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For the First Time in a Generation, Humans Are Heading Beyond Earth Orbit
The First Human Mission Beyond Earth Orbit in Over 50 YearsWith launch now just days away, NASA is preparing to send astronauts beyond low Earth orbit for the first time since the Apollo 17 mission in December 1972.The mission, known as Artemis II, is the second flight in NASA’s Artemis program and the first to carry a crew. It represents the next step in rebuilding the capability to send humans to the Moon, this time with the goal of staying and expanding deeper into the solar system.At the cen
NASA Refocuses Artemis Around Sustained Lunar Operations
A Defining Moment for America’s Space ProgramOn March 24, 2026, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman delivered a major update outlining the agency’s direction for human spaceflight. The event, titled “Ignition,” laid out a faster, more execution-focused strategy for returning to the Moon and advancing toward Mars.The Artemis program remains the foundation of NASA’s plans, but the structure around it is changing. The emphasis is shifting toward sustained operations, higher mission cadence, and stron
From Launch to Port: The Complete Lifecycle of Falcon 9 Booster Recovery
When a Falcon 9 lifts off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station or Kennedy Space Center, the mission does not end once the payload reaches orbit. For SpaceX, the recovery of the first stage booster is an integral part of the launch architecture.The Falcon 9 system was designed from the beginning to support rapid reuse. Recovering and refurbishing the booster dramatically lowers launch costs while enabling higher launch cadence. Today, it is common for Falcon 9 boosters to fly more than a dozen
NASA Reshapes Artemis Program, Adds New Mission and Refines Lunar Exploration Architecture
NASA has announced a significant restructuring of its Artemis program, introducing a new mission and refining the overall architecture intended to return astronauts to the Moon. The changes are designed to increase mission cadence, reduce technical risk, and better prepare for sustained human exploration beyond Earth orbit.The updated strategy comes as the agency prepares for the launch of Artemis II, the first crewed mission of the program, which will send astronauts on a lunar flyby for the fi
Artemis II Faces Delay as Helium Issue Prompts SLS Rollback to VAB
NASA has announced that its next-generation Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, destined to carry four astronauts around the Moon on the Artemis II mission, will likely be rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at Kennedy Space Center following a newly discovered technical issue — even after a hard-won success in its most recent full-scale test.In a post on X, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman confirmed that what appears to be an interruption in helium flow to the rocket’s Interim C
NASA Nears Critical Fueling Test as Artemis II Readies for Lunar Flyby
NASA is advancing toward a pivotal milestone in preparations for Artemis II, the first crewed lunar mission in over half a century, as engineers at Kennedy Space Center methodically ready the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft for a crucial fueling test ahead of the mission’s launch window.The test, officially known as a wet dress rehearsal, simulates a full fueling sequence and rocket countdown without astronauts on board. During this operation, teams will load more than 700,000 gal
NASA's SLS rocket rolls out to Historic LC-39B for Artemis II
NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft rolled out from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Complex 39B on Saturday, marking a major milestone in preparations for the Artemis II mission. This is the first time the SLS rocket has been positioned at the pad for a crewed lunar flight, signaling a transition from vehicle processing to active launch readiness.The 322-foot-tall rocket, weighing approximately 11 million pounds, made the four-mile journey along the crawlerway atop its
Tory Bruno Departs ULA After a Transformational Decade of Leadership
Tory Bruno leaves United Launch Alliance after nearly 12 years as President and CEO, a tenure that reshaped the company during one of the most turbulent periods in the launch industry.When Bruno took over ULA in 2014, the company was at an inflection point. Built around the Atlas V and Delta IV families, ULA was technically dominant but facing a rapidly changing competitive landscape, rising costs, and growing political pressure to end reliance on Russian-made RD-180 engines. Bruno’s leadership
Artemis II Crew Conducts Launch Day Demonstration Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building
NASA’s Artemis II astronauts have completed a major pre-launch milestone, participating in a Launch Day Demonstration designed to rehearse crew and ground operations ahead of the agency’s first crewed lunar mission of the Artemis era. The test was conducted at Kennedy Space Center, with flight hardware located inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, where the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft are currently stacked.The demonstration allowed astronauts and launch teams to walk through the sam
Rocket Lab Secures $816M SDA Contract, Expanding Its Role in America’s Next Missile-Tracking Constellation
Rocket Lab has secured its largest single contract to date: an $816 million prime award from the U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA) to design and manufacture 18 satellites for the agency’s Tracking Layer Tranche 3 (TRKT3) program, a core element of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA).The award consists of an $806 million base contract with up to $10.45 million in options and further cements Rocket Lab’s growing role as a prime contractor in U.S. national security space.This co
Jared Isaacman Sworn In as NASA’s 15th Administrator — A New Era of Ambition and Innovation
In a landmark moment for America’s space program, Jared Isaacman was officially sworn in as the 15th Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration on December 18, 2025 after a contentious and high-profile confirmation process. Isaacman assumes leadership of NASA at a pivotal juncture in human space exploration, with the Artemis lunar program gearing up for critical missions and the long-term aspiration of sending humans to Mars firmly in view.From Entrepreneur to Space Leade
Electron Delivers STP-S30 to Orbit in Flawless Nighttime Launch
Wallops Island, Virginia — Rocket Lab has successfully launched the U.S. Space Force’s STP-S30 mission, with company founder and CEO Peter Beck confirming a 100% mission success following Electron’s ascent from Launch Complex 2 at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility.The Electron rocket lifted off during the middle of the night, executing a clean ascent and placing its payload into the targeted low Earth orbit. All mission objectives were met, marking another fla
Rocket Lab Poised for STP-S30 Launch with Innovative DiskSat Demonstrations
Wallops Island, Virginia — Rocket Lab is preparing to launch the U.S. Space Force’s STP-S30 mission aboard its Electron rocket in the early hours of Thursday, December 18, 2025. The launch window opens at 05:00 UTC (12:00 a.m. Eastern / 9:00 p.m. Pacific on Dec. 17) from Launch Complex 2 at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility.Dubbed “Don’t Be Such A Square,” this flight marks the company’s 20ᵗʰ Electron launch of 2025 and the 78ᵗʰ mission overall — a sign
Starship Cleared for Florida: SpaceX Begins Building a New Launch Era at Cape Canaveral
A Major Milestone for America’s Next Heavy-Lift Launch SystemIn a landmark decision with wide-reaching implications for U.S. spaceflight, the Department of the Air Force has officially approved SpaceX to redevelop Space Launch Complex 37 (SLC-37) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station for future Starship launches. The announcement, delivered on December 1, 2025, concludes a lengthy environmental and regulatory review and opens the door for Starship–Super Heavy operations from Florida for the firs
Soyuz MS-28: A Clean Launch, a Broken Pad, and a Fragile Lifeline to Orbit
A textbook ascent with a hidden problemOn 27 November 2025, a Soyuz-2.1a rocket lofted the Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft from Site 31 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, carrying NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergei Mikaev and Sergei Kud-Sverchkov to the International Space Station (ISS). The ascent was nominal, rendezvous was on time, and the crew docked safely a little over three hours after liftoff. But as the plume cleared and cameras lingered on the pad, it became cl
