Latest news with #commercialspaceflight
CBC
2 days ago
- Business
- CBC
Nordspace to launch first rocket out of St. Lawrence in August
One small step for NordSpace is one giant leap for Newfoundland and Labrador — as the aerospace company plans to launch Canada's first commercial rocket to space from the town of St. Lawrence next month. Nordspace founder and CEO, Rahul Goel, said the launch will be a test of the company's single-engine rocket system — a 16-meter-long rocket created using 3D-printed metal. "The launch this summer will be a single-engine suborbital test flight, which will be about 30 seconds," Goel told CBC's Newfoundland Morning. Nordspace eyed the Newfoundland town of St. Lawrence because of its position in achieving the right orbital inclinations, Goel said. The company plans to build two launch pads, according to the town — one at Deep Cove and another along Lighthouse Road. Ahead of the launch, a road will be built in St. Lawrence, but Goel said most of the equipment will be brought in from the company's main facility in Ontario. "We're literally bringing our rocket, bringing our systems while the roads are being built, and it's quite a sight to see," he said. Goel said St. Lawrence will eventually be home to a spaceport complex. "It's going to eventually consist of about two launch pads and ground infrastructure like radar tracking, rocket and satellite communication systems and all of that," he said. The first test launch is scheduled to take place during the last week of August. While the rockets won't carry humans, they will carry payloads or small satellites into low orbit, between 500 and 1,000 kilometres into space. "We're very excited as individuals, and as a company, to deliver what we consider a national victory for Canada," Goel said.
Globe and Mail
02-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
KBR Supports Axiom Mission 4 Launch to International Space Station with Embedded Flight Controllers and Astronaut Training
HOUSTON, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KBR (NYSE: KBR) supported the successful launch and execution of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, marking a significant milestone in the company's expanding role in commercial spaceflight. KBR provided comprehensive International Space Station systems and medical training to the four Ax-4 crew members, enabling them to live and work aboard the space station during their two-week mission. This training represents the fourth private astronaut mission KBR has supported through its Reimbursable Space Act Agreements with NASA, using its experience and expertise from the Integrated Mission Operations Contract III (IMOC III) and Health and Human Performance Contract (HHPC). In a first for the company, KBR also embedded four flight controllers into Axiom Space's mission control center, providing real-time operational support throughout the mission. 'KBR is proud to continue supporting NASA and commercial partners as we push the boundaries of human space exploration,' said Mark Kavanaugh, KBR's President, Defense, Intel and Space. 'This milestone marks an exciting step forward that reflects both our growing footprint in the evolving private space sector and our reputation as a trusted partner in human spaceflight operations.' Ax-4 launched on June 25 and continues KBR's legacy of supporting private astronaut missions, following its contributions to Axiom Mission 1, Axiom Mission 2, and Axiom Mission 3. KBR has worked with every U.S. astronaut since 1968 – from training, health, mission and satellite operations to human spaceflight ground control and extravehicular support. About KBR We deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. KBR employs approximately 38,000 people worldwide with customers in more than 80 countries and operations in over 29 countries. KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long-term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results. At KBR, We Deliver. Visit Forward Looking Statements The statements in this press release that are not historical statements, including statements regarding future financial performance, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and assumptions, many of which are beyond the company's control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the statements. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, those set forth in the company's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, any subsequent Form 10-Qs and 8-Ks and other U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, which discuss some of the important risks, uncertainties and assumptions that the company has identified that may affect its business, results of operations and financial condition. Due to such risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Except as required by law, the company undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason. For further information, please contact: Investors Jamie DuBray Vice President, Investor Relations 713-753-5082 Investors@ Media Philip Ivy Vice President, Global Communications and Marketing 713-753-3800 MediaRelations@
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Axiom Mission 4 to liftoff from NASA's Kennedy Space Center: Follow launch from Florida
