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| Image credit: Arianespace |
Launch of MTG-I2
Arianespace launched an Ariane 6 rocket from Kourou in French Guiana at 2011 UTC, or 1711 local time (GFT). This was carrying MTG-I2, also known as Meteosat-14, a geostationary weather imaging satellite operated by EUMETSAT. This completes the organisation's Meteosat Third Generation constellation. This was the 9th flight of the Ariane 6, which flew in its 62 configuration, meaning it had two strap-on boosters. It was also the first Ariane 6 to deliver a payload to geostationary orbit. [Source: Arianespace]
First Batch of European Launcher Challenge Funding Awarded
The European Space Agency (ESA) has signed the first three contracts as part of its European Launcher Challenge programme, which aims to help fund the development of private launch vehicles. They have awarded €186.9 million to Rocket Factory Augsberg (RFA) to continue development of their RFA One rocket, €158.9 million to PLD Space to continue development of their Miura 5 rocket, and €197.8 million to Isar Aerospace to continue development of their Spectrum rocket. These awards are mainly funded by Germany and Spain, with the United Kingdom, Norway, and Austria also making contributions. A fourth contract is expected soon, which will award funding to ArianeGroup subsidiary MaiaSpace to continue development of their Maia rocket. [Source: ESA]
International Space Station Activities
NASA published their daily blog post on the crew's activities aboard the International Space Station. The Cygnus cargo spacecraft, berthed to the Unity module, fired its thrusters for 20 minutes and 43 seconds to raise the station's perigee by 2.6 miles. The astronauts spent their day preparing for Tuesday's spacewalk and carrying out routine research and maintenance. [Source: NASA]
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