SLATS – Spaceflight Now

September 23, 2021

Breaking News

[ September 22, 2021 ] NASA completes swing arm test on SLS launch platform Mission Reports
[ September 22, 2021 ] NASA announces reorganization of human spaceflight directorate News
[ September 21, 2021 ] Landsat 9 lifted atop launcher to extend unbroken environmental data record Atlas 5
[ September 20, 2021 ] Photos: Inspiration4 launches from Kennedy Space Center Falcon 9
[ September 20, 2021 ] Tianzhou ship launches and docks with Chinese space station 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.