Aerospace
4,463 news found
AerospacePostcards from Mars: rover Curiosity sends picture of a partial Solar eclipse
Houston, USA - NASA will host a teleconference on Thursday, Sept. 6 to provide a status update on the rover's mission
NASA's Curiosity, the biggest rover ever sent into space, which landed on Mars on August 6, 2012, is continuing its mission, and managed to take a picture of a partial Solar eclipse on the Red Planet. It... more
AerospaceAstrium-built Metop-B successfully placed in orbit (VIDEO)
Baikonur, Kazakistan - It will improve medium-range and short-range forecasting
Yesterday, on September 17, at 22:28 hours local time (17:28 hours BST or 16:28 UTC), a Soyuz rocket successfully launched the Astrium-built Metop-B satellite into space from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in... more
AerospaceULA Atlas V rocket launches fourth payload for the National Reconnaissance Office (VIDEO)
Vandenberg, Usa - In five months
A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying a payload for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) lifted off from Space Launch Complex-3 here at 2:39 pm PDT yesterday, on September 13. Designated... more
AerospaceElite S2 at work on the International Space Station
Rome, Italy - In October two experimental sessions for the Italian device developed by ASI, which has been on board the ISS since 2008
Twelve years ago, in 2000, an idea of some Italian research centres started to take shape: the realization of a system able to monitor in three dimensions the movements made by an astronaut in microgravity.... more
AerospaceBoeing, Sierra Nevada and SpaceX continue their war for space missions
Washington, USA - First milestones achieved
The new American race to space continues. Three major companies are involved in the NASA programme: Boeing, Sierra Nevada and SpaceX. The companies recently received the first funding to carry on their... more
AerospaceIndia launches three satellites
Delhi, India - Indian space commercial operations continue
The Indian technology about multiple-stages rockets is not only related to the production of intercontinental ballistic missiles. In fact, this technology is most of all related to space commercial missions,... more
AerospaceGalileo: one month to Galileo's next launch
Paris, France - Two more satellites will join the programme
As already declared at the "ILA Berlin Air Show 2012" yesterday, the European Space Agency (ESA) is ready for the launch of the second pair of Galileo navigation satellites. The launch is scheduled... more
AerospaceMetop-B European weather satellite is ready for launch
Paris, France - It has passed its final checks at the Baikonur cosmodrome
Metop-B, the European polar orbiting weather satellite designed and manufactured by Astrium, Europe’s leading space technology company, is now ready to launch from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. From i... more
AerospaceInternational Space Station: "Problem repaired, we are back"
Washington, USA - Waiting for four cargo capsules
The International Space Station suffered an energy blackout, forcing the astronauts on board to switch off certain equipment. The malfunctioning power unit, a Main Bus Switching Unit, which relay electricity... more
AerospaceAfriSpace: is Africa really looking to Space?
Khartoum, Sudan - New meeting after two years
A strange news was reported by international newspapers today. According to them, African nations are looking to a local space programme. AfriSpace (this is the name of the agency) was presented during... more
AerospaceATV-4 “Albert Einstein” en route to Kourou
Bremen, Germany - The largest cargo vessel will be launched to the ISS in 2013
The fourth European automated transfer vehicle (ATV) built by Astrium, called "Albert Einstein", is en route to the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Astrium, Europe’s leading space company, w... more
AerospaceMoscow is looking to new touristic space business
Moscow, Russia - New space-plane from the creators of the Buran
Yesterday we reported the news about the new Russian Hammer hypersonic space launcher (AVIONEWS). Today more details about the future of the Russian commercial space programmes became available. Following... more
AerospaceRussia unveils new hypersonic-engined orbital launcher
Moscow, Russia - "After delivering the payload, the craft will be able to return to its airbase"
The Russian NPO Molniya space design bureau has revealed that it is developing an innovative programme: the bureau is trying to integrate the scram-jet (hypersonic engine) technology with orbital launchers. This... more
AerospaceCuriosity continues its research and uses its ChemCam
Washington, USA - Mast-mounted laser vaporised a rock
Curiosity, the NASA's Mars Science Laboratory, has started its research immediately after its landing on the planet surface. Today the rover used one of its main instruments for the first time: the ChemCam,... more
AerospaceArmstrong the role model who did not want to be a hero (VIDEO)
Cincinanti, USA - Politicians, who were criticized several times by him because of NASA budget cuts, honour him
Those who knew Neil Armstrong are absolutely sure that the first man to put his feet on the Moon would not appreciate the enormous amount of plaudits dedicated to him from everywhere in the world: the... more
AerospaceXCOR plans new facility in Florida
Washington, USA - Mark I and Mark II ready for test flights
The suborbital spaceflight company XCOR has announced a new manufacturing and operations facility for its Lynx Mk II, the second variant of the company's suborbital vehicle. The new facility will be opened... more
AerospaceCuriosity rover begins its research
Washington, USA - "I expect most people won’t find that to be very interesting”.
