Civil aerospace news and insights from Forecast International
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 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 Moreby Bill Ostrove, Space Systems Analyst, Forecast International. With much fanfare, SpaceX successfully conducted a test launch of its Falcon Heavy rocket. The rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral at 3:45 …
Falcon Heavy Launches Successfully, but What Does the Future Hold for SpaceX’s Giant Rocket? Read Moreby Bill Ostrove, Space Systems Analyst, Forecast International. International Launch Services (ILS) recently announced that it will introduce a new Proton launch vehicle variant with a larger payload fairing – …
Launch Vehicle Flexibility Increasingly Important Read Moreby Bill Ostrove, Space Systems Analyst, Forecast International. On the morning of February 15, 2017, ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (designated PSLV-C37) launched the 714-kilogram Cartosat-2 Series Satellite and 103 …
PSLV Launch with 104 Payloads Opens New Opportunities for Small Satellites Read MoreBy Bill Ostrove, Space Systems Analyst, Forecast International. China has conducted a ground test of the Long March 5 (CZ-5) power system. The engines were fired for the final ground …
With Successful Rocket Motor Test, Long March 5 May Be Back on Track Read MoreBy Bill Ostrove, Space Systems Analyst, Forecast International. The European Space Agency on August 12 signed contracts for the development of a new launch vehicle designated Ariane 6, its launch …
ESA Awards Contractors $3.8 Billion for Launch Vehicle Development Work Read Moreby Bill Ostrove, Forecast International. The launch vehicle market continues to be dominated by a few select regions. Between 2011 and 2013, Russia, China, the United States, and Europe accounted …
Launch Vehicle Market Still Held by Major Powers, but New Contenders Emerge Read More