Blue Origin Unveils a Super-Heavy New Glenn, Reshaping the Path to the Moon
Blue Origin has taken a major step toward turning New Glenn from a single heavy-lift rocket into an entire family of launch vehicles aimed at everything from Amazon’s Kuiper satellites to crewed lunar missions.In a sweeping update released on November 20, the company detailed both near-term upgrades to the current New Glenn and a new super-heavy variant dubbed New Glenn 9×4. Together, the pair are meant to serve as a flexible, reusable backbone for missions in Earth orbit, cislunar space, and ev
Blue Origin Unveils Full-Scale Deployable Aerobrake System, Opening a New Era for Planetary Missions
Blue Origin has revealed a full-scale, deployable aerobrake system, marking one of the company’s most significant advances in spacecraft atmospheric-entry and orbital-maneuver hardware to date. Designed to use planetary atmospheres to slow spacecraft and reduce propellant requirements, the new system could reshape how missions to the Moon, Mars, and Earth orbit are planned and executed.The aerobrake prototype—shown in a demonstration released by Blue Origin—features a large, umbrella-like struct
Rocket Lab’s HASTE “Van” Mission: Advancing Hypersonic Testing from Wallops
Rocket Lab successfully launched its latest HASTE mission—codenamed “Van”—from Launch Complex 2 at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport in Wallops Island, Virginia. The mission lifted off on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at approximately 8:00 a.m. EST following a weather delay the previous day.The mission was originally slated to fly on Monday, but the first launch attempt was scrubbed due to high winds at the launch site. Wallops frequently experiences strong coastal wind layers that can exceed al
Artemis II Moves Forward as Fully-Stacked SLS Prepares for America’s Return to Deep Space
With the federal government reopened and NASA centers returning to full operational tempo, progress on Artemis II is accelerating once again. Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center, the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft now stand fully stacked—forming the complete 322-foot rocket that will send astronauts on the first crewed lunar mission of the Artemis program.A Fully Stacked Rocket Ready for TestingNASA achieved a major milestone on October 19, 2025, when the
Blue Origin Successfully Launches ESCAPADE on New Glenn - Achieves First Droneship Landing
Blue Origin has officially entered the heavy lift arena with a flawless launch and recovery of its New Glenn rocket, delivering Rocket Labs twin ESCAPADE spacecraft toward Mars while also achieving its first ever booster landing on an ocean going droneship.This mission stands as a defining milestone not only for Blue Origin but for Rocket Lab, NASA's small mission program, and the future of reusable heavy lift launch systems.New Glenn Blue Origins Heavy Lift Future Takes ShapeTowering more than
Starship Flight 11: Stepping Toward Orbit
From the sandy shoreline of Boca Chica, Texas, another thunderous milestone echoed today. SpaceX’s Starship Flight 11 lifted off from Starbase and marked one of the most successful full-stack tests of the world’s largest rocket yet.This eleventh integrated test wasn’t about raw spectacle—it was about refinement. Engineers call these flights “data-gathering missions,” but each one edges Starship closer to orbit and, eventually, to reusability on a planetary scale.A Flight Focused on PrecisionFlig
NASA and Sierra Space Reshape Dream Chaser Path with Contract Modification
NASA and Sierra Space have agreed to modify the agency’s Commercial Resupply Services-2 (CRS-2) contract, pivoting Dream Chaser’s debut to an uncrewed free-flight demonstration targeted for late 2026 rather than an immediate space station resupply mission. Under the change, NASA is no longer obligated to order a set number of Dream Chaser ISS flights, but may place orders after a successful demo. The agency said Sierra Space will continue providing development insight to NASA through the demo,
NASA’s IMAP Mission Successfully Launches to Map the Edge of the Solar System
NASA’s Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) successfully launched this morning aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center. The spacecraft, along with its two rideshare companions — the Carruthers Geocorona Observatory and NOAA’s Space Weather Follow-On L1 (SWFO-L1) — is now on its way to the Earth–Sun Lagrange Point 1 (L1), about 1.5 million kilometers from Earth.Launch and Vehicle PerformanceThe Falcon 9 lifted off at 7:30 a.m. EDT, carrying IMAP and
Soaring Above: Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show Blends Power, Precision, and Patriotism
Each year around Independence Day, Battle Creek, Michigan becomes a hub of controlled chaos in the sky. This weekend, the 2025 Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival once again lived up to its name—delivering a carefully choreographed fusion of military aviation, civilian aerobatics, and classic Americana.I was there on July 3rd for the arrival and performance of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, and what I witnessed was more than just a show—it was a modern demonstration of mil
NASA at a Crossroads: Jared Isaacman Nomination Withdrawn as FY 2026 Budget Slashes Science, Reshapes Explorat
The spaceflight community was dealt a double blow today: first, with the White House abruptly pulling the nomination of entrepreneur and private astronaut Jared Isaacman as NASA Administrator; and second, with the publication of a proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget that would cut NASA’s funding by nearly a quarter—marking the most significant reduction since the early Apollo years.What emerges from the fine print is more than just a leaner budget. It's a fundamental shift in NASA’s identity: one t
Starship Flight 9 Reaches SECO, but Falls Short on Key Milestones
On May 27, 2025, SpaceX launched its ninth Starship flight test from Starbase, Texas, marking the first reuse of a Super Heavy booster. Booster 14-2, fresh off its inaugural flight in January, powered the 403-foot stack aloft at 6:37 p.m. CDT. The mission aimed to break a two-flight streak of upper-stage failures by carrying Starship Ship 35 to second stage engine cutoff (SECO), deploying eight Starlink mass simulators, relighting a Raptor in orbit, and gathering critical reentry data for futur
FAA Investigation Concludes as SpaceX Prepares for Starship’s Ambitious Ninth Flight
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially closed its investigation into SpaceX’s eighth Starship test flight, clearing the path for the vehicle’s next major step. With regulatory approval in hand, SpaceX is targeting May 27 for the ninth integrated flight test of its fully reusable Starship system—a mission packed with firsts, experiments, and critical data collection aimed at maturing the launch architecture.Flight 8 Recap and Investigation FindingsOn March 6, 2025, Starship’s ei
Stratolaunch Achieves Reusable Hypersonic Milestone with Successful Talon-A2 Flight
Vandenberg SFB, CA – May 5, 2025Stratolaunch has marked a major milestone in hypersonic flight today with the successful powered flight and recovery of its Talon-A2 test vehicle, becoming the first U.S. company since the X-15 program in the 1960s to repeatedly fly and recover a reusable hypersonic platform.The flight was conducted off the coast of California, where Stratolaunch’s massive Roc carrier aircraft—boasting the world’s largest wingspan—released the TA-2 vehicle at altitude. Upon separa
Starbase, Texas: SpaceX's Company Town Becomes an Official City
May 3, 2025 – Boca Chica, TX — In a historic vote this week, residents of the small South Texas community once known as Boca Chica approved a measure to officially incorporate as the City of Starbase. The ballot passed overwhelmingly, with 173 votes in favor and only 4 opposed, marking a new chapter for SpaceX’s rapidly growing launch site and proving ground.What Starbase Becoming a City MeansWith city status, Starbase now gains the authority to manage its own utilities, roads, emergency service
NASA Budget for 2026 Phases Out SLS and Orion, Slashes Earth Science Programs