At long last, a group of four astronauts selected for a commercial spaceflight known as Axiom Mission 4 are on the cusp of finally heading to orbit. The latest SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to blast off from Florida's Space Coast will carry a crew led by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson for a two-week mission at the International Space Station. There, they will conduct dozens of science experiments before departing for a water landing off the coast of California. Axiom Space, headquartered in Houston, Texas, is the company behind the mission, which is its latest in a series of human spaceflights in partnership with both NASA and SpaceX – the commercial spaceflight company founded by billionaire Elon Musk. The mission, also known as Ax-4, represents the fourth time in about three years that a crew has ventured to the space station for a private research mission. But if you want to see the mission get off the ground, you'll have to either stay up pretty late or get up pretty early. Leak at the International Space Station: What to know after Axiom mission delayed Here's what to know about the upcoming launch, as well as how to follow along with live coverage from FLORIDA TODAY from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Axiom Mission 4, also known as Ax-4, is a commercial spaceflight venture that aims to send four private astronauts on a two-week trip to the International Space Station. Among the mission's crew are astronauts from India, Poland and Hungary who would be the first from their respective nations to ever reach the station. Under the command of former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, the crew members are due to undertake about 60 scientific experiments during their time aboard the orbital laboratory. The research was developed specifically to take place in microgravity on behalf of organizations around the world, according to Axiom Space. The Axiom missions are also aimed at advancing the company's goals of building a space station that will attach to the ISS before its planned 2030 retirement. The Axiom missions began in 2022, with the most recent, Axiom Mission 3, taking place in January 2024. The launch could happen as early as 2:31 a.m. ET Wednesday, June 24, 2025, from NASA's historic Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. The Ax-4 crew are due to ride a brand-new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft to orbit, which will get off the ground with the assistance of the company's two-stage Falcon 9 rocket. Axiom Space was originally working toward a May 29 launch before a slew of factors have delayed the mission multiple times, including bad weather, issues with the Falcon 9 rocket and a leak on the space station. Once the Dragon separates from the Falcon 9 following liftoff, the capsule will continue its independent journey to the orbital outpost, where it is expected to dock Thursday, June 26. Those watching from home will have plenty of options to catch a livestream of the spaceflight. FLORIDA TODAY, part of the USA TODAY Network, will also provide live coverage at Live updates will be available here. Here's a look at the four international astronauts that make up the Ax-4 crew: Commander , a former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space who previously commanded Ax-2 Pilot , an astronaut with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Mission specialist , a scientist and engineer from Poland who is part of the European Space Agency's reserve astronaut class Mission specialist , a mechanical engineer from Hungary The Ax-4 crew members and their Dragon spacecraft are expected to be docked at the space station for up to 14 days. Though their exact return date remains unclear, they would eventually depart the station on the Dragon for a water landing off the coast of California, where SpaceX has recently moved its recovery operations. Contributing: Brooke Edwards, FLORIDA TODAY Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@ This article originally appeared on Florida Today: SpaceX Axiom launch crew led by Peggy Whitson: How to watch in Florida
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
This rocket launch may be visible in Arizona: What time is SpaceX Falcon 9 liftoff?
SpaceX's regular launches from Southern California will continue with another orbital delivery of Starlink satellites – and Arizonans could have a chance to see it. The commercial spaceflight company founded by billionaire Elon Musk is planning to get another Falcon 9 rocket off the ground from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County. The two-stage 230-foot rocket, one of the world's most active, has become central in SpaceX's ongoing campaign to deploy internet-beaming Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. And fortunately for space enthusiasts in Arizona, the impending weekday launch, coming after Father's Day weekend, could be visible in parts of the state, as long as weather conditions are clear. But it's important to keep in mind that rocket launches can be — and often are — scrubbed or delayed due to any number of factors, including poor weather conditions or unexpected issues with spacecraft. Check back with for any updates on the rocket launch. Here's what to know about the launch from Southern California, as well as when and where to watch it in neighboring Arizona: California rocket launches: Here's a look at the upcoming schedule from Vandenberg A Federal Aviation Administration operations plan advisory indicates SpaceX is targeting the launch for as early as Tuesday, June 17, with backup opportunities Wednesday, June 18. However, multiple websites that track rocket launches suggest the launch window could open at 5:51 p.m. Monday, June 16. Neither Vandenberg Space Force Base nor SpaceX have officially confirmed the launch. The launch, using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to deliver the Starlink satellites, will take place from Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California. Most launches from Vandenberg fly at a south or southeast trajectory. Following the delivery and deployment of the satellites, the Falcon 9 rocket's booster will aim to land on a SpaceX drone ship, nicknamed "Of Course I Still Love You," in the Pacific Ocean. This allows for SpaceX personnel to recover the booster so it can be reused in future spaceflights. SpaceX will provide a livestream of the launch on its website beginning about five minutes before liftoff, along with updates on social media site X. Because of Arizona's proximity to the launch site, there's a good chance people there can see the spacecraft streak across the sky, especially at night or very early morning. Here's a list of some possible viewing locations compiled by The Arizona Republic, a USA TODAY Network publication. Dobbins Lookout, South Mountain, 10919 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, Arizona