February 2011 Space News

Ukraine's role in European missile defense not yet discussed RIA Novosti 28 Feb 2011 -- NATO Secretary General: Too early yet to speak of Ukraine's participation in building the European missile defense system.
Discovery Astronauts Begin Mission's First Spacewalk VOA 28 Feb 2011 -- Astronauts from the space shuttle Discovery have begun the first of two planned spacewalks outside the International Space Station.
Discovery Astronauts Undertake Spacewalk RFE/RL 28 Feb 2011 -- Two astronauts from the space shuttle Discovery left the International Space Station today for the first spacewalk of their 11-day mission.
Minister attacks Russian space agency over failure to build new spacecraft RIA Novosti 28 Feb 2011 -- Deputy PM Ivanov accused Russian space agency Roscosmos of failing to manufacture enough advanced spacecraft.
Japan, US to Stage Missile-intercepting Training KCNA 26 Feb 2011 -- Japan and the U.S. reportedly plan to stage a mock training for detecting, tracking and intercepting ballistic missiles in in Japan.
Shuttle Discovery docks with ISS for final time RIA Novosti 26 Feb 2011 -- The U.S. Discovery shuttle has successfully docked to the International Space Station (ISS), the NASA said on Saturday.
Russia launches Glonass-K satellite RIA Novosti 26 Feb 2011 -- The Russian Space Forces have successfully launched a new Glonass-K navigation satellite from the Plesetsk space center, a Defense Ministry spokesman said Saturday.
CONR team supports successful shuttle launch AFNS 25 Feb 2011 -- Officials with the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, or CONR, and Air Forces Northern provided crucial airspace control and manning support to the successful launch of Space Shuttle Discovery Feb. 24.
Space weather team readies for upcoming solar max AFNS 25 Feb 2011 -- Solar max may sound like the name of a super hero, but it's certainly no comic book or 3-D movie.
Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM) en route to International Space Station Thales 25 Feb 2011 -- The Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM) developed by Thales Alenia Space was successfully launched yesterday at 4:50 pm local time (10:50 in France and Italy), from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral.
ATK's Solid Rocket Boosters Help Launch Space Shuttle Discovery ATK 24 Feb 2011 -- ATK's (NYSE: ATK) Reusable Solid Rocket Motors (RSRM) ignited at 4:53 p.m. EST, launching the Space Shuttle Discovery and its crew on their 11-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Since the inaugural flight of the space shuttle, 266 space shuttle solid rocket motors have been launched to date, with 53 full-scale ground tests allowing ATK and NASA to constantly improve safety, techniques and processes.
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne's Space Shuttle Main Engines Power Delivery of Parts and Cargo Module to the International Space Station Pratt & Whitney 24 Feb 2011 -- Three Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSME) today successfully powered the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on Mission STS-133 to deliver spare parts and a modified cargo transfer module that will be permanently attached to the International Space Station (ISS) to provide additional storage space.
JFCC-Space commander highlights need for improved space situational awareness AFNS 24 Feb 2011 -- Lt. Gen. Susan Helms, the commander of U.S. Strategic Command's Joint Functional Component Command for Space, returned Feb. 1 from a two-day trip to Tel-Aviv, Israel, that included a keynote speech and meetings with Israeli military leaders.
US Space Shuttle Discovery Launched on Final Flight VOA 24 Feb 2011 -- The U.S. space shuttle Discovery has thundered into orbit on its final flight to carry supplies to the International Space Station.
Astrium: perfect rendezvous in space for ATV "Johannes Kepler" EADS 24 Feb 2011 -- After a flight of 4 million kilometres in space lasting almost a week, ATV-2 “Johannes Kepler”, the second unmanned supply vehicle built by Astrium for the European Space Agency (ESA), has executed a perfect manoeuvre to dock automatically with the International Space Station (ISS).
Ukraine 'interested' in European missile defense - NATO chief RIA Novosti 24 Feb 2011 -- Ukraine is interested in cooperating with NATO in building the European missile defense system, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said on Thursday.
Russian military abandons defense satellite after failed launch RIA Novosti 24 Feb 2011 -- The Russian defense ministry said on Thursday it would not use a military satellite that was sent into the wrong orbit earlier this month.
