SSI News
China launches two men and one woman into orbit on Shenzhou 10
China has launched the manned Shenzhou 10 spacecraft on a Long March 2F/G (CZ-2F/G) rocket from the Jiuquan launch site in China at 0938 GMT on 11 June. For its fifth manned spaceflight mission, three astronauts (taikonauts) flew into orbit on the Shenzhou 10 mission. Aboard the flight was Nie Haishang (Commander) and Zhang Xiaoguan, along with China’s second female astronaut Wang Yaping. The mission is to dock with the mini-space station Tiangong 1 and crew it for a time. The crew is also expected to make a “fly around” of the space station as part of the mission.
Cosmos Persona class spysat is successfully launched by Russia (Corrected)
A Soyuz 2-01b/Fregat launch vehicle succesfully launched a “Persona” class electro-optical reconnaissance satellite for Russia. The launch of the satellite given the name of Cosmos 2486 (Kosmos 2486) was launched at 1837 from the Plesetsk launch site in Northern Russia on 7 June.
MKA-FK1 PN1 (ZOND PP) has computer failure
Russian aerospace sources report that the MKA-FKI PN1 (ZOND PP) small science satellite has been out of communications with Russian ground stations after its onboard computer failed on 1 June, Attempts to restore connection with the craft have failed. Launched in July last year, the spacecraft which had a design life of three years was built with a multi-function scientific earth obseravation capability. For example it was to study solar radiation and interactions with Earth and to measure soil moisture and water salinity.
Sun-grazing comets can give secrets of solar magnetic field
The Comet Lovejoy made its sun-grazing pass of the Sun in 2011. By observing this passage, it has allowed scientists to model the Sun magnetic field’s effect on a comet’s tail. The full story is in our sister publication New Scientist. http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn23657-deathdefying-comet-wags-its-tail-during-solar-embrace.html
Musk douses down expectation of imminent SpaceX IPO
Having previously hinted that he would make an Initial Public Offering (IPO) of stock in his SpaceX rocket firm after the success of the IPOs of the Tesla electric car firm and the SolarCity firm, billionaire entrepeneur Elon Musk now appears to have back tracked on the plan. Or rather he has noted that a SpaceX IPO will be a long time into the future. His response on Twitter to suggestions that an IPO was imminent was: “No near term plans to IPO @SpaceX. Only possible in very long term when Mars Colonial Transporter is flying regularly.” From this it has been taken that any SpaceX IPO could be years away.
Ariane 5 ES successfully sends ATV-4 on its way to ISS
An Ariane 5 ES rocket has successfully launch the ATV-4 cargo craft towards the International Space Station.
Correction: Only five Intelsat Epic satellites are being built by Boeing
In our previous post we stated that:On 9 May, Boeing Satellite Systems International and Intelsat announced that a further four Intelsat Epic series satellites will be built by Boeing using its 702MP platform. The four are in addition to the four Epic satellites already ordered in 2012. THIS IS INCORRECT.
Correction: Only five Intelsat Epic satellites are being built by Boeing
In our previous post we stated that:On 9 May, Boeing Satellite Systems International and Intelsat announced that a further four Intelsat Epic series satellites will be built by Boeing using its 702MP platform. The four are in addition to the four Epic satellites already ordered in 2012. THIS IS INCORRECT.
On a lighter note: Chinese female astronaut has a rather lowly title but at least it is not glorified
Despite all those who have fought for women’s rights and equality, sadly, in many nations not only are women still paid less than their male counterparts, they are also given lesser job titles. Having said that, perhaps it is a quirk of translation that on the Chinese manned spaceflight mission, Shenzhou 10, the two male space travellers, Nie Haishang and Zhang Xiaoguan, have the titles of “Commander” and, a little less glamorously, “Operator” respectively. However, possibly worst treated of all is the female member of the crew, Wang Yaping, who has been given the very lowly-sounding title of “Lab Assistant”.
What is Musk building in there?
A few days ago Elon Musk tweeted a photo of the Falcon 9-R(eusable) 'advanced prototype' on the engine test stand, nine Merlin 1D engines firing away. Despite notices to the local community that the test could last several minutes, SpaceX says it only went 10s. Rumor...
Stay Informed with Seradata
Stay informed on the latest news, insights, and more from Seradata by signing up for our newsletter.