SLATS – Spaceflight Now

June 18, 2021

Breaking News

[ June 17, 2021 ] SpaceX launches first national security mission on reused commercial rocket Mission Reports
[ June 17, 2021 ] Chinese astronauts enter Tiangong space station for first time Mission Reports
[ June 17, 2021 ] Live coverage: SpaceX launches GPS satellite for U.S. Space Force Falcon 9
[ June 16, 2021 ] Live coverage: China launches first crew to new space station Mission Reports
[ June 16, 2021 ] U.S. Space Force clears reused SpaceX rocket for launch with GPS 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.