Latest Space launches News

Pakistan test-fires a new rocket system developed by its military, the army says

May. 15, 2024 07:06 AM EDT

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan’s military said it successfully test-fired Wednesday a short-range, indigenously developed rocket system meant to boost its ability to deter any offensive action from archenemy and neighbor India. According to a military statement, the Fatah-II Guided...

Book Review: 'Challenger' is definitive account of shuttle disaster and missteps that led to tragedy

May. 13, 2024 11:33 AM EDT

When the Challenger space shuttle exploded a little over a minute after its launch in 1986, it pierced the dreams of millions about who watched the tragedy unfold live on television. It also eventually exposed the weaknesses of a space program that had been revered by many. In...

North Korean leader Kim supervises latest test of new multiple rocket launcher

May. 10, 2024 22:21 PM EDT

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised another test firing of a new multiple rocket launch system the country plans to deploy to its forces starting this year, state media said Saturday, part of its move to bolster its lineup of weapons targeting South Korean...

Boeing calls off its first astronaut launch because of valve issue on rocket

May. 07, 2024 01:45 AM EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Boeing called off its first astronaut launch because of a valve problem on the rocket Monday night. The two NASA test pilots had just strapped into Boeing’s Starliner capsule for a flight to the International Space Station when the countdown was...

China sends a probe to get samples from the less-explored far side of the moon

May. 03, 2024 09:12 AM EDT

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — China on Friday launched a lunar probe to land on the far side of the moon and return with samples that could provide insights into differences between the less-explored region and the better-known near side. It is the latest advance in China’s increasingly...

Today in History: April 28, Muhammad Ali stripped of heavyweight title

Apr. 28, 2024 00:02 AM EDT

Today in History Today is Sunday, April 28, the 119th day of 2024. There are 247 days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: On April 28, 1967, heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali was stripped of his title after he refused to be...

Japan announces plans to launch upgraded observation satellites on new flagship rocket's 3rd flight

Apr. 26, 2024 04:45 AM EDT

TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s space agency announced Friday a plan to launch a major upgrade to its satellite imaging system, as a new flagship rocket is put to the test for a third time. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency that an H3 rocket will be launched from the Tanegashima Space...

AP Week in Pictures: Asia

Apr. 25, 2024 22:46 PM EDT

April 19-25, 2024 People cast votes in the first round of polling for India’s national election. A Long March rocket carrying a crew of Chinese astronauts in a Shenzhou-18 spaceship lifts off at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. Military cadets attend an Anzac Day dawn service...

China launches 3-member crew to its space station as it seeks to put astronauts on the moon by 2030

Apr. 25, 2024 09:28 AM EDT

JIUQUAN SATELLITE LAUNCH CENTER, China (AP) — China launched a three-member crew to its orbiting space station on Thursday as part of its ambitious program that aims to put astronauts on the moon by 2030. The Shenzhou-18 spacecraft lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch...

China launches a three-member Shenzhou-18 crew to its space station

Apr. 25, 2024 09:03 AM EDT
JIUQUAN SATELLITE LAUNCH CENTER, China (AP) — China launches a three-member Shenzhou-18 crew to its space station.