Russia postpones navigation satellite launch from Plesetsk RIA Novosti 24 Feb 2011 -- The launch of the Glonass-K navigation satellite, scheduled to take place Thursday from the Plesetsk space center in northern Russia was postponed for 24 hours, a defense ministry spokesman said.
Technology which enables the vehicle, Kepler, to dock to the International Space Station developed by Thales Alenia Space España Thales 24 Feb 2011 -- Today Europe's second Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV-2), Johannes Kepler, will start approximating its maneuvers for the docking to the International Space Station (ISS) by using the telecommunication systems developed by the Spanish company Thales Alenia Space España
Three Academy graduates to fly STS-133 shuttle mission AFNS 23 Feb 2011 -- Three Air Force Academy graduates are leading Space Shuttle Discovery on the STS-133 mission, which is scheduled to lift off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., Feb. 24.
Astrium to provide operations and maintenance solution to UAE’s Yahsat system EADS 22 Feb 2011 -- Astrium Services has signed end-2010 a five year contract for tens of millions euros with Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PrJsc (Yahsat) to provide comprehensive support to manage and control the operations, training and maintenance of the Civil Ground and Management Segments of the UAE’s Armed Forces new, state-of-the-art, military satellite communications system.
Boeing Forms Commercial Satellite Services Group to Sell Satellite Capacity Boeing 22 Feb 2011 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced today that it has established Boeing Commercial Satellite Services to market commercial satellite telecommunications services to the U.S. government and other satellite users. Headquartered in El Segundo, the group is a part of Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems.
Orbital Set to Launch Glory Earth Science Satellite Aboard Taurus Rocket for NASA Orbital Sciences Corp. 22 Feb 2011 -- Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB) today announced that it is in final preparations to launch the company-built Glory satellite for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
NASA Awards SAIC $62 Million Information Technology Contract Extension SAIC 22 Feb 2011 -- Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) (NYSE: SAI) today announced it was awarded a contract extension by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for the Unified NASA Information Technology Services (UNITeS) contract to continue providing a broad range of information technology (IT) services in support of the NASA Information Technology Service Network. The extension has an eight-month base period of performance, valued at more than $36 million, and options that would total 14 months of performance for the continuation of services through March of 2012. The total value of the extension is more than $62 million if all options are exercised.
Yahsat first satellite Y1A shipped to launch site Thales 21 Feb 2011 -- The Yahsat first satellite Y1A built by Astrium and Thales Alenia Space has left the Astrium facilities in Toulouse, France, and was transported by air to Kourou, French Guiana, in preparation for its launch by an Ariane 5 vehicle in March 2011.
First four satellites in the Globalstar Second Generation constellation in position and ready for service Thales 21 Feb 2011 -- The first four Globalstar Second Generation satellites have been successfully positioned in their operational orbit, marking the start of service for this new constellation. After the launch by Arianespace and Starsem using a Soyuz rocket from Baikonur on October 19, 2010, Thales Alenia Space teams took charge of orbital positioning operations, at the Globalstar control center in Milpitas, California..
Russia envoy: Progress in missile shield talks by July RIA Novosti 18 Feb 2011 -- Russia's permanent NATO envoy Rogozin: Progress in negotiations between Moscow and NATO on missile shield issue by July.
Medvedev appoints NATO envoy chief missile defense negotiator RIA Novosti 18 Feb 2011 -- President Medvedev has appointed Russia's ambassador to NATO chief missile defense negotiator.
Orbital Awarded Contract For SES-8 Communications Satellite By SES World Skies Orbital Sciences Corp. 17 Feb 2011 -- Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB) announced today that one of its major customers, SES of Luxembourg, has placed a firm order for its sixth STARTM communications satellite for its worldwide network. The new satellite, SES-8, will provide Ku-band communication services to India and the Southeast Asia region.
ATV-2 ferry ship: a successful launch with full load of supplies inside its Thales Alenia Space-built cargo module Thales 17 Feb 2011 -- European Space Agency’s second Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV-2) has been launched yesterday evening by Arianespace from Europe’s spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Christened Johannes Kepler, in honour of the German astronomer and mathematician, the second ATV flight model will rendezvous and dock with the orbiting International Space Station in fully automatic mode after eight days of autonomous flight. The Johannes Kepler ATV will deliver experiments, equipment, spare parts and propellant as well as food and oxygen for the astronauts currently onboard the ISS.
