Topic: Orbital Sciences Corporation

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Beyond SpaceX: Five companies seeking to change space travel

During the past 10 years, Presidents George W. Bush and Obama have directed NASA to turn the job of transporting cargo and crew to the space station over to the private sector. As that process gathers pace, here is a list of the key players.
The 9 weirdest things ever flown on the Space Shuttle

When NASA's space shuttles launch into orbit, they don't just carry astronauts and supplies into the final frontier. There's a lot of other weird stuff that makes the out-of-this-world journey, too. Here nine recent space oddities carried into orbit on NASA shuttles.

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NASA: SpaceX docking ranks near top of space-age 'firsts' (+video)

The successful docking of the SpaceX Dragon capsule with the International Space Station Friday is a landmark moment in opening space to wider use, NASA officials say.
SpaceX flyby of space station an historic first

The SpaceX Dragon capsule successfully made its first burn to approach the space station at 3:58 a.m Thursday. It was the final test before the SpaceX capsule docks at the ISS.
Beyond SpaceX: Five companies seeking to change space travel

During the past 10 years, Presidents George W. Bush and Obama have directed NASA to turn the job of transporting cargo and crew to the space station over to the private sector. As that process gathers pace, here is a list of the key players.
SpaceX software hangup delays first private launch to space station

SpaceX has announced that it is delaying its scheduled May 7 launch of the first launch of a commercial rocket to the International Space Station so that they can continue to test the software for the space capsule's docking mechanism.
All systems go for 'historic' SpaceX launch this month

NASA and SpaceX, the private aerospace firm that is seeking a contract to replace the space shuttle, met Monday in anticipation of a crucial space-station test run April 30.
Janice Voss, shuttle astronaut, remembered for NASA contributions

Janice Voss began her NASA career while still a student at Purdue University. Janice Voss was one of six women to fly at least five times on the space shuttle.
Stratolaunch plane could make space tourism affordable

Stratolaunch plane, an enormous aircraft, will be a flying launchpad for space flights. Could this Stratolaunch plane turn extraterrestrial tourism into an everyday affair?
Pentagon loses contact with unmanned glider moving at Mach 20

The Pentagon tested its hypersonic Falcon HTV-2 vehicle Thursday, losing contact with the craft as it hurtled over the Pacific Ocean.
With Atlantis landing, an era ends. Are private space firms ready for duty?

The Atlantis landing just before 6 a.m. Thursday marks the end of the US space shuttle program – and the transition to private firms as the cargo carriers to space. Perhaps they'll ferry people, too.
The 9 weirdest things ever flown on the Space Shuttle

When NASA's space shuttles launch into orbit, they don't just carry astronauts and supplies into the final frontier. There's a lot of other weird stuff that makes the out-of-this-world journey, too. Here nine recent space oddities carried into orbit on NASA shuttles.
Space shuttle Endeavour on terra firma, ending 19 years as orbiter

A flawless predawn landing on Wednesday capped the penultimate flight of the US space shuttle program. With Endeavor's mission over, Atlantis is already on the launch pad.
An inglorious end for NASA's Glory satellite

When NASA's Glory satellite failed to reach orbit, it was a blow to US climate research. It's also raising questions about President Obama's new direction for the human-spaceflight program.
Space Shuttle Endeavour launch held up by space traffic jam

Endeavour is scheduled to launch a day later than previously planned on its visit to the International Space Station, to make room for an unmanned cargo ship.
Zombie satellite still careening through space

Zombie satellite, frustrating scientists, continues drifting through space, but could possibly collide with other satellites.
SpaceX launch: Falcon 9 powers into orbit

Falcon 9 roared up Friday afternoon from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The SpaceX launch means that prospects for the Obama administration’s space-lift plans may have soared upward as well.
Six private enterprises that could launch humans into orbit

Private spaceflight is entering a new era with the first test launch of the new Falcon 9 rocket Friday. Here are six companies vying to build a vessel that will carry civilians into space.
First test launch for new private rocket

The new Falcon 9 rocket has cleared its final hurdle and is on track to blast off from Cape Canaveral.
New privately-owned rocket, the Falcon 9, poised for first launch

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket could eventually be modified to carry people to space.
Privately owned rocket ready for maiden voyage

The Falcon 9 rocket, built by Space Exploration Technologies, could make its first test as soon as May 28. It could be modified to carry people into orbit, company officials said.
'Zombie' satellite runs amok in Earth's orbit

The out-of-control communications satellite Galaxy 15 is drifting into orbits occupied by other spacecraft.
Satellite goes rogue, threatens other spacecraft

An adrift Intelsat satellite that went silent last month could collide with other satellites in its path, officials say.
NASA: Funding for Orion abort system runs out

Funding for NASA's Orion crew capsule's escape system has dried up, according to industry sources.
Obama NASA plan: Mars shot as next generation's Apollo mission

According to President Obama, NASA needs a goal beyond the space station and the moon for human spaceflight to inspire the nation as the Apollo mission did. He has chosen Mars.
Satellite’s loss a setback for study of greenhouse emissions

A NASA satellite designed to study carbon emissions is sleeping with the fishes somewhere off Antarctica.
Internet millionaire takes aim at Mars

PayPal cofounder Elon Musk’s latest enterprise just launched the first privately built liquid-fueled rocket into orbit around the Earth.