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Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg) Rocket Lab @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 2 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1191794718318817280)

It's the mission you've all been waiting for - Electron's 10th flight! The launch window opens for 'Running Out Of Fingers' on 25 November NZDT, with payloads on board from @AlbaOrbital (https://twitter.com/AlbaOrbital) and @SpaceflightInc (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightInc).
Learn more about the mission: https://bit.ly/2JR6S0g  (https://t.co/uoxWTD7xS0)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/177765.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg) Rocket Lab‏ @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 2 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1191795540566016000)

We're not recovering stage 1 on this mission, but the booster has guidance and navigation hardware including S-band telemetry and onboard flight computer systems to gather data to inform future efforts. The stage also has a reaction control system to orient itself during re-entry

ЦитироватьNEXT MISSION: RUNNING OUT OF FINGERS

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/240289.png)

[TH]Mission Name:[/TH]      [TD] [/TD][TD]Running Out Of Fingers[/TD][TD] [/TD][TD] [/TD]      [TH]Launch Window:[/TH]      [TD] [/TD][TD]The 14-day launch window
opens 25 Nov NZDT[/TD][/TR][TR][TH]Rocket:[/TH]      [TD] [/TD][TD]Electron[/TD][TD] [/TD][TD] [/TD]      [TH]Launch Time:[/TH]      [TD] [/TD][TD]TBC[/TD][/TR][TR][TH]Electron Name:[/TH]      [TD] [/TD][TD]Running Out Of Fingers[/TD][TD] [/TD][TD] [/TD]      [TH]Launch Site:[/TH]      [TD] [/TD][TD]Launch Complex 1[/TD][/TR][/TABLE]

MISSION OVERVIEW

The launch window for Rocket Lab's tenth mission, 'Running Out Of Fingers,' is scheduled to open on 25 November 2019 NZDT from Rocket Lab's Launch Complex 1 on New Zealand's Māhia Peninsula.

Onboard this rideshare mission are six spacecraft comprised of 5cm PocketQube microsatellites from satellite manufacturer and mission management provider Alba Orbital. The eighth and final payload on board was procured by satellite rideshare and mission management provider Spaceflight for ALE Co., Ltd (ALE), a Tokyo-based company creating microsatellites that simulate meteor particles.  

'Running Out Of Fingers' will also include the first guided, full telemetry re-entry of the Electron launch vehicle's first stage as part of Rocket Lab's plans to re-use and re-fly rocket boosters in future missions. Recovery instrumentation onboard this flight will include guidance and navigation hardware, including S-band telemetry and onboard flight computer systems, to live-gather data during the first stage's atmospheric re-entry, as well as a reaction control system to orient the booster.

ЦитироватьNext Generation Electron Booster on the Pad for Rocket Lab's 10th Mission
 
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/209686.png)

Next Generation Electron Booster on the Pad for Rocket Lab's 10th Mission

The mission will carry several commercial small sats to orbit before Electron's upgraded first stage undertakes a guided re-entry in a significant step towards reusable Rocket Lab vehicles.

Huntington Beach, California. 5 November 2019 – Rocket Lab, the global leader in dedicated small satellite launch, announced today that its next mission will launch multiple microsatellites in a rideshare mission representing five different countries. The launch window for Rocket Lab's tenth flight, named 'Running Out Of Fingers,' will open 25th November NZDT and take place from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 on New Zealand's Māhia Peninsula.

Onboard this rideshare mission are six spacecraft comprised of 5cm PocketQube microsatellites from satellite manufacturer and mission management provider Alba Orbital. The final payload on board was procured by satellite rideshare and mission management provider Spaceflight for ALE Co., Ltd (ALE), a Tokyo-based company creating microsatellites that simulate meteor particles.

Electron's first stage will not be recovered from this mission, however the stage includes new hardware and sensors to inform future recovery efforts. As part of a first stage block upgrade, Electron's booster will include guidance and navigation hardware, including S-band telemetry and onboard flight computer systems, to gather data during the first stage's atmospheric re-entry. The stage is also equipped with a reaction control system to orient the booster during its re-entry descent.

Rocket Lab's Founder and CEO, Peter Beck, says increasing launch frequency for small satellite operators is the key driver behind Rocket Lab's reusability program.

"Reaching our tenth flight within only two years of commercial operations is an incredible achievement. Thanks to the continued dedication and passion of the teams at Rocket Lab, responsive and frequent access to space is the new normal for small satellites. As we move beyond once-a-month missions towards our goal of weekly launches, recovering and reusing Electron could play a significant role in increasing launch frequency."

For real-time updates on Rocket Lab activities and for upcoming mission announcements, follow Rocket Lab on Twitter @RocketLab.

Payloads onboard 'Running Out Of Fingers':

ATL-1: A payload from Advanced Technology of Laser (ATL) from Hungary designed to test a new thermal isolation material in space, conduct a thermal insulator material experiment, and DVB-T band spectrum monitoring.

Fossasat-1: FossaSat 1 is a picosatellite developed by Spanish non-profit organization Fossa Systems. The spacecraft, which fits in the palm of a hand, is a communications satellite that uses low power RF to provide IOT connectivity.

NOOR 1A & NOOR 1B: These satellites from Stara Space will demonstrate LEO-to-LEO intersatellite link technology communicating with ground stations on Earth; crucial technologies required to create a real-time global communications constellation in space.

SMOG-P: A novel spectrum monitoring payload built by students at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics in Hungary. Smog-P features a spectrum analyzer to measure man-made electromagnetic pollution from space.

TRSI Sat: ACME AtronOmatic is a US-Germany based software application development company that provides flight tracking services to the aviation community and to mobile applications such as MyRadar, a weather radar application for mobile devices.

ALE-2: Tokyo-based ALE Co., Ltd 's ALE-2 satellite aims to create man-made shooting stars by simulating re-entering meteor particles. The satellite includes multiple redundant attitude sensors and controllers, as well as a propulsion system for maneuvers.