Eagle Vision program garners key award for keen Earth observation AFNS 17 Feb 2011 -- An Electronic Systems Center program has been named the winner of a prestigious award.
Europe's ATV-2 space freighter heads to ISS RIA Novosti 17 Feb 2011 -- The European Space Agency's said it launched a second Automated Transfer Vehicle, the Johannes Kepler.
Russian cosmonauts complete spacewalk RIA Novosti 17 Feb 2011 -- Two Russian cosmonauts on board the ISS completed a spacewalk one hour earlier than expected.
New North Korean Space Launch Site Appears Completed VOA 16 Feb 2011 -- New satellite imagery shows North Korea has completed a launch tower at its second missile launch facility in the country’s northwest.
Lockheed Martin Completes Final Installations on First of its Kind Missile Warning Spacecraft Lockheed Martin 16 Feb 2011 -- The U.S. Air Force/Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT]-led Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) team has finished final installations on the first geosynchronous (GEO-1) satellite and successfully completed the spacecraft’s final factory confidence test in preparation for delivery to the launch site.
New Strategy Shows Importance of Space Domain, Lynn Says AFPS 16 Feb 2011 -- The Defense Department’s release last month of the first U.S. National Security Space Strategy underscores the importance of the domain.
Russia's second S-400 missile unit enters service RIA Novosti 16 Feb 2011 -- The strategic command of Russia's space defense forces took delivery of its second unit of S-400 Triumf missile systems.
Missile Agency Seeks Funds for Defensive Systems AFPS 15 Feb 2011 -- Ground-based system and interceptors highlight the Missile Defense Agency’s portion of the DoD ’s FY12 budget request.
Lockheed Martin-Built GPS Satellite Exceeds 10 Years On-Orbit Lockheed Martin 15 Feb 2011 -- The seventh Global Positioning System Block IIR (GPS IIR-7/SVN-54) satellite, designed and built by Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT], has reached 10 years of successful on-orbit operations, and continues to deliver critical position, navigation and timing (PNT) signals to nearly one billion GPS users worldwide.
Boeing-built LightSquared Space-Based Network Ready to Begin Service Boeing 14 Feb 2011 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that it has completed the post-launch testing and on-orbit handover of the first LightSquared satellite and Space-Based Network (SBN). The satellite system has been accepted by LightSquared and is ready to begin service.
ATV: "Mini" Earth travels to the International Space Station EADS 14 Feb 2011 -- Tomorrow, Tuesday 15 February, a "Mini" Earth is scheduled to be launched to the International Space Station (ISS) to gain a better understanding of the processes in the Earth's mantle, which lead to volcanism, plate tectonics and also to earthquakes. The scientific experiment Geoflow II was built by Astrium on behalf of the European Space Agency.
U.S. Army Dedicates New WSOC On Island Army News 14 Feb 2011 -- USASMDC/ARSTRAT will dedicate its new Wideband Satellite Communications Operations Center Feb. 23.
Mars mission participants walk on 'Red Planet' RIA Novosti 14 Feb 2011 -- Participants in the simulation of a manned mission to Mars completed the first of three scheduled walks on a mock-up of the surface.
Space Volunteers To 'Walk' On Mars RFE/RL 14 Feb 2011 -- After eight months in isolation, a group of six international researchers on a mock mission to Mars are preparing to walk on a simulation of the surface.
Mars500 simulated mission 'lands' on Red Planet RIA Novosti 12 Feb 2011 -- The crew of the Mars500 stimulated mission on Saturday landed on the "surface" of the Red Planet.
National Space Security Strategy Outlines Rules of the Road AFPS 11 Feb 2011 -- Department of Defense's strategic approach to space must change. This is the message of the National Security Space Strategy recently approved by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper.
Boeing to Study Commercial Space Capabilities for Military Use Boeing 10 Feb 2011 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] has received a $900,000 study contract from the Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) Systems Directorate of the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. Under the agreement, Boeing will explore ways to modify existing commercial satellite capabilities to meet MILSATCOM needs.