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Trump administration has released its proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget for NASA, requesting $18.8 billion — a cut of over $6 billion from last year’s funding of $24.9 billion. This proposed 24% reduction signals a fundamental shift in NASA’s priorities, scaling back traditional government-led programs in favor of a new emphasis on commercial space partnerships and future Mars exploration.The proposed budget, while not final, outlines several structural changes to the agenc
Orion Ready for Flight: Lockheed Martin Hands Over Capsule for Artemis II
With Artemis II on the horizon, Lockheed Martin delivers the spacecraft that will take humans farther than they’ve gone in half a century.For the first time in over fifty years, NASA is preparing to launch astronauts into deep space — and now, the spacecraft that will take them there is ready. Today, May 1st, Lockheed Martin formally completed and transferred the Orion crew capsule to NASA, signaling that the vehicle for Artemis II is flight-ready and entering final launch preparations.It’s a mi
Stoke Space and the Race to Full Reusability
Stoke Space isn’t just building a rocket—it’s rewriting the playbook on how rockets return to Earth. While major players like SpaceX and Blue Origin dominate headlines, this Washington-based startup is quietly pushing the boundaries of what reusable launch vehicles can look like. And if they succeed, the next generation of spaceflight may owe as much to the quiet hum of their test stand in Moses Lake as it does to the roar of Falcon 9.The Core Mission: 100% Reusability, Zero RefurbishmentFounded
Firefly Aerospace Launches Alpha Rocket, Fails to Reach Orbit After Stage Separation Anomaly
VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, California — April 28, 2025Firefly Aerospace launched its Alpha rocket early Monday morning on a mission titled “Message In A Booster”, carrying Lockheed Martin’s LM 400 Technology Demonstration satellite. Liftoff occurred at 06:19 AM PDT from Vandenberg’s SLC-2W, marking the sixth flight of the Alpha vehicle.Initial ascent appeared nominal, with the first stage performing as expected. However, just over two and a half minutes into flight, the vehicle suffered an ano
From Startup to Industry Player: Firefly’s Crucial Alpha Launch Approaches
Firefly Aerospace is preparing to launch its next Alpha mission, Flight 6 (FLTA006), carrying Lockheed Martin’s versatile LM 400 satellite. Scheduled for liftoff no earlier than Monday, April 29, 2025, from Space Launch Complex-2W at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, this mission will open a significant new chapter for the small-launch provider.The launch window extends from 6:37 a.m. to 7:29 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time (9:37 a.m. – 10:29 a.m. EDT / 13:37 – 14:29 UTC). Firefly’s two-stage
KuiperSat KA-1 Mission Marks Critical First Step for Amazon’s Broadband Network
Tonight, April 28, 2025, United Launch Alliance (ULA) successfully launched an Atlas V 551 rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. Liftoff occurred precisely at 7:01 p.m. EDT (23:01 UTC), sending 27 operational satellites into low Earth orbit for Amazon’s Project Kuiper broadband constellation.This mission, designated KuiperSat KA-1, will mark the first full production deployment for Amazon’s massive ~3,236-satellite network aimed at delivering afford
Phoenix-1 Successfully Demonstrates Inflatable Heat Shield Technology on Reentry
April 24, 2025 — Atlantic Ocean Recovery ZoneA major step forward for future spacecraft reentry was achieved this week as Atmos Space Cargo’s Phoenix-1 vehicle successfully demonstrated the use of an inflatable heat shield during its return to Earth.The small experimental spacecraft launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare mission and completed its high-speed reentry test over the Atlantic Ocean, validating a technology that could reshape how spacecraft survive atmospheric entry — not just on
NASA’s Dragonfly Mission Clears Critical Design Review, Sets Stage for Titan Exploration
April 24, 2025 — NASA Headquarters / Johns Hopkins APLNASA’s Dragonfly rotorcraft mission to Titan has officially passed its Critical Design Review (CDR) — a major programmatic milestone that signals the spacecraft’s final design is complete and ready for full-scale fabrication and testing. Scheduled to launch in July 2028, Dragonfly is now on a firm path toward exploring Saturn’s largest and most Earth-like moon.The mission, managed by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (AP
China Launches Shenzhou-20, Continues Crew Rotation on Tiangong Space Station
JIUQUAN, China — April 24, 2025Three Chinese astronauts lifted off today aboard the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft, marking China’s latest step toward continuous human presence in space. The crew launched at 5:17 p.m. Beijing Time (0917 UTC) aboard a Long March 2F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, heading toward the country’s modular Tiangong space station in low Earth orbit.Just over six hours later, the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft successfully docked with Tiangong, completing the mission’s f
NASA's EZIE Mission Captures First Light, Opening a New Window into Earth’s Auroral Mysteries
NASA’s Electrojet Zeeman Imaging Explorer (EZIE) just checked a major box on its mission timeline: “first light.” After launching aboard a Falcon 9 rocket last month, one of EZIE’s CubeSats successfully recorded Zeeman splitting in Earth’s upper atmosphere — a crucial indicator that its instruments are working and ready to begin mapping one of the most elusive forces behind our planet’s auroras. But this milestone goes far beyond a simple systems check. EZIE represents a new frontier in our und
Cargo Dragon Docks with the ISS, Delivering Over 6,700 Pounds of Research and Supplies
April 22, 2025 — Low Earth Orbit Less than a day after its early-morning liftoff from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center, SpaceX’s CRS-32 Cargo Dragon arrived at the International Space Station on Tuesday, bringing with it a dense payload of experiments, tech demos, food, and essential gear for the seven astronauts currently onboard. The uncrewed spacecraft autonomously docked to the station’s Harmony module at 7:26 a.m. EDT, marking the fifth successful mission for this specific capsule, known as C
SpaceX’s Bandwagon-3 Mission Lifts Off, Lands Smoothly, and Makes European History
On the evening of April 21, 2025, SpaceX launched its third Bandwagon rideshare mission, marking the 300th orbital flight from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 40. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 8:48 p.m. EDT, carrying a suite of diverse payloads into a mid-inclination orbit.Mission Overview The Bandwagon-3 mission is part of SpaceX's SmallSat Rideshare Program, offering affordable access to space for small satellite operators. This flight included payloads from international partners,
SpaceX CRS-32: Science, Supplies, and a Smooth Landing
In the early hours of April 21, 2025, SpaceX launched its 32nd Commercial Resupply Services (CRS-32) mission for NASA, delivering over 6,700 pounds (3,040 kilograms) of supplies and scientific experiments to the International Space Station (ISS). The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 4:15 a.m. EDT from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Approximately eight minutes after liftoff, the rocket's first stage returned to Earth, performing a vertical landing at Landing Zone 1 (L
NASA’s Lucy Mission: Unlocking the Fossils of the Solar System
“Lucy” isn’t just the name of a fossilized human ancestor — it’s also NASA’s first spacecraft on a mission to explore the Trojan asteroids, ancient remnants of our solar system’s formation. Since its launch in 2021, Lucy has been traveling billions of miles through space to piece together the solar system’s early story.The Origins of the Lucy MissionLaunched on October 16, 2021, from Cape Canaveral aboard an Atlas V 401 rocket, Lucy is the first mission specifically designed to explore the Jupit
Rocket Lab's Electron Soars to Success with Flawless Return to Flight
After Electron was grounded after an anamoly during the second stage burn in September, the FAA granted authorization to resume launches on October 26th. At 11:05pm EST, Electron lifted off from the Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand from Pad B, carrying the QPS-SAR-5 satellite for iQPS. Following a successful liftoff, the satellite was placed into a perfect transfer orbit, as confirmed by CEO of Rocket Lab, Peter Beck. After a breif coast period, their Kick Stage ignite its Curie engine to circula
SpaceX's Starship Makes Major Steps Forward with 2nd Test Flight
