SLATS – Spaceflight Now

July 1, 2022

Breaking News

[ June 30, 2022 ] Live coverage: ULA scrubs Atlas 5 rocket due to stormy weather Atlas 5
[ June 30, 2022 ] Live coverage: India’s 55th PSLV mission declared a success Mission Reports
[ June 29, 2022 ] Live coverage: Virgin Orbit scrubs launch to study propellant temperature data Mission Reports
[ June 29, 2022 ] SpaceX closes out first half of 2022 with on-target launch for SES Falcon 9
[ June 29, 2022 ] Live coverage: SpaceX launches SES broadcasting satellite 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.