Lockheed Martin Ships Out First Orion Spacecraft Lockheed Martin 10 Feb 2011 -- The Lockheed Martin [NYSE:LMT] Orion team shipped out the first Orion crew module spacecraft structure today from NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, La. The spacecraft is headed to Lockheed Martin’s Denver, Colo., facilities where it will undergo a series of rigorous tests to confirm Orion’s ability to safely fly astronauts through all the harsh environments of deep space exploration missions.
Russia, NATO discuss anti-missile defense in Brussels RIA Novosti 10 Feb 2011 -- Russia and NATO began talks in Brussels on Thursday on the creation of European anti-missile defense.
New training simulator debuts at Schriever AFNS 09 Feb 2011 -- At first glance the Standard Space Trainer Integrated Training Center here appears to look like a normal operational control center. Large, high-definition monitors dominate the walls, while multiple computer workstations provide telemetry and other important data to would-be users. The desks, chairs and even the carpet seem practical and functional. Fluorescent lighting and uncluttered workspaces present a minimalist style, free of chaos and distraction.
Russia to launch Glonass satellite on Feb. 24 RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2011 -- Russia will launch a new Glonass-K navigation satellite from the Plesetsk space center on February 24, the Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.
Transcript: Media Availability with Secretary Gates and Minister Juppé from the Pentagon DoD 08 Feb 2011 -- Presenter: Defense Secretary Robert Gates and French Defense Minister Alain Juppé
U.S., French Defense Leaders Sign Space Agreement AFPS 08 Feb 2011 -- U.S. and French defense leaders consulted on a wide range of mutual interests and signed an agreement on space situational awareness at the Pentagon today.
ATK and Astrium Unveil the Liberty Launch Vehicle Initiative for NASA's CCDev-2 Competition ATK 08 Feb 2011 -- ATK (NYSE: ATK) and Astrium (an EADS Company) are working together in response to NASA's Commercial Crew Development-2 (CCDev-2) procurement. The team is offering NASA launch services with the Liberty™ rocket. This new launch vehicle combines two of the world's most reliable propulsion systems, with a collective heritage of nearly 150 successful flights.
Raytheon and Aerojet Complete System Integration Test for SM-3 Kinetic Warhead Raytheon 08 Feb 2011 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and Aerojet, a GenCorp company (NYSE: GY), completed a kinetic warhead system integration test for Standard Missile-3 Block IB. The test verified the ability of the warhead to detect, track and intercept a moving ballistic missile target in a zero-gravity environment.
Medvedev calls for Russian space exploration program RIA Novosti 08 Feb 2011 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Tuesday Russia should develop its own space exploration program.
Vandenberg officials launch Minotaur I AFNS 07 Feb 2011 -- A Minotaur I rocket was launched from here Feb. 6.
ATV 2 "Johannes Kepler" is ready for launch EADS 07 Feb 2011 -- 'Johannes Kepler' built by Astrium, is the second unmanned European transport spacecraft for the International Space Station (ISS). It is currently in the final pre-launch phase at the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, from where it is scheduled for launch on board an Ariane 5 rocket on 15 February 2011.
Several satellites to be launched by next year: President IRNA 07 Feb 2011 -- President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad here on Monday said that several home-made Iranian research satellites will be launched during this year and the next year.
U.S. Navy Exercises Contract Option for Lockheed Martin to Build Fifth MUOS Satellite Lockheed Martin 07 Feb 2011 -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has received a $339.6-million contract option from the U.S. Navy for the fifth satellite in the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) constellation. MUOS will replace the current Ultra High Frequency Follow-On (UFO) system and provide assured communications, including simultaneous voice, video and data, for mobile warfighters.
U.S. Air Force Awards Lockheed Martin $107 Million Space Fence Radar Contract Lockheed Martin 07 Feb 2011 -- The U.S. Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] a $107 million follow-on contract for the next phase of Space Fence, a program that will increase space situational awareness and enhance safety for both manned and unmanned space operations.
