SLATS – Spaceflight Now

January 26, 2022

Breaking News

[ January 24, 2022 ] Webb reaches orbital destination a million miles from Earth Mission Reports
[ January 23, 2022 ] Cargo Dragon capsule departs space station Mission Reports
[ January 22, 2022 ] Astra fires up rocket for first time at Cape Canaveral Mission Reports
[ January 22, 2022 ] Webb closes in on destination with critical mirror alignment on tap Mission Reports
[ January 21, 2022 ] Atlas 5 rocket delivers two military inspector satellites to high-altitude orbit Atlas 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.