Rocket Lab launches a Japanese satellite from the space company's complex in New Zealand
Read full article: Rocket Lab launches a Japanese satellite from the space company's complex in New ZealandCalifornia-based Rocket Lab has launched a Japanese satellite from the space company's complex on New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula.
There’s more than 1 way to send a spacecraft to Venus
Read full article: There’s more than 1 way to send a spacecraft to VenusAdIt used to be -- in the U.S.-- NASA was the only way to fund and send a robotic mission to another world, but not anymore. The company wants to send the first robotic mission to Venus in 2023. (Image credit: Rocket Lab) (Rocket Lab)Meanwhile, NASA is considering funding its own missions to the planet considered Earth’s twin. Currently there are two Venus missions under consideration and two more equally fascinating missions, one designed to study Jupiter’s moon Io and another to Neptune’s moon Triton. AdHere’s what launching a robotic mission to another planet looks like, in a nutshell, according to Wagner:“This is what a typical NASA mission is.
Virgin Orbit 'drop tests' a rocket from a 747 aircraft 35,000 feet
Read full article: Virgin Orbit 'drop tests' a rocket from a 747 aircraft 35,000 feetIt's was part of a pre-planned test carried out by Virgin Orbit, the space startup backed by British entrepreneur Richard Branson. Wednesday's spectacle, during which a Virgin Orbit LauncherOne rocket was intentionally left to freefall back to the ground for a "drop test," was the final step toward reaching that goal. Once the plane reached about 35,000 feet, the typical cruising altitude for commercial aircraft, the rocket was released. Virgin Orbit was spun off from Branson's other space venture, Virgin Galactic, in 2017. In an email Thursday, Virgin Orbit spokesperson Kendall Russell added that the company is "financially comfortable."