Iran space center 80% complete

Not to be left behind in the space race, Iran has almost completed its new space center. This will be used to launch satellites made by Iran and other Muslim nations.

The country´s defense minister has advised that the new space center is 80% complete.

Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi said on Saturday that the first space mission from this new facility will be the launch of Tolou (Dawn) satellite... read more.

SpaceX Falcon 9: Successful lift off to ISS

Today saw the successful launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule, on the way to resupply the international space station.

Digital Journal reported on May 19, 2012 that the previous attempt at lift off was a failure, due to the flight computer detecting slightly high combustion chamber pressure on engine 5, which prompted the computer to abort the countdown.

The second attempt was made early this morning and the launch was successful. Half a ton of provisions is now on the way to the ISS. This marks the first attempt by a private-made vessel to perform such a task... read full article and view video of the launch.

N Korea says it is no longer bound by nuclear test moratorium

In retaliation to the UN criticism of North Korea's failed satellite launch, Pyongyang has announced that it is "no longer bound to" its deal with the USA.

The deal would provide a nuclear and missile test moratorium on North Korea in exchange for food aid. Reuters reports that after the rocket launch, the food aid offer was withdrawn.

RT says that last Friday's rocket launch in North Korea was condemned by the UN Security Council (UNSC) and is widely regarded as being a cover up to test a long range nuclear missile.

On Tuesday, Pyongyang responded in anger at the UNSC for violating the country's right to put satellites into orbit.

In a statement delivered by the official KCNA news agency, Pyongyang said: "We resolutely and totally reject the unreasonable behavior of the UNSC to violate (our) legitimate right to launch satellites."... read full article.

South says North Korea is planning an underground nuclear test

With controversy raging over North Korea's plans to launch a rocket, now an underground nuclear test is allegedly being planned, according to reports leaked by South Korea.

Digital Journal reported on April 8 that the controversial North Korean rocket was ready for launch.

Now yet more controversy is raging because North Korea is apparently planning an underground nuclear test.

In a news report yesterday, the South Korean news agency Yonhap leaked the information that it has received from an anonymous domestic security source. The article claims that the nuclear underground test will occur in Kilju, on the Chinese border, as with the 2 previous detonations in 2006 and 2009. Previous nuclear tests brought international sanctions against the country and now, with tensions running high over the rocket launch, this is likely to happen again.... read full article.