Civil aerospace news and insights from Forecast International
Sea Launch was a multinational company established in 1995 following Boeing’s research into launching satellites from a sea-based platform in international waters. Launching from the open sea mitigates any risk …
The Ghost Ship of Space: The Fate of Sea Launch Read More
SpaceX has secured two significant launch contracts from the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC) under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 program. These Launch Service Task …
SpaceX Lands Major Launch Contracts from U.S. Space Force Read More
Despite its size, Israel has a long history of launching satellites into orbit using its own domestically-developed Shavit rocket. While Israel may not be considered a major space power, it …
Behind the Scenes: Israel’s Space Program Read More
A Look at the World’s Leading PNT Constellations. Knowing where one is on the planet is something taken for granted nowadays thanks to the PNT (Positioning, Navigation and Timing) constellations …
Global Navigation Satellite Systems: A Modern Necessity Read More
Boeing’s Starliner has been in the news recently for undesirable reasons. Between helium leaks, issues with thrusters and stranded astronauts due to Starliner’s troubles, it seems Boeing is bearing the …
Boeing Starliner’s troubles illustrate difficulties inherent in space travel Read More
Marking the end of an era, the original Vega rocket made its final flight on September 4th. Avio’s Vega has been launching for over a decade and although the new …
Vega Launches for the Final Time; Vega C Takes Over Read More
Launched on a Falcon 9 on August 11, the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission is a military/commercial endeavor with a few “firsts” of note. The two ASBM satellites host various payloads …
Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission Launches with Historic Partnerships Read More
Between the CZ-5B and CZ-6A (Long March 5B and Long March 6A respectively), China has been in the news for less-than-desirable reasons. The latest, space debris from a CZ-6A upper …
China’s Rocket Woes Highlight Growing Space Debris Threat Read More
Airbus and Thales are reportedly exploring a merger of their satellite operations, according to the Financial Times and Reuters. This potential deal is seen as a pivotal moment for Europe’s …
Airbus and Thales Eye Satellite Merger Read More
The successful launch of Ariane 6 on 9 July, 2024 from Kourou, French Guiana has effectively brought Europe back to the table as a go-to launch provider. Originally, Arianespace had …
Ariane 6 Soars, Propels Europe Back into the Competitive Space Race Read More