SLATS – Spaceflight Now

May 20, 2026

Breaking News

[ May 20, 2026 ] SpaceX launches 24 Starlink satellites on Falcon 9 rocket launch from Vandenberg SFB Falcon 9
[ May 15, 2026 ] NASA, SpaceX launch Dragon mission with 6,500 pounds of science and supplies to the space station Falcon 9
[ May 14, 2026 ] ULA confirms successful solid rocket booster test as Vulcan anomaly investigation continues News
[ May 12, 2026 ] SpaceX targets May 19 for debut of Starship Version 3, Launch Pad 2 Mission Reports
[ May 12, 2026 ] For a second time, poor weather scrubs Cargo Dragon mission launch to the space station Falcon 9

Japanese satellite re-enters atmosphere after experiments in ultra-low orbit

October 15, 2019 Stephen Clark

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 Stephen Clark

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.