At 7:02am CT/8:02am ET, SpaceX's Starship lifted off from Starbase in Texas on the first try. After an extremely smooth countdown, quick planned hold at T-40 seconds, and watching some marine traffic downrange, all 33 Raptor engines ignited carrying the 121m tall rocket off the launch mount. All first stage engines powered Starship to stage separation, a huge increase in Raptor reliability compared to previous test flights. The big milestone to reach on this flight was the newly added Hotstagin
Countdown to Liftoff: SpaceX's Starship Aims for Successful Test Flight
Almost 7 months since the first Integrated Flight Test of SpaceX's Starship/Superheavy rocket, it once again stands tall on Stage 0 at Starbase in Texas. This 2 stage super heavy launch vehicle measures in at 121 meters tall and 9 meters in diameter, and is part of NASA's Artemis program to send humans to the Moon to stay. The first launch of this rocket was on April 20th, 2023 at 8:33am Central Time, climbing to an apogee of 39km off the coast of Texas. Shortly after lifting off, the 33 Rapto
Atlas V delays due to approaching Tropical Storm Idalia
United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket in the 551 configuration is set to roll back to the Vertical Integration Facility (VIF) as Tropical Storm Idalia approaches the West coast of Florida. ULA has made this decision out of an abundance of caution for the National Reconnaissance Office's (NRO) critical security payload and personnel safety. The next launch attempt will be determined after the storm has passed and deemed safe to launch.The Atlas V rocket is planned to launch SILENTBARKER, a join
SpaceX successfully launches 4 Astronauts toward the ISS
At 3:27am EDT this morning, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket launched from Launch Complex 39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida. On top of the Falcon 9 rocket is their Crew Dragon spacecraft, capable of carrying up to 7 Astronauts into Orbit. This is the 7th operational crewed ISS rotation mission by SpaceX and the first of 3 additional missions contracted by NASA after the delays to Boeing's Starliner spacecraft.This is the 3rd mission flown by SpaceX's Crew Dragon named "Endurance" as they continue to dr
Antares 230+ launches for the final time
On August 1st at 8:31pm EDT, Northrop Grumman's Antares 230+ series rocket launched for the final time from Launch Pad 0A at Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. Underneath the fairing was their Cygnus spacecraft with 8,200 lbs of supplies and experiments for the International Space Station. This launch marked the retirement of the Antares 230+ series with the first stage booster no longer being supplied from Ukraine and the RD-181 engines no longer being accepted from Russia.Up next in the lin
NASA's SLS delays due to Hydrogen leak
On Saturday, September 3rd, NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket began fueling up for its second attempt at launching Orion around the Moon on the Artemis I mission. During initial fueling of the Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) tank on the core stage, there was an over pressure event in one of the lines that caused fuel flow to stop automatically. After this, there was a consistently large LH2 leak coming from the umbilical when switching from slow fill into fast fill that would stop fueling again.
Artemis I prepares to launch on NASA's SLS rocket
On monday morning, at 8:33am Eastern Time, NASA will launch their Space Launch System (SLS) rocket on its maiden flight sending the Orion spacecraft around the Moon and back. This is the first time a crew-rated spacecraft has gone out to the Moon since the Apollo program ended in 1975. The Space Launch System (SLS), has been under development by NASA and its partners since 2011. SLS utilizes hardware derived from the Space Shuttle, which flew from 1972 until 2011. The main core stage of SLS is
Rocket Lab's first mission to the Moon
Tuesday morning at 5:50am EDT, Rocket Lab's Electron rocket will launch from the Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand, carrying CAPSTONE, a payload for NASA. Electron will launch CAPSTONE on their Photon Spacecraft and place it in a Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit around the Moon. Over the next 5 days, Rocket Lab's Photon spacecraft will perform a series of burns to raise the orbit until it can set CAPSTONE on course for the Moon on the 6th day. This is a big step for Rocket Lab as it will show its cap
Starliner successfully docks with the ISS
At 8:50 pm EDT, Boeing's Starliner spacecraft docked at the International Space Station for the first time (8:28 pm EDT soft capture, 8:50 pm EDT hard capture). The spacecraft will spend the next 4 days unloading the cargo it brought up and reloading with cargo for the return trip back to Earth. During this period, teams will be evaluating the spacecraft as it's docked and preparing it to return home. Starliner's hatch will be opened later this morning at 11:30 am EDT. Undocking will occur on W
Boeing's CST-100 Starliner ready for launch
Yesterday morning around 10 am EDT, United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket rolled out of their Vertical Integration Facility on its way to SLC-41, with Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft on top. The Atlas V is now at the pad, fueled with 25k Gallons of RP-1 (highly refined kerosene), and ready for launch later today at 6:54pm EDT with weather currently at 70% Favorable. Boeing's Crew Space Transportation (CST-100) Starliner Spacecraft is a vehicle developed by Boeing under NASA's Commercial
SpaceX is launching a booster for the 12th time tonight
Tonight at 12:42am ET, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket will be launching from Space Launch Complex 40 carrying another batch of 53 Starlink Satellites into orbit. The Falcon 9 will liftoff and head North-East from Florida and attempt to land their first stage booster for the 12th time. This will be the new life leading booster of their fleet if it successfully lands on their droneship ”Just Read The Instructions” stationed out in the Atlantic Ocean. The fairings on this launch will also attempt to be
NASA's mega Moon rocket rolls out for WDR
Around 5:45pm ET, NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) began moving out of the VAB on top of the Crawler Transporter and Mobile Launch Platform (MLP). That first movement started its roughly 10-11 hour journey to Launch Complex 39B (LC-39B) at 4:15am ET. This is one of the first major steps SLS has to take before launching around the Moon later this summer. A couple weeks from now, SLS will begin what is known as a "Wet Dress Rehearsal", or WDR, where they will run the rocket and systems through a
ULA launches next generation Weather Satellite for the NOAA
On March 1st, at 4:38 pm EST, United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket launched the GOES-T Weather satellite toward Geostationary Orbit from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Built by Lockheed Martin, GOES-T is a new Weather, Ocean, and Climate satellite with further advancements in technology. There are two new instruments on board this spacecraft built by Lockheed Martin's Advanced Technology Center in Palo Alto, California: • Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM): first of its kind lightning mapper la
Astra experiences anomaly during stage separation
Yesterday afternoon (Feb 10th) at 3 pm EST, Astra's Rocket 3.3 lifted off from Space Launch Complex 46 at Cape Canaveral, Florida, carrying 4 small satellites. Approximately 3 minutes into the flight, during fairing separation and second stage separation, the rocket experienced an anomaly causing the second stage to spiral out of control under power, losing the vehicle and payloads. Astra will work closely with the FAA to pinpoint the cause so they can return to flight with confidence. The mi
NASA's SLS will rollout to the launchpad for the first time
NASA's Space Launch System rocket is a new heavy-lift launch vehicle, which will carry Astronauts to the Gateway Space Station orbiting the Moon. Before carrying Astronauts, SLS has to prove that it can successfully launch the Orion spacecraft around the Moon and safely return to Earth. The next step for NASA before this Artemis I demo mission is to roll SLS to Launch Complex 39B for a full Wet Dress Rehearsal. This rehearsal will take place about a week after arriving at the pad, currently tar
The James Webb Space Telescope
The Launch An idea started in the late 1980s, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is finally ready to launch into space on Friday, December 25th, at 7:20 am EST.
'STP-3' Launch Gallery
Photo gallery of the 'STP-3' mission aboard an Atlas V 551 rocket.
