RL10 upper-stage engine. Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne is a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). RD AMROSS LLC is a joint venture of Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne and NPO Energomash.
Russia still concerned by plans for Patriot missiles in Poland RIA Novosti 22 Apr 2010 -- Moscow is deeply concerned with the plans of the United States to deploy Patriot missiles in Poland near the Russian border, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Thursday.
Mexico to create its first space center on Yucatan Peninsula RIA Novosti 22 Apr 2010 -- Mexico will create its own space center on the Yucatan Peninsula, deputy economy minister Francisco Pimentel said.
Orbital Applauds President Obama's New Direction For America's Civil Space Program Orbital Sciences Corp. 20 Apr 2010 -- Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB), one of the world’s leading space technology companies, today expressed its strong support for President Barack Obama’s new direction for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), as articulated in a major space policy address the President gave last week at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Official Details Results of Missile Review AFPS 20 Apr 2010 -- Ballistic missiles are an increasing threat to the United States, and the Defense Department must keep up with them, the deputy undersecretary of defense for policy said today.
Shuttle Discovery lands in Florida RIA Novosti 20 Apr 2010 -- The U.S. space shuttle Discovery landed safely at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, NASA reported on its website.
Lockheed Martin GPS III Team Advancing On-Schedule In Critical Design Review Phase Lockheed Martin 19 Apr 2010 -- The Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] team developing the U.S. Air Force's next-generation Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite, known as GPS III, continues to maintain schedule performance and meet or exceed key milestones in the Critical Design Review (CDR) phase of the program.
Orbital Set to Launch First Minotaur IV Rocket for U.S. Air Force This Week Orbital Sciences Corp. 19 Apr 2010 -- Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB), one of the world’s leading space technology companies, today announced that it is prepared to launch the first of its Minotaur IV rockets in support of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Hypersonic Technology Vehicle-2 (HTV-2) program.
NASA Hopes for Tuesday Landing of Shuttle Discovery VOA 19 Apr 2010 -- The space shuttle Discovery is to spend another day in orbit, as cloudy weather has forced NASA to abandon Monday's landing attempt.
Boeing Statement on President's Remarks and the Need for Immediate Development of a Heavy-lift Vehicle Boeing 16 Apr 2010 -- Speaking at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on April 15, U.S. President Barack Obama unveiled proposed changes to the administration's fiscal year 2011 budget submission for space exploration, including a crew rescue vehicle and a decision on a heavy-lift rocket in 2015. The Boeing Company responded today with the following statement:
US Space Plan May Boost Private Space Firms VOA 16 Apr 2010 -- Space experts say the White House's new plan for space exploration is a boost to private companies that are developing cutting-edge technologies needed in coming years. New funding may propel research and create thousands of new jobs.
Air Force space officials prepare to launch first Minotaur IV AFNS 16 Apr 2010 -- The first launch of the Minotaur IV Space Launch Vehicle is scheduled to occur April 20 at noon PDT from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
New unmanned spacecraft set to launch AFNS 16 Apr 2010 -- Air Force officials are scheduled to launch the U.S.'s newest and most advanced unmanned re-entry spacecraft April 21 at Cape Canaveral Air Station, Fla.
Russia launches military satellite RIA Novosti 16 Apr 2010 -- Russia on Friday launched a military satellite, the Defense Ministry said.
India to return to Russian boosters after failed rocket launch RIA Novosti 16 Apr 2010 -- India will temporarily go back to using Russian-produced space equipment after its indigenous GSLV rocket failed, a spokesman for Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) said on Friday.
Missile Defense System Continues Integration with $424M Contract Modification Lockheed Martin 15 Apr 2010 -- The Command, Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) program was awarded a two-year, $424 million contract modification from the Missile Defense Agency to continue integration of the missile defense system. This phase of the program, work will be focused on increasing security, augmenting planner/situational awareness capabilities, handling new and more sensors and weapons systems, and providing more integrated functionality.
