June 2020 SPACE ECONOMY NEWS -Update Dr Jack Dyer, …



June 2020 SPACE ECONOMY NEWS -Update Dr Jack Dyer, Blue Economy Future SA NASA News ReleasesPrevious123…NextNASA Administrator, Sen. Cruz, Rep. Babin to Discuss Crew Dragon TestMay 31, 2020?-?NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and U.S. Rep. Brian Babin of Texas will hold a news conference at 1 p.m. CDT Sunday, May 31, at Space Center Houston, the official visitor center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, to discuss the successful docking of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft carrying NASA astronauts RobertNASA Astronauts Launch from America in Test of SpaceX Crew DragonMay 30, 2020?-?For the first time in history, NASA astronauts have launched from American soil in a commercially built and operated American crew spacecraft on its way to the International Space Station.Next NASA Advisory Council Meeting PostponedMay 30, 2020?-?The NASA Advisory Council (NAC) virtual public meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, has been postponed until further notice.Eight US Manufacturers Selected to Make NASA COVID-19 VentilatorMay 29, 2020?-?After receiving more than 100 applications, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California has selected eight U.S. manufacturers to make a new ventilator tailored for coronavirus (COVID-19) patients.Updates to Coverage of NASA SpaceX Commercial Crew Test FlightMay 28, 2020?-?NASA will provide live coverage of prelaunch and launch activities for the agency’s SpaceX Demo-2 test flight, carrying NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley to the International Space Station.Coverage of Landmark NASA SpaceX Commercial Crew Test FlightMay 26, 2020?-?NASA will provide live coverage of prelaunch and launch activities for the agency’s SpaceX Demo-2 test flight on Wednesday, May 27, carrying NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley to the International Space Station.NASA Science to Hold Virtual Community Town Hall MeetingMay 22, 2020?-?NASA’s Science Mission Directorate will hold a community town hall meeting via teleconference with Associate Administrator for Science Thomas Zurbuchen and his leadership team at 3 p.m. EDT Thursday, May 28, to discuss updates in NASA’s science program and the current status of NASA activities.NASA Invites Public to Celebrate Historic ‘Launch America'May 21, 2020?-?NASA is inviting the public to help celebrate a historic milestone in human spaceflight as it prepares for #LaunchAmerica – the first flight into orbit of American astronauts on American rockets from American soil since the end of the space shuttle era in 2011.NASA Telescope Named For ‘Mother of Hubble’ Nancy Grace RomanMay 20, 2020?-?NASA is naming its next-generation space telescope currently under development, the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST), in honor of Nancy Grace Roman, NASA’s first chief astronomer, who paved the way for space telescopes focused on the broader universe.Latest NASA News ReleasesPrevious1234…NextNASA to Make Announcement About WFIRST Space Telescope MissionMay 18, 2020?-?NASA will host a special edition of NASA Science Live at 11 a.m. EDT, Wednesday, May 20, to share an exciting announcement about the agency’s Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST) mission.NASA TV to Air Launch, Capture of Cargo Ship to Space StationMay 13, 2020?-?NASA will broadcast the launch of a Japanese cargo spacecraft to the International Space Station beginning at 1 p.m. EDT Wednesday, May 20, live on NASA Television and the agency’s website.NASA Funds Artemis Student Challenges to Inspire Space ExplorationMay 7, 2020?-?NASA will award nearly $2.4 million to universities as part of the Artemis Student Challenges, a bold new initiative to inspire the next generation – the Artemis Generation.NASA TV to Air Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus Departure from Space StationMay 6, 2020?-?Nearly three months after delivering several tons of supplies and scientific experiments to the International Space Station, Northrup Grumman’s unpiloted Cygnus cargo craft is scheduled to depart the International Space Station on Monday, May 11.NASA Builds on Investments in US Small Business’ TechnologiesMay 5, 2020?-?NASA has selected 139 proposals for follow-on funding though the agency’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.NASA to Provide Coverage of SpaceX Commercial Crew Test FlightMay 1, 2020?-?NASA will provide coverage of the upcoming prelaunch and launch activities for the agency’s SpaceX Demo-2 test flight with NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley to the International Space Station.NASA Commits to Future Artemis Missions with More SLS Rocket EnginesMay 1, 2020?-?NASA has awarded a contract to Aerojet Rocketdyne of Sacramento, California, to manufacture 18 additional Space Launch System (SLS) RS-25 rocket engines to support Artemis missions to the Moon.Educators to Speak with NASA Astronaut Aboard Space StationMay 1, 2020?-?Educators from across the nation will have an opportunity next week to talk with a NASA astronaut aboard the International Space Station.NASA-Developed Ventilator Authorized by FDA for Emergency UseApril 30, 2020?-?A new high-pressure ventilator developed by NASA engineers and tailored to treat coronavirus (COVID-19) patients today was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use under the FDA’s March 24 ventilator Emergency Use Authorization.NASA Names Companies to Develop Human Landers for Artemis MissionsApril 30, 2020?-?NASA has selected three U.S. companies to design and develop human landing systems (HLS) for the agency’s Artemis program, one of which will land the first woman and next man on the surface of the Moon by 2024.Previous capital is pulling back but Voyager is ‘in for the long run’by?Sandra Erwin?—?May 31, 2020Matthew Kuta, president and COO of Voyager Space Holdings, says the crisis has laid bare a fundamental mismatch between venture investors focused on making quick profits and what space companies need to be successful, which is a long-term commitment.FROM THE MAGAZINE?VENTURE CAPITALVOYAGER SPACE HOLDINGSCrew Dragon docks with ISSby?Jeff Foust?—?May 31, 2020A Crew Dragon spacecraft docked with the International Space Station May 31, less than a day after making history as the first human orbital spaceflight from the United States in nearly nine years.CIVIL?COMMERCIAL? HYPERLINK "" \o "Commercial Crew Tag" COMMERCIAL CREWCREW DRAGONDEMO-2ISSNASASPACEXTrump takes victory lap after Crew Dragon launchby?Jeff Foust?—?May 30, 2020President Donald Trump used a speech after the successful SpaceX Crew Dragon launch May 30 to tout his administration’s accomplishments in space, some of which predate his time in office, rather than announce any new initiatives.LAUNCH?POLICY & POLITICS?COMMERCIAL CREWDEMO-2JIM BRIDENSTINENASAPRESIDENT TRUMPCrew Dragon in orbit after historic launchby?Jeff Foust?—?May 30, 2020The first crewed orbital launch from the United States in nearly nine years took place May 30, placing a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft with two NASA astronauts on board into orbit, bound for the International Space Station.CIVIL?COMMERCIAL?LAUNCH?COMMERCIAL CREWCREW DRAGONDEMO-2FALCON 9NASASPACEXDOJ blocks CPI’s acquisition of General Dynamics’ satellite antenna businessby?Sandra Erwin?—?May 29, 2020For the merger to go forward CPI must sell off its subsidiary ASC Signal Division.CIVIL?COMMERCIAL?MILITARY?ANTENNASSATCOMIntelsat asks bankruptcy court to clear roadblock for Spaceflight launch business saleby?Caleb Henry?—?May 29, 2020Intelsat is asking its bankruptcy court for authorization to modify a $50 million loan to Spaceflight Industries’ Earth-observation business BlackSky that could become a snag in Spaceflight’s sale of its launch rideshare business.?COMMERCIAL?BLACKSKYINTELSATLEOSTELLASPACEFLIGHT INDUSTRIESSpaceX Starship prototype destroyed after static-fire testby?Jeff Foust?—?May 29, 2020A SpaceX Starship prototype was destroyed in an explosion May 29 shortly after what initially appeared to be a successful static-fire MERCIAL?LAUNCH?SPACEXSTARSHIPSES details LEO constellation and expanded MEO constellation to FCCby?Caleb Henry?