Papago Park, 625 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, Arizona Fountain Hills, a town in Maricopa County, Arizona, which in 2018 was designated a Dark Sky Community with little light pollution Superstition Mountains, located 40 miles from metro Phoenix in Arizona Cave Creek, a town in Maricopa County about 30 miles north of Fountain Hills, Arizona Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, 3400 Sky Harbor Blvd., Arizona, which has a parking garage that is popular for plane-watching Black Canyon City, an unincorporated community in Yavapai County, Arizona Any mountain park in Arizona , 14805 W. Vineyard Ave., Goodyear, Arizona , 2600 N. Watson Road, Buckeye, Arizona , 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell, Arizona , 6533 W. Phillips Road, Queen Creek, Arizona Monument Hill, a 150-foot slope on 115th Avenue, in Arizona Elon Musk, the world's richest man, founded SpaceX in 2002. The commercial spaceflight company is headquartered at Starbase in South Texas near the U.S.-Mexico border. The site, which is where SpaceX has been conducting routine flight tests of its 400-foot megarocket known as Starship, was recently voted by residents to become its own city. SpaceX conducts many of its own rocket launches, most using the Falcon 9 rocket, from both California and Florida. That includes a regular cadence of deliveries of Starlink internet satellites into orbit, and occasional privately funded commercial crewed missions on the Dragon. The most recent of SpaceX's private human spaceflights, a mission known as Fram2, took place in April. SpaceX was also famously involved in funding and operating the headline-grabbing Polaris Dawn crewed commercial mission in September 2024. SpaceX additionally benefits from billions of dollars in contracts from NASA and the Department of Defense by providing launch services for classified satellites and other payloads. Owned by SpaceX founder Elon Musk, Starlink is a constellation of more than 7,000 satellites that provide internet service to customers around the world. SpaceX has spent more than six years delivering the satellites to orbit with a regular cadence of rocket launches from both Florida and California. While most satellite internet services operate from single geostationary satellites orbiting Earth at about 22,236 miles, Starlink is a constellation of thousands of satellites that operate from a low-Earth orbit, about 341 miles up. That allows Starlink's satellites to have lower latency and data time between user and the satellite, improving performance of things like streaming, online gaming and video calls. Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@ This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: SpaceX rocket launch today: Falcon 9 may be visible in Arizona
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
ISS issues, technical setbacks delay historic Axiom-4 mission
The Brief Axiom-4's mission remains delayed due to weather, equipment issues, and an ongoing ISS leak. Experts urge patience and caution as global partners assess safety and future station plans. The uncertainty underscores growing challenges in the transition to commercial spaceflight. CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - A series of technical and international setbacks are continuing to delay the highly anticipated Axiom-4 mission, originally expected to mark a major milestone in private spaceflight. What we know The Axiom-4 mission, a significant private spaceflight effort, has faced repeated delays. Initial postponements stemmed from weather conditions and a liquid oxygen leak. Now, a leak in a Russian module aboard the International Space Station (ISS) is adding to the holdup, prompting further safety reviews and coordination among international partners. What we don't know There is no clear timeline for when Axiom-4 will launch, nor a definitive assessment of how long the Russian module repair will take. The potential impact of repeated delays on the crew, mission goals, and future private spaceflight schedules remains uncertain. It's also unclear how soon a viable replacement for the ISS could be operational if early deorbiting plans gain traction. The backstory The ISS has served as a hub for international space collaboration since the early 2000s. Axiom-4 is part of the broader trend of commercializing low-Earth orbit, with companies like Axiom Space aiming to build private stations. The delays highlight both the promise and complexity of transitioning from government-led to commercial space operations. What they're saying Russia's space agency, Roscosmos, is currently addressing a leak on one of its ISS modules, raising concerns about the station's readiness to accommodate the incoming Axiom-4 crew. "This isn't something that they do on a normal, regular basis," said Don Platt, of the Florida Institute of Technology. "They really need to sit back and first make sure that all sides are happy with a plan to move forward, and then it seems to be working and then take a little bit of time after they do a fix to, to see how well that actually works." The delays come as the future of the ISS itself becomes increasingly uncertain. The orbiting laboratory has been in service for nearly 30 years, and some — including SpaceX CEO Elon Musk — re calling for it to be deorbited as early as 2026, four years ahead of NASA's current timeline. But experts caution against acting too quickly. "We've got to have a replacement before we willy nilly decide. It's too old. Let's junk it," Platt added. "You know, it's kind of like, again, with your car, you got to have another car to go to work the next day than before." Companies like Axiom Space are developing next-generation commercial space stations, but those projects are still in the early stages of construction and testing. For now, Axiom-4's launch remains in limbo, as engineers and international partners work to resolve both Earth-bound and orbital obstacles. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by Axiom Space, NASA, and Don Platt, of the Florida Institute of Technology.
