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
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
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
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
Poland officially entered the space age on July 3rd, successfully breaching the Kármán line – the internationally recognized boundary of space at 100 kilometers altitude. The historic launch took place …
Poland Breaks Space Barrier with Eco-Friendly Rocket Read More
The H3 launch vehicle launched its second successful mission after a failed inaugural launch that resulted in the loss of the ALOS 3 spacecraft in 2023. With this launch, the …
H3 Launches its Second Successful Mission Read More
Ariane is poised for its first flight in July thus bringing Europe back to the medium-lift market. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and technical issues, the inaugural launch of Ariane 6 had …
Europe’s new Ariane 6 rocket set for July launch Read More