Search Results

Once in orbit, Archinaut One will use additive manufacturing techniques – or 3D printing – to create two 32-foot beams extending out from each side of the spacecraft. As manufacturing progresses, each beam will unfurl two solar arrays that generate up to five times more power than traditional solar panels on spacecraft of similar size.

Four companies – Blue Origin, Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, SpaceX, and United Launch Alliance (ULA) – recently submitted proposals for the U.S. Air Force's Phase 2 Launch Services Procurement (LSP) competition. Two of those companies will be awarded with up to 34 launches over a five-year period under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program.

The rapid shift of commercial focus toward LEO has resulted in thousands of new satellites. An expected growth in satellite constellations requires space-faring nations such as New Zealand to engage in monitoring and regulating satellite activity.

United Launch Alliance (ULA) will supply launch vehicles for the Dream Chaser Cargo System. Starting in 2021, Dream Chaser – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) Space Systems’ reusable spaceplane – will launch aboard ULA's Vulcan Centaur rockets for six NASA cargo resupply and return services to the International Space Station (ISS).

The system is designed to lift the crew module off the launch vehicle’s engine stack in case of an emergency and steer it away from danger. According to NASA coverage, engineers have confirmed that the LAS can “outrun a speeding rocket.”