SLATS – Spaceflight Now

November 14, 2019

Breaking News

[ November 13, 2019 ] SpaceX fires up Crew Dragon thrusters in key test after April explosion Mission Reports
[ November 13, 2019 ] Video: Crew Dragon tests abort thrusters at Cape Canaveral Mission Reports
[ November 13, 2019 ] Japanese sample return craft departs asteroid, heads for Earth Mission Reports
[ November 13, 2019 ] Photos: Falcon 9 launches with 60 Starlink satellites Falcon 9
[ November 13, 2019 ] Two Chinese satellite launchers lift off three hours apart Mission Reports

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

October 15, 2019

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

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.