ЦитироватьSPACEFLIGHT'S THIRD RIDESHARE MISSION WITH ROCKET LAB TO LAUNCH ALE'S SPACE-RELATED ENTERTAINMENT SATELLITE
By Jodi Sorensen
NOVEMBER 5, 2019

Man-made shooting stars to provide both entertainment and scientific understanding

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/142915.jpg)

Seattle – Nov. 5, 2019 — Spaceflight (http://www.spaceflight.com/), the leading satellite rideshare and mission management provider, today announced it has arranged for Tokyo-based ALE (http://star-ale.com/en/) to launch its entertainment and science satellite on Rocket Lab's next Electron launch. The mission, called "Running Out of Fingers" by Rocket Lab to signify its tenth mission, represents Spaceflight's third launch with Rocket Lab this year. It follows the launch of seven spacecraft on its inaugural "Make it Rain" mission in June and three on the "Look Ma No Hands" mission in August.

Like the previous missions, Spaceflight managed the launch capacity procurement, integration, and mission management services for the rideshare spacecraft. The Electron, carrying the ALE satellite, will lift-off from Rocket Lab's Launch Complex 1 at the southern tip of Mahia Peninsula, on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. The launch window opens on 25th November NZDT.

"Our experience offering end-to-end launch services across multiple launch vehicles continues to be highly valued by organizations — regardless if they're a newer customer like ALE, or an experienced constellation developer," said Curt Blake, CEO and president of Spaceflight. "Our expertise and long-standing relationships provide reliability, flexibility, and the confidence that we'll get customers to space as efficiently as possible. We're really looking forward to taking ALE on our third Electron launch this year."

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/142911.jpg)

ALE's Sky Canvas, the world's first man-made shooting star project, will deploy to a 400km circular Sun Synchronous orbit, which is beneath the International Space Station. The company's satellite will create man-made shooting stars by safely releasing particles, precisely controlling the reentry location, date, and timing. When the particles re-enter the Earth's atmosphere, they fully burn up, creating the appearance of shooting stars on the ground.

In addition to the entertainment factor, the Sky Canvas project will also study the path and mechanics of shooting star particles during re-entry from the upper atmosphere. The data collected in the mesosphere will be helpful in the aerospace industry to help predict the path of satellites and artificial objects as well as contributing to scientific understanding in several technology fields including meteorology and the study of climate change.

"This launch gets us much closer to realizing the world's first man-made shooting star," said Lena Okajima, CEO of ALE. "We really appreciate Spaceflight`s support and attention to our mission and we're honored to take this big step with them."

Following this launch, Spaceflight will have launched 11 spacecraft on the Electron and has plans to continue partnering with the launch vehicle provider in 2020. Spaceflight has completed five missions already this year, with another five planned in 2019. Other noteworthy missions from the last year include Spaceflight's GTO-1, which deployed the first commercial lunar lander aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9, and SSO-A, the company's historic dedicated rideshare mission, successfully launched 64 unique smallsats, making it the single largest deployment of satellites from a U.S.-based launch vehicle.
...

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ЦитироватьNEXT UP: ALE'S SKY CANVAS MISSION
By Jodi Sorensen
NOVEMBER 6, 2019

Our next Rocket Lab mission (our third with them this year) is a very exciting one. We're launching ALE's Sky Canvas, the world's first man-made shooting star project that also has a scientific research component. It's with these first-of-their-kind missions that we bring all our experience to bear for our customers. This type of mission was years in the making and demonstrates the unique benefits of rideshare.

(https://www.spaceflightindustries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/ALE_satellite-1024x576.jpg)

The Tokyo-based ALE (http://star-ale.com/en/) spacecraft, named ALE-2, will create man-made shooting stars by safely releasing particles that will re-enter the Earth's atmosphere, burning up and creating the appearance of shooting stars. The mission will also study the path and mechanics of shooting star particles during re-entry fr om the upper atmosphere. The data collected will help predict the path of satellites and artificial objects as well as contributing to scientific understanding in several technology fields including meteorology and the study of climate change.

This mission took years of analysis and rigorous review. Josh Rodenbaugh, ALE's launch campaign manager, worked closely with the Spaceflight team as a mission of this type had never been done before. ALE had already worked through the Japanese Space Agency who had conducted a rigorous review for the launch of ALE-1 earlier this year. ALE also met with other countries' space agencies and even astronomers to work through any concerns around this unique mission. Spaceflight helped the company get the necessary permits through the New Zealand Space Agency, and worked with Rocket Lab to ensure a smooth integration process (which will begin in the next week or so). We are always happy to advocate for our customers and support new uses for satellites – opening up access to space for new business models is part of our corporate mission.

Spaceflight began working with ALE more than three years ago. They were originally slated to launch on an earlier mission ... and then were rescheduled on a later mission. When they had readied their spacecraft, we were able to re-manifest them on an earlier launch opportunity with Rocket Lab. This mission, slated for late November, is named "RL-2" by Spaceflight and "Running Out of Fingers" by Rocket Lab as a nod to their tenth flight.

(https://www.spaceflightindustries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/JODI5_RL_V3.jpg)

Tony Frego, the Spaceflight Mission Director who has been working with ALE since the beginning, commented, "For me, this is a hugely significant mission. I'm always looking forward to seeing our customers be successful, but ALE is one of those unique spacecraft, wh ere I'll actually get to see the success — the meteors — with my own eyes."

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185869.jpg) Spaceflight‏ @SpaceflightInc (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightInc) 7 нояб. (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightInc/status/1192569672648052736)

We can't wait for this mission! #RunningOutofFingers (https://twitter.com/hashtag/RunningOutofFingers?src=hash) @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) @ALE_StarAle (https://twitter.com/ALE_StarAle)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/177879.jpg)

Цитировать(https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/774674523564154880/bDFL-06p_bigger.jpg) Alba Orbital‏ @AlbaOrbital (https://twitter.com/AlbaOrbital) 29 окт. (https://twitter.com/AlbaOrbital/status/1189214701206605829)

Unicorn-2b and 2c (NOOR 1A and1B) have now both passed vibration qualification ready for their upcoming flight as part of Alba Cluster 2 in Albapod. Congrats to our customer Stara Space!

