SLATS – Spaceflight Now

May 9, 2025

Breaking News

[ May 8, 2025 ] White House taps former Air Force colonel for NASA Deputy Administrator role News
[ May 7, 2025 ] Vast to complete Haven-1 primary structure in July 2025, ahead of target May 2026 launch date News
[ May 6, 2025 ] SpaceX launch 28 Starlink satellites on 470th Falcon 9 rocket launch Falcon 9
[ May 3, 2025 ] SpaceX launches largest batch of Starlink V2 Mini satellites to date Falcon 9
[ May 3, 2025 ] SpaceX puts Vandenberg launch on hold Falcon 9

Japanese satellite re-enters atmosphere after experiments in ultra-low orbit

October 15, 2019 Stephen Clark

An experimental Japanese satellite has ended its mission after proving it could operate at super-low altitudes, testing an Earth-imaging camera and using ion propulsion to fight against aerodynamic drag at an altitude of 112 miles.

Japanese H-2A rocket lifts off with two satellites

December 22, 2017 Stephen Clark

Two research satellites to probe Earth’s climate patterns and test ion engine technology to counter atmospheric drag in an unusual low-altitude orbit launched Saturday on top of a Japanese H-2A rocket.