Starlink 4-3 Launch
Coverage of the SpaceX 'Starlink 4-3' mission on December 2nd, 2021 from Cape Canaveral, FL.
Rocket Lab updates reusable "Neutron" launch vehicle design
This morning at 8 am EST, Rocket Lab announced an update to their upcoming launch vehicle Neutron, which was initially announced back in March of this year. This new design is a Carbon Composite structure made in-house at Rocket Lab, which enables it to be strong, lightweight, and put up with the thermal loads from reentry. A large reason for this redesign is based on trying to reuse as much of the launch vehicle as possible. The fairing for the payloads is built into the first stage so both of
ULA to Launch 'STP-3' Mission
ULA will launch the 'STP-3' mission for the US Space Force, the National Nuclear Security Administration, and NASA.
'DART' Launches from Vandenberg
By Jon Reino NASA's mission to impact an asteroid has launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Lompoc, CA. Here is everything you need to know about this ambitious mission to avert a potential Armageddon.Liftoff of 'DART' (Photo: NASA/Bill Ingalls) On November 23rd at 10:21 PM local Pacific Time (11/24/21 6:21 UTC), the 'Double Asteroid Redirection Test' launched atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Its destination is known as "Didymos", a binary asteroid system containing a large asteroid half a
'Crew 3' Launch Recap
On November 10th, 2021, at 9:03 pm EST four astronauts launched aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft bound for the International Space Station.
Landsat 9 Delivers First Photos From Orbit
NASA releases 'first light' images from the Landsat 9 satellite.
NASA Prepares for 'Crew 3'
NASA is planning to launch four astronauts to the International Space Station on October 31st
Lucy's Asteroid Grand Tour
Early Saturday morning, if all goes to plan, a mission spanning the course of twelve years will take flight to explore some of our solar system’s most ancient objects. The mission in question is Lucy, named after the 3.2 million year old hominin skeleton discovered in 1974. This archeological discovery gave us an unprecedented look into our early ancestors, advancing our theories of evolution. Correspondingly, the Lucy mission aims to dramatically expand humanity’s knowledge of our solar system,
Inspiration 4 - First all-civilian crew will launch into orbit tonight
At 8:02pm, SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft will be launching 4 Civilians into a 575km Orbit above the Earth, higher than the ISS and Hubble Space Telescope. The 5-hour launch window opens at 8:02pm EDT from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and the crew will stay in orbit for 3 days before returning just off the coast of Florida. SpaceX's live webcast for the launch will start at 4pm EDT. Inspiration4 is being commanded and was organized by Jared Issacman, founder and CEO of Shift4 Payments.
SpaceX successfully deploys Cargo Dragon into orbit
At 3:14am EDT, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket launched from LC-39a at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Launching on top of the Falcon 9 was their newly upgraded Cargo Dragon 2 spacecraft, carrying important experiments and supplies being brought to the International Space Station. This was also the 4th successful flight and landing of this first stage booster, also marking the first landing on SpaceX's new droneship, A Shortfall of Gravitas. Cargo Dragon is expected to dock with the International Spac
SpaceX is ready to launch CRS-23
Earlier this week, SpaceX rolled out their Falcon 9 rocket out of the hangar at LC-39a for the first time in almost 2 months. They raised it vertical with their new Cargo Dragon 2 spacecraft and conducted a successful hold-down firing of the 9 Merlin engines on the first stage, putting them on track to launch their CRS-23 mission early Saturday at 3:37am. The Falcon 9 will liftoff with Dragon from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida en-route to the International Space Station carrying supplies
NROL-111 Mission Overview
The NROL-111 mission launches from Wallops on a Minotaur 1 Rocket carrying three satellites for the National Reconnaissance Office
Crew-2 successfully launches and docks to the ISS
Yesterday morning, SpaceX launched their Falcon 9 rocket from LC-39a in Florida, carrying 4 Astronauts inside the Crew Dragon spacecraft. This launch included the first time Crew launched on a flight proven Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon spacecraft, the first time 2 Commercial Crew spacecraft are docked to the ISS at the same time, and the first Commercial Crew mission to fly 2 International partners. Following the launch at 5:49am EDT, the Falcon 9 first stage successfully landed on their droneshi
NASA is attempting to fly a Helicopter on Mars this morning
NASA is planning to fly their Ingenuity Helicopter on the surface of Mars at approximately 3:30am EDT, but it will take a few hours for the teams at JPL to receive the data from the flight. A livestream will begin at 6:15am EDT as they prepare to see how the helicopter did during this autonomous flight in the Martian Atmosphere. This is the first time ever that a vehicle will propellers will fly on another celestial body other that Earth. The original date for this flight was April 11th, but w
NASA chooses SpaceX's Starship to land Humans on the Moon
On April 16th, NASA announced they had selected SpaceX for the HLS (Human Landing System) contract to land the first Astronauts on the Lunar Surface since 1972. SpaceX's Starship rocket has been going through a series of tests in Boca Chica, Texas, and SpaceX has been working closely with NASA experts to ensure everything meets the requirements for human spaceflight. They were award $2.89 Billion to continue the development of the Starship architecture to carry Artemis Astronauts to the Lunar s
SpaceX Launches Another Stack Of 60 Starlink Satellites
(Cape Canaveral Space Force Station)- Today SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket on yet another Starlink mission. The mission deemed Starlink 23 lifted off from the Space Force Station on Florida's east coast just after noon (12:34 pm). The mission brought another stack of SpaceX’s internet connectivity satellites known as Starlink.The mission was a success and a nominal stage separation was confirmed at T+2 minutes and 36 seconds. The second engine relit shortly followed by entry burn startup.
Artemis 1 Back on Track After a Short Misfire.
