Launch | Common News Update

Jan122019 by adminNo Comments

SpaceX launch completes Iridium satellite refresh

Ten spacecraft have launched from California to complete the $ 3bn refurbishment of the original satellite phone system, Iridium. A SpaceX Falcon rocket carried the platforms aloft. They will go live in the network in the coming weeks.The original Iridium constellation was put up in the late 90s to link calls to any location on the planet. This function will continue, but the new satellites carry some add-ons to support additional services.One is monitoring technology to surveil the movements of planes.The UK's air traffic management company, NATS, and its Canadian equivalent, NAV CANADA, plan to use the new capability to transform the routing of aircraft across the North Atlantic. Media playback is ...

Dec122018 by adminNo Comments

West Ham United launch investigation into ‘theft’ as Reece Oxford allegedly has watch stolen at academy headquarters

Sports

heartbroken The teenager's camp are convinced there is a plot to force him out the club West Ham have launched an investigation into an alleged theft that took place at their Chadwell Heath academy headquarters. Reece Oxford, the teenage midfielder, is claimed to have been left heartbroken after a treasured watch of his was stolen from the changing rooms, according to the Mirror. The watch was given to Oxford as a birthday present West Ham have begun investigating the matter, and the police have been called in to also look into the incident which is reported to have occurred last Friday. “The club is aware of an allegation of theft at our Academy headquarters in Chadwell Heath,” a club statement read. “We are treating the ma...

Dec92018 by adminNo Comments

ULA scrubs second spy satellite launch attempt 7 seconds before liftoff

Science

Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Another day, another scrub. United Launch Alliance once again called off the launch of its Delta 4-Heavy rocket, this time with just 7 seconds to go on the countdown. In an update, ULA said they called off the launch due to an "unexpected condition during terminal count." The mission delay marks the second scrubbed launch in as many days. The company's most powerful rocket was originally scheduled to carry a spy satellite into space on Friday, but a communications error forced ULA to delay the liftoff until Saturday evening. ULA hasn't yet announced when attempt three will take place. During Friday's preflight checks, engineers discovered a "redundant communication link between the control center and the launch site," according to a statement released by ULA. The rocket's...

Dec82018 by adminNo Comments

Watch live: United Launch Alliance to launch spy satellite after 24-hour delay

Science

Dec. 8 (UPI) -- United Launch Alliance is preparing once more to launch its Delta 4-Heavy rocket. The company's most powerful rocket was scheduled to carry a spy satellite into space on Friday, but a communications error forced ULA to delay the liftoff until Saturday evening. During preflight checks, engineers discovered a "redundant communication link between the control center and the launch site," according to a statement released by ULA. Saturday's launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California is scheduled for 11:06 p.m. EST, 8:19 p.m. PST. "Weather has improved! We are at 70% chance of favorable launch weather for tonight's #NROL71 launch," ULA announced on Twitter. ULA will stream a live broadcast of Saturday's launch. The payload for Saturday evening's flight belongs to the ...

Dec82018 by adminNo Comments

ULA scrubs spy satellite launch scrubbed, to try again Saturday

Science

Dec. 7 (UPI) -- United Launch Alliance was forced to scrub its Delta 4-Heavy rocket launch as a result of a communications error. Prior to liftoff, engineers discovered a "redundant communication link between the control center and the launch site," according to a statement released by ULA. The company's most powerful rocket was scheduled to carry a spy satellite into space on Friday, but the mission has been delayed until Saturday evening. Liftoff from California's Vandenberg Air Force Base is scheduled for 11:06 p.m. ET, 8:19 p.m. local time. "The forecast shows a 60 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch," ULA announced on its blog. ULA will stream a live broadcast of Saturday's launch. The satellite belongs to the National Reconnaissance Office, of the U.S. governm...