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/177701.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/177700.jpg)


(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185174.jpg) Stara Space‏ @StaraSpace (https://twitter.com/StaraSpace) 7 нояб. (https://twitter.com/StaraSpace/status/1192490778112643072)

https://www.rocketlabusa.com/news/updates/next-generation-electron-booster-on-the-pad-for-rocket-labs-10th-mission/ ... (https://t.co/fc4MpFynrY)  NOOR-1A and NOOR-1B are set to launch in a few weeks! It's been great to collaborate with @AlbaOrbital (https://twitter.com/AlbaOrbital) and @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab)

Цитировать07:57 - 09:22 UTC (20:57 - 22:22 NZDT)

ЦитироватьLaunch Window:  25 November - 11 December NZDT
Launch Time:       07:56 - 09:22 UTC (20:57 - 22:22 NZDT)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏ @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 3 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1197309882065514497)

The countdown is on for our 10th Electron launch! We're targeting no earlier than 07:56 UTC on 28 November for the launch of 'Running Out Of Fingers'. We're excited to be launching for our friends at @AlbaOrbital (https://twitter.com/AlbaOrbital) and @SpaceflightInc (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightInc). More here: https://bit.ly/2QCggJv  (https://t.co/KGXhlFbQTO)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/177904.jpg)


3 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1197310156230410241)

Time zones for the target lift-off of Rocket Lab's 10th mission, 'Running Out Of Fingers.'
UTC: 07:56, Nov 28.
NZDT: 20:56, Nov 28.
PST: 23:56, Nov 28.
EST: 02:56, Nov 29.

ЦитироватьNZ Coastal Navigation warnings
183/19

FM: RCC NEW ZEALAND 230550 UTC NOV 19
COASTAL NAVIGATION WARNING 183/19
AREA PORTLAND, MAHIA PENINSULA AND SOUTH ISLAND, EASTWARDS
1. ROCKET LAUNCHING SCHEDULED FROM 28 NOV UNTIL 11 DEC DAILY BETWEEN 0556 AND 0952 UTC IN AREAS BOUNDED BY:
2. LAUNCH HAZARD AREA PORTLAND, MAHIA PENINSULA:
A. 39-14.0S 177-50.8E
B. 39-14.0S 177-54.0E
C. 39-16.0S 177-58.0E
D. 39-30.0S 177-56.0E
E. 39-29.0S 177-46.0E
F. 39-15.0S 177-50.0E
3. SPACE DEBRIS HAZARD AREA SOUTH ISLAND, EASTWARDS:
A. 43-00S 176-00E
B. 43-00S 178-00E
C. 48-00S 177-00E
D. 48-00S 174-00E
4. RANGE CONTROL FOR THIS AREA WILL OPERATE DURING LAUNCH OPERATIONS. RANGE INFORMATION WILL BE BROADCAST ON VHF CHANNEL 79. RANGE CONTROL CAN BE CONTACTED ON VHF CHANNEL 07. TEMPORARY VIRTUAL AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (AIS) AIDS TO NAVIGATION (ATONS) SHALL BE USED TO CLEARLY IDENTIFY THE PERIMETER OF THE LAUNCH HAZARD AREA DURING ACTIVE PERIODS.


NAVAREA XIV warnings
145/19

FM: NAVAREA XIV COORDINATOR 230550 UTC NOV 19
NAVAREA XIV WARNING 145/19
SOUTHERN OCEAN
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS SCHEDULED FROM 28 NOV UNTIL 11 DEC DAILY BETWEEN 0556 AND 0952 UTC IN AREA BOUNDED BY:
A. 53-00S 172-30E
B. 53-00S 174-30E
C. 60-00S 171-30E
D. 60-00S 168-45E

ЦитироватьHYDROPAC 3845/19 (76).

WESTERN SOUTH PACIFIC.
NEW ZEALAND.
DNC 06.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS 0556Z TO 0952Z DAILY
    28 NOV THRU 11 DEC IN AREA BOUND BY
    A. ROCKET LAUNCHING
        39-14.0S 177-50.8E, 39-14.0S 177-54.0E,
        39-16.0S 177-58.0E, 39-30.0S 177-56.0E,
        39-29.0S 177-46.0E, 39-15.0S 177-50.0E.
    B. SPACE DEBRIS
        43-00S 176-00E, 43-00S 178-00E,
        48-00S 177-00E, 48-00S 174-00E.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 111052Z DEC 19.//


HYDROPAC 3844/19 (29,76).

WESTERN SOUTH PACIFIC.
DNC 06, DNC 29
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS
       0556Z TO 0952Z DAILY 28 NOV THRU 11 DEC
    IN AREA BOUND BY
    53-00S 172-30E, 53-00S 174-30E,
    60-00S 171-30E, 60-00S 168-45E.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 111052Z DEC 19.//

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏ @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 2 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1198802404835119104)

Time zones for the target lift-off of Rocket Lab's 10th mission, 'Running Out Of Fingers.'
UTC: 07:56, Nov 28.
NZDT: 20:56, Nov 28.
PST: 23:56, Nov 27.
EST: 02:56, Nov 28.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg) Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 12 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1198861531468795904)

Flight 10 wet dress completed. All new recovery systems checked out and are go!

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/178354.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg) Rocket Lab‏ @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 15 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1199562260848332800)

Launch update: We've allocated an additional day for the close out of final payload readiness items. Rocket Lab is now targeting no earlier than Friday 29 November, 07:56 UTC for the launch of #RunningOutOfFingers (https://twitter.com/hashtag/RunningOutOfFingers?src=hash) (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125513.png)


(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg) Rocket Lab‏ @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 10 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1199563370233397248)

Target lift-off for #RunningOutOfFingers (https://twitter.com/hashtag/RunningOutOfFingers?src=hash) is no earlier than:
UTC: 07:56 (29 Nov)
NZDT: 20:56 (29 Nov)
PST: 23:56 (28 Nov)
EST: 02:56 (29 Nov)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg) Rocket Lab‏ @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 33 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1199789841006751744)

This small spacecraft from @AlbaOrbital (https://twitter.com/AlbaOrbital) contains 6 satellites from 5 countries carrying out a range of tech demos, including LEO-to-LEO intersatellite communication and a student-built spacecraft measuring electromagnetic pollution. #RunningoutOfFingers (https://twitter.com/hashtag/RunningoutOfFingers?src=hash) (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125513.png)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/178282.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg) Rocket Lab‏ @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 6 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1200181002691198976)

LC-1 teams are moving into position for our tenth Electron mission, #RunningOutOfFingers (https://twitter.com/hashtag/RunningOutOfFingers?src=hash). It's almost time for the payloads from @ALE_StarAle (https://twitter.com/ALE_StarAle) and @AlbaOrbital (https://twitter.com/AlbaOrbital) to go to space! Target lift-off is no earlier than 07:56 UTC.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/178331.jpg)

ЦитироватьJapanese company to launch artificial meteor shower satellite
November 28, 2019 (https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/11/) | Stephen Clark (https://spaceflightnow.com/author/stephen-clark/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/145784.jpg)
Artist's concept of shooting stars from the ALE-2 satellite. Credit: ALE Co. Ltd.