Hamilton Sundstrand water production system delivered to ISS during STS-131 mission Pratt & Whitney 15 Apr 2010 -- The Sabatier Reactor System, developed by Hamilton Sundstrand's Space, Land & Sea business to provide water production services for the International Space Station, was delivered to the station during the current STS-131 mission, which launched on April 5. Hamilton Sundstrand is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).
Obama Lays Out Plan for US Space Program VOA 15 Apr 2010 -- President Barack Obama on Thursday set out his plan for the future of the U.S. space agency NASA. His vision includes an eventual manned flight to Mars, although not as soon as many Americans had hoped. The president went to Florida's Kennedy Space Center to defend his controversial proposal to change America's course in space.
Remarks by the President on Space Exploration in the 21st Century The White House 15 Apr 2010
India's GSLV rocket launch fails RIA Novosti 15 Apr 2010 -- India has failed to launch its indigenous GSLV rocket due to engine trouble, the head of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) said.
Russia to build submarine-detecting satellite RIA Novosti 15 Apr 2010 -- Russia could build a satellite for the detection and tracking of submarines from space, a defense industry spokesman said on Thursday.
Lynn Details Defense Department’s Space Strategy AFPS 14 Apr 2010 -- From the commander in chief in the White House to a private manning an observation tower on Afghanistan’s border with Pakistan, space is the domain that ties them together.
Lynn Discusses Budget Priorities for Space AFPS 14 Apr 2010 -- Military space operators and their private-sector partners are going to have to find ways to grow capabilities while operating in a fiscally-constrained environment, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said here today.
WSMR support invaluable in Airborne Laser intercept Army News 14 Apr 2010 -- The Airborne Laser Testbed will be used as a pathfinder for the nation's directed energy program following the successful shoot-down of a ballistic missile in its boost phase Feb. 11 in California.
Lockheed Martin Completes Work On First U.S. Air Force Advanced EHF Satellite Lockheed Martin 14 Apr 2010 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has completed all factory testing of the first satellite in the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) program and the spacecraft is ready for delivery to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., where it will be prepared for a mid-2010 liftoff aboard an Atlas V launch vehicle.
Raytheon Completes Second Communications Upgrade for Environmental Satellite in Antarctica Raytheon 13 Apr 2010 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has successfully completed a major communications upgrade in Antarctica for the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) program.
Russian satellite navigation system to be complete by yearend - Ivanov RIA Novosti 13 Apr 2010 -- The Russian navigation system Glonass will cover 100% of the Earth's surface by yearend, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov said on Tuesday.
Russia confirms plans of rocket launch from French Guiana in 2010 RIA Novosti 13 Apr 2010 -- Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov on Tuesday confirmed plans to launch a Soyuz carrier rocket from the Kourou space center in French Guiana later this year.
Boeing to Provide Next-Generation GPS Ground Systems Support to US Air Force Boeing 12 Apr 2010 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that, as part of the Raytheon team awarded the space-based Global Positioning System (GPS) advanced control segment program (OCX), it will develop portions of the U.S. Air Force's new ground control segment. GPS OCX will provide more secure, accurate, and precise navigation around the world for military, humanitarian and commercial applications.
Soviets used 'U.S. lunar photos' to plan own Moon mission RIA Novosti 12 Apr 2010 -- The Soviet Union used U.S. photos of the Moon obtained by the secret service to plan its own lunar mission, a Russian space scientist told RIA Novosti on Monday.
Shuttle Discovery astronauts carry out 2nd of three scheduled spacewalks RIA Novosti 11 Apr 2010 -- U.S. Discovery space shuttle astronauts Rick Mastracchio and Clay Anderson have begun the second of three scheduled spacewalks, NASA reported on Sunday.
Astronauts Complete 2nd Spacewalk at International Space Station VOA 11 Apr 2010 -- Astronauts from the U.S. space shuttle Discovery have completed their second spacewalk outside of the International Space Station orbiting the Earth.
Russia has no plans to deploy weapons in space - top brass RIA Novosti 09 Apr 2010 -- The commander of Russia's space forces said on Friday Russia had no plans to deploy weapons of any kind in space.