On March 18th, 2021, on a cloudless day above the B-2 Test Stand, the largest single stage of a rocket ever built waited patiently. At 3:37 pm CDT, 4 RS-25 engines roared to life, bringing this massive stage under load once more. They burned the fuel on board at for the full duration of nominal flight of 485 seconds before shutting down. However this isn't the first time this stage attempts this test.On January 16th, this very same SLS Core Stage attempted to conduct its 8 test for the Green Run
SpaceX successfully lofts 60 more Starlink satellites into orbit
(Cape Canaveral Space Force Station)- Liftoff! those were the words that were heard on the countdown net during a pre-dawn launch from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The rocket roared to life at 3:13 AM est. At T+1:15 seconds into flight Falcon 9 went through MAX-Q (maximum aerodynamic pressure). The main engine cutoff occurred around T+2:36 followed shortly by stage separation and fairing separation. The camera that was mounted on the first stage revealed a beautiful view of a dark F
Starlink-17 finally launches to orbit
(The Kennedy Space Center, FL) - The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from LC-39A at the Kennedy Space Center early this morning. The rocket roared into the Florida skies at 3:24 am EST. Seconds after liftoff the rocket disappeared into a thick cloud layer. The mission was Starlink V1 L17. Starlink is SpaceX’s way of providing internet to those in lower connectivity regions. After a successful liftoff, the rocket started its successful pitch toward orbit. SpaceX successfully landed their 1st stage boo
NASA's Perseverance rover successfully lands on Mars, sends back mind-blowing imagery
Yesterday at 3:43pm EST, NASA's Perseverance rover touched down on the surface of Mars, we found out it did ~12 minutes later at 3:55pm EST. NASA's Perseverance rover is their 5th one to land successfully on the Martian surface, the second one to utilize the rocket-powered Skycrane method, Curiosity being the first. Not only does this rover have new modern technologies onboard to gather more data for scientists, it also has a suite of 19 video cameras with microphones, capturing the entire En
NASA selects SpaceX to launch the SPHEREx Astrophysics Mission
NASA has selected SpaceX to launch their "Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx) spacecraft on the Falcon 9 rocket from SLC-4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The launch is expected to launch as early as Mid-June, 2024 from the West coast. NASA's SPHEREx mission will use optical and near-infrared methods to survey the sky every 6 months to look for water and organic molecules in distant Nebulae. This 2-year mission will
Starship completes 10km flight test, just barely misses the landing
Yesterday at 3:25pm EST, SpaceX's Starship prototype "SN9" ignited its 3 Raptor engines and lifted off from Pad B in Boca Chica, Texas. The mission was to ascend to 10km in Altitude, re-orientate horizontal to slow down using its flaps, and flip itself vertical and perform a propulsive landing back at their landing zone.After lifting off successfully, SN9 ascended into the Texas skies flawlessly, shutting down Raptors 1-by-1 to maintain the needed acceleration to reach 10km and begin descending
Space is for Everyone: SpaceX set to launch "Inspiration-4" Civilian Crew mission to Orbit
Private Aerospace Company, and Crewed Launch provider, Space X, today, alongside inspiration4.com, announced the first fully civilian commercial launch of human Astronauts to Low Earth Orbit. The mission, aptly titled "Inspiration-4", was initiated by philanthropist and CEO, Jared Isaacman, as an inspiration campaign to gain awareness & fundraise for the St. Judes Children Hospital. Commanded by Isaacman himself, the flight will feature a total Crew of four civilians. Two Crew members, which Ins
"Another One Leaves The Crust" launches from New Zealand
At 2:27am EST, Rocket Lab's Electron rocket lifted off from the Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand after fighting with some strong ground winds. Inside the fairing of Electron, sits a single communication micro satellite for OHB Group, through OHB Cosmos International Launch Service GmbH. After successfully deploying the satellite into a Polar Orbit around the Earth, that marks the first launch from Rocket Lab this year and the 18th launch of Electron. The Electron rocket is a 2 stage launch vehic
Virgin's 'LauncherOne' Reaches Orbit
Virgin Orbit successfully achieved orbit with their 'LauncherOne' air dropped rocket for the first time on Sunday, January 17th at about 11:49 am PST. Carrying the 'ELaNa-20' mission for NASA, this comes as a welcome relief after last year's initial orbital test ended prematurely when a leak in a propellant line triggered an abort shortly after ignition.LauncherOne dropping from its carrier plane (Virgin Orbit/Greg Robinson) Nothing says 'we can make it to orbit' like making it to orbit, and no
NASA's (partially) Successful SLS Hot Fire Test
Details following NASA's first hot fire test of a complete SLS first stage rocket core.
Turksat-5A Kicks Off 2021
On Thursday January 7th, 2021, SpaceX kicks off the new year with the launch of Turksat-5A from SLC-40 in Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 9;15 pm. The launch was a total success and marked the forth flight of this particular booster, B1060. The Turksat-5A satellite is a 3,500 kg (7,700 lb) communications satellite built by Airbus using its Eurostar E3000EOR bus as its platform. It is to be situated in Geostationary Orbit, nearly 36,000 km (22,000 miles) above the surface. It will at 31 deg
SpaceX kicks off 2021 with the 50th flight of a fight-proven booster
At 9:15pm EST last night, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket roared off Launch Complex 40 on its first mission of the year, Turksat 5A. This satellite is a telecommunications satellite that was started in 2011 by the state-owned Turksat AS. This was the 4th launch and recovery of this specific booster, previously being flow on GPS III-3 and Starlink missions 11 and 14. With this launch it marked the 50th time a flight-proven first stage has been reflown, with the first one being at the end of March in 201
2020, Year in Review
2020 has been a busy year, with SpaceX launching more rockets than ever before, ULA launching quite a bit of Atlas V's and even their mighty Delta IV Heavy, RocketLab succeeding at reusability and much more. This will be a list of what we at Hover Slam Space believe are some the most memorable and most important things to happen for the year of 2020.China National Space Administration CNSA launched a total of 39 launches consisting of 16 different launch vehicles in 2020, with 35 successfully re
NROL-44 Lifts off after multiple delays.
On a cold winter night, after months of delays and a multitude of repairs to the ground support equipment, United Launch Alliance's (ULA) Delta IV Heavy launched off its pad after being there for over a year. It lofted one of the National Reconnaissance Office's satllites, simply designated NROL-44 due to its secrecy.Originally scheduled to launch in August of 2020, it suffered an anomaly just after engine ignition, which forced an abort and and a scrub until the issue could be resolved. One mo
CRS-21 poised for ISS, targeting Saturday morning launch after successful Static-Fire Test
Squeezing in a few more milestone missions before year's end, SpaceX is set to launch their first Cargo Dragon v2 to the International Space Station this weekend under the company's Second Re-supply contract with NASA. Additionally, this will mark the first time two Dragon spacecraft will be docked to the ISS at the same time. The CRS-21 spacecraft joining it's Crew Dragon twin, Resilience, just under three weeks after flying the Crew-1 Astronauts to Orbit. The re-supply payload onb
Sentinel 6 Launch Recap
Last weekend, on Saturday November 21st, 2020, SpaceX successfully lifted the 'Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich' satellite into orbit. This mission will study rising sea levels and atmospheric changes as part of the European Space Agency's 'Copernicus' constellation of Earth observation satellites. The first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket then returned to the launch site for a propulsive landing so the booster can be reused for future launches. For a detailed explanation of the Sentinel-6 mission, cli
After busy week with NASA, SpaceX set to make history yet again with StarLink
We can all agree; SpaceX has had arguably their busiest year yet. Between two Crewed Human missions (Demo-2 & Crew-1), Increased customer partnerships, most recently with NASA & Sentinel- 6A (the first west coast launch this year), and now The 16th Orbital launch of StarLink. Beyond the planned deployment of an additional 60 StarLink satellites into Low Earth Orbit, this isn't just a regular Starlink mission. This will be the first 7th orbital re-flight of a Falcon 9 First stage booster. This fl
Sentinel-6A; Vital Earth Science mission marks first West Coast launch of 2020
