Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

US Space Force Certifies Vulcan Centaur Rocket for National Security Missions

2025-03-27

The US Space Force has certified United Launch Alliance's (ULA) Vulcan Centaur rocket for national security missions, following a rigorous certification process involving two test launches in 2024. Despite a nozzle malfunction during the second test, the rocket successfully completed its mission, and corrective actions have been implemented. ULA plans to launch a dozen rockets this year, aiming for a launch cadence of two per month by year's end. This certification adds to the nation's space launch capabilities.

Boeing's Starliner Program: Over $2 Billion in Losses

2025-02-07

Boeing reported a $523 million loss on its CST-100 Starliner program in 2024, bringing the total losses to over $2 billion. The losses are attributed to schedule delays, increased testing and certification costs, and higher post-certification mission costs. While NASA reported progress on resolving issues from a previous test flight, key problems, including thruster malfunctions, remain unresolved. The timeline for Starliner's next flight, whether crewed or uncrewed, remains uncertain.

Astronomers Push for Global Ban on Ground-Visible Space Advertising

2025-01-26

The American Astronomical Society (AAS) is urging a global ban on space advertising visible from Earth, citing interference with ground-based astronomy. While the U.S. has a decades-old ban, concerns exist that other nations might launch such advertisements. The AAS calls for an international convention or treaty to prohibit this 'obtrusive space advertising,' citing the potential commercial allure. Past proposals involved satellites reflecting sunlight to display logos, but no such campaigns are currently underway. The AAS is pushing the U.S. delegation to the UN's Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) to advocate for this ban.