SLATS – Spaceflight Now

July 9, 2020

Breaking News

[ July 9, 2020 ] Mars rover mated with Atlas 5 launcher after teams deal with coronavirus cases Atlas 5
[ July 8, 2020 ] Live coverage: SpaceX scrubs midday launch from Kennedy Space Center Falcon 9
[ July 7, 2020 ] NASA outlines recommendations to clear path for Boeing to resume Starliner flights Atlas 5
[ July 7, 2020 ] SpaceX’s next batch of Starlink satellites back on the launch pad Falcon 9
[ July 7, 2020 ] Three U.S.-built satellites in French Guiana for Ariane 5 launch Ariane 5

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.