A small Japanese satellite scheduled for launch Friday on a Rocket Lab Electron booster will release hundreds of colorful sky pellets to fall into the atmosphere next year, creating an artificial meteor shower that could be visible to millions.

The satellite, built and owned by Tokyo-based Astro Live Experiences, will launch into a 250-mile-high (400-kilometer) polar orbit to prepare for next year's sky spectacle. On-board thrusters will help target re-entry over a specific region for the artificial shooting stars.

ALE has not announced the location or exact time for the meteor shower demonstration.

"I'm excited for the upcoming launch of our second satellite, ALE-2," said Lena Okajima, ALE's chief executive. "I'm delighted to have an earlier launch date than I expected. With this launch, we are a step closer to realize the man-made shooting star."

The 165-pound (75-kilogram) ALE-2 satellite measures 2 feet by 2 feet by 2.6 feet (60 x 60 x 80 centimeters). It's the biggest of seven spacecraft scheduled for launch on Rocket Lab's 10th Electron rocket Friday

The launch window opens at 2:56 a.m. EST (0756 GMT) Friday at Rocket Lab's privately-run launch base on New Zealand's North Island. Liftoff time is set for 8:56 p.m. local time in New Zealand.

The launch of the ALE-2 satellite follows the deployment of ALE's first microsatellite earlier this year during a flight of a Japanese Epsilon rocket.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/145802.jpg)
A technician from ALE Co. Ltd. works on the ALE-2 microsatellite. Credit: Rocket Lab

ALE said the initial operations of the ALE-1 satellite became "prolonged," and the company decided to prioritize technology verification and the flight experience with the first satellite before lowering its orbit and jettisoning numerous pea-sized pellets to burn up in the atmosphere.

The pellets on the ALE-1 satellite were designed to burn in four colors — white, green, pink and orange — and the ALE-2 satellite adds blue as a fifth color for the artificial shooting stars. The particles will fully burn up in the atmosphere, according to ALE.

The artificial shooting star satellites are part of ALE's "Sky Canvas" project. The company says tracking the re-entry of the shooting star particles will help scientists predict the path of satellites and other objects as they fall into the atmosphere, and could also contribute to meteorological and climate research.

Spaceflight, a Seattle-based company, procured launch capacity on Rocket Lab's Electron rocket for the ALE-2 spacecraft.

"Our experience offering end-to-end launch services across multiple launch vehicles continues to be highly valued by organizations — regardless if they're a newer customer like ALE, or an experienced constellation developer," said Curt Blake, CEO and president of Spaceflight. "Our expertise and long-standing relationships provide reliability, flexibility, and the confidence that we'll get customers to space as efficiently as possible. We're really looking forward to taking ALE on our third Electron launch this year."

Spaceflight has flown customer missions on two previous Rocket Lab missions this year, one in June and another in August.

The ALE-2 satellite and six other tiny payloads on Rocket Lab's Electron rocket will deploy into a 250-mile-high orbit. Officials have downplayed concerns about space debris from the artificial meteor shower because the spacecraft will fly below the orbit of the International Space Station, and atmospheric drag will naturally bring the objects back to Earth.

The other six satellites aboard the Electron rocket are 2-inch (5-centimeter) PocketQube picosatellites from the Scottish satellite manufacturer and mission management provider Alba Orbital.

Alba Orbital arranged the launch of all six PocketQubes, which are smaller and cheaper than most CubeSats, for customers in the United States, Spain and Hungary.

Two of the PocketQubes were built by Alba Orbital for Stara Space, a Miami Beach startup, as a proof-of-concept for an eventual constellation of tiny satellites to provide high-speed data connection, storage and computation. The NOOR 1A and 1B satellites each weigh less than 2 pounds and carries equipment to demonstrate inter-satellite data links, encrypted communications, and an active pointing system, according to Alba Orbital.

Alba is handling launch services for four other PocketQubes.

"This will be the biggest deployment of PocketQubes in history, with the goal to provide a regular service for the PocketQube community, servicing startups such as Stara, universities and space agencies," Alba said in a statement.

The first four PocketQubes launched in 2013. Alba says it is arranging the launch of another cluster of PocketQubes after the six tiny satellites launching Friday.

Here's how Rocket Lab describes the other four PocketQubes on Friday's launch:

[/li]
• ATL-1: A payload from Advanced Technology of Laser (ATL) from Hungary designed to test a new thermal isolation material in space, conduct a thermal insulator material experiment, and DVB-T band spectrum monitoring.
  
• Fossasat-1: FossaSat 1 is a picosatellite developed by Spanish non-profit organization Fossa Systems. The spacecraft, which fits in the palm of a hand, is a communications satellite that uses low power RF to provide IOT connectivity.
  
• SMOG-P: A novel spectrum monitoring payload built by students at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics in Hungary. Smog-P features a spectrum analyzer to measure man-made electromagnetic pollution from space.
  
• TRSI Sat: ACME AtronOmatic is a US-Germany based software application development company that provides flight tracking services to the aviation community and to mobile applications such as MyRadar, a weather radar application for mobile devices.
  

Цитировать11/29/2019 03:11 Stephen Clark

Today's launch is scheduled for 8:56 p.m. local time in New Zealand (0756 GMT; 2:56 a.m. EST).

The two-stage, 55-foot-tall (17-meter) Electron launcher will power off the launch pad on Mahia Peninsula, located on New Zealand's North Island, with nearly 50,000 pounds of thrust from nine Rutherford main engines. After heading south from the launch pad over the Pacific Ocean, the Electron rocket will shut down and jettison its first stage before igniting a single Rutherford upper stage engine at T+plus 2 minutes, 42 seconds.

The launch vehicle's carbon composite nose fairing will jettison at T+plus 3 minutes, 13 seconds, once the Electron climbs above the dense lower layers of the atmosphere.