—?May 29, 2020SES proposed a low Earth orbit constellation to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission that, if built, would make the company an operator of satellites in low, medium and geostationary orbits.?COMMERCIAL?FCCGEOLEOMEOO3BSESSpaceX gets FAA approval for Starship flight testsby?Jeff Foust?—?May 29, 2020SpaceX has received a license from the Federal Aviation Administration allowing the company to carry out suborbital flight tests of its Starship next-generation launch MERCIAL?LAUNCH?FAA OFFICE OF COMMERCIAL SPACE TRANSPORTATIONSPACEXSTARSHIPEOS completes acquisition of Audacyby?Debra Werner?—?May 28, 2020Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd. of Australia completed its acquisition May 28 of Silicon Valley startup Audacy and announced plans to spend approximately $1.2 billion Australian dollars ($800 million) to create the EOSLink satellite communications MERCIAL?AUDACYELECTRO OPTIC SYSTEMS HOLDINGS LTD.SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONSU.S. Space Force to expand presence inside the Pentagonby?Sandra Erwin?—?May 28, 2020The headquarters of former Air Force Space Command in Colorado Springs will be phased out. The Space Force HQ is being stood up in the Pentagon.MILITARY?SPACE FORCEU.S. SPACE COMMANDViasat, lured by broadband subsidy opportunity, eyes 300-satellite LEO constellationby?Caleb Henry?—?May 28, 2020Viasat says it is open to building a constellation of nearly 300 satellites in low Earth orbit if it can qualify for some of the $20.4 billion in broadband subsidies the U.S. Federal Communications Commission intends to dole out under the Rural Digital Opportunities Fund.?COMMERCIAL?POLICY & POLITICS?BROADBANDFCCLEOVIASATRocket Lab to resume launches in Juneby?Jeff Foust?—?May 28, 2020Rocket Lab will resume launches of its Electron small launch vehicle in June as the effects of the coronavirus pandemic ease at its New Zealand launch MERCIAL?CORONAVIRUS?LAUNCH?ELECTRONROCKET LABViasat laid off 300 amid steep drop in air travel?by?Caleb Henry?—?May 28, 2020Baldridge said that in addition to the 300 layoffs, Viasat furloughed some employees, froze salaries for a large number of workers, and brought hiring to a virtual standstill in an effort to curb costs.?COMMERCIAL?CORONAVIRUSIFCVIASATChina outlines intense space station launch schedule, new astronaut selectionby?Andrew Jones?—?May 28, 2020China is preparing to carry out 11 missions in two years to construct a space station and will soon select a new batch of astronauts for the project.CIVIL?CHINACHINESE SPACE STATIONWeather scrubs SpaceX commercial crew launchby?Jeff Foust?—?May 27, 2020The first human orbital spaceflight from the United States in nearly nine years came within 17 minutes of launch May 27 before weather conditions postponed the launch.CIVIL?COMMERCIAL?LAUNCH?COMMERCIAL CREWCREW DRAGONDEMO-2NASASPACEXSpaceNews Webinar | Nurturing Key National Security Space Technologiesby? HYPERLINK "" \o "Posts by SpaceNews Editor" SpaceNews Editor?—?May 27, 2020Col. Eric Felt, director of the AFRL Space Vehicles Directorate, talks with SpaceNews Staff Writer Sandra Erwin and Editor-in-Chief Brian Berger about the R&D investments the directorate is making to help the U.S. military maintain a technological advantage in the space domain.WEBINARSFCC stands by Ligado decision as lawmakers step up criticismby?Sandra Erwin?—?May 27, 2020The FCC pushed back on new criticism from the Senate and House Armed Services MERCIAL?MILITARY?POLICY & POLITICS?DODFCCLIGADOU.S. CONGRESSIntelsat, SES to participate in FCC’s $9.7B C-band program ? OneWeb says it wants 48,000 satellitesby?Caleb Henry?—?May 27, 2020OneWeb told the FCC May 26 that it wants to increase its constellation size to 48,000 satellites despite having filed for bankruptcy over an inability to fund a smaller broadband megaconstellation.FIRST UP SATCOM?FCCINTELSATONEWEBSESSKYNETCommercial crew astronauts accept risks of test flightby?Jeff Foust?—?May 27, 2020The astronauts who will fly the first Crew Dragon mission say they understand and accept the risks of a new spacecraft, which they believe can’t be boiled down to a single number.CIVIL?COMMERCIAL? HYPERLINK "" \o "Commercial Crew Tag" COMMERCIAL CREWCREW DRAGONDEMO-2NASASPACEXSpaceX to add sunshades to all future Starlink satellitesby?Caleb Henry?—?May 27, 2020SpaceX has decided to add sunshades to future Starlink satellites to reduce their impact on astronomy, having opted for constellation-wide implementation of the reflective hardware.?COMMERCIAL?ASTRONOMYMEGACONSTELLATIONSSPACEXSTARLINKNASA taps Airbus for commercial satellite data buyby?Debra Werner?—?May 27, 2020NASA intends to gain access to Earth observation data gathered by Airbus Defense and Space satellites through the Commercial Smallsat Data Acquisition Program.CIVIL?COMMERCIAL?AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACEEARTH OBSERVATIONNASACrew Dragon ready for historic launch as NASA looks ahead to next missionby?Jeff Foust?—?May 26, 2020As NASA and SpaceX complete final preparations for the first crewed flight of the Crew Dragon spacecraft, the agency is already looking ahead to the spacecraft’s next mission.CIVIL?COMMERCIAL?LAUNCH?COMMERCIAL CREWCREW DRAGONDEMO-2NASASPACEXRSCC planning four satellites to cover Russia’s Far Northby?Caleb Henry?—?May 26, 2020Yuri Prokhorov, RSCC’s chief executive, said the company wants to have the satellites in orbit in 2024 to provide Ku-band coverage to Russia’s Far MERCIAL?BROADBANDCORONAVIRUSPROTONRSCCRUSSIACurrent and former NASA leadership share credit for commercial crewby?Jeff Foust?—?May 26, 2020On the eve of the first crewed orbital flight from the United States in nearly nine years, both the current NASA administrator and his predecessor agreed that credit for the ultimate success of the commercial crew program should be shared.CIVIL?POLICY & POLITICS?CHARLES BOLDENCOMMERCIAL CREWDEMO-2JIM BRIDENSTINERoccor completes key tests of Link 16 satellite antennaby?Debra Werner?—?May 26, 2020Roccor has completed radio frequency testing of the antenna scheduled for launch later this year on the satellite housing Viasat’s Link 16 military communications MERCIAL?MILITARY?AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORYROCCORSATELLITE COMMUNICATIONSVIASATU.S. Army signs deal with SpaceX to assess Starlink broadbandby?Sandra Erwin?—?May 26, 2020The U.S. Army will experiment using Starlink broadband to move data across military MERCIAL?MILITARY?SPACEXSTARLINKU.S. ARMYWeather primary concern for Demo-2 launchby?Jeff Foust?—?May 25, 2020NASA and SpaceX officials said after a final pre-launch review they had no major issues about the upcoming Demo-2 commercial crew launch beyond one over which they have no control: the weather.CIVIL?COMMERCIAL?LAUNCH?COMMERCIAL CREWCREW DRAGONDEMO-2NASASPACEXVirgin Orbit first launch attempt failsby?Jeff Foust?—?May 25, 2020Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne failed to reach orbit in its first launch attempt May 25, with the mission “terminated” moments after the rocket’s release from its MERCIAL?LAUNCH?LAUNCHERONESMALL LAUNCH VEHICLESVIRGIN ORBITPentagon presses on with campaign to overturn FCC’s Ligado orderby?Sandra Erwin?—?May 25, 2020The National Telecommunications and Information Administration formally petitioned the FCC to reverse its decision to grant a spectrum license to Ligado.CIVIL?COMMERCIAL?MILITARY?DODFCCLIGADOTwo payloads qualified for U.S. Space Force early warning satellitesby?Sandra Erwin?—?May 25, 2020Raytheon and a Northrop Grumman/Ball Aerospace team designed competing sensor payloads for the Next-Gen OPIR geosynchronous satellites.he following is a statement from NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine:“President Donald Trump’s Fiscal Year 2021 budget for NASA is worthy of 21st century exploration and discovery. The President’s budget invests more than $25 billion in NASA to fortify our innovative human space exploration program while maintaining strong support for our agency’s full suite of science, aeronautics, and technology work.“The budget proposed represents a 12 percent increase and makes this one of the strongest budgets in NASA history. The reinforced support from the President comes at a critical time as we lay the foundations for landing the first woman and the next man on the South Pole of the Moon by 2024. This budget keeps us firmly on that path.