Kazakhstan seeks equal share in commercial space projects RIA Novosti 09 Apr 2010 -- Kazakhstan intends to acquire 33% stakes in two Russian-Ukrainian joint ventures using the Baikonur space center for launches of Dnepr and Zenit carrier rockets, the country's top space official said Friday.
Shuttle Discovery astronauts carry out first of three scheduled spacewalks RIA Novosti 09 Apr 2010 -- U.S. Discovery space shuttle astronauts Rick Mastracchio and Clay Anderson have begun the first of three scheduled spacewalks 10 minutes ahead of schedule, NASA reported.
Kazakhstan finally ratifies Baikonur rental deal with Russia RIA Novosti 09 Apr 2010 -- The upper chamber of the Kazakh parliament, the Senate, ratified on Friday a 2004 agreement to extend Russia's use of the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported.
CryoSat-2 begins its icy mission EADS 08 Apr 2010 -- Europe´s Ice research satellite CryoSat-2, which was built by Europe’s leading space company Astrium, is now in orbit. At 14:57 (UK Time), it was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome (Kazakhstan) on board a Dnepr launcher which has placed the 720 kilogram spacecraft into a polar orbit. Around 17 minutes after launch the spacecraft separated from the upper stage and sent its first signals to the Malindi (Kenya) ground station. CryoSat-2 will measure the ice coverage at the Earth’s poles with previously unattained precision for at least the next three and a half years. Its predecessor - CryoSat-1 - was lost in 2005 due to a failure of the launcher.
Russia launches ESA's CryoSat-2 satellite from Baikonur RIA Novosti 08 Apr 2010 -- A Russian Dnepr carrier rocket with the European Space Agency's CryoSat-2 Earth Explorer satellite blasted off from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan on Thursday.
Russia proposes global missile defense cooperation with U.S. - Medvedev RIA Novosti 08 Apr 2010 -- Russia has proposed cooperation with the United States in creating a global missile defense system, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said Thursday.
Boeing Hands Over GOES-P Satellite to NASA for Final Testing Boeing 07 Apr 2010 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that it transferred control of the third Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-P) to NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on March 24 to begin on-orbit verification testing.
NASA, Roscosmos extend contract for crew transportation to ISS RIA Novosti 07 Apr 2010 -- U.S.'s National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Russian Federal Agency Roscosmos have signed a $335-million modification to the current International Space Station contract for crew transportation in 2013 and 2014, NASA said in a statement.
Shuttle Discovery docks manually with ISS RIA Novosti 07 Apr 2010 -- The U.S. Discovery space shuttle successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) manually after a malfunction on board the shuttle, Russian Mission Control's NASA representative Sergei Puzanov said.
Raytheon Awarded Earth Observing System Engineering Contract by NASA Goddard Raytheon 06 Apr 2010 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) was awarded a NASA Goddard contract to maintain and manage large volumes of sensing data and imagery from space instruments.
U.S. expects to continue missile defense dialogue with Russia - Clinton RIA Novosti 06 Apr 2010 -- The United States expects to continue missile defense dialogue with Russia, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Tuesday.
Russia to orbit 7 new Glonass satellites in 2010 RIA Novosti 06 Apr 2010 -- Russia will launch seven new Glonass satellites into orbit by the end of 2010, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday.
U.S. might make statement in Prague on missile shield - Kremlin RIA Novosti 06 Apr 2010 -- The United States will probably make a statement on its strategic missile defense plans upon signing a new nuclear arms reduction treaty with Russia in Prague this week, the Kremlin said.
U.S. missile shield plans currently no threat to Russia - Lavrov RIA Novosti 06 Apr 2010 -- Washington's plans for a missile defense shield do not presently constitute any threat to Moscow's strategic interests, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday.
Airmen support space shuttle launch AFNS 05 Apr 2010 -- Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and Air Forces Northern officials provided airspace control and manning support to the successful launch of Space Shuttle Discovery April 5 h
Brazil to develop carrier rocket by 2014 RIA Novosti 05 Apr 2010 -- Brazil plans to develop its own carrier rocket for conveying small satellites into orbit by 2014, the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB) said on Monday.
