SLATS – Spaceflight Now

December 4, 2022

Breaking News

[ December 4, 2022 ] Live coverage: Three Chinese astronauts land after six months in orbit Mission Reports
[ December 3, 2022 ] Astronauts install new solar array outside International Space Station Mission Reports
[ December 1, 2022 ] Orion capsule leaves lunar orbit, heads for moon flyby and return to Earth Artemis
[ November 30, 2022 ] SpaceX rocket trouble postpones Japanese moon lander launch Falcon 9
[ November 29, 2022 ] Chinese astronauts meet in space for historic crew handover 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.