Orbital Successfully Launches Minotaur I Rocket for U.S. Air Force Orbital Sciences Corp. 07 Feb 2011 -- Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB), one of the world’s leading space technology companies, today announced that it successfully launched a U.S. Government payload aboard a Minotaur I rocket in a mission that originated from Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB), CA on February 5, 2011.
Raytheon Awarded $107 Million Contract for Space Fence Preliminary Design Raytheon 07 Feb 2011 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has been awarded a $107 million U.S. Air Force contract to further the design of the Space Fence system.
Russian cosmonauts to conduct spacewalk Feb. 16 RIA Novosti 07 Feb 2011 -- Two Russian cosmonauts on board the International Space Station are preparing to conduct a spacewalk on February 16, mission control said on Monday.
Tbilisi 'interested' in U.S. missile defense radar RIA Novosti 07 Feb 2011 -- Georgia is interested in the proposal by a group of U.S. senators that Tbilisi host a missile defense radar, Deputy Foreign Minister David Dzhalagania said on Monday.
NASA twin probe fetches first 3-dimensional image of Sun RIA Novosti 07 Feb 2011 -- Twin spacecraft STEREO A ("Ahead") and B ("Behind") reached their final locations on opposite sides of the Sun and transmitted the first ever three-dimensional image of the sun, NASA said.
Lavrov says missile defense projects should not 'upset parity' RIA Novosti 05 Feb 2011 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has stressed Moscow's position to preserve the strategic parity in the sphere of missile defense.
Clinton says U.S. open to missile defense cooperation with Russia RIA Novosti 05 Feb 2011 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has reaffirmed Washington's readiness to cooperate with Russia on missile defense.
Thales Alenia Space España participated in 19 of the Satellites placed into Orbit in 2010 Thales 04 Feb 2011 -- Thales Alenia Space España has provided its technology and products to a total of 19 satellites placed into orbit in 2010 worldwide.
Transcript: DOD News Briefing with Deputy Secretary Lynn and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Schulte from the Pentagon on the National Security Space Strategy DoD 04 Feb 2001 -- Presenter: Deputy Secretary of Defense William Lynn and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy Gregory Schulte
DOD Announces the National Security Space Strategy DoD 04 Feb 2011
National Security Space Strategy Targets Safety, Stability AFPS 04 Feb 2011 -- The National Security Space Strategy responds to the realities of a space environment that is increasingly crowded.
Aegis Missile Defense Test During Atlantic Trident Exercise NNS 03 Feb 2011 -- Surface Combat Systems Center tested the updated capabilities of the U.S. Navy Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense.
Russia rules out being NATO's patsy on missile defense RIA Novosti 03 Feb 2011 -- Russia will do whatever is necessary to ensure its security in building a joint European missile defense system.
Center officials award Space Fence preliminary design contracts AFNS 03 Feb 2011 -- Electronic Systems Center officials have issued two competitive contract orders for preliminary design of the Space Fence program.
Russia loses new military satellite RIA Novosti 02 Feb 2011 -- Russia has most likely lost a new dual-purpose geodesic satellite after it failed to reach a designated circular orbit 1,000 kilometers above Earth.
Maiden flight of Russia's Soyuz-ST rocket set for Aug. 31 RIA Novosti 02 Feb 2011 -- The first flight of Russia's Soyuz-ST-B carrier rocket from the European space center has been scheduled for August 31, 2011.
NASA Telescope Discovers 1,000 New Possible Planets VOA 02 Feb 2011 -- Researchers with the U.S. space agency NASA say a telescope has discovered more than 1,200 possible planets.
Russia Reportedly Loses Military Satellite RFE/RL 01 Feb 2011 -- Russia has ordered a search for a missing military satellite that apparently was put into the wrong orbit shortly after launch.
Army astronauts take flight Army News 01 Feb 2011 -- Wheelock, the first active-duty Soldier to command the International Space Station, never dreamed he could ever be an astronaut.
Lockheed Martin Team Completes Goes-R Weather Satellite Preliminary Design Review Lockheed Martin 01 Feb 2011 -- The Lockheed Martin team designing NASA and NOAA’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite R-series (GOES-R) weather satellite has successfully completed its system Preliminary Design Review, a major milestone in the program’s development. GOES-R is the nation’s next generation geostationary weather satellite.

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