Welcome to episode 5 of the Unity module. A lot of interesting things happened in May, as well as a little bit of bad news. Since there’s a lot to get into, let’s jump right on in. ==FWIW Space News== 5-10-2017 • NASA confirms no SLS launch in 2018, slips to 2019 Link 1, Link … Continue reading "CTL – 2-05"
Welcome to episode 5 of the Unity module. A lot of interesting things happened in May, as well as a little bit of bad news. Since there’s a lot to get into, let’s jump right on in. ==FWIW Space News== 5-10-2017 • NASA confirms no SLS launch in 2018, slips to 2019 Link 1, Link … Continue reading "CTL – 2-05"
Welcome to episode 5 of the Unity module. A lot of interesting things happened in May, as well as a little bit of bad news. Since there’s a lot to get into, let’s jump right on in.
==FWIW Space News==
5-10-2017
• NASA confirms no SLS launch in 2018, slips to 2019 Link 1, Link 2
• Bulgaria set to launch its first communications satellite on top of SpaceX’s second flight-proven rocket Link
• The Air Force’s mysterious X-37b spaceplane returns to earth after more than 700 days in space, makes precise landing under autopilot Link
5-24-2017
• James Webb Telescope shipped to Texas for major test Link
• NASA completes study on crewing SLS maiden flight, rejects concept Link
• Blue Origin hits a snag during BE-4 engine test, AR-1 completes important milestone Link 1, Link 2
• SpaceX launches heaviest payload for GTO to date, airline wifi satellite for Inmarsat Link
==Other space news==
• SpaceX performs static fire test of Falcon Heavy core booster Link
• Spacewalk outside ISS completed, though shortened Link
• Rocket Lab’s maiden flight of their Electron rocket Link
• Juno and Cassini continue to astound Link 1, Link 2
• Things get a little fiery when SpaceX performs a test burn Link
==Upcoming Launches==
ALL LAUNCH DATES AND TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO THE NATURE OF ROCKETRY
May 31/June 1 – 8:20 pm EDT May 31 <SUCCESS>
H-2A – Michibiki 2 – Tanegashima Space Center, Japan
The second navigation spacecraft of four in Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System to provide regional navigation services.
June 1 – 5:55 pm EDT <Scrubbed, scheduled for the next day>
Falcon 9 – CRS 11 – LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida
13th Dragon spacecraft to be flown, and the 11th operational cargo mission to the ISS.
June 1 – 7:45-8:45 pm EDT
Ariane 5 – ViaSat 2 & Eutelsat 172B – ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana
Two communications satellites, the former will provide high speed internet connectivity across North and Central America as well as the Caribbean and northern regions of South America. The latter will provide video broadcast services, data network support, and in-flight television service across the Pacific Ocean.
June 5 – Time TBD
GSLV Mk 3 – GSAT 19 – Satish Dhawan Space Center Sriharikota, India
Geosynchronus Satellite Launch Vehicle
First orbital test flight of the rocket, carrying experimental communications satellite
June 14 – 5:20 am EDT
Soyuz – Progress 67P – Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
The 67th Progress cargo delivery to the ISS in an unmanned frigate
June 15th – Time TBD
Falcon 9 – BulgariaSat 1 – LC-39A – Kennedy Space Center, Florida
Bulgaria’s first civilian communications satellite on the second ever re-flown Falcon 9 first stage booster. Satellite will provide television and data communications services over southeast Europe.
June 25 – 4:24 pm EDT, 1:24 pm PDT
Falcon 9 – Iridium Next 11-20 – Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
10 satellites for the Iridium Next mobile communications fleet
June 28 – 5:45 – 6:30 pm EDT
Ariane 5 – Inmarsat S-band/Hellas-Sat 3 & GSAT 17 – ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana
The former will support the European Aviation Network, provide high-capacity wifi connectivity to airline passengers across Europe, and provide direct television service over Europe and Africa. The latter will support national communications over India.
Date and Time To Be Determined:
Early June – Date and time TBD
Proton – EchoStar 21 – Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
Communications satellite formerly known as TerreStar 2, providing mobile broadband services over Europe
June – Date and time TBD
Long March 2D – HXMT – Jiuquan, China
Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope designed to perform an all-sky survey to image the universe in the highest-energy X-rays and study the formation of black holes and active galactic nuclei.
June – Date and time TBD
Long March 5 – Shijian 18 – Wenchang, China
Communications satellite, the first to be based on the new DFH-5 communications satellite platform, a heavier, higher power, next generation design.
June – Date and time TBD
PSLV – Cartosat 2E – Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota, India
Earth observing satellite with a collection of smaller secondary payloads
==Closing==
All of the administrations and organizations mentioned have accounts on various social media platforms in case you’re interested in learning more.
If space news once a month isn’t enough:
Space news segments on FWIW which posts every two weeks
Youtube
• TMRO
• Epic Future Space
• Vintage Space
• Scott Manley
• SciShow Space
The majority of the information provided in this show comes from SpaceFlightNow.com.
Email: Show AT CommittedToLaunch DOT com
Twitter @LaunchCommit
Image credit: NASA, JunoCam
==Keep looking up, space fans==