After the nuclear-powered Curiosity rover landing on Mars, NASA declared the Scientific Mars Lab is ready to begin its research of life-form traces on the Red Planet. Tim Slater, a science professor... more
AerospaceNASA plans new mission on the Red Planet
Washington, Usa - New launch in 2016: InSight is ready
The landing of the rover Curiosity on the Red Planet raised the attention of all newspapers worldwide, and now is common to read articles about Mars. Today NASA declared it is planning a new mission in... more
AerospaceMars: the rover Curiosity on its way to Mount Sharp
Pasadena, USA - The probe will analyze the terrain characteristics in the zone
Curiosity, the NASA rover which landed a few days ago on Mars' surface (AVIONEWS) is sending awesome images of the Red Planet, just like the one you can see in this page: in the picture shot by NASA's... more
AerospaceRoscosmos: something went wrong (VIDEO)
Moscow, Russia - Proton-M space carrier operations suspended
Dark times for Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, which has suffered many failures in its space programme. Another malfunction affected its latest rocket launch on Monday evening. The news was reported... more
AerospaceBeing, SpaceX and Sierra Nevada to bring NASA to the ISS
Washington, USA - Three funding and three programmes to replace Soyuz
NASA has chosen three different aerospace companies for the programme which aims to bring the US astronauts onboard the International Space Station, replacing the current leasing of Soyuz capsules for... more
AerospaceThe future of mankind is on Mars: Curiosity rover to explore the Red Planet (VIDEO)
Gale Crater, Mars - "Seven minutes of terror"
Curiosity, the 2 USD billion rover built by NASA (the US space agency), landed today on the surface of the Red Planet. Great celebrations between the US and ESA's scientists (the European Space Agency,... more
AerospaceAVIONEWS interviews the Italian astronauts at new ASI headquarters (VIDEO)
Rome, Italy - From the memory of the past a look into the future
AVIONEWS has interviewed the Italian astronauts present during the ceremony for the opening of the new Italian Space Agency headquarters at Rome University "Tor Vergata". The ceremony also celebrated... more
AerospaceItalian ASI: the "Curiosity" Rover will bring Leonardo da Vinci to Mars
Rome, Italy - A copy of the self-portrait and "Codice del volo" by famous scientist are on board of the mission
Two exceptional passengers are on board of the "Curiosity", that will land on Mars: the self-portrait by Leonardo da Vinci, famous image of the scientist, and the Code on bird flight, in high definition... more
AerospaceSpacecraft: profitable market for commercial space flights
London, United Kingdom - Technology: certified, packaged and sold
Modern technologies allow today operations which, a few decades ago, were related only to sci-fi fictions. Most of all it is happening in the space sector. The landing of the new Curiosity rover on Mars... more
AerospaceItalian ASI: "Curiosity" in view of the Red Planet (VIDEO)
Rome, Italy - The Rover departed from Cape Canaveral on 26 November ready to land on Mars
On 6 August, NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) is set to deliver the Curiosity rover onto the Red Planet’s surface. The landing in Gale Crater will mark the start of an ambitious exploration pro... more
AerospaceThe world's most powerful telescope is Canadian-made
Toronto, Canada - The Hubble replacement takes shape
The 2018 is expected to be a year full of important events about space. In addition to the scheduled tests of the NASA SLS space heavy lifter, another work of art is going to be placed in orbit. We... more
AerospaceFinmeccanica BoD. Performance by business segment: space
Rome, Italy - Orders for €241 million
Telespazio and Thales Alenia Space (Figures for the two joint-ventures - Telespazio and Thales Alenia Space - are consolidated on a proportionate basis at 67% and 33%, respectively). New orders: for... more
AerospaceChina looks to the Moon in 2013
Beijing, China - "Space programmes go on smoothly"
Chinese space success seems to be unstoppable. A new event is planned in 2013, and it will allegedly involve a human landing on the Moon. The launch is scheduled in the second half of 2013. It will... more
AerospaceMedia invited for NASA Mars Curiosity rover descent
Darmstadt, Germany - ESA Mars Express orbiter will support the landing
ESA (European Space Agency) has invited media representatives to its Darmstad (Germany) operations centre. On August 6, 2012, ESA will support the entry, descent and landing of NASA Mars Science Laboratory. The... more
AerospaceLori Garver and Giuseppe Morsillo about the role of ASI, ESA and NASA
Rome, Italy - "The International Space Station is a milestone achieved through international cooperation"
NASA deputy administrator Lori Garver attended the ceremony which celebrated today the 50th anniversary of cooperation between Italy and the United States (1962-2012) in space programmes. The event was... more
AerospaceItalian Space Agency: the astronaut speeches
Rome, Italy - "In your life, you can play as a main character or a simple spectator"
At the cerimony for the opening of the new ASI headquarters (Italian Space Agency) sited near the engineering department of the university of Rome "Tor Vergata", all the Italian astronauts, passed and... more
AerospaceNew Italian Space Agency headquarters in Rome
Rome, Italy - Opening ceremony, and a look into the future
The ceremony for the opening of the new Italian Space Agency headquarters in Rome ended a few hours ago. The new facility is hosted by the Italian university "Tor Vergata", close to the engineering department.... more
AerospaceItalian minister Francesco Profumo about the importance of relations between space missions and Italian schools
