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[Via Satellite 03-05-2014] Thales Alenia Space has delivered two complete Iridium high-fidelity satellite simulators and several low-fidelity simulators to SpaceX. The simulators have the same mechanical interface and mass properties of actual satellites, and will be used in a variety of launch tests to ensure structural integrity and functionality, vibration testing for durability, and deployment...

[Via Satellite 03-03-2014] The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is making its final preparations for the development of its new flagship launch vehicle from Japan Fiscal Year (JFY) 2014, and is seeking a prime contractor to conduct its development, manufacturing and launch services. The new vehicle is being designed with a goal of securing the...

[Via Satellite 02-27-2014] Sea Launch AG has announced that its president, Kjell Karlsen will resign on Feb. 28, 2014 to pursue other opportunities outside the space industry. The company’s senior executive team will carry out Karlsen’s responsibilities after his departure. Karlsen started with Sea Launch in 1999, and has been president since 2008. “I am...

[Via Satellite 02-26-2014] The use of the International Space Station (ISS) as a platform for launching CubeSats has grown so much that the station crew may have to adjust their approach to keep pace. The most recent load of 33 satellites from Planet Labs, NanoSatisfi, SkyCube and others currently under way is now more than...

[Via Satellite 02-21-2014] Skybox Imaging has signed an agreement with Orbital Sciences to launch six more satellites into orbit. The satellites will be launched into a sun-synchronous orbit aboard Orbital’s Minotaur C space launch vehicle, a commercial version of their Minotaur product line that serves the U.S. government market. The launch is scheduled for late...

[Via Satellite 02-19-2014] Eutelsat Communications announced that its Eutelsat 3B satellite has arrived in Long Beach, Calif. and has been transported to the Sea Launch “Home Port” facility for final launch preparations. Scheduled to launch April 15, the satellite will be replacing the current Eutelsat 3D satellite. Once standalone spacecraft operations are completed, the satellite...

[Via Satellite 02-19-2014] International Launch Services (ILS) has successfully launched the Turksat 4A satellite aboard an ILS Proton vehicle. Mitsubishi Electric Corporation built the satellite for Turksat Satellite Communications, Cable TV and Operation Inc. Co. This launch was the first ILS launch for the satellite manufacturer and operator, and was also the first ILS launch...

[Via Satellite 02-13-2014] NanoRacks has deployed its first two CubeSats from the International Space Station (ISS) that will eventually be part of the largest CubeSat deployment in history. These two CubeSats are a part of a 28-satellite constellation for its customer Planet Labs. These small satellites, about the size of a loaf of bread, are...

[Via Satellite 02-10-2014] Space Systems/Loral (SSL) has announced the successful launch of Asia Broadcast Satellite’s (ABS) ABS 2 satellite. Launched aboard a Arianespace’s Ariane 5 rocket from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, the satellite is performing its post-launch maneuvers according to plan. ABS 2 is a multi-mission C-, Ku- and Ka-band satellite designed...

[Via Satellite 02-10-2014] NASA has selected 16 CubeSats from nine states to fly as auxiliary payloads planned to launch in 2015, 2016 and 2017. The CubeSats come from universities across the country, a primary school, non-profit organizations and NASA field centers. CubeSats are research spacecraft called nanosatellites that measure about 4 inches on each side...