The Space Race - Weekly Roundup Aug 27th

Author

Juan Fernández
August 27, 2024

Hi, space fans! 

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Space Race Weekly Roundup.

🚀 Polaris Dawn Delayed

The launch of SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission has been postponed. Initially set for today, August 27th, it’s now rescheduled for tomorrow, August 28th due to a helium leak in the Quick Disconnect umbilical. This mission aims to make history with the first-ever private spacewalk and the highest Earth orbit since Apollo.

👨‍🚀 SpaceX to Bring “Stranded” Astronauts Home in February

NASA has decided to bring astronauts Wilmore and Williams home aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon in February, opting for safety amid concerns with the troubled Boeing Starliner. This decision underscores NASA's cautious approach to astronaut safety.

🌌 Blue Origin Schedules New Shepard's Return

After completing a parachute investigation, Blue Origin is set to launch its next New Shepard flight on Thursday, August 29th. This mission marks a return to action after a year-long hiatus and could restore confidence in their suborbital tourism plans.

👉 Blue Origin sets date for next New Shepard flight after completing parachute investigation

📡 Axiom and Nokia Unite for Lunar Communications

Axiom Space and Nokia have partnered to develop high-speed wireless communication systems for future spacesuits. This collaboration aims to enhance astronaut safety and efficiency during lunar missions, a crucial step for sustainable lunar exploration.

👉 Axiom Space and Nokia partner to develop high-speed wireless communications for spacesuits

🛰️ Astroscale Secures Contract for Debris Removal Mission

Astroscale has finalized a contract with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for a groundbreaking debris removal mission. This mission will target a large abandoned upper stage, grapple it and then lower its orbit for disposal.

👉 Astroscale finalizes contract for Japanese debris removal mission

🌕 Italy’s Lunar Habitat Details Unveiled

Thales Alenia Space shares details on the ambitious lunar habitat plans. The habitat, designed to support long-term human presence on the Moon, will feature advanced life support systems, radiation protection, and sustainable energy solutions. The project aims to facilitate continuous human exploration and scientific research, with a focus on modularity to expand as missions evolve.

👉 Thales program manager shares Italian lunar habitat details

💧 China's Innovative Method for Lunar Water Production

Chinese researchers have proposed a new method for extracting water from the Moon’s regolith. This groundbreaking strategy could play a vital role in supporting future lunar missions and long-term human presence on the Moon.

👉 Chinese researchers devise new strategy for producing water on the Moon

🚧 RFA Identifies Cause of Turbopump Failure

Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) has identified a turbopump issue as the cause of the recent RFA One test failure. The company is now focused on resolving the problem to ensure the success of future launches.

👉 RFA identifies turbopump as the cause for RFA One test failure

📹 Our latest videos

In case you missed them, here are the latest videos we've published on our YouTube channel

🚀 Upcoming Rocket Launches

Mark your calendars! Here are the upcoming rocket launches scheduled for the week…and what a week!

  1. Wednesday, August 28th: Polaris Dawn Mission (SpaceX, USA) - Starlink 6-10 mission

  2. Wednesday, August 28th: Falcon 9 (SpaceX, USA) - Starlink 8-6 mission

  3. Wednesday, August 28th: Falcon 9 (SpaceX, USA) - Starlink 9-5 mission

  4. Thursday, August 29th: Ceres-1S (Galactic Energy, Sea Launch) - Unknown Payload

  5. Thursday, August 29th: New Shepard (Blue Origin, USA) - NS-26

  6. Friday, August 30th: Falcon 9 Block 5 (SpaceX, USA) - NROL-113

  7. Saturday, August 31st: Falcon 9 Block 5 (SpaceX, USA) - Starlink Group 8-10

And that’s all for this week! Stay tuned for more updates :)

Juan from The Space Race team