“We are preparing to achieve pivotal milestones this year in development of the Space Launch System rocket, Orion spacecraft, and the Gateway. These make up the backbone of our Artemis program and are fully supported by this budget. They constitute our ability to build a sustainable lunar presence and eventually send human missions to Mars.“Most noteworthy, is the President’s direct funding of more than $3 billon for the development of a human landing system. This is the first time we have had direct funding for a human lander since the Apollo Program. We are serious about our 2024 goals, and the President’s budget supports our efforts to get the job done.“We soon will launch American astronauts on American rockets from American soil for the first time in nearly a decade. This recaptured ability will not only allow us to do more science and more exploration than ever before, but will also broaden commercial activity in low-Earth orbit to support ever greater private partnerships.“As we prepare to celebrate 20 years of continuous human presence aboard the International Space Station this year, we will continue to look for ways to partner with private enterprise and give more people access to the unique environment microgravity offers. Similarly, when we go to the Moon in the next four years, we are interested in taking the world with us. This includes those involved in our Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative and the international relationships we have forged over the decades.“The FY 2021 budget positions NASA to spearhead a new era of human space exploration without focusing funds on one program at the expense of others. This all-of-NASA approach to the future will help us take advantage of all the exciting, new horizons emerging in science, aeronautics, and technology.“The decadal survey priorities are strongly supported by this budget, including history’s first Mars sample return mission, the Europa Clipper, and development of a host of new trailblazing Earth observation missions. In aeronautics, the budget backs all our cutting-edge research on commercial use of supersonic aircraft, all-electric airplanes, and development of an unmanned aerial system that will make flying small drones safer and more efficient in the 21st century.“NASA is on the cusp of embarking on era-defining exploration. The civilization-changing technology we develop will deepen humanity’s scientific knowledge of the universe and how to take care of our ever changing world.“I am confident the FY 2021 budget’s proper investment in our agency’s priorities, coupled with your unmatched talents and expertise, will strengthen our national posture for continued space preeminence and, as President Trump said during his State of the Union speech last week, help our nation embrace the next frontier.”?To learn more about NASA’s Fiscal Year 2021 budget, visit: Inclán / Matthew RydinHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600 / 202-603-7522bettina.inclan@?/?matthew.m.rydin@Last Updated:?Feb. 10, 2020Editor:?Sean HYPERLINK "" SpaceX's 1st Crew Dragon with astronauts docks at space station in historic rendezvousBy?Meghan Bartels?15 hours agoSpaceX's first crewed Dragon capsule slid into its dock on the International Space Station successfully today, concluding a 31-hour voyage to orbit for two veteran NASA astronauts. HYPERLINK "" SpaceX's historic Demo-2 Crew Dragon astronaut test flight: Full coverageBy?Mike Wall?15 hours agoSpaceX is about to make history. See 's complete coverage of the company's crewed Demo-2 mission to the International Space Station, which launches on May 27. HYPERLINK "" On This Day in Space! May 31, 1990: Kristall module launches to Mir Space StationBy?Hanneke Weitering?21 hours agoOn May 31, 1990, the Soviet Union launched a new module to the Mir space station. See how it happened in our On This Day in Space video series! HYPERLINK "" SpaceX's 1st Crew Dragon with astronauts to dock at space station today. Here's how to watch.By?Meghan Bartels?a day agoAfter a historic launch yesterday from the coast of Florida, two NASA astronauts arrive today at the space station aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon. HYPERLINK "" With SpaceX's first astronaut launch, a new era of human spaceflight has dawnedBy?Mike Wall?a day agoThe launch of SpaceX's first crewed mission was a very big deal. HYPERLINK "" Astronauts name SpaceX spaceship 'Endeavour' after retired shuttleBy?Robert Z. Pearlman?a day agoThe first NASA astronauts to launch from the U.S. since the end of the space shuttle program have named their commercial spacecraft after one of the retired winged orbiters. HYPERLINK "" Elon Musk 'overcome with emotion' after SpaceX's 1st astronaut launchBy?Hanneke Weitering?a day agoSpaceX founder Elon Musk was choked up with emotion after his company successfully launched astronauts to space for the first time on Saturday (May 30). HYPERLINK "" Why now is a good time for a SpaceX astronaut trip to spaceBy?Chelsea Gohd?a day agoWhile this is not an easy moment in history, it might actually be the ideal time to launch a crewed mission to space, astronauts and exploration experts say. HYPERLINK "" Tour SpaceX's Crew Dragon spaceship in orbit with NASA's Demo-2 astronauts (video)By?Chelsea Gohd?a day agoThe NASA astronauts who launched to space today (May 30) invited the world into their spacecraft with a unique, live tour around the capsule. HYPERLINK "" Trump hails SpaceX's 1st astronaut launch success for NASABy?Mike Wall?a day agoPresident Donald Trump hailed SpaceX's epic first crew launch today (May 30) as the dawn of a new era in spaceflight. HYPERLINK "" SpaceX just launched 2 astronauts into orbit. What's next for the NASA crew?By?Chelsea Gohd?a day agoWhat's next for the NASA astronauts who launched to space today (May 30) aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule? HYPERLINK "" Here's what SpaceX's 1st astronaut launch looked like from space (photo)By?Meghan Bartels?a day agoIt's a sight no one has seen in nearly a decade: A rocket carrying NASA astronauts launching from Florida's Kennedy Space Center. HYPERLINK "" You can see SpaceX's 1st Crew Dragon with astronauts in the night sky tonight. Here's how.By?Joe Rao?2 days agoIf the skies are clear this evening (May 30), observers across the central and northern United States and southern Canada could get an opportunity to see Crew Dragon move across their local skies. HYPERLINK "" In photos: SpaceX's historic Demo-2 test flight with astronautsBy? Staff?2 days agoSee photos of SpaceX's Demo-2 mission, the first crewed test flight of a Crew Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station. HYPERLINK "" Liftoff! SpaceX launches 1st astronauts for NASA on historic test flightBy?Amy Thompson?2 days agoSpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule launched from Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center today (May 30), ending a nine-year orbital human spaceflight drought for the United States. HYPERLINK "" SpaceX's historic Demo-2 astronaut launch: Photos, videos and awesome tweetsBy?Chelsea Gohd?2 days agoVeteran NASA astronauts set out to make history with SpaceX's Demo-2 mission. HYPERLINK "" Space webcasts! NASA talks SpaceX docking success at 3:15 pm ETBy? Staff?2 days agoSpaceX successfully docked its first Crew Dragon with astronauts at the International Space Station today (May 31). NASA will host a press conference at 3:15 pm ET. HYPERLINK "" Cosmonaut spots SpaceX's Demo-2 launch pad from space station (photo)By?Meghan Bartels?2 days agoFlorida doesn't seem far from the International Space Station in this photo an orbiting astronaut snapped of NASA's Kennedy Space Center. HYPERLINK "" Hydrogen ice? Unheard-of composition could explain 'Oumuamua's weirdnessBy?Mike Wall?2 days agoThe weirdness of our solar system's first known interstellar visitor stems from a very unusual composition, a new study suggests. ARTICLEAPRIL 28, 2020STARLINK DISCUSSION NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCESSpaceX is launching Starlink to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband connectivity across the globe, including to locations where internet has traditionally been too expensive, unreliable, or entirely unavailable.VIEW ARTICLEAPRIL 23, 2020STARLINK MISSIONView article APRIL 17, 2020CREW DEMO-2 MISSIONView article APRIL 08, 2020DRAGON RESUPPLY MISSION (CRS-20) SPLASHDOWNView article MARCH 18, 2020STARLINK MISSIONView article MARCH 09, 2020DRAGON ARRIVES AT THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATIONView articleROSCOSMOSSoyuz MS-17 crew confirmedMay 29, 2020, 14:05 GMTRoscosmos confirmed the prime, backup and reserve crews (the latter appointed due to a higher risk under COVID-19 pandemic) of the Soyuz MS-17 spacecraft. The launch of the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with the Soyuz MS-17 is scheduled for October 2020 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.Water immersion facility trainings at GCTC continueMay 28, 2020, 05:30 GMTAt Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC), an operator took a dive into the water immersion facility as part of preliminary training after the major renovation of the complex.Roscosmos Supervisory Council meetingMay 26, 2020, 14:43 GMTRegular meeting of Roscosmos Supervisory Council took place on May 26, 2020 chaired by Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Yuri Borisov.Regular COVID-19 testing at Gagarin Cosmonaut Training CenterMay 24, 2020, 11:13 GMTAt Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, 19 COVID-19 positive cases have been revealed among the Center employees starting from March 3, 2020 until now. As of May 24, 2020, 13 individuals recovered. Most of the impacted have no symptoms or the disease is benign. Two individuals were hospitalized, both already discharged.Glavkosmos CEO congratulated the company's team on its 35th anniversaryMay 23, 2020, 05:00 GMTGlavkosmos (part of the State Space Corporation Roscosmos) celebrates this Saturday the 35th anniversary of its foundation. The company's CEO Dmitry Loskutov congratulated the organization's employees and summed up some of the results of the company’s work.Successful launch from PlesetskMay 22, 2020, 15:05 GMTToday, on May 22, 2020 at 07:31 UTC the Russian Aerospace Forces operational crew successfully launched the Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket with a Ministry of Defense spacecraft onboard.Atmosphere over Wukhan cleared away during the COVID-19 pandemicMay 22, 2020, 13:46 GMTSpace imagery received by the instruments designed in Russian Space Systems holding (part of Roscosmos) showed clearing away the atmosphere over Wukhan (China) during the quarantine introduced under the COVID-19 pandemic breakout. Multizonal scanning instruments installed on Russian Meteor-M family spacecraft are also used to estimate air pollution levels and the effect of various factors.Earth's remote sensing data center in Yakutia continues operationMay 22, 2020, 13:29 GMTIn April 2020, Roscosmos together with Russia’s Emergencies Ministry deployed a new mobile Earth's remote sensing data collection and processing center in Yakutia. The center is meant for online space monitoring data reception on flooding and natural fires on behalf of EMERCOM.Water immersion facility systems preliminary tests at GCTCMay 22, 2020, 13:02 GMTAt Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, preliminary tests of the water immersion facility systems are underway following a major renovation of the complex. The planned check included submersing Orlan type spacesuits with mannequins inside.Roscosmos to cooperate with Stavropol Cadet SchoolMay 22, 2020, 11:30 GMTOn May 22, 2020, Roscosmos and Stavropol Presidential Cadet School signed an agreement of cooperation. The corresponding document was signed remotely by Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin and Chief of Stavropol Presidential Cadet School Oleg Stepanchuk.Indian Cosmonauts Resume TrainingMay 22, 2020, 06:30 GMTGagarin Research & Test Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) on May 12 resumed training of the Indian cosmonauts under the contract between Glavkosmos, JSC (part of the State Space Corporation Roscosmos) and the Human Spaceflight Center of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).Emergencies monitoringMay 21, 2020, 09:57 GMTRoscosmos Russian Earth’s remote sensing means operator Russian Space Systems continues conducting global monitoring of the emergencies via the Russian orbit group. During the period from May 14 to May 21, 2020, Russia’s Emergencies Ministry received over 737 thousand square kilometers of Earth’s remote sensing data, the International Charter on Space & Major Disasters received 25 thousand square kilometers of Russian data of Guatemala territory.Spektr module launch 25th anniversaryMay 20, 2020, 09:05 GMTOn May 20, 1995, the Proton-K launch vehicle carrying the Spektr research module was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome under the world's first multi-module crewed orbital complex Mir assembly program.Vostochny to help launch Gonets satellites aboard the new Soyuz rocketMay 19, 2020, 10:36 GMTPavel Cherenkov, Gonets Satellite System Director General (part of Roscosmos)Earth’s remote sensing technologies helping business under isolationMay 19, 2020, 08:15 GMTTerra Tech, a subsidiary of Russian Space Systems holding (part of Roscosmos) conducted a series of webinars in cooperation with the leading geoinformation experts from Rosatom State Corporation to share the opportunities of Earth’s remote sensing technologies to organize remote monitoring of territories, assets and resources of enterprises in various industries.International Museum Day celebrated at BaikonurMay 19, 2020, 07:54 GMTOn the International Museum Day, the Baikonur Cosmodrome museum received new exhibits after the successful launch of the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with the Progress MS-14 cargo spacecraft. Ground search and recovery team handed over the aerodynamic controller from one of the Soyuz-2 side boosters, delivering it from the first stage drop zone.Annual maintenance works at VostochnyMay 19, 2020, 06:00 GMTCentre for Operation of Space Ground-based Infrastructure (TsENKI, part of Roscosmos) specialists continue annual technical equipment maintenance works.Keldysh Center inventions recognized at Archimedes International SalonMay 18, 2020, 11:58 GMTKeldysh Center (part of Roscosmos) received highest awards of the Moscow International Salon of Inventions and Innovative Technologies ‘Achimedes-2020’ for three exhibits presented at the event.Baikonur continues implementing COVID-19 countermeasuresMay 18, 2020, 10:50 GMTYuzhny Space Center (a branch of Centre for Operation of Space Ground-based Infrastructure, part of Roscosmos) continues implementing all the necessary COVID-19 preventive measures.Dmitry Rogozing introduced Igor Ozar to the staff of RSC EnergiaMay 18, 2020, 08:52 GMTOn May 18, 2020 Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin introduced the new acting director general of the Rocket and Space Corporation Energia Igor Ozar to the staff of the company. The decision to appoint him to this position was made by the Board of Directors of RSC Energia on May 15. This appointment will be finalized by Roscosmos Supervisory Board at its next meeting at the end of this month.Vostochny Cosmodrome steps up COVID-19 countermeasuresMay 17, 2020, 13:38 GMTVostochny Space Center (a branch of Centre for Operation of Space Ground-based Infrastructure, part of Roscosmos) tightens the COVID-19 countermeasures. The measures include twice-daily disinfection of vehicles used to transport the employees to the cosmodrome.Rokot space complex 20th launch anniversaryMay 16, 2020, 13:14 GMTRokot space rocket complex was developed according the missile conversion program using the Briz-KM booster, the program was launched on the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of July 1, 1995. The task was to improve UR-100N (SS-19) missile decommissioned in accordance with the START I (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) and use it for spacecraft launch.Colonizing Moon could become a major factor for Russia-US interactionMay 16, 2020, 07:35 GMTAmbitious projects connected with Moon colonization could become a major factor of interaction between Russia and the US during these difficult times, says Roscosmos Deputy Director General for International Cooperation Sergey Saveliev.60th anniversary of the launch of the first Vostok spacecraftMay 15, 2020, 11:57 GMTOn May 15, 1960, a three-stage launch vehicle Vostok was launched from the Baikonur launch site carrying an experimental