Nasaspaceflight

In cooperation with France, China will launch the Chang’e 6 mission. The launch is planned for Friday, May 3, at 09:30 UTC, and the mission’s main goal is a regolith sample return from the surface of the Moon.

Using samples collected by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA) asteroid explorer Hayabusa2, scientists have found the effects of micrometeoroid bombardments on asteroid 162173 Ryugu. The team used a technique called electron holography to study the sample’s magnetic properties, to learn about the magnetic field in the early solar system, and how space weathering affected the asteroid’s surface. Space weathering is the name astronomers use to describe changes to the surface of planetary bodies without an atmosphere, such as the Moon, Mercury, or asteroids like Ryugu, caused by meteoroid impacts or other influences from space.

SpaceX has rolled out Ship 30 to complete its engine testing campaign and has completed Booster 13’s cryogenic proof testing. Meanwhile, upgrades and preparations continue ahead of Flight 4, which could happen by the end of May.

After years of anticipation, Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner capsule is ready to fly its first crew into space on the 100th flight of an Atlas V launch vehicle. Capping off Starliner’s test campaign, the Crew Flight Test (CFT) will send Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams on a trajectory to rendezvous with the International Space Station (ISS) where they will remain for about a week. Liftoff is currently scheduled for May 6 at 10:34 PM EDT (02:34 UTC May 7), with Starliner expected to return to Earth on May 15.

This week will see the maiden launches of two new spacecraft: Boeing’s crewed Starliner spacecraft and the first Chang Zheng 6C rocket from China. The launch of Starliner’s Crewed Flight Test (CFT) mission will be the first crewed launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station since the Apollo era, as well as the 100th overall mission for the United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket.

The space facilities around Cape Canaveral on Florida’s east coast are being prepared for a major ramp-up in flight activity over the coming months, years, and decades. This increase in spaceflight activity not only requires new launch pads and upgrades to processing facilities but also expanded factories and new additions to Port Canaveral. The port additions are to accommodate a new generation of reusable rocket stages beyond Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy.

For the second week, all eyes are on the forthcoming maiden crewed flight test (CFT) of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. The first attempt was stood down last Monday following concerns with a liquid oxygen relief valve on the Centaur second stage. The launch will be reattempted this Friday and will be the 100th overall mission for the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket, and the first time the vehicle has carried crew. This CFT mission will also be the first crewed launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station since the Apollo era.

SpaceX is gearing up for Flight 4. The start of full stack testing on Thursday…

The Hubble Space Telescope continues to operate to this day in part due to the work performed 15 years ago by the crew of STS-125. Dubbed Hubble Servicing Mission 4 (HSM 4), scientists knew this would be their final chance to use the space shuttle to visit and upgrade the orbiting laboratory.

Blue Origin is preparing to return to crewed flight with its New Shepard vehicle. The…