orbit

LightSail Test Mission Declared Success

Posted in Hardware on 10th Jun, 2015
by Alex Muller

The Planetary Societys LightSail test mission successfully completed its primary objective of deploying a solar sail in low-Earth orbit.

Russia's lost cargo spacecraft will fall to Earth in 2 weeks and burn up in the atmosphere

Posted in Science on 5th May, 2015
by Alex Muller

No one can establish a clear line of communication with the cargo ship.

Lasers could be used to zap hazardous orbital debris

Posted in Hardware on 18th Apr, 2015
by Alex Muller

Orbital debris is becoming a hazard to satellites and other spacecraft, which is why various groups have proposed concepts such as gas clouds, nets and sails for collecting it.

ESA tests the potential of grabbing derelict satellites using a simple net

Posted in Science on 31st Mar, 2015
by Alex Muller

A concept that would allow satellites to net and de-orbit dangerous space debris in a safe and controlled manner.

Superefficient cubesat propulsion that is also 10 times cheaper than alternatives

Posted in Hardware on 14th Mar, 2015
by Alex Muller

Small satellites are becoming increasingly popular tools for Earth-imaging, communications, and other applications.