Civil aerospace news and insights from Forecast International
The legacy of the Delta program stretches back six decades, but on April 9th, 2024, a chapter in spaceflight came to a close. United Launch Alliance (ULA) launched the final …
Final Launch of Delta Heavy; The Era of Vulcan Fast Approaches Read More
As exciting as the first landing on the moon was in 1969, another piece of excitement awaited those on Earth with the Apollo 15 mission in 1971. It was that …
A Lunar Rover History and its Future Read More
The Cygnus resupply vehicle is set to launch on a Falcon 9 rocket to the International Space Station (ISS) for the first time. Antares, the rocket previously used for Cygnus …
The Flexibility of Rockets: Cygnus Ready for a New Ride Read More
The launch of Yuri Gagarin in 1961 ushered in human spaceflight thus bringing science-fiction to reality. Perhaps almost as groundbreaking was the launch of Dennis Tito in 2001 on …
Space Tourism Then and Now Read More
The Vulcan rocket, a new launch vehicle in the United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) fleet, had its first launch on January 8. The launch vehicle performed nominally; however, Astrobotic Technology’s Peregrine …
Vulcan Soars on Inaugural Flight, Peregrine’s Moon Mission in Doubt Read More
A very interesting panel discussion was had at the Space Tech Expo Europe regarding European launch capability on November 14. The major players and some which are not so well-known …
Europe Needs Launch Capability Read More
The failure of Vega C in December 2022 has resulted in the return of the ancestor Vega. Although not unheard of, generally speaking, launch vehicles tend to technologically progress rather …
Out with the New, in with the Old; Vega replaces Vega C in the Short Term Read More
The Ariane and Vega programs are Avio’s bread and butter. While the company does some work on missile propulsion systems, space systems are where Avio has established its niche. The …
Avio Orders Remain Robust Despite Near Term Setbacks Read More
On Tuesday September 19, a Falcon 9 first stage launched for the 17th time. This feat set a record for reusability in spaceflight. As the industry pursues reusability, in part …
Falcon 9 First Stage Launches for the 17th Time Read More Originally planned for a 2023 inaugural launch, Ariane 6 will now likely launch in 2024, according to the European Space Agency (ESA). The delay is reportedly due to some software …
Ariane 6 First Launch Slated for 2024; Europe Without a Rocket Read More