Rome, Italy - New Italian Space Agency headquarters opened
The inauguration of the new headquarters of the Italian Space Agency, situated near the engineering department of the university of Rome "Tor Vergata", was attended today by the Italian minister for Education,... more
AerospaceNew Russian ISS docking gear test fails
Moscow, Russia - Mishaps continue for Roscosmos
A test of the new Russian spacecraft docking gear failed today. The programme aims to develop a new docking system for the International Space Station. The news was revealed in the morning by the Russian... more
AerospaceNASA successfully tests new inflatable heat shield for atmospheric reentries (VIDEO)
Washington, USA - "We look forward to future launches of even bigger inflatable aeroshells"
Great success for the new Inflatable Reentry Vehicle Experiment (IRVE). The spacecraft was launched yesterday at 07:01 am from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Islands, Virginia. The test was... more
AerospaceIndia runs for space: HAL delivers propellant tank for PSLV rocket
Delhi, India - "Savings of USD217,000 by producing it locally"
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has built and delivered the fourth stage propellant tank for the local Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), conceived and developed for the Indian Space Research Organisation... more
AerospaceItalian ASI. The GMES "Eyes" will be based in Matera
Rome, Italy - Agreement signed with ESA: the satellite data acquisition and processing of Sentinel 1 and 2 assigned to E-GEOS. The main sector players took part in the tender
The space center in Matera (Italy) will be the heart of the operating activities of the first two GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security) program satellites. The joint-venture between ASI-Telespazio... more
AerospaceAircraft and space: NASA continues Orion capsule tests
Washington, USA - "A step toward the Red Planet"
Nasa has completed another successful test of its Orion capsule. In particular, Nasa tested the vehicle landing parachutes. The test was operated over the Arizona desert, and is part of the programme which... more
AerospaceInternational Space Station: Soyuz spacecraft docked with new crew (VIDEO)
Moscow, Russia - Announcement from Russian mission control
The Soyuz Tma-05 spacecraft successfully docked on the International Space Station (ISS) at 4:51 am of 17 July 2012, as announced by Russia's Mission Control Center in Korolev. On board there was the new... more
AerospaceRussian multirole laboratory module "Nauka" launch delayed again
Moscow, Russia - The recalculated schedule for the launch is now the fourth quarter of 2013
The launch of the multirole laboratory module "Nauka" for the International Space Station has been delayed once again from the end of this year to the end of next year, as communicated by the president... more
AerospaceGreat celebrations after Shenzhou capsule landing
Beijing, China - International media focus on the Chinese space mission success
The landing of the Shenzhou-9 capsule after 13 days docked with the space module Tiangong-1 has been heavily publicized and covered by major local and international media (AVIONEWS). The programme marked... more
AerospaceChinese spacecraft will return to Earth on Friday
Beijing, China - Liu Yang hailed as a national heroine
The Chinese Shenzhou-9 space capsule is expected to return to Earth on Friday June 29, 2012. The spacecraft spent around two weeks in orbit. Its mission included the first Chinese manual docking in orbit. Local... more
AerospaceOrbital Sciences is ready with its space launch vehicle (VIDEO)
Washington, USA - Antares like the Falcon 9
The Antares space launch vehicle, built by Orbital Sciences, is one of the vehicle eligible to carry NASA payloads under the NLS II (NASA Launch Service). According to press reports, NASA has modified... more
AerospaceSpaceX shows its new Merlin 1D engine
Washington, USA - "The most efficient engine ever built"
SpaceX, the American aerospace company which successfully operated the Dragon capsule docking to the International Space Station, has reported it conducted the first full duration test fire of its new,... more
AerospaceRecycle and reuse. NASA SLS programme tries to save money
Washington, USA - Universal launch platform for many launch vehicles
NASA has underlined that the SLS programme (Space Launch System, the future American heavy space lifter) is trying to limit both development and, most of all, the future operating costs of the launcher. International... more
AerospaceFAA and NASA delineate commercial spaceflight certifications
Washington, USA - Black hole explorer programme cancelled
NASA and FAA have signed a memorandum of understanding about the certification process for commercial spaceflight. According to press reports, NASA would be given non responsibility to approve spaceflights... more
AerospaceChinese capsule successfully docks to orbiting module (VIDEO)
Beijing, China - "An orbiting space station by 2020"
The Tiangong-1 capsule (Heavenly Palace) successfully docked to the Shenzou-9 module (Divine Vessel) during the mission started Saturday 16/06/2012. This was the first manually-performed docking China... more
AerospaceFirst Chinese woman in space with the Shenzhou IX spacecraft
Beijing, China - She is the 33 yo Liu Yang
China is ready to send its first woman into space: Liu Yang, 33 yo major in the People's Liberation Army who entered the astronaut training program just two years ago, will leave tomorrow from the Jiuquan... more
AerospaceNew Ariane 5 mission scheduled on July 5, 2012
Paris, France - It will carry two different satellites
A new Ariane 5 mission, the third since the beginning of 2012, has been scheduled on July 5 from the spaceport in French Guiana. The 29-minutes launch window opens at 6:36 p.m. local time. The mission... more