Virgin Orbit

They recently completed their last test before utilizing their 747/rocket launch system to launch a satellite into orbit.  Given that much of the Virgin empire is suffering from pandemic related economic effects, one has to worry that it will effect Virgin Orbit, just when they are ready to launch. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

Another SpaceX launch

More satellites. Thank gosh for Elon Musk.

Go SpaceX

Looks like another successful launch. (thought they didn’t land the booster, which had been used for 5 previous launches)(post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

Iran won’t be firing missiles at Israel anytime soon

At least not until they get their rockets to work.  Story here.  While space launch failures usually sadden me, I can’t say that this story brings anything but joy to my little heart. (h/t Jeff “Inch High” Groves)(post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

SpaceX starlink

SpaceX is having to delay the launch of the 60 latest Starlink satellites.  Better safe than sorry. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

JAXA

The Japanese space agency (JAXA), the equivalent of NASA has been doing some amazing science in regard to asteroids.  While they do participate in unmanned cargo resupply missions to the ISS, they do not maintain any manned spaceflight capabilities of their own (well, neither does NASA really).  Frankly, I’d love to see a collaboration between NASA and JAXA on manned spaceflight matters. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

Russian GPS spoofing

The Russians have been engaging in GPS signal manipulation for some time now.  The Norwegians have been complaining about it in northern Norway.  I suspect that in this case it is part of security measures, which may say a lot about how safe Putin feels.

Indian ASAT

It appears that India has joined the ASAT club.  Next to nukes, IMHO, having an ASAT capability will come to define what is a first rate military power in the future.  I predict that in the not too distant future, we’ll see a war where the participants go after each others satellites.

Cool space website

This is the website for the Hayabusa II.  No, not the Ki-43, but the Japanese asteroid exploration satellite.   It is a neat site.  In a modeling related tie-in, there is a 32nd scale kit of the Hayabusa II.  (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)