New data and video satellite, Intelsat 15, launched into orbit aboard Zenit 3SLB rocket.

On November 30th, a Zenit 3SLB launched the new Intelsat 15 data and communications satellite into orbit. It will reach an orbit as high as 22,300 miles above the earth.



A Zenit 3SLB blasts off from Kazakhstan Saturday morning, carrying the Intelsat 15 communications satellite to orbit.


The rocket launched from launch pad 45A at the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 3 A.M local time in Kazakhstan. General Manager Kjell Karlsen of Sea Launch said this, “I want to congratulate Intelsat and Orbital for a very successful mission. This is the 10th satellite we've orbited for Intelsat and we look forward to launching many more satellites for you in the future.”


Intelsat 15’s next step is to expand its power-generating solar arrays. In a couple weeks, it will deploy two 7.5 ft. antenna reflectors. Intel Sat will provide data and video communications for multiple regions, and its coverage stretches from North Africa to Siberia. The satellite will replace the Intelsat 709.



A graphic depicting the orbital insertion plan for the Zenit rocket’s burn to put Intelsat 15 into orbit.


Plans are already ahead for the launch of the Intelsat 18 in 2011 using the Land Launch system. This also marks the 3rd Intelsat launch within a month. The Norwegian Thor 6 launched on October 29th and the Intelsat 14 on the 23rd of November.

Attempt to free Mars rover Spirit, ends with a stall.

In the first step of a 2-step maneuver, Mars Exploration Rover Spirit's right rear wheel stalled once more as it attempted to become free on November 28th, 2009. This isn’t the first time that the wheel stalled, however it did stall more quickly. The stall also didn’t seem to be a factor of the terrain the wheel is in, but rotor resistance within the wheel’s internal actuator.



This blink comparison aids evaluation of a drive by NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit during the rover's 2,099th Martian day, or sol (Nov. 28, 2009).


Project Engineers will now be running diagnostics to check the health of the actuator and any potential terrain hazards before making another attempt to get the rover free. This was part of a series of attempts to free Spirit which began back on November 17th.


Spirit has been stuck in loose soil in an area known as Troy since May. The rover’s wheels are in loose soil with iron sulfate hidden underneath. The composition of the iron sulfate is not the greatest terrain for the rover to travel on as the wheels have much difficulty finding traction.



A screen shot from software used by the Mars Exploration Rover team for assessing movements by Spirit and Opportunity illustrates the degree to which Spirit's wheels have become embedded in soft material at the location called "Troy."


JPL has been using several test rovers, recreating Spirit’s predicament back here on Earth. This alone is a task in itself as compensating for the lower gravity of Mars and atmospheric pressure must be done as well.




Planning an escape for the Mars Exploration Rover, Spirit

The most advanced spy satellite of Japan was launched Saturday morning from the Yoshinobu space complex. The satellite was launched into polar orbit by a 2 stage launcher.



A 174-ft tall H2-A rocket carrying Japan's Gathering Satellite, launches from the Yoshinobu space complex Saturday morning.


The launch was not announced by JAXA and was very secretive. However, the country has acknowledged the launch, and declared it a success.

Along with 4 other orbiting craft which can use radar to monitor day and night weather, the new gathering satellite is fitted with a camera and telescope. It will be used for both defense and intelligence.



Although no technical data was released regarding the specifications of the satellite, here is an artist's representation as to what it may look like.


Recent events such as the North Korean missile test over Japanese territory back in April created a need for increased security, and quick detection of any future missile launches.



Saturday morning launch of an H2-A rocket carrying Japan's Gathering Satellite into orbit.