SLATS – Spaceflight Now

March 29, 2020

Breaking News

[ March 27, 2020 ] NASA picks SpaceX to deliver cargo to Gateway station in lunar orbit Mission Reports
[ March 26, 2020 ] Atlas 5 launch caps deployment of ultra-secure military communications network Atlas 5
[ March 26, 2020 ] Citing coronavirus concerns, Rocket Lab pauses launch operations Mission Reports
[ March 26, 2020 ] Atlas 5 launch timeline for the AEHF 6 mission Atlas 5
[ March 25, 2020 ] NASA, U.S. military reviewing SpaceX engine malfunction Falcon 9

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.