prototype of the Vostok spacecraft to conduct flight tests under the program of the first manned mission into space.Cosmonauts resume trainingMay 14, 2020, 11:08 GMTGiven the continuing high-alert mode in Moscow Oblast to prevent COVID-19 spreading and step-by-step easing of limitations, Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center gradually resumes cosmonaut training.Emergencies monitoringMay 14, 2020, 08:46 GMTRoscosmos Russian Earth’s remote sensing means operator Russian Space Systems continues monitoring the emergencies via the Russian orbit group.Meteor-M No. 2-2 satellite resumes workMay 13, 2020, 15:40 GMTAfter concluding the works according to the chief designer research program and on Roscosmos decision, the Meteor-M No. 2-2spacecraft resumed operation as part of the orbital group to perform its objectives.New engineering and technical center to be built at NIIMashMay 13, 2020, 06:41 GMTThe Scientific and Research Machine Building Institute (a branch of NPO Energomash, part of Roscosmos) has begun constructing the new five-storey building of about 5,000 sq. m in area. The decision to build the new facility came after the old one was considered not meeting a number of norms and demanded thorough modernization.Dmitry Rogozin pays a working visit to Vostochny cosmodromeMay 12, 2020, 13:59 GMTRoscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin paid a working visit to the Vostochny Cosmodrome inspecting the construction process of the cosmodrome second stage, Zvyozdny residential microdistrict of Tsiolkovsky town and a number of other objects.Roscosmos Director for Science Alexander Bloshenko on Big Bang, life on Mars and other space questionsMay 12, 2020, 06:00 GMTSpace continues raising more and more questions to the humanity with many of them yet remaining unanswered. The Universe has phenomena that people might be unable to explain. Black hole is one of such examples, with its gravity powerful enough to capture even light — making it impossible to see what it looks like using known physical principles. TASS news agency offered Roscosmos to comment on those tricky space questions both common public and scientists face, using the latest knowledge available. Is there life on Mars? Is it possible to overcome the speed of light? Where is the edge of the Universe and how fast can one reach it? What is inside a black hole? Is nonorganic life possible — these and other topics were touched upon in an interview with Roscosmos Executive Director for Science and Perspective Programs Alexander Bloshenko.Roscosmos signs cooperation agreement with Rosgidromet and MSUMay 12, 2020, 05:30 GMTRoscosmos, the Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring (Rosgidromet) and Lomonosov Moscow State University signed a trilateral agreement of cooperation to create systems for real-time monitoring of space weather using CubeSat-type smaller spacecraft designed by Skobeltsyn Institute of Nuclear Physics, Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU).Fregat-SB booster drop-off tank unit destructionMay 10, 2020, 11:30 GMTAfter analyzing measurement data of the automated warning system of hazardous situations in near-Earth space, Roscosmos confirms destruction of the Fregat-SB booster drop-off tank unit destruction. The abovementioned booster was used on July 18, 2011 to launch Spektr-R,Russian astrophysical laboratory.RSC Energia specialists lent their support to the #WeAreTogether initiativeMay 10, 2020, 07:20 GMTRepresentatives of the Young Employees Council and the Trade Union Committee of RSC Energia took part in the All-Russia of the mutual assistance initiative #WeAreTogether aimed at giving support to elderly, handicapped people and medical workers during coronavirus pandemic.Full Cavalier of the Order of GloryMay 09, 2020, 09:30 GMTFor almost 35 years, from 1959 to 1993, Alexander Gagrilovich Kogutenko, the Full Cavalier of the Order of Glory, who left his victorious inscription on the walls of the defeated Reichstag, worked as a leading designer at RSC Energia.Flowers and gifts were given to veterans by employees of the Baikonur branchMay 09, 2020, 08:45 GMTEmployees of the Baikonur branch of RSC Energia congratulated the war workers of the town of Baikonur on the 75th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Under conditions of the coronavirus epidemy gifts were delivered to homes with the observance of the safety precautions.Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner congratulated on the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic WarMay 09, 2020, 02:00 GMTRoscosmos cosmonauts Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner congratulated the veterans and all the Russians on the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War!Victory Day!May 08, 2020, 21:30 GMTRoscosmos Information Center concept design contestMay 07, 2020, 16:33 GMTRoscosmos continues receiving applications for the open contest to design its new joint industry information center. The center will be located at the premises of the currently constructed National Space Center in Moscow and is planned to occupy about 4,000 sq. m in area.Energomash accelerator participantsMay 07, 2020, 13:16 GMTNPO Energomash experts (part of Roscosmos) have finished the first stage of the corporate accelerator selecting 10 best projects in three areas: IT, civil production and rocket engine building. The contest received 167 applications.Emergencies monitoringMay 07, 2020, 10:53 GMTRoscosmos Russian Earth’s remote sensing means operator Russian Space Systems continues monitoring the emergencies via the Russian orbit group.President Putin expresses his condolences on Yevgeny Mikrin’s passingMay 05, 2020, 13:20 GMTVladimir Putin offered his condolences to the family and friends of outstanding scientist, designer and manager Yevgeny Mikrin.Deputy PM Borisov expressed his condolences on Yevgeny Mikrin’s passingMay 05, 2020, 08:34 GMTDeputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Yuri Borisov expressed his condolences on Yevgeny Mikrin’s passingEnergia Designer General Yevgeny Mikrin passes awayMay 05, 2020, 07:30 GMTWith great sadness, Roscosmos announces the passing of Yevgeny Mikrin, Rocket and Space Corporation Energia Designer General – First Deputy Director General, Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Professor, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Soviet and Russian scientist in mechanics and control processes. Yevgeny Mikrin was 65.ART-XC scans 3/4 of the skyMay 04, 2020, 11:15 GMTThe last five months have seen Russian ART-XC telescope of the Russian Spektr-RG astrophysical observatory survey the sky in heavy X-rays mapping the 1-degree-wide ring. May 4, 2020 marked another milestone – the spacecraft scanned three quarters of the sky.All TsENKI specialists returned from GuianaMay 02, 2020, 14:45 GMTOn May 2, 2020 all the Center for Operation of Space Ground-Based Infrastructure (TsENKI, part of Roscomos) specialists returned to Moscow after completing all the technological works at Guiana Space Center. The aircraft with the final group of the company’s employees and its subsidiaries (the Barmin Research Institute of Launch Complexes, Motor Design Bureau and Rocket Fuel Components Center) landed at Sheremetyevo airport.Vostochny Space Center taking part in firefightingMay 01, 2020, 10:19 GMTVostochny Space Center (a branch of TsENKI, part of Roscosmos) together with the Ministry of Emergencies and local authorities have deployed three firefighting pickets. The standby mode forces include 23 units of equipment with Vostochny trucks, the total headcount is 85 men.ARTICLES ARCHIVECHINA SPACE AGENCY details of China's space station unveiled05-27China's low-orbit broadband communication satellite bears fruitful...05-26China launches new Long March-5B rocket for space station program05-22China launches two satellites for IoT project05-18China's first Mars mission named Tianwen 104-242020 Space Day of China Opening Ceremony04-23China launches new remote sensing satellites03-27China's heaviest satellite positioned in geosynchronous orbit01-07China's largest carrier rocket Long March-5 makes new flight12-27Macao's moon, planetary lab to boost China's deep space exploratio...12-151?2?3?4?5?6?7?8?9?10?下页?尾页?