In Today’s Deep Space Extra… Chinese space industry figure says China’s new heavy-lift rocket for crewed missions to the Moon could launch as soon as 2026. James Webb Space Telescope continues being tested, with updates on launch date and status of encapsulation to possibly be announced today.
Human Space Exploration
China’s new rocket for crewed Moon missions to launch around 2026
SpaceNews.com (12/17): Long Lehao, a senior Chinese space industry figure and Long March launch vehicle designer, told state media CCTV December 10 that a new heavy-lift rocket designed to be capable of sending Chinese astronauts to the Moon could have its first flight in 2026. Long said that the kerosene-liquid oxygen rocket could be used to put Chinese astronauts on the Moon before 2030, which echoes the recent views of Ye Peijian, a senior official within China’s lunar program. Other required elements for crewed missions are also already in development. China tested a prototype new-generation crew capsule for missions beyond low Earth orbit in May 2020. The country is also known to be working on a lunar lander.
Military rescuers geared up for safe landing of Soyuz spacecraft carrying space tourists
TASS of Russia (12/16): Russian military recovery forces are gathering in Kazakhstan for the recovery of the Soyuz MS-20, which launched to the International Space Station (ISS) on December 8 with Japanese private astronauts Yusaku Maezawa, the CEO of Start Today, Ltd., and a wealthy Japanese e-commerce entrepreneur; Yozo Hirano, a Space Today film producer; and veteran Russian cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin. The trio is to depart the ISS on Sunday for a parachute assisted landing of the Soyuz spacecraft at 10:18 p.m. EST. (Editor’s note: TASS is a Russian government-owned news source).
Space Science
Webb telescope testing on tap Thursday before setting target launch date
Spaceflightnow.com (12/16): Experts from NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) may be able to report Friday on the status of plans to launch the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) following a communications issue that appeared after the observatory was lifted atop its Ariane 5 rocket last Saturday. Efforts to resolve the issue have been underway since. The launch was scheduled for no earlier than December 24 before the data dropouts were discovered.
Comet Leonard is approaching Venus
Spaceweather.com (12/16): In a bit of a surprise, comet Leonard has continued to brighten as it nears the planet Venus and is now reported by observers from around the world to be visible in the sky side by side with Venus under suitable viewing conditions after sunset.
NASA has 4 new Earth Science missions launching in 2022
Universe Today (12/16): NASA’s Earth Science 2022 new mission agenda includes TROPICS, EMIT, the Joint Polar Satellite System-2 and SWOT to improve global observations of evolving tropical storm development, the heating and cooling of mineral particles and sea water elevation. The new observers include satellites and sensors that will be positioned on the outside of the International Space Station (ISS).
Other news
Defense policy bill gives a budget boost to space programs
SpaceNews.com (12/16): Congressionally authorized this week, the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) approves a more than $645 million increase in Department of Defense (DoD) space programs than requested by the Biden administration. Of the $645.7 million boost, $548.7 million is for U.S. Space Force satellites and launch vehicle programs and includes $205.2 million for classified programs. Space funding in the NDAA also was increased for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Space Development Agency and the Missile Defense Agency.
Delayed again, Spaceport Camden faces possible injunction, referendum
The Current of Georgia (12/16): This week the FAA delayed until Monday a decision on granting Camden County in Georgia a spaceport license for operations on land once owned by Union Carbide. Some landowners have filed a petition seeking a referendum on the matter because of opposition based on environmental concerns.
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