Aerospace

Is China’s mysterious space plane about to return to Earth?

Airbus has confirmed that it will work with France, Germany, and Spain to build the Future Combat Air System (FCAS).

The mysterious Chinese spacecraft’s most recent orbital mission may be coming to an end. According to astronomer and satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, the hidden vehicle, which was launched into Earth orbit on August 4, ejected something on Oct.31.

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According to McDowell of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, the recently released object “may be a service module, possibly indicating an upcoming deorbit burn.” McDowell made this statement on Twitter on Monday.

The Chinese spaceplane launched on Aug 4 was in a 597 x 608 km x 50.0 deg orbit as of Oct 31; at around 1200 UTC it ejected an object (52418) that may be a service module, possibly indicating an upcoming deorbit burn
— Jonathan McDowell (@planet4589) November 1, 2022
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“Small companion satellites called “Banxing” were previously launched by Chinese crew capsules for surveillance purposes. It might also serve as a trial for placing tiny satellite payloads in orbit.”

Whatever the object is, if one previous data point is any indication, it will likely signal the mission’s impending end. The Chinese spacecraft has completed only one other orbital mission, a two-day excursion in September 2020 that came to an abrupt end following a similar ejection, as Jones pointed out.

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“Reusable and in-orbit service technology verification will be carried out as planned during the test spacecraft’s time in orbit before returning to the planned landing site in China to provide technical support for the peaceful use of space,” the statement reads.

The program’s sixth-ever mission took off on May 17, 2020, so the X-37B has been in the air for a while now. When the X-37B will land on Earth again is unknown.

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Aerospace

Boeing Transfers Rocket Stage to NASA, Paving Way for Human Moon Mission

Image:Boeing

Boeing has achieved a significant milestone by providing NASA with the second core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

This crucial component, crafted at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), is set to propel the Artemis II crew into lunar orbit, marking humanity’s return to deep space after a 50-year hiatus.

The monumental Boeing-built rocket stage, the largest element of the Artemis II mission, will embark on a journey aboard the Pegasus barge, traveling 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

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Upon arrival, it will be meticulously integrated with other essential Artemis II components, including the upper stage, solid rocket boosters, and NASA’s Orion spacecraft within the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. This intricate integration process is a vital step toward the eagerly anticipated Artemis II launch, slated for 2025.

“Boeing-built products helped land humankind on the moon in 1969, and we’re proud to continue that legacy through the Artemis generation,” remarked Dave Dutcher, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s SLS program. “Together, with NASA and our industry partners and suppliers, we are building the world’s most capable rocket and paving the way to deep space through America’s rocket factory in New Orleans.”

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The delivery of Core Stage 2 marks a significant achievement in the evolution of the SLS rocket. Towering over 200 feet and powered by four RS-25 engines, this core stage, coupled with two solid-fueled booster rockets, will generate a staggering 8.8 million pounds of thrust. This immense power is crucial to launching Artemis II and future missions into the vast expanse of space.

The SLS rocket stands unparalleled in its capability to transport both crew and substantial cargo to the moon and beyond in a single launch. Its extraordinary capacity will facilitate the delivery of human-rated spacecraft, habitats, and scientific missions to destinations including the moon and Mars, ushering in a new era of space exploration.