总页数:40More details of China's space station unveiledDate：2020-05-27After the successful maiden flight of the Long March-5B large rocket and the testing of China's new-generation manned spaceship, more details of China's space station have been unveiled.The space station, expected to be completed around 2022, will operate in the low-Earth orbit at an altitude from 340 km to 450 km for more than 10 years, supporting large-scale scientific, technological and application experiments, according to a report in the People's Daily.The space station Tiangong, meaning Heavenly Palace, will be able to accommodate three astronauts in normal circumstances and up to six during a crew replacement.The station will be a T shape with the core module at the center and a lab capsule on each side. Each of the modules will be over 20 tonnes, with the total mass of the station about 66 tonnes, said Zhou Jianping, chief designer of China's manned space program.If China's Tiangong-1 and Tiangong-2 space labs are like one-bedroom apartments, the space station is equivalent to an apartment with three bedrooms, a living room, a dining room and a storage room, said Zhu Guangchen, deputy chief designer of the space station from China Academy of Space Technology (CAST).The core module of the station, named Tianhe, has a total length of 16.6 meters, a maximum diameter of 4.2 meters and a takeoff mass of 22.5 tonnes, and is currently the largest spacecraft developed by China.The Tianhe core module will be the management and control center and the main living space of the crew, and will support some scientific and technological experiments.The living space in the core module is about 50 cubic meters. Combined with the two lab capsules, the whole living space could be up to 110 cubic meters, according to CAST.The core module has two berth ports connecting to the two lab capsules, and three docking ports for the crew spacecraft, cargo and other craft. It also has an exit for astronauts to conduct extravehicular activities. (Xinhua)Photo by Tu Haichao/XinhuaWENCHANG, Hainan, May 5 (Xinhua) -- China's new large carrier rocket Long March-5B made its maiden flight on Tuesday, sending the trial version of China's new-generation manned spaceship and a cargo return capsule for test into space.The successful flight inaugurated the "third step" of China's manned space program, which is to construct a space station, said the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).The white large rocket blasted off from the Wenchang Space Launch Center on the coast of southern China's island province of Hainan at 6 p.m. (Beijing Time).About 488 seconds later, the experimental manned spacecraft with no crew, together with the test version of the cargo return capsule, separated with the rocket and entered the planned orbit, according to CMSA.Specially developed for China's manned space program, Long March-5B will be mainly used to launch the modules of the space station.The Long March-5B carrier rocket will help expand China's aerospace activities, said Wang Xiaojun, head of the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).Modified on the basis of Long March-5, the new large rocket has a total length of about 53.7 meters, which is as tall as an 18-floor building, and has a 5-meter-diameter core stage and four 3.35-meter-diameter boosters, as well as a 20.5-meter-long and 5.2-meter-diameter fairing.The rocket uses environment-friendly propellants, including liquid oxygen, liquid hydrogen and kerosene. It has a takeoff mass of about 849 tonnes and is able to send over 22 tonnes of payloads, equivalent to the weight of more than 10 cars, to low-Earth orbit, which is currently the largest low-Earth orbit carrying capacity among China's rockets.The successful maiden flight verified the design of the rocket. A series of technological breakthroughs have been achieved such as the separation of the large fairing and the payloads in space and the precise control of the rocket to enter orbit directly with high thrust, laying the foundation for constructing China's space station, CMSA said.The new manned spacecraft is designed to adapt to multiple tasks including low-Earth orbit missions and deep-space explorations. The spacecraft comprises a service capsule and a return capsule.The mission will test the key technologies of the new spaceship such as the control of its re-entry into the atmosphere, heat shielding and recovery technology, according to the China Academy of Space Technology under CASC.Some space science experiments, including space 3D printing, will be conducted on the experimental spacecraft.The test version of a cargo return capsule, which is flexible and inflatable and developed by the Second Academy of the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, was also sent into space on Tuesday.Newsmore?China's heaviest satellite positioned in geosynchronous orbit?[01-07]China's largest carrier rocket Long March-5 makes new flight?[12-27]Macao's moon, planetary lab to boost China's deep space exploration?[12-15]Macao's moon, planetary lab to boost China's deep space explorationDate：2019-12-15A model of the space exploration satellite Macao Science 1. [Photo/China National Space Administration]Macao's first space exploration satellite was named Macao Science 1, the special administrative region (SAR)'s Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Tam Chon Weng announced Sunday at an opening ceremony of an aerospace exhibition.During the opening ceremony, vice administrator of China National Space Administration (CNSA) Wu Yanhua also announced that the CNSA would set up Macao Space Exploration and Science Center to assist deep space exploration cooperation between China and international society, and help such institutions in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to work with each other.The satellite, which will be launched in 2021, is the first of its kind to probe the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA), a region of reduced magnetic intensity where the inner radiation belt is at its lowest altitude.Geophysicists believe the study of SAA can help them find the reason of Earth's weakening magnetic field.The satellite program is operated by China's State Key Laboratory of Lunar and Planetary Science, which was approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology and established on Oct 8, 2018 in Macao University of Science and Technology (MUST).Prof Zhang Keke, chief of the laboratory, is a world renowned Earth and planetary physicist. He came to Macao from University of Exeter, Britain in 2018."This satellite program is moving forward much faster than I have expected," he told Xinhua in an recent interview. "I can concentrate all the resources into this key laboratory."Zhang's research team has about 40 experts and scholars, including leading figures and young talents from well-known global institutions, and have participated in major projects of China's deep space exploration long before the laboratory had been recognized by Ministry of Science and Technology.China is set to launch its Mars explorer in 2020. Zhang's team also has taken part in the research and development of the Mars explorer."The Mars explorer will collect many data from Mars and we will use our equipment to analyze those data for the study of Mars' inner structure and planetary evolution history," he said.Besides the deep space exploration, the laboratory scholars also do research on lunar physics, planetary physics, lunar geology and planetary chemistry.Associate Prof Zhu Menghua from the laboratory made a breakthrough this year, as his paper Reconstructing the Late-accretion History of the Moon was published in Nature in July.Zhu used the supercomputing platform of the MUST to study the process of different celestial bodies hitting the Earth and the Moon at different angles and the differences in retained mass through multiple simulation, and revealed the mystery of lack of iron in the lunar mantle compared with that of earth.This experiment and its result provide new point of view to the late-accretion history of the Earth and moon, indirectly proved the great collision theory of the formation of the moon, and provide new scientific support for data analysis of Chang'e 4 and subsequent lunar and Mars exploration missions.Zhu has also studied planetary biology, a field where scientists try to find what kind of extreme environment can survive.He told Xinhua that the planetary biology is a hot spot in international community but a new territory in China.Associate Prof Andre Guimaraes Lemos Antunes, one of the laboratory's planetary biologists, said China is at an exciting stage of space exploration. In Macao, the State Key Laboratory has convenient conditions to conduct cutting-edge research and engage in China's space program."This is very interesting and I am willing to contribute to all of this," he said.As a Portuguese, Antunes feels at home in Macao. "The interesting thing about Macao is that it has historical ties with Portugal, so I'm very happy to work here."The team is very diverse and interdisciplinary. Working side by side with colleagues in different fields such as computer modeling, space exploration and geophysics has been an interesting experience, he added. (Xinhua)China's Chang'e-4 mission team awarded Team Gold Medal by UK's Royal Aeronautical Society?[11-28]VIRGIN GALACTIC 05, 2020Virgin Galactic Enters Space Act Agreement with NASA To Advance High Mach TechnologiesVirgin Galactic Announces Partnership to Enable the Development of High Speed Point-to- Point TechnologiesRead more HYPERLINK "" MAY 05, 2020Virgin Galactic Announces First Quarter 2020 Financial ResultsRead more HYPERLINK "" MAY 01, 2020Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo Completes First Flight From Spaceport AmericaSpaceShipTwo goes solo in New Mexico airspaceRead more HYPERLINK "" APRIL 28, 2020Supporting our local communities in New Mexico in the fight against COVID-19By Mike Moses, President at Virgin GalacticRead more HYPERLINK "" APRIL 27, 2020Virgin Galactic signs Space Act Agreement with NASA in the fight against COVID-19By George Whitesides, CEO Virgin GalacticRead more HYPERLINK "" APRIL 20, 2020Supporting Our Local Communities in South America: How a company reinvented itself to save othersRead more HYPERLINK "" APRIL 08, 2020Supporting our Communities: Our work with the Antelope Valley COVID-19 Task ForcePrototype patient oxygen hoods designed, built, and ready for testingRead more HYPERLINK "" MARCH 30, 2020Supporting our Communities: How We Are Addressing COVID-19George Whitesides, CEO Virgin GalacticRead more HYPERLINK "" FEBRUARY 25, 2020Virgin Galactic Invites Aspiring Astronauts to Take “One Small Step” as Company Experiences Rocketing Global DemandNew US$1000 Category Moves Registrants to Front of Line for Future Spaceflight ReservationsRead moreVirgin Galactic Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2019 Financial ResultsRead more HYPERLINK "" Virgin Galactic Welcomes SpaceShipTwo Unity to Spaceport America, New MexicoVirgin Galactic Captive Carry Test Flight Marks Relocation of Spaceflight Operations to Spaceport AmericaRead moreDECEMBER 02, 2019Virgin Galactic places Main Oxidiser Tank into its next spaceshipRead moreVirgin Galactic has kicked off its?Astronaut Readiness Program?– the process of preparing Future Astronaut customers for their flights to space. As the first and only private company to have put humans into space in a vehicle built for commercial service, we are now finalizing all elements of the customer experience, including the recently unveiled customer spacesuits, created in partnership with?Under Armour, and the interior of our Gateway to Space headquarters at Spaceport America. The next phase in this process is to ensure that Future Astronauts are optimally prepared to fly to space.The Astronaut Readiness Program launched this week at the Under Armour Global HQ in Baltimore where we were joined by Future Astronauts who will be among the first to fly with Virgin Galactic. Guided and instructed by some of our key team members, they carried out a number of flight preparation activities. Through completing this unique program they are helping us to tailor and perfect the program for those who follow.Our spacewear partner, Under Armour, hosted this gathering at its extensive, high-tech campus – an ideal location for the variety of different activities.Perhaps the most exciting exercise for many Future Astronauts was being fitted for their personal, spaceflight garments. ?These are tailored to each Future Astronaut and will remain theirs to keep post-flight. We are carrying out the fittings now, so that perfectly tailored training suits and spacesuits will be ready and waiting for our Future Astronauts as they arrive at Spaceport America for final flight preparation and spaceflight.As part of the Readiness Program, in sessions led by Chief Astronaut Instructor, Beth Moses, and Chief Pilot, Dave Mackay, we shared more detailed information with Future Astronauts about what to expect from preparation time at Spaceport America and from the spaceflight itself. Both Beth and Dave flew to space in February this year, so were able to provide exciting insights based on actual experience.Chief Pilot Dave Mackay sits down with Virgin Galactic Future AstronautsHealth and fitness are important components of the spaceflight and a part of our absolute commitment to safety. Virgin Galactic is proud to be opening space to more people than ever before and while our Future Astronauts will not need to meet the incredibly rigorous levels of fitness required of government space agency astronauts, our in-house Medical Team conducted specially designed Medical Consultations with each Future Astronaut as part of the week’s program.Alongside those consultations, the Under Armour team led sessions on mobility and nutrition. Paul Winsper, Vice President of Athlete Performance at Under Armour, is ideally placed to provide this guidance as it draws on the relevant elements of training programs he provides for elite Under Armour athlete ambassadors; helping them to perform to a level which unlocks their true potential. Our Future Astronauts left the session with a tailored performance program, which along with medical consultation results, will aim to use health and fitness as a tool to optimize the spaceflight experience.Lead Designer Nick Cienski trains with Under Armour modelGeorge Whitesides, CEO, Virgin Galactic, said:‘’Introducing our Astronaut Readiness Program to our first customers marks an exciting point in our journey as we move closer to the start of commercial service. It is an important step in the process to ensure that our customers are prepared and equipped with the knowledge and training that will help ensure that they savour every second of their spaceflight which we hope will go beyond expectations. My introduction to Virgin Galactic was as a customer, ?so I’ve seen first-hand the benefits of involving Future Astronauts as we prepare each individual for the trip of a lifetime.’’Virgin Galactic has more than 600 Future Astronauts from 60 countries – all signed up to fly on SpaceShipTwo. We have been a customer-focused business from the start and one of the many benefits of this early customer community has been its assistance in shaping the customer journey.We will now be using the feedback from this week in Baltimore to build on that model. We discussed with our Future Astronauts how the training and the community can be best shaped for those waiting to fly and for those who have flown. Spaceflight has profound and transformative qualities and we want to provide a platform which will allow our Future Astronauts to share their new perspectives with the world and their local communities, thereby inspiring others.Clare Pelly, Head of The Astronaut Office, said:‘’As we kick off the program which will prepare Future Astronauts for a transformational spaceflight experience, we once again draw on the support from our unique, pioneering community. In doing so, we can ensure that each journey with Virgin Galactic is as good and relevant as it possibly can be; not only before, but during and after the incredible, personal experience of spaceflight. ‘’OCTOBER?28,?2019Invest in the Future of Human SpaceflightVirgin Galactic’s Purpose states that “Together we Open Space to Change the World for Good”. The “Together” part of that statement is important; space is hard and transforming the access we have to it, takes a concerted and combined effort.As Richard said in his “Letter to my Grandchildren” on the occasion of Virgin Galactic’s?first space flight: “When you set off on challenging but important adventures exceptional people come forward to join the journey, people who are consistently