UAE successfully launches its first interplanetary mission to Mars

The United Arab Emirates has successfully launched its first interplanetary mission. This morning, Al Amal, or the Hope Probe, took off from Japan at 6:58 am Monday 20th July (local time), and is currently headed towards Mars.Continue ReadingCategory: … Continue reading UAE successfully launches its first interplanetary mission to Mars

Blow Dryers And Metal Shears: Hacks of Early Falcon 9 Flights

Orbiting over our heads right now are two human beings who flew to the International Space Station in a SpaceX Crew Dragon vehicle on top of a Falcon 9. The majority of coverage focused on the years since human spaceflight last launched from Florida, but [Eric Berger] at Ars Technica …read more

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ESA’s Prometheus to usher in cheaper, reusable next-gen rocket engines

Constructed using 3D printing technology, the Prometheus is a liquid-fueled rocket engine demonstrator that is intended as the model for the next generation of potentially reusable propulsion systems suitable for a wide variety of launch vehicles. Bein… Continue reading ESA’s Prometheus to usher in cheaper, reusable next-gen rocket engines

BAE Systems adapts rocket to provide soldiers with their own air support

BAE Systems has successfully tested a tactical ground-based version of its Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guided rocket. Designed to allow ground combat units to engage distant targets without air support, the rockets were fired fr… Continue reading BAE Systems adapts rocket to provide soldiers with their own air support

World-first “impossible” rotating detonation engine fires up

A Florida team working with the US Air Force claims that it’s built and tested an experimental model of a rotating detonation rocket engine, which uses spinning explosions inside a ring channel to create super-efficient thrust.Continue ReadingCategory:… Continue reading World-first “impossible” rotating detonation engine fires up

Hackaday Links: April 19, 2020

While the COVID-19 pandemic at least seems to be on a downward track, the dystopian aspects of the response to the disease appear to be on the rise. As if there weren’t enough busybodies and bluenoses shaming their neighbors for real or imagined quarantine violations on social media, now we …read more

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Rocket Lab uses a helicopter to catch its booster in mid-air

Recovering rockets for re-use is becoming a key consideration for those in the private spaceflight game, with the likes of SpaceX and Blue Origin leading the charge. Rocket Lab is looking to join the party by collecting the first stage of its Electron … Continue reading Rocket Lab uses a helicopter to catch its booster in mid-air