One of the most important scientific missions of 2020, and the second collaboration to launch with partners Space X & NASA this week, Sentinel-6A & a brand new Falcon 9 Booster leaped off of California Launch Pad SLC-4E for the first time in over 18 months. The Central California Coast was awakened yesterday morning, for the first time in over a year, to the sound of Nine Merlin-1D Engines rumbling through the Pacific skies. At 9:17am PST on November 21st, Space X successfully launched their 100
Why the next Electron launch is important
Tomorrow at 8:44pm EST, Rocket Lab is launching their Electron rocket from the Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand. The launch is named "Return to Sender" and will be carrying 30 satellites into a 500km orbit around the Earth. One of the payloads on this mission is a Gnome from the game Half-Life, 3D printed from Titanium. This launch is to qualify the 3D printing technique for future components on spacecraft. The reason this launch of Electron is important is the introduction of reusability to t
SpaceX and NASA safely deliver 4 Astronauts to the ISS
Tonight at 11pm EST, SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft with Astronauts Victor Glover, Mike Hopkins, Shannon Walker, and JAXA Astronaut Soichi Noguchi riding onboard. Shortly they will be opening the hatches between the ISS and Crew Dragon and will join the Expedition 64 crew that launched on a Soyuz rocket on October 14th. After troubleshooting a small air leak issue before fueling, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket launched from Launch Complex 39a at 7:27pm EST carrying the crew of 4 into orbit around th
SpaceX's first operational crewed mission to the ISS launches tonight
Tonight at 7:27pm EST, 4 Astronauts will be strapping into SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft on top of their workhorse Falcon 9 rocket. The Falcon 9 will be launching from Historic Launch Complex 39a, where many Apollo and Space Shuttle launches took place. This will be the first operational crewed mission for SpaceX and the first launch of a Certified Commercial Spacecraft developed and tested by a commercial company. The last human-certified spacecraft was NASA's Space Shuttle orbiter, the ico
NROL-101 Launched into Orbit
On November 13th, at 5:32 PM EST, United Launch Alliance (ULA) launched their Atlas V with the NROL-101 satellite creating a spectacular sight in the sky, as the rocket launch in Earth's shadow and got to peak at the sun's rays as it rose into orbit. This was launching the newest spy satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office, meaning it was heavily classified and not much more information is public other than that they are capable of collecting optical and radar imagery of the ground and
ULA successfully launches secret NROL-101 mission
United Launch Alliance successfully launched their Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida yesterday evening carrying a classified payload for the National Reconnaissance Office. This Atlas V launch wasn't like the previous ones this year, the solid rocket boosters are the new Northrop Grumman Epoxy Motors (GEM), which will be used on their later Vulcan rocket, which is currenty under development with its inaugural launch being July of next year. ULA's Vulcan rocket is a 2 stage rocket, wit
Falcon 9 Staic Fires; Storm Eta approaches prior to weekend Launch of Crew-1
Amid dreary clouds and gusty winds, Space X managed to fire all nine Merlin-1D engines for a brief moment, in a Static Fire test leading up to one of the most important Space Mission's in recent history.Early morning, Wednesday, November 11th, Space X rolled Falcon 9 B.1061 with Crew Dragon Ship, Resilience, out to the launch pad at Historic LC-39A. Following a minor second stage valve replacement which delayed testing the day before, the private aerospace company and customer, NASA, were ready
ULA Scrubs NROL-101 due to Ground System Issue; Resets Launch Window 48 hours
Last night, on November 4th, the unfortunate trend of Ground Systems Equipment scrubbing Space Coast rocket launches, continued with the Atlas V: NROL-101 mission.Following a 24 hour delay related to a Fairing Environmental problem (which was subsequently resolved), launch provider United Launch Alliance made the call to proceed with launch operations, and rolled the Atlas V- 531 launch vehicle to the Pad on Wednesday morning ahead of the NROL-101 mission. Once the vehicle arrived back at the l
NASA re-affirms Space X Crew-1 Launch Date as Astronauts prepare to travel to KSC
As we throttle ahead into the final months of 2020, NASA and Space X are moving forward with final preparations for one of the most important milestone mission's of the last decade. On Tuesday, November 3rd, NASA & the NASA Commercial Crew Program released a series of press statements and took to social media to update the public on the upcoming series of events leading up to Launch Day. First and foremost, it was confirmed that the 4-person Crew ( Shannon Walker, Mike Hopkins, Victor Glover, &
Artemis-1 Just got a Little Closer
On Friday October 30th, NASA concluded the final test of the Mobile Launch Platform (MLP) by driving it back to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) after a weeklong excursion out at Launch Complex-39B. This step gets us just a little bit closer to the inaugural flight of the mighty Space Launch System (SLS) with Artemis-1. During that test, NASA rehearsed the process of driving the MLP out to the pad and hooking it up to the ground Systems in place.Now this isn’t the only recent milestone of the
Everything You Should Know About Sentinel-6
An in-depth look at the upcoming Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich ocean-monitoring satellite by the ESA and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Northrop Grumman NG14 Launch
Northrop Grumman launches their Cygnus spacecraft to the ISS on the NG-14 mission from Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.
Rocket Lab successfully returns to flight
Last night Rocket Lab launched their Electron Rocket from the stunning launch facility on the New Zealand Mahia Peninsula yesterday at 11:05pm EDT. The mission “I Can’t Believe It's Not Optical” went off without a hitch. This was Capella Space’s microsatellite imaging system that allows the customer to view the earth through clouds and in the dark at a rapid pace. Although Rocket Lab is currently working on re-flying their rockets, no attempt was made to catch the first stage of the rocket upon
SpaceX successfully completes their first Polar launch from Cape Canaveral, FL
This evening at 7:18pm EDT, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral, FL into a Polar Orbit around the Earth. A Polar Orbit is an orbit that follows North and South, instead of launching into an orbit that goes East and West. This is the first time a rocket has launched a payload into a polar orbit from Cape Canaveral since the 1960s, when the Air Force launched a rocket that experienced a failure, causing debris to fall toward Cuba and killing a cow. The Falcon 9 lifted
Rocket Lab is returning to Flight tonight
After experiencing an anomaly on their last launch in July, the Rocket Lab teams analyzed all the data and pinpointed it down to a single anomalous electrical connection, causing the second stage engine to shutdown too early and not putting the second stage and payload into orbit. Now returning back to flight after solving that issue, Rocket Lab is ready to launch their 14th mission, "I Can't Believe It's Not Optical". This is a dedicated mission for Capella Space carrying their 100kg microsatel
Back-to-back launches at the Cape today
Today is a day full of launches: 2 SpaceX launches, 1 SpaceX Starship hop, and a Rocket Lab launch from New Zealand, which you can read more about here.Just focusing on the rocket activity in the US, first up at 10:12am EDT, SpaceX is launching yet another batch of Starlink satellites from LC-39a in Cape Canaveral, FL, adding to their ever-growing fleet of satellites for global internet coverage. The first stage on this mission previously flew on the GPS III SV03 mission at the end of June, and
Technical issue pushes NRO launch at least 7 days
After some technical issues pushing the launch time from 2:04am to 3:28am, United Launch Alliance's Delta IV Heavy rocket called an abort at T-3 minutes just as the engines were getting ready to ignite. The launch vehicle has since been saved at the pad and has all propellants drained out of the tanks. United Launch Alliance teams will be reviewing all of the data from last nights launch attempt and have a minimum recycle time of 7 days to get the rocket ready to liftoff. An issue with a ground
SpaceX breaks another reusability record
This morning at 10:31am EDT, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Florida’s East coast in Cape Canaveral, FL. The Falcon 9 launched from LC-40 carrying another batch of Starlink satellites as well as some small satellites for PlanetLabs as a part of their rideshare program. On this mission, the fairing halves are being reused from the 4th Starlink mission and one of them was caught out in the Atlantic Ocean using their recovery boat Ms. Tree. The second fairing half landed in the water and w
SpaceX launches their tenth batch of Starlink satellites