Discovery shuttle sets off for one of final missions RIA Novosti 05 Apr 2010 -- The U.S. Discovery space shuttle blasted off on Monday from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on one of NASA's final stockpiling missions to the International Space Station.
Russia to launch Cryosat-2 satellite on April 8 RIA Novosti 05 Apr 2010 -- The launch of the European Space Agency's CryoSat-2 Earth Explorer satellite on a Russian Rokot carrier rocket is scheduled for April 8, the Russian Federal Space Agency Roscosmos said on Monday.
Lockheed Martin Team Receives Recognition from Missile Defense Agency for Satellite Shoot-Down Lockheed Martin 05 Apr 2010 -- The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) recognized the team of Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] engineers who played a significant role in the successful destruction of an errant United States satellite in 2008, preventing it from an uncontrolled and unpredictable reentry and potential crash to Earth.
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne's Space Shuttle Main Engines Power Delivery of Science Equipment and Supplies to the International Space Station Pratt & Whitney 05 Apr 2010 -- Three Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSME) today successfully powered the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on Mission STS-131 to deliver science equipment and supplies that will allow astronauts to better study Earth. 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.
Russia delivers first stage for South Korea's new space rocket RIA Novosti 05 Apr 2010 -- Russia has delivered the first stage for the South Korea's new-generation space launch vehicle, the Russian space producer said on Monday.
Shuttle Discovery Launches Mission to Space Station VOA 05 Apr 2010 -- Space shuttle Discovery has launched on a mission to deliver new science equipment to the International Space Station.
Russia's Soyuz piloted spacecraft docks with world orbiter RIA Novosti 04 Apr 2010 -- A Soyuz TMA-18 piloted spacecraft with a new space crew has docked with the International Space Station (ISS) in the automatic mode, Mission Control said on Sunday.
Boeing Contribution to Shuttle Mission Includes Troubleshooting, Payload Prep Boeing 02 Apr 2010 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has been providing NASA with a wide variety of hardware and services -- including troubleshooting a stuck valve -- to ensure Space Shuttle Discovery launches as scheduled on April 5.
The next Shuttle mission will take the Leonardo logistic module back to the International Space Station Thales 02 Apr 2010 -- The Multipurpose Pressurised Logistic Module (MPLM) Leonardo built by Thales Alenia Space is ready for a new journey to the International Space Station (ISS). The Discovery shuttle STS-131 mission is scheduled to lift-off on April 5, 2010, from the Kennedy Space Center.
Orbital Announces the Closing of its Acquisition of General Dynamics' Satellite Development and Manufacturing Business Orbital Sciences Corp. 02 Apr 2010 -- Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB), one of the world’s leading space technology companies, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of a Gilbert, AZ-based, spacecraft development and manufacturing business from General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, a subsidiary of General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD).
ADMC conducts THAAD pathfinder mission Army News 02 Apr 2010 -- Anniston Defense Munitions Center recently conducted a pathfinder training mission related to the receipt, storage, maintenance and shipping of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missile.
SIRAL, a new-generation radar altimeter-interferometer for the CryoSat satellite Thales 01 Apr 2010 -- Scientists worldwide are impatiently awaiting critical data to be supplied by the Thales Alenia Space-designed SIRAL interferometric radar altimeter, which will help them assess the size and thickness of polar ice and how it changes over time. By more precisely measuring its surface and changes in elevation, scientists will be able to better understand the ice cycle and our changing climate.
World’s First Weather Satellite Launched 50 Years Ago Today and Lockheed Martin has Been Involved from the Very Beginning Lockheed Martin 01 Apr 2010 -- TIROS-1–the first Television and Infrared Observation Satellite–and its successors revolutionized weather observation and forecasting. Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and its heritage companies built every one of the TIROS series of spacecraft, from TIROS-1– launched on April 1, 1960– through NOAA-N Prime, launched on February 6, 2009.
Soyuz crew confirmed ready for launch to ISS RIA Novosti 01 Apr 2010 -- Russia's Federal Space Agency gave final approval on Thursday to the crew of the next expedition to the International Space Station (ISS), which will be launched on Friday.

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