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Submission + - ESA launches first Earth Explorer mission GOCE (spacefellowship.com)

Submitted by
DSG2
DSG2 writes: "This afternoon, the Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) satellite developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) was lofted into a near-Sun-synchronous, low Earth orbit by a Rockot launcher lifting off from the Plesetsk cosmodrome in northern Russia. With this launch, a new chapter in the history of Earth observation in Europe has begun. GOCE is the first of a new family of ESA satellites designed to study our planet and its environment in order to enhance our knowledge and understanding of Earth-system processes and their evolution, to enable us to address the challenges of global climate change. In particular, GOCE will measure the minute differences in the Earth's gravity field around the globe. Read More Here"
Space

Submission + - ISS to become second brightest object in the sky (spacefellowship.com)

Submitted by
Matt_dk
Matt_dk writes: "Move over, Morning Star. Once Canadarm2 helps install the fourth and final set of solar array wings to the International Space Station later this month, the Station will surpass Venus as the brightest object in the night sky, second only to the Moon. The Space Shuttle Discovery is set to deliver the power-generating solar panels and Starboard 6 (S6) truss segment to the ISS on the 125th mission in the Shuttle program, known as STS-119/15A (slated for launch on March 11, 2009 at 9:20 p.m.)"
Space

Submission + - The lower atmosphere of Pluto revealed (spacefellowship.com) 1

Submitted by
Matt_dk
Matt_dk writes: "Using ESO's Very Large Telescope, astronomers have gained valuable new insights about the atmosphere of the dwarf planet Pluto. The scientists found unexpectedly large amounts of methane in the atmosphere, and also discovered that the atmosphere is hotter than the surface by about 40 degrees, although it still only reaches a frigid minus 180 degrees Celsius. These properties of Pluto's atmosphere may be due to the presence of pure methane patches or of a methane-rich layer covering the dwarf planet's surface."
Space

Submission + - Reaction Engines To Fly Reuseable Spaceplane (spacefellowship.com)

Submitted by
RobGoldsmith
RobGoldsmith writes: "Reaction Engines have designed a "reuseable spaceplane" to provide inexpensive and reliable access to space. The Star Wars looking "Skylon" reuseable spaceplane has already been designed and the team are well into Engine Testing. They have taken some time out from building spaceships to talk about their background, their goals, and their recent engine tests. This article shows new images of their STERN Engine, an experimental rocket motor which explores the flow in Expansion Deflection (ED) nozzles. They also discuss their Sabre airbreathing engine technology! View the Skylon Spaceplane concept, The STERN Engine and much more in this indepth interview with the team!"
Space

Submission + - Virgin Galactic Sign Historic Lease Agreement (spacefellowship.com)

Submitted by
RobGoldsmith
RobGoldsmith writes: "Governor Bill Richardson today announced that Virgin Galactic has signed a 20 year lease agreement with the State of New Mexico. Virgin Galactic's world headquarters will be established in New Mexico and its operations will be located at New Mexico's Spaceport America, the nation's first purpose-built commercial spaceport. The signing of the lease agreement coincides with the beginning of the test flying program for Virgin Galactic's WhiteKnightTwo launch vehicle which got underway this month in Mojave, CA. The WhiteKnightTwo will serve as the mother ship for SpaceShipTwo, the vehicle that will carry commercial astronauts into sub-orbital space from Spaceport America. Read more about The signing of this agreement Here"
Space

Submission + - Falcon 9 is now fully integrated at the Cape! (spacefellowship.com)

Submitted by
RobGoldsmith
RobGoldsmith writes: "SpaceX's Falcon 9 is now fullt integrated, an update from Elon Musk stated "Falcon 9 is now fully integrated at the Cape! Today we mated the 5.2 m payload fairing to the Falcon 9 first stage. This was the final step in the integration process--one day ahead of schedule." New images are now available showing the first fuly integrated Falcon 9 Rocket. Once the launch mount and erector are complete, SpaceX will transfer Falcon 9 on to the erector and raise it to vertical early in 2009. Read more of this story to see the full update and the latest amazing images from SpaceX!"
Space

Submission + - SpaceX - Brand New Photos of Falcon 9 Assembly (spacefellowship.com)

Submitted by
RobGoldsmith
RobGoldsmith writes: "New images are now available of SpaceX's Falcon 9 being assembled, the images are accompanied with a small update from SpaceX. If there are no unexpected delays, its possible Falcon 9 will be completely integrated by the end of the year. This update shows real flight hardware and really brings the rocket alive. View images of the Falcon 9 nearing completion now!"
Space

Submission + - SpaceShipTwo Mothership Makes Maiden Flight (spacefellowship.com) 1

Submitted by
RobGoldsmith
RobGoldsmith writes: "Earlier this week images were appearing on the internet showing that the WhiteKnightTwo craft had been doing some tests in Mojave, the earliest tests showed perhaps two of the engines being used, while a later test showed all the engines working and some further testing. Today showed the four Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308A engines finally carrying the craft into the air. The maiden flight of the craft lasted just shy of one hour and happened today at around 08.15 at Mojave air and spaceport. Rumours suggest that a Beechcraft King Air was used for a chase plane. The craft will be used to carry Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo craft into space and is estimated to happen around 2010. Read more about the maiden flight of the craft here."

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