Last night, SpaceX launched their Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39a at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, carrying 57 Starlink satellites and 2 BlackSky satellites as a part of their ride share program. This is the 5th time this first stage has flown, previously supporting the DM-1 mission, 2 Starlink Missions, and the RADARSAT Constellation Mission. At 8.5 minutes into the launch, the first stage successfully landed on their drone ship "Of Course I Still Love You" stationed out in the A
SpaceX successfully returns Astronauts back to Earth for the first time
Yesterday afternoon at 2:49pm EDT, SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft with US Astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico, just off the coast of Pensacola, FL.After spending ~2 months on board the International Space Station, they undocked at 7:34pm EDT on Saturday and began a series of burns that would bring them safely away from the ISS before heading back into Earth’s Atmosphere. Yesterday at 1:56pm EDT, about 18 hours after leaving the ISS, Crew Dragon initiated i
ULA launches NASA's Perseverance rover to Mars
Yesterday morning at 7:50am EDT, United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, carrying a new rover destined for the red planet. The last rover that was launched to Mars from the United States was NASA's Curiosity rover back in November of 2011, which was also launched on an Atlas V rocket by ULA in the same configuration. The rocket flew in its 541 configuration, meaning it had a 5 meter faring (with the second stage inside), 4 Solid Rocket Boosters, and 1 RL-10
SpaceX Launches Korean Military Satellite and Catches Both Fairing Halves for the First Time
B1058 launching American astronauts during DM-2 missionSpace X has launched the ANASIS-II defense satellite for Korean Agency for Defense Development aboard a Falcon 9 Block 5. This satellite will park in a geostationary orbit and has the destination of being the countries first dedicated military satellite. The fairings of the Falcon 9 were emblazoned with the South Korean flag, but below the second stage sat a very special booster. The first stage booster used today was the very same that laun
Perseverance launch delayed due to Atlas V Sensor anomaly
The United States is going back to Mars! On NASA's Mars 2020 mission, ULA's Atlas V rocket will send NASA's perseverance rover to the red planet. Perseverance will land on Mars on February 18th, 2021 at the site of an ancient river delta. The rover is designed to get a better understanding of the geology of mars while also seeking signs of ancient life, and will be collecting and storing a set of rock samples that are set to be returned to Earth in the future.The perseverance rover is equipped w
SpaceX to launch 58 more StarLink satellites with Rideshare Sats
Commercial spaceflight company SpaceX sure has had a busy year already, but they're not slowing down anytime soon. This Friday, June 26th at 4:18pm EDT, SpaceX is set to launch another batch of Starlink satellites ( approximately 58 ) along with a ride-sharing mission for Earth-observation company BlackSky. SpaceX, so far, has launched 538 starlink satellites into orbit, making it the world's largest fleet of satellites. The company has FCC approval to operate 12,000 starlink satellites into low
SpaceX completes first RideShare mission with Starlink launch
Early this morning at 5:21am EDT, SpaceX successfully launched their Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral, FL with the 8th batch of Starlink satellites, with a few different ones hitching a ride!On this launch, only 58 Starlink satellites were launched, which is different from the usual 60. 2 Satellites were removed to make room for 3 SkySat satellites by Planet Labs as a part of SpaceX's RideShare program.The fairings and first stage have previously been launc
Rocket Lab's "Don't Stop Me Now" Mission Launches
After a slight delay, Rocket Lab launched their Electron rocket from its New Zealand launch complex on the Mahia Peninsula in the early morning. The 55-foot carbon-fiber rocket illuminated the sky as it ascended along its flight path to low earth orbit. Rocket Lab's relatively small rocket had three customers for this mission, ferrying undisclosed payloads for The National Reconnaissance Office, The Royal Australian Air Force, and NASA. In keeping with Rocket Lab's tradition of quirk mission nam
"America has launched" - SpaceX launches Bob and Doug to the ISS
On Saturday, May 30th, SpaceX launched their Falcon 9 rocket with Crew Dragon on top, inside were Astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley, destined for the International Space Station. After 1 delay on Wednesday for weather, everything cleared up just in time for a beautiful liftoff from LC-39a at 3:22pm EDT. This is the first time SpaceX has ever launched humans, first time Astronauts have launched on a privately owned Spacecraft and Rocket, and the first time in 9 years that Astronauts have lau
SpaceX and NASA are gearing up to launch Astronauts to the International Space Station
On Wednesday, May 27th, SpaceX is going to be launching their Falcon 9 rocket from LC-39a with their Crew Dragon spacecraft on top, this time with a different payload. Inside the Crew Dragon spacecraft will be US Astronauts Robert (Bob) L. Behnken and Douglas (Doug) G. Hurley, destined for the International Space Station. This will be the first time American Astronauts have launched into orbit from the United States since the last Space Shuttle mission ended back in 2011. This is a very large st
The Air Force's secretive X-37B has launched
On Sunday May 17th the United States Space Force completed its second mission, launching Boeing’s classified X-37B space plane atop a United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket. The launch had scrubbed the previous day due to range restrictions on the weather. This was the 6th launch of the Orbital Test Vehicle. At 9:13am EDT the Atlas V rocket slowly began its climb before slipping through the low cloud cover. After roughly three minutes of flight, the first stage engine shut down releasing the se
ULA set to launch Boeing's X-37B Spaceplane tomorrow morning
United Launch Alliance recently rolled their Atlas V rocket out to the launchpad ahead of tomorrow morning's launch of Boeing's secretive X-37B Spaceplane. At 8:24am EDT, the Atlas V rocket will launch from Space Launch Complex 41 in the 501 configuration, which has been exclusively used for national security missions. This is the sixth launch of the X-37B and is being dedicated to honor front-line responders and those who have been affected by COVID-19. Alongside the primary mission, they will
United States Space Force Plans to Launch Mysterious X37-B Orbital Test Vehicle
Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barret announced on twitter that the United States Space Force will launch its secretive X37-B Orbital Test Vehicle on May 16th. The orbiter will hitch a ride on a ULA Atlas 501. United States Air Force currently has two of the vehicles in rotation, so it is unknown if the space plane going up on the 16th is the same vehicle that orbited earth for 780 days before returning to Cape Canaveral last October. The space plane is operated by the Air Force's Rapid Capa
NASA Chooses Three Commercial Partners for Artemis Human Lunar Lander Design
NASA has chosen three commercial space companies to design and develop human certified landing systems for its Artemis program. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has plans to head back to the moon, building off of the Apollo program that concluded nearly forty years ago. Artemis is currently projected to launch in April 2021 with the next man and first woman astronaut. To step foot on the moon.The Artemis program budgeted $967 million over a 10-month base period to the Next Space
Crowds turn out for SpaceX Starlink Launch Amidst Covid-19 Pandemic
Crowds gathered Thursday afternoon along state road 528 to witness SpaceX launched its 7th batch of Starlink satellites. The Falcon 9 launched from pad 39A at 3:31 pm EST carrying the rocket companies proprietary broadband satellites to orbit, adding them to their growing constellation. The first stage booster, previously flown for the RADARSAT and Demo 1 missions, flew for the 4th time today and successfully touched down on the drone ship Of Course I Still Love You. The protective fairing halve
SpaceX is proceeding with the launch of 60 more Starlink satellites
Today at 3:30pm EDT, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket will launch from LC-39A with another 60 satellites for their Starlink constellation. Despite the ongoing pandemic, they are quickly moving along with launch operations and are on-track to launch this afternoon. After stage separation, the first stage will make an ocean landing on their droneship "Of Course I still Love You" stationed out in the Atlantic Ocean. The first stage on this mission was previously flown on 3 missions; It supported the first
Launch Date Moved Forward Ahead of StarLink's 7th Orbital Mission
Despite being in the midst of a global pandemic, the Spaceflight Industry does in fact have a brand new Orbital Rocket Launch to look forward to. And, it's coming to us sooner than was originally expected. Late last week, on Friday, a thunderous noise rumbled over Merritt Island. The roar was that of SpaceX’s B1051 booster completing a static fire test at Launch Complex-39A at Kennedy Space Center, in preparation for the launch of the sixth operational batