August 29, 2021

Astra Launch Terminated After Liftoff From Alaska Spaceport (Source: SPACErePORT)
Small launcher startup Astra had to send a destruct signal to Launch Vehicle 0006 two and a half minutes after liftoff, destroying the vehicle between the cuttoff of its first stage engine and ignition of its second engine. The mission began with an unusual departure from the Alaska spaceport, with the rocket tipping slightly and traveling laterally before rising vertically toward space. The engine appeared to shut down a few seconds earlier than planned, then the onboard camera showed a significant oscillation, and some material detaching from the rocket, before the destruct signal was sent to terminate the flight.

The mission was carrying a Space Force test article which was not intended for deployment. This was Astra’s third launch attempt. After the mission failure, Astra CEO Chris Kemp remarked that valuable data has been collected from the launch attempt, which will be applied to ensure the success of future vehicles and missions. Astra has over 50 launches under contract. (8/28)

Lockheed Martin Shares Vision for Space-Based Economy (Source: Lockheed Martin)
Lockheed Martin Space Vice President of Advanced Programs Development Joe Landon says that, soon, space will no longer be just a “destination.” It will be home to the new space economy. Driven by the search for life-sustaining resources such as water and building materials, space will become a place to do business, says Landon. “All of the industries we have here on Earth – banking, advertising, entertainment – will be in space.”

From “untethering” humans from Earth, to developing faster ways to maneuver, to finding methods to store life-sustaining consumables and fuel, Lockheed Martin is using its expertise to lead humanity beyond space exploration, to space development - and the establishment of a powerful space economy. Here's a peek at what the future may look like. (8/27)

Liquid Nitrogen Delivery Troubles Lead to Atlas, Landsat 9 Launch Delay at Vandenberg (Source: Noozhawk)
The launch of an Atlas V rocket and its Landsat 9 satellite from Vandenberg Space Force Base will have to wait at least a week due to liquid nitrogen delivery delays blamed on the COVID-19 public health crisis. Instead of Sep. 16, the mission now won't occur any earlier than Sept. 23, with the launch date under review by NASA and United Launch Alliance representatives, officials said Friday.

“Current pandemic demands for medical liquid oxygen have impacted the delivery of the needed liquid nitrogen supply to Vandenberg by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and its supplier Airgas,” NASA said. “Airgas converts the liquid nitrogen to gaseous nitrogen needed for launch vehicle testing and countdown sequences. DLA and Airgas now have implemented efforts to increase the supply of liquid nitrogen to Vandenberg,” NASA added. Earlier this week, a SpaceX official also shared a concern about liquid oxygen difficulties delaying their missions, according to media reports. (8/27)

AAC Clyde Space Starts AAC Space Africa to Take Part in Africa's Growing Space Sector (Source: AAC Clyde Space)
AAC Clyde Space, a leading New space company, today announced it has founded AAC Space Africa to capitalize on the rapidly growing market for satellites and space services in Africa. AAC Space Africa will design, build, and deliver space missions to the continent from its Cape Town base in South Africa's Western Cape Province. The new subsidiary will also be the group's centre of competence for advanced radio communication.

The new company will be managed by Dr Robert Van Zyl as Managing Director and Francois Visser as Technical Director. They bring more than 40 years of small satellite experience to the company, having pioneered the African CubeSat industry through several missions, including the first CubeSat launched by the continent.  Their expertise spans all facets of New space technologies, with a special focus on communications. (8/23)

Orbit Fab Move Expands Colorado's Aerospace Clout (Source: Colorado Springs Business Journal)
Gov. Jared Polis, Lt. Gov. Primavera and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade announced that Orbit Fab, a multi-orbit refueling servicing company (The Gas Station in Space) has chosen to relocate its headquarters and engineering team from San Francisco to Denver.  Colorado competed with Florida and Texas for the Orbit Fab headquarters. Orbit Fab joins companies PteroDynamics and iSpace who have recently relocated, expanded and created new jobs in Colorado. (8/23)

Spaceport America Brings Space Tourism to Sierra County (Source: KRWG)
On July 11, 2021, Virgin Galactic successfully completed its first fully crewed spaceflight from Spaceport America in Sierra County. She was one of a few people able to experience the launch first-hand and said, “it was spectacular to see it actually happen.” DeMarino also talked about the economic effects of the Covid pandemic in Truth or Consequences. Emily Guerra spoke to MainStreet Truth or Consequences Inc. Executive Director, Linda DeMarino about space tourism in New Mexico. Click here. (8/26)

Xplore Receives Air Force Contract for PNT Service for Cislunar Space (Source: Xplore)
Xplore announced a follow on contract with the U.S. Air Force to continue developing their positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) solution as a commercial service for cislunar space. Xplore’s current Phase II effort culminates in a hardware in the loop testbed that will demonstrate the required performance to enable precision cislunar missions while laying the foundation for a subsequent on-orbit test of the PNT system. This Phase II SBIR provides the Air Force with the necessary capabilities to extend precision operations to the Moon and across cislunar space. (8/24)