A few minutes later, two battery packs that power the Rutherford engine's turbopumps will separate after the rocket completes an in-flight "hot swap" to a new battery set. Shutdown of the Rutherford engine is planned at T+plus 8 minutes, 54 seconds, after placing the Electron in a preliminary transfer orbit.

Seven seconds later, at T+plus 9 minutes, 1 second, the Electron's second stage will release a Curie kick stage to begin a coast period lasting more than 51 minutes. The Curie's liquid-fueled thruster will ignite at T+plus 50 minutes, 21 seconds, to place the mission's seven payloads into their planned 250-mile-high (400-kilometer) orbit.

The Curie kick stage's burn will last around 96 seconds, and deployment of the seven micro-payloads should be completed about an hour after liftoff.

Цитировать11/29/2019 03:21 Stephen Clark

Rocket Lab is introducing several changes to the Electron rocket's first stage on this mission prepare for an eventual attempt to recover the booster with a helicopter on a future flight.

Rocket Lab announced in August (https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/08/12/rocket-lab-to-begin-booster-recovery-experiments-later-this-year/) plans to retrieve and reuse Electron first stages, primarily to achieve a planned cadence of one launch per week.

Rocket Lab determined production bottlenecks were a major factor inhibiting such a rapid launch rate. Reusing rockets could ease the burden on Rocket Lab's factories in New Zealand and California, the company says.

The company installed a data recorder on an Electron rocket launched in August to collect information on the environments the first stage sees when it comes back to Earth, before eventually breaking apart in the atmosphere.

Beck told Spaceflight Now in a recent interview that the data obtained during the August launch showed that designing the Electron first stage to survive re-entry will be difficult.

"We knew it's hard, but we certainly learned that it is hard," Beck said. "We did get some good initial data fr om the flight (in August), but really Flight 10 is where it's all going to happen. That's wh ere we're pushing really deep with the stage. That stage has a full telemetry system, there's RCS (reaction control system thrusters) to guide it into the entry corridor. We expect to go quite deep (into the atmosphere) with that flight."

(https://24liveblog.tradingfront.cn/event/2400213688475763169/20191129002124_684304.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2400213688475763169/20191129002124_684304.jpg)

Today's Electron launch will not carry a decelerator or a parachute. Those systems will be installed on later rockets to enable a recovery of the booster first from the ocean, then via helicopter, Beck said.

"It's purely to just punch it into the atmosphere, fully guided, as deep as we can and gather data," he said. "Flight 10 is about pushing it deep into the atmosphere and really understanding the hypersonic flow and the heating regime."

SpaceX uses cold gas thrusters to re-orient its Falcon 9 first stages, then reignites a subset of the Falcon 9's Merlin engines to slow down for propulsive landings, using thrust and grid fins to steer it back to a drone ship at sea or toward an onshore recovery site.

Rocket Lab will also use cold gas thrusters, but the company is taking a different approach for recovery.

Because the Electron rocket is much smaller than the Falcon 9, there's not enough leftover propellant to attempt a propulsive landing.

"We don't intend to use grid fins," Beck said. "We have other types of measures. The most important thing on this (next) one is the active guidance with the RCS and making sure we maintain a really tight corridor with the base heat shield first, and just push it as deep as we can go."

The first stage on today's mission also carries additional guidance and navigation hardware, including S-band telemetry and on-board flight computer, to live-gather data during the booster's scorching-hot re-entry, according to Rocket Lab.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg) Rocket Lab‏ @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 3 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1200243620420341760)

Electron is vertical on the pad for today's #RunningOutOfFingers (https://twitter.com/hashtag/RunningOutOfFingers?src=hash) launch (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125513.png)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/178337.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg) Rocket Lab‏ @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 10 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1200249221846200320)

Today's target lift-off time has been adjusted slightly for Collision Avoidance (COLA) windows. Now targeting:
UTC: 08:20
NZDT: 21:20
PST: 00:20
EST: 03:20

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg) Rocket Lab‏ @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 2 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1200269734454816768)

Today's mission will take us a step closer to reusable Electron rockets. We're not recovering Electron from this mission, but the 1st stage has new guidance and navigation hardware, plus a reaction control system to orient the stage during re-entry.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/178334.jpg)


59 сек. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1200270241764233216)

Today the focus is on monitoring the stage as it comes back to Earth so we can better understand the reentry environments it needs to survive. The data from today will help to inform our first efforts to recover a stage next year.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg) Rocket Lab @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 2 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1200271559908196352)

We've put cameras on stage 1, so today's webcast *might* have video footage of the stage's re-entry, though we are expecting telemetry drop-outs. Since we're running out of fingers, we have our toes crossed for some footage of reentry.

Цитировать(https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/774674523564154880/bDFL-06p_bigger.jpg) Alba Orbital‏ @AlbaOrbital (https://twitter.com/AlbaOrbital) 10 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/AlbaOrbital/status/1200290560399024128)

Its launch day for Alba Cluster 2! We will be launching 6 customer pocketqube satellites into orbit via Albapod v2! Go unicorn, go albapod, go electron! #RunningOutOfFingers (https://twitter.com/hashtag/RunningOutOfFingers?src=hash)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/178340.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/178341.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg) Rocket Lab‏ @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 2 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1200296551962173440)

With just over two hours until target lift-off, LOX fill operations are underway at LC-1. Set a reminder to tune into the live webcast! http://www.rocketlabusa.com/live-stream  (https://t.co/RyD0mD6yVf)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/178342.jpg)

Цитироватьна сайте RocketLab

rocketlabusa.com/live-stream (https://www.rocketlabusa.com/live-stream)

или

на ТыТрубе

youtube.com/watch?v=-sp-HFiSBk8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sp-HFiSBk8)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg) Rocket Lab‏ @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 37 сек. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1200313512322486272)

T-60 minutes. http://www.rocketlabusa.com/live-stream  (https://t.co/RyD0mD6yVf)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/178339.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg) Rocket Lab @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 25 сек. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1200323206810226688)

Launch update: We're standing down from today's launch attempt to conduct further tests on ground systems. We'll update with a new target launch date soon. The window remains open until 12 December. (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125513.png)

ЦитироватьLift-off is targeted for no earlier than 30 November UTC/NZDT, 07:56 UTC (20:56 NZDT)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg) Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 2 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1200484039720763392)

Stage 2 umbilical needs reset and tested. Simple to do but will require a pad recycle. Probably will push out a few days.

