Civil

NASA greenlights bids for $444M facility support recompete

The aptly named COSMIC contract covers work at a pair of hubs focused on rocket engine testing and space structure manufacturing.

  • Ross Wilkers

From Tragedy to Triumph, the Story of the Soviet Soyuz Capsule

The tragic end of Soyuz 1 highlighted the risks of the early space race

  • Carter Palmer, Forecast International

Boeing Starliner launch delayed by valve issue on Centaur Upper Stage

The Centaur Upper Stage suffered an anomaly, but the mission is now expected to proceed in late May after repairs

  • Carter Palmer, Forecast International

NASA doesn't know if its spacecraft have adequate cyber defenses, GAO warns

The agency encourages its spacecraft programs to use an optional best practices guide when it comes to implementing cybersecurity requirements.

  • Edward Graham

Europe’s Galileo gains two more Satellites

Launch on SpaceX Falcon 9 bolsters European navigation system, with next-generation upgrade on the horizon.

  • Carter Palmer, Forecast International

Starliner poised for first crewed flight, set to launch in May

Boeing's capsule to join SpaceX's Dragon in ferrying astronauts to the ISS, potentially ending reliance on Russia's Soyuz

  • Carter Palmer, Forecast International

Bipartisan bill seeks to grow NASA program using drones to fight wildfires

New legislation attempts to improve NASA’s Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response to Operations program so firefighters can more effectively use drones.

  • Edward Graham

Pentagon eyes Starship, designed for Mars, for military missions somewhat closer to home

After a successful, if abbreviated, third test flight, SpaceX’s reusable mega-rocket might be ready before the U.S. military is.

  • Audrey Decker

Rocket Lab won’t be ready to launch its new rocket by year’s end, documents suggest

This likely means a delay for the Pentagon’s effort to boost competition for rocket launches.

  • Audrey Decker

Senators take bipartisan shot at preventing space jams

Senate legislation seeks to make “basic-level” space data, analytics and other services available to help maintain U.S. dominance in the space sector.

  • Edward Graham

National Archives tees up new rules for UFO records

New legislation mandates a governmentwide repository of records dealing with "unidentified anomalous phenomena."

  • Adam Mazmanian

The flexibility of rockets: Cygnus ready for a new ride

Antares, the rocket previously used for Cygnus missions, is undergoing upgrades to replace its Russian-built engines.

  • Carter Palmer, Forecast International

Hubble seeing the end?

Orbit boost potential expands, extending the life of the iconic telescope

  • Carter Palmer, Forecast International

Europe needs launch capability

Ariane 6 poised for 2024 launch, panel highlights need for multiple launch sites, diverse subcontractors

  • Carter Palmer, Forecast International