Andrew Jones, Author at SpaceNews - Page 5 of 78

Image of the moon's far side with the Earth visible in the background against the blackness of space, captured by the 2014 Chang’e-5 T1 mission. The lunar surface appears gray and cratered, highlighting the rugged terrain of the moon.

Civil

China invites bids for lunar satellite to support crewed moon landing missions

by Andrew Jones February 14, 2025February 14, 2025

A Long March 8A rocket lifts off from Wenchang Satellite Launch Center, producing bright flames and thick smoke. The rocket is surrounded by four lightning towers, with a launch pad structure partially visible in the background. The sky appears overcast, adding contrast to the fiery exhaust plume.

First launch of Long March 8A sends second group of Guowang megaconstellation satellites into orbit

by Andrew Jones February 11, 2025February 12, 2025

Image captured by Pakistan's iCube-Q CubeSat aboard China's Chang'e-6 mission, showing a crescent moon on the left and the Sun shining brightly on the right, with lens flares and scattered light effects.

Civil

Pakistan rover to fly on China’s Chang’e-8 lunar south pole mission

by Andrew Jones February 10, 2025February 10, 2025

A Long March 6A rocket climbs above the launch tower at Taiyuan amid plumes of exhaust and a blue sky backdrop.

Chinese constellation operator Spacesail signs agreement with Measat of Malaysia

by Andrew Jones February 7, 2025February 7, 2025

News

China to launch 2 new space station cargo spacecraft on commercial rockets in 2025

by Andrew Jones February 4, 2025February 4, 2025

Japan launches Michibiki 6 navigation satellite with fifth H3 rocket

by Andrew Jones February 2, 2025February 2, 2025

Sand blows off a desert landing pad as a Nebula-1 first stage makes a powered descent from clear blue skies towards a landing pad.

Chinese provinces are fueling the country’s commercial space expansion

by Andrew Jones January 31, 2025January 31, 2025

An Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) lifts off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at night, carrying the NVS-02 navigation satellite. Bright flames and thick plumes of smoke erupt from the rocket’s engines, illuminating the launch pad against the dark sky. The towering metal launch infrastructure and support structures are visible, framing the ascending vehicle.

India’s first launch of 2025 sends NVS-02 navigation satellite into orbit

by Andrew Jones January 29, 2025January 29, 2025

Artistic rendering of the Black Bird-1 rocket (Xuanniao-1) in space, showcasing its sleek stainless steel body, aerodynamic design, and methane-liquid oxygen engine plume against the backdrop of Earth and the moon.

Chinese launch startup secures early funding for fully reusable rocket plan

by Andrew Jones January 27, 2025January 27, 2025

Artistic render of China's Chang'e-8 lunar lander on the moon's surface, featuring a gold-colored lander with extended solar panels under a starry lunar sky, illuminated by the Sun.

Civil

China embraces commercial participation in moon mission for the first time

by Andrew Jones January 27, 2025January 27, 2025