ЦитироватьThe launch window remains open until 12 December. A target date will be confirmed soon. 07:56 UTC - 09:22 UTC (20:56 - 22:22 NZDT)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg) Rocket Lab @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 12 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1201574984759566337)

Work on the Stage 2 umbilical that caused us to stand down from last week's launch is nearing completion, however poor weather conditions are driving a launch attempt no earlier than 07:56 UTC, Friday 6 Dec. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to assess weather this week.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg) Rocket Lab @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1202683750326210560)

Teams at Launch Complex 1 are moving into position for today's launch attempt of the #RunningOutOfFingers (https://twitter.com/hashtag/RunningOutOfFingers?src=hash) mission. Ground winds are a concern that we're monitoring as we approach the opening of the window at 07:56 UTC.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg) Rocket Lab‏ @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 6 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1202781810700079104)

It's a beautiful day at LC-1 as we prepare for the launch of #RunningOutOfFingers (https://twitter.com/hashtag/RunningOutOfFingers?src=hash). Today's window is open from 07:57 - 09:22 UTC. Strong ground winds are currently forecast for the opening of the window, but indications are they may ease enough for launch.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/178577.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg) Rocket Lab‏ @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 3 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1202782493184651266)

Electron is vertical on the pad. #RunningOutOfFingers  (https://twitter.com/hashtag/RunningOutOfFingers?src=hash)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg) Rocket Lab‏ @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 5 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1202831150533603328)

LOx fill is underway! Launch window opens at 07:57 UTC (20:57 NZDT).

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/178589.jpg)

Цитировать

youtube.com/watch?v=QK9mQdar5_w (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK9mQdar5_w)

Начало трансляции - примерно за 20 мин до пуска

Цитировать12/06/2019 09:21 Stephen Clark

Rocket Lab's launch team continues to monitor gusty winds at the New Zealand launch base as the countdown ticks down to the opening of the launch window at 2:57 a.m. EST (0757 GMT).

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg) Rocket Lab‏ @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 40 сек. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1202844518459965440)

Today's launch window is open from 07:57 - 09:22 UTC (20:57 - 22:22 NZDT). Ground winds are still a consideration as we get closer to the opening of the window, but currently tracking green for launch. http://www.rocketlabusa.com/live-stream  (https://t.co/RyD0mD6yVf)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/178584.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg) Rocket Lab‏ @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 2 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1202848236651728896)

Electron at sunset (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125510.png)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/178585.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/178586.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg) Rocket Lab @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 3 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1202853565036761088)

Countdown hold at T-30 minutes to allow for ground winds to ease. The window remains open until 09:22 UTC[/SIZE] (22:22 NZDT).

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg) Rocket Lab‏ @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 46 сек. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1202857739061362689)

The countdown clock has resumed. We're at T-28 minutes from target T-0 for the #RunningOutOfFingers (https://twitter.com/hashtag/RunningOutOfFingers?src=hash) launch. Lift-off targeted for 08:18 UTC (21:18 NZDT).

Цитировать12/06/2019 11:11 Stephen Clark

T-minus 7 minutes and counting. All nine Rutherford engines on the Electron rocket's first stage are reported ready for ignition.

Цитировать12/06/2019 11:14 Stephen Clark

The top clamp of the launch pad's strongback has been opened in preparation for retraction of the structure into launch position.

Цитировать12/06/2019 11:15 Stephen Clark

T-minus 4 minutes, 15 seconds. The strongback is now in launch position. Four hold-down clamps will continue holding onto the Electron rocket until liftoff.

Цитировать12/06/2019 11:17 Stephen Clark

The Electron's new first stage recovery systems are confirmed ready for flight.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg) Rocket Lab‏ @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 20 сек. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1202867410740510720)

Stage 2 engine shut down and Kick Stage separation.  Approximately 40 minutes from now the Curie engine will ignite and move the Kick Stage into position for payload deploy.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/178591.png)

ЦитироватьElectron "Running Out Of Fingers" launch

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220612.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/user/SciNewsRo) SciNews (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjU6ZwoTQtKWfz1urL7XcbA)

6 дек. 2019 г.

ЦитироватьRocket Lab 'Running Out Of Fingers' Launch

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220625.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/user/RocketLabNZ) Rocket Lab (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsWq7LZaizhIi-c-Yo_bcpw)

Трансляция началась 63 минуты назад

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg) Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 33 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1202869677308829697)

Electron made it through wall! Solid telemetry all the way to sea level with a healthy stage. A massive step for recovery!!

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg) Rocket Lab @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 31 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1202870522976993282)

Our 10th lift-off. It never gets old. #AndWeveRunOutOfFingers (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndWeveRunOutOfFingers?src=hash)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/178578.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg) Rocket Lab‏ @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 17 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1202874239004446723)

Electron in the skies over LC-1. Beautiful shots captured by Hamish Pike.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/178583.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/178580.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/178581.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/178582.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg) Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 2 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1202882382811893760)

First payloads deployed. More in about 90mins.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg) Rocket Lab‏ @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 8 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1202884402335739904)

Electron on its way to orbit for our 10th mission, carrying payloads for @SpaceflightInc (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightInc) and @AlbaOrbital (https://twitter.com/AlbaOrbital)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/178594.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185869.jpg) Spaceflight‏ @SpaceflightInc (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightInc) 6 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightInc/status/1202891058629054464)

There she goes! Congrats @ALE_StarAle (https://twitter.com/ALE_StarAle) and @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab). Let's do it again soon. #RL2  (https://twitter.com/hashtag/RL2?src=hash)

https://video.twimg.com/tweet_video/ELGHCMiVAAEFfnR.mp4 (https://video.twimg.com/tweet_video/ELGHCMiVAAEFfnR.mp4)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg) Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 6 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1202901928633438210)

All payloads deployed, 100% mission success!  Stage 1 Recovery was better than expected. More on that soon.

