Copper-2 went to Albuquerque last week to test its systems in environments similar to those the satellite will experience when launched into space. It survived the tests, proving its ability to operate in space-like conditions. Copper-2 is the second iteration of SSRL's  original Copper program, which could not be contacted once launched into orbit. The lab has high hopes for the success of this mission, and these tests lend confidence in the greater ability of this satellite.

The ORS-4 launch experienced a failure during first stage ascension.

Here are various reports from news outlets

• The SLU Newslink Story
• Coverage from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch
• The very, very short press release
• A more complete look at the rocket and results from Spaceflight Now

New launch date: 3 November 2015

The ORS-4 launch is on hold. We will update the new launch date as we know more.

Congratulations to the Rascal-B design team; the first version of the engineering unit was shipped to Boeing on Tuesday morning. Boeing will perform mechanical/electrical/data fit checks and return it to us, in advance of the final December delivery.

Dr. Swartwout was one of 70 faculty from across the country participating in the 2015 Frontiers of Engineering Education Symposium, organized by the National Academy of Engineering.

Argus has been delivered to ORS and integrated into his NLAS Ejector.

[originally posted 1 September 2015]

[originally posted 31 August 2015]