by your side and on your side, people who share your dreams and people who help make them reality”.That has been Virgin Galactic’s experience from day one: our 600 Future Astronaut customers from 60 countries who provided a vital, early proof of market and who have helped to define and perfect our product; our incredible workforce –the only team in the world to have built and flown a Mach 3 winged, commercial space vehicle and our partners, like?Land Rover,?Under Armour?and?Boeing?who are strengthening our business and enhancing our customers’ experience.The fascination with human spaceflight is universal and as we start to create a new transportation infrastructure which will transform our business and personal relationships with space, there will be more and more opportunities for everyone to get involved. That process of democratisation is at the heart of our business and what drives the new age of space exploration and discovery.We added one more in a long line of firsts today and furthered the democratisation of space, as Virgin Galactic Holdings became the first and only publicly listed human spaceflight company, with shares starting to trade on the New York Stock Exchange this morning, under the stock ticker?SPCE.This historical milestone means that now, for the first time, anyone can invest in the exciting future of human spaceflight and contribute to the benefits to humanity, that we believe will result from improving space transportation and extending the space experience to many thousands of people from all walks of life.The successful conclusion of Virgin Galactic’s merger with Social Capital Hedosophia and the start of trading today is a result of an intense period of work but gives us a solid foundation to complete our flight test program, commence regular commercial passenger flights with our SpaceShipTwo system and also start to look at future technologies and markets as we build the Spaceline for Earth.As Richard said at the start of trading in New York: “To fellow investors, employees of VG and The Spaceship Company, business partners and customers – thank you for your commitment to our great company, which has made today’s exciting announcement possible. With our proprietary spaceflight system, special airspace access at Spaceport America, globally-recognized brand and broad investor interest, we believe Virgin Galactic is ideally positioned to capitalize on the fast-growing, multibillion-dollar commercial space market and ultimately open space to thousands of new astronauts. Today, we accomplished one mission, and as we bring more and more future astronauts to space, we look forward to accomplishing many more.Continue ReadingSee All HYPERLINK "" OCTOBER?8,?2019Boeing to Invest in Human Spaceflight Pioneer Virgin GalacticRead moreVirgin Galactic Opens the Doors to the ‘Gateway to Space’Read more HYPERLINK "" Virgin Galactic Opens the Doors to the ‘Gateway to Space’Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA (15th?August 2019):Virgin Galactic today revealed the first look at the interior fit-out of its?Gateway to Space?building at Spaceport America in New Mexico. The work completed showcased two floors of the building primarily focused on spaceflight operations, which also incorporates communal spaces designed for use in the future by Virgin Galactic customers, along with their friends and families. Completion of this interior work means the spaceport facility is now operationally functional and able to support Virgin Galactic’s flight requirements.One of the hallmarks of the Virgin brand for over nearly half a century has been the use of inspired and bold design to transform customer experiences. It is an ethos that has been successfully applied across industrial sectors and design disciplines. From aircraft cabins to hotel bedrooms and from fitness classes to bank accounts.Virgin Galactic has striven to remain faithful to that tradition by choosing an elegant, experience-focused concept for the space launch system itself. Similarly, the company’s choice to operate from Spaceport America in New Mexico was due in no small part to the state’s decision to commission landmark architecture for the world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport. The Foster + Partners?Gateway to Space?facility pays homage to the past in its respect for the ancient surrounding landscape while powerfully embracing the future through energy efficiency and sustainability. It was also specifically designed to enable Virgin Galactic to create an unparalleled experience as its customers prepare for journeys of a lifetime before graduating as astronauts.The first floor is focused on our home planet, and is named Gaia, representing the point of departure and return, as well as the purpose of each astronaut’s journey. The color palettes and the use of natural materials aims to bring the stunning landscape which surrounds Spaceport inside. The floor design, furniture and fittings promote social interaction and human discourse – a sense of togetherness and unity. An elevated, interactive digital walkway will heighten the departure experience for the Future Astronauts and their friends and family as they set out from Spaceport to VSS Unity on the day of flight. The Earth-focused design will provide a fitting welcome to those newly-graduated astronauts returning from space with a new appreciation and understanding of our home planet.Gaia is subtly and unobtrusively zoned into practical, formal and informal spaces which will host the space operations team, Future Astronauts and their family and friends. It serves as the social hub of the building, where everyone is part of the Virgin Galactic family; Future Astronauts will share breakfast with spaceship pilots, grab coffee with rocket engineers and pass the time of day with the team from Mission Control.The focal point of Gaia is the Barista Island, a central bar made of back-lit Italian marble hovering above hand-crafted oak providing a social hub for our hospitality team to engage with guests and staff. Spaceflight preparation will unite our teams with our Future Astronauts in the pursuit of a common purpose. The Barista Island within Gaia will help to foster that sense of camaraderie and the determination to deliver each Future Astronauts’ personal mission.The second floor is named Cirrus, representing light, air and flight. It is the beating heart of spaceflight operations, and is connected to the community hub of Gaia below through a double height atrium. The color palette graduates from the earthy tones below in Gaia to lighter white and grey shades, reflecting the skies beyond and providing a clean environment supporting operational focus.This area is home to Mission Control, the Mission Briefing Room, the Pilot Corps and the rest of the Flight Operations team.Mission Control enjoys a dedicated space which allows focus on flight operations. Outside this space, the Flight Operations team and the pilots are positioned to give an unrestricted view of ground operation areas including the apron and runway.Virgin Galactic’s space fleet will be housed in the Gateway to Space hangar which is already home to VMS Eve. This huge expanse in the middle of the building is large enough to accommodate two carrier aircraft, each with a wingspan of 140 ft along with five SpaceShipTwo vehicles.The unveiling of Gaia and Cirrus brings to life a beautiful, world-first and world-class facility and means that Spaceport America’s?Gateway to Space?is now functionally operational – ready to host the remaining portion of Virgin Galactic’s test flight program before welcoming its very first Future Astronauts.Project credits:?The fit-out project has been led by veteran Virgin architectural and interior designer, Jeremy Brown, Virgin Galactic’s Design Director, in collaboration with London-based Viewport Studio. Brown joined from Virgin Atlantic to oversee this unique assignment.?Designed by:?Virgin Galactic in collaboration with Viewport Studio, Londonviewportstudio.co.uk?Consultant team:?RMKM,PCM, Progressive Construction Management?Construction:?Flintco – VMS Eve arrives home to Spaceport America – a view from Chief Pilot Dave MackayRead more HYPERLINK "" JULY?31,?2019Virgin Galactic Completes Wing for Next SpaceshipRead more HYPERLINK "" JULY? ................
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