Цитировать(https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/774674523564154880/bDFL-06p_bigger.jpg) Alba Orbital‏ @AlbaOrbital (https://twitter.com/AlbaOrbital) 2 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/AlbaOrbital/status/1202905653095882752)

Signal from door and pusher switches indicate both pods deployed all 6 pocketqubes! Congrats to our customers and thanks for the ride @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) @Peter_J_Beck  (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/184832.jpg) Andreas Spiess‏ @spiessa (https://twitter.com/spiessa) 5 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/spiessa/status/1202907510421827584)

Fossa LoRa satellite successfully placed in the orbit. Now e listen to the first signals

ЦитироватьALE's  second satellite was successfully launched and will aim - for realization of the world first man-made shooting star in 2020.-
2019.12.06

Tokyo-based ALE Co., Ltd (ALE), led by CEO Lena Okajima, with the mission to bring space closer to people, announces the launch result and the operational status of the company's second satellite, ALE-2, which will take on the challenge of realizing man-made shooting stars.

■ Results of the launch and operational status of ALE-2
At 20:10, on December 6th, 2019, ALE-2 was launched by Rocket Lab's Electron Rocket, which was procured by a contract with Spaceflight, a mission management and launch services provider, and was successfully placed into orbit.
ALE-2 also has successfully established contact with ground stations.

■Future operation schedule of ALE-2
 ALE-2 will perform functional tests over several months to confirm all the components and the systems work properly. ALE is aiming for the demonstration of the world's first man-made shooting stars with ALE-2 in 2020. Details of the demonstration are currently under consideration and will be announced as soon as the plan is confirmed.

■ The features of ALE-2
ALE-2 is furnished with thrusters as an orbit controlling device which allows raising and lowering the position of the satellite by discharging gas from its nozzles. With the thrusters, the location, date and time which the man-made shooting stars are seen can be controlled as targeted.

The 2nd satellite embeds now 400 sources of man-made shooting stars in 5 colors. We developed blue meteor sources and complemented the palette of the 4 colors (white, green, pink and orange) already available in the 1st artificial satellite.

* DOM®:De-Orbit Mechanism is a registered trademark of Nakashimada Engineering Works, Ltd (located at Yame city in Fukuoka prefecture).

Цитировать(https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/774674523564154880/bDFL-06p_bigger.jpg) Alba Orbital‏ @AlbaOrbital (https://twitter.com/AlbaOrbital) 28 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/AlbaOrbital/status/1202926722666172417)

First 3 pocketqubes phoned home so far, congrats atl-1, smog-p & fossa

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186146.jpg) JA0CAW‏ @JA0CAW (https://twitter.com/JA0CAW) 2 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/JA0CAW/status/1202909444465496064)

SMOG-P / ATL-1  11:02 Telemetry good signal over Japan  @Smog1_pq (https://twitter.com/Smog1_pq)  #atl1 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/atl1?src=hash) @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) #cubesats (https://twitter.com/hashtag/cubesats?src=hash)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/178600.png)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186146.jpg) JA0CAW‏ @JA0CAW (https://twitter.com/JA0CAW) 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/JA0CAW/status/1202918537372684288)

SMOG-P  CW Beacon

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/178597.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67516.jpg) Jonathan McDowell‏ @planet4589 (https://twitter.com/planet4589) 3 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/1203094094974717954)

ALE-2, a 75 kg Japanese sat to make artificial meteors,  is in a 398 x 414 km x 97.0 deg sun-sync orbit at 2038 local time descending node.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67516.jpg) Jonathan McDowell @planet4589 (https://twitter.com/planet4589) 3 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/1203095406932103168)

NOOR 1A and NOOR 1B are 3P PocketQub sats for Stara Space of Los Angeles built by Alba Orbital of Glasgow. The sats are 0.15m x 0.05m in size with a mass of 0.75 kg and carry an experimental comms payload


3 ч.3 часа назад (https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/1203095819945160705)

FossaSat is a 1P PocketQub for Fossa Systems of Madrid with test systems; it is 0.25 kg, 0.05m


3 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/1203096704591028225)

SMOG-P is a 1P from Budapest U. of Technology and Economics to map terrestrial radio emissions. ATL1 is a 2P from ATL Ltd of Csapas, Hungary; it also has a spectrum monitoring payload as well as component tests.


3 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/1203097627396648960)

Finally on the Electron launch, TRSI_Sat is a 1P technology sat from TRSI Club (also possibly known as MyRadar, and run by Paul Kocyla formerly of STADOKO which made the earlier 1P WREN)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186074.jpg) SMOG-1‏ @Smog1_pq (https://twitter.com/Smog1_pq) 9 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/Smog1_pq/status/1203302743169011718)

SMOG-P is alive and well. We have received its signals over Hungary last night, and today we have succesfully sent commands to our #PocketQube (https://twitter.com/hashtag/PocketQube?src=hash) satellite!

ЦитироватьDec 09, 2019
Rocket Lab launches milestone tenth mission, completes major success for reusable rocket program

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/209677.jpg)

Rocket Lab successfully completes a guided re-entry of the Electron launch vehicle first stage all the way to splashdown and continues track record of 100% mission success for customers with 47 satellites delivered to orbit to date.

Huntington Beach, California. 6 December 2019 – Rocket Lab, the global leader in dedicated small satellite launch, has successfully launched its tenth Electron mission and deployed seven spacecraft to orbit during a launch that marks a major step towards reusable Electron rockets.

The mission, named 'Running Out Of Fingers' in recognition of Rocket Lab's tenth launch, lifted off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex on New Zealand's Māhia Peninsula at 08:18 UTC, 6 December 2019.

The seven satellites on board were for commercial rideshare customers Alba Orbital and ALE (the latter of which was procured by Spaceflight) bringing the total number of small satellites deployed by Rocket Lab to 47, continuing the company's record of 100% mission success for customers. ALE's payload was deployed to a 400km circular orbit, before the Kick Stage's Curie engine reignited and dropped the stage to a circular 385km orbit for deployment of Alba Orbital's payloads.

Rocket Lab also successfully completed a guided re-entry of the Electron vehicle's first stage as part of the company's plans to make Electron a reusable rocket. The stage made it back to sea-level intact following a guided descent. As part of a block upgrade, Electron's first stage for this mission included guidance and navigation hardware, including S-band telemetry and onboard flight computer systems, to gather data during the first stage's atmospheric re-entry. The stage was also equipped with a reaction control system to orient the booster during its re-entry descent.

The RCS system successfully oriented the first stage 180-degrees for its descent, and it remained dynamically stable for the re-entry, keeping the correct angle of attack. The stage was successfully slowed to less than 900 km per hour by the time it reached sea-level and disintegrated as planned on impact.

Rocket Lab will continue to work through the recovery data ahead of a full recovery attempt next year that will see parachutes deployed from Electron's first stage to enable a soft water landing.  

"Not only is this tenth mission a significant milestone launch for us, but our first guided stage re-entry was a complete success. The stage made it through the harsh re-entry environment intact, which is an outstanding result for a first test of our recovery systems. It's a huge testament to the relentless drive and commitment of our team that we've reached ten flights in just our second year of commercial launches," says Rocket Lab CEO and founder, Peter Beck.

"As we close out another year of launches, we set our sights on a busy 2020 that will see us launch Electron from U.S. soil out of Launch Complex 2 for the first time, while continuing to grow the launch cadence out of Launch Complex 1"

Rocket Lab's next mission will take place within the first weeks of 2020 from Launch Complex 1.

ЦитироватьRocket Lab Debuts Fully Autonomous Flight Termination System

Rocket Lab demonstrated the system on the company's recent 10th Electron launch in a move that will enable a higher launch cadence and deliver responsive launch capability

Huntington Beach, California. 9 December 2019 – Rocket Lab, the global leader in dedicated small satellite launch, has flown a fully Autonomous Flight Termination System (AFTS) for the first time on an Electron launch vehicle. The AFTS flown on the company's most recent mission, 'Running Out Of Fingers', makes Rocket Lab one of only three U.S. launch companies to fly with an autonomous system.

AFTS is a GPS-aided, computer-controlled system designed to terminate an off-nominal flight, replacing traditional human-in-the-loop monitoring systems. AFTS is crucial to increasing launch frequency and providing responsive launch capability, while maintaining the highest industry safety standards. It reduces the turnaround time between missions and provides greater schedule control by eliminating reliance on ground-assets and human flight termination operators.

'Running Out Of Fingers' hosted the first fully autonomous system on Electron. The launch followed four 'shadow' flights where the AFTS unit was flown on the vehicle for testing while traditional ground-based flight termination infrastructure remained in place. With the first fully autonomous mission now complete, all future Electron missions fr om Launch Complexes 1 and 2 will fly with the AFTS.

"The AFTS is yet another way Rocket Lab is innovating to increase the pace of launch and support responsive launch capability for small satellites," said Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Peter Beck. "As we move to an autonomous system, I'd like to thank the dedicated teams from White Sands Missile Range and Alaska Aerospace Corporation, who have provided ground-based flight termination system support for Electron missions since our first launch in 2017. Their support has ensured the safety of every Electron mission and they have contributed to our record of mission success for customers."

Naomi Altman, Rocket Lab's Avionics Manager and Project Lead for the AFTS program, added "I'm immensely proud of the team here at Rocket Lab that has made AFTS on Electron a reality. For AFTS to be part of Electron's 10th launch was the cherry on top of a monumental year for the whole team. Reaching this milestone is also testament to the ongoing support of government agencies and contractors who worked closely with us to bring the AFTS online."

About Flight Termination Systems:

Flight termination systems are a vital part of launch operations. Traditionally, flight termination infrastructure is a ground-based system that involves a human making the decision to terminate a mission in the event of a launch vehicle straying from a pre-determined flight path. By contrast, the AFTS is an independent, self-contained subsystem mounted on-board the Electron launch vehicle. It eliminates the need for a ground-based infrastructure by moving the flight termination function to the launch vehicle.

The system makes flight termination decisions autonomously by using redundant computers that track the launch vehicle using Global Positioning System and on-board sensors, combined with configurable software-based rules, that identify wh ere the rocket can safely fly. If a rocket goes off course the AFTS will issue a command to terminate the flight by shutting down the engines. The AFTS also delivers faster response times and improved monitoring as launch vehicle travels downrange, providing over-the-horizon tracking capabilities that are not limited by line-of-sight tracking such as that required by ground-based instrumentation at the launch site.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg) Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 18 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1206415019866386433)

Sweet new merch in the store now! https://shop.rocketlabusa.com/products/gold-mission-success-coin-dedicated-mission ... (https://t.co/44IDwCx4qA)

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8 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1206417431549239296)

These actually exist!

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Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/184973.jpg) Brendan Gully‏ @brendan_gully (https://twitter.com/brendan_gully) 4 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/brendan_gully/status/1207470795384971264)

Last #RunningOutOfFingers (https://twitter.com/hashtag/RunningOutOfFingers?src=hash) post I swear! @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab)'s   Electron rocket blasting off from Mahia Peninsula, 6 December 2019. Congrats to the team and enjoy a well deserved Xmas break, looking forward to more launches in the New Year!

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ЦитироватьМетеоритный спутник сломался на орбите - шоу не будет
В 2020 году шоу не будет. Ждать его теперь придется до 2023 года, хотя компания ALE (Astro Live Experiences) из Токио отправила начиненный специальными гранулами спутник ALE-2 на орбиту Земли в декабре 2019 года.
Весит спутник для создания искусственного метеоритного дождя 75 килограммов и заполнен 400 сферами диаметром 1 сантиметр. Гранулы, состав которых не разглашается, способны гореть яркими цветами, проходя через атмосферу Земли. Но ALE-2 не сможет выпустить их, заявили в компании.
Тестирование и анализ показали, что «устройство для выпуска гранул не работает должным образом и не возвращается в исходное положение». Это означает, что запуск искусственного метеорного потока невозможен.
В космическом вакууме сила трения выше, чем на Земле, материалы легче слипаются, объяснили в компании ALE. При создании спутника ALE-3, запуск которого запланирован на конец 2022 года, инженеры учтут этот фактор: «Мы обязательно добьемся успеха в следующий раз!», — говорит генеральный директор ALE Лена Окаджима.
Изначально планировалось, что искусственный метеоритный дождь украсит небо перенесенной Олимпиады 2020 года, которая должна была пройти в Токио.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29726.jpg) Joseph Remis @jremis 33 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/jremis/status/1320040942959796232)

Obj. 44829 FOSSASAT-1 decay prediction: October 30, 2020 UTC 00h08mn ± 34h.

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