Space Brief 23 Aug 2024

As preparations continue for Sentinel-2C’s launch, the satellite has been sealed in its rocket fairing. Updates include ULA sale tidbits and Polaris Dawn mission progress, Andøya Spaceport’s operational license, and Vice President Kamala Harris’ pledge for space leadership. NASA’s contract expands with three smallsat launch providers, and two more partners join their composite manufacturing initiative. We also look at Mynaric’s production issues, an RFA ONE test failure due to a turbopump issue, Amazon’s expansion at Kennedy Space Center, and NASA’s retired DC-8 aircraft inspiring students.

Launch and Policy Updates

Sentinel-2C Sealed in the Vega Rocket Fairing

In a significant step toward the launch scheduled for September 4th, the Copernicus Sentinel-2C satellite has been sealed within the Vega rocket fairing at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The meticulous process ensures that the satellite is protected from the elements and mechanical stresses during the final stages of preparation and during launch. Sentinel-2C is part of the European Union’s Copernicus program, which aims to provide accurate, timely, and easily accessible information to improve the management of the environment, understand and mitigate the effects of climate change, and ensure civil security.

Read the full story: ESA

Rocket Report: A ULA Sale Tidbit; Polaris Dawn Mission is on Deck

The latest Rocket Report highlights several key developments in space. Among them is a tidbit suggesting possibilities of a United Launch Alliance (ULA) sale which could reshape future space launch services. Additionally, the Polaris Dawn mission progresses well, with final preparations underway. This mission is notable for its ambitious goals and the experimental new space suits designed to optimize astronaut performance and safety.

Read the full story: Ars Technica

Norway’s Andøya Spaceport Receives Launch Site Operator License

Norway’s Andøya Spaceport has been granted a launch site operator license by the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Fisheries. This milestone ushers in a new era for the spaceport, initially established in 1962, as it transitions from a suborbital launch facility to a hub for orbital launches. The facility is poised for its maiden orbital launch using Isar Aerospace’s Spectrum rocket.

Read the full story: European Spaceflight

Harris Vows Leadership in Space if Elected

In an assertive acceptance speech for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination, Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized America’s commitment to maintaining leadership in space. She outlined a vision that includes fostering innovation, collaborating internationally, and securing US interests in the rapidly evolving space domain.

Read the full story: Space Policy Online

NASA Adds Three Companies to Launch Services Contract for Smallsat Missions

NASA has expanded its contracting roster for smallsat missions by including three new companies. This move is part of NASA’s strategy to foster innovation and competition within the commercial small satellite launch sector. The addition includes one publicly traded company currently facing financial challenges, highlighting NASA’s inclination to provide opportunities despite market volatility.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

Satellite of the Day

TITAN 3C DEB (INTERSTAGE)

• Satellite ID: 60000
• Alternative Name: Vela spin interstage
• International Designator: 67040G
• Launch Date: 1967 (inferred from international designator)
• Country of Origin: USA
• Owner: Air Force Space Systems Division (AFSSD)
• Manufacturer: TRW

TLE Data

1 60000U 67040G   24223.10459452 -.00000470  00000-0  00000-0 0 89998
2 60000  17.9286 221.8640 7925952 318.7965 359.0323  0.51054037  3599

Today’s satellite of the day is object 60,000!

This object is a piece of debris from a Titan 3C rocket, specifically the interstage section used in the launch of a Vela satellite. The Vela program was a series of satellites developed to detect nuclear detonations in space, supporting the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

The debris is in a highly elliptical orbit with an inclination of approximately 17.93 degrees. Its orbital period is about 47 hours (2820.54 minutes), indicating it’s in a very high Earth orbit. The extremely high eccentricity (0.7925952) indicates it’s in a highly elongated orbit, potentially ranging from relatively close to Earth at perigee to far out in space at apogee.

This piece of space debris is significant as it represents an early example of space junk from the 1960s space race. It demonstrates the long-lasting nature of high-orbit debris and the importance of responsible space operations to minimize space debris.

The involvement of TRW (now part of Northrop Grumman) as the manufacturer and the Air Force Space Systems Division as the owner reflects the military and strategic importance of the original Vela satellite mission during the Cold War era.

Despite being over 50 years old, this debris continues to be tracked and cataloged, highlighting the ongoing challenges of space debris management and the need for sustainable space practices.

Industry and Technology Developments

NASA Composite Manufacturing Initiative Gains Two New Members

NASA’s Hi-Rate Composite Aircraft Manufacturing (HiCAM) initiative has welcomed Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation and Fives Machining Systems Inc. as new partners. This initiative, now supported by 20 organizations, aims to advance the manufacturing technologies needed to meet the growing demand for air travel and to replace aging fleets with more efficient, high-performance aircraft.

Read the full story: NASA

Mynaric’s Manufacturing Woes Threaten to Delay Production of U.S. Military Satellites

Mynaric has encountered significant manufacturing issues that threaten to delay the deployment of crucial U.S. military satellites. The company, specializing in optical communications terminals, is pivotal in the U.S. Space Force’s strategy to establish a robust network of low Earth orbit satellites.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

RFA Identifies Turbopump as the Cause for RFA ONE Test Failure

Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) has pinpointed an oxygen fire in the turbopump as the cause of the recent RFA ONE rocket test failure. On August 19, a static fire test ended in flames, sparking an investigation that revealed the root cause. The incident highlights the challenges and risks involved in rocket development and testing.

Read the full story: European Spaceflight

Beyond the Textbook: DC-8 Aircraft Inspires Students in Retirement

NASA’s retired DC-8 aircraft has found a new home at Idaho State University (ISU), where it will serve as an innovative educational tool for students. This iconic aircraft, which contributed significantly to NASA’s Airborne Science Program, now facilitates hands-on learning for ISU’s aircraft maintenance technology program.

Read the full story: NASA

Amazon Expands Kennedy Space Center Facility to Accelerate Satellite Deployments

Amazon is investing $19.5 million to expand its satellite processing facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. This expansion is a strategic move to expedite the deployment of Amazon’s 3,200-strong Project Kuiper broadband constellation, which aims to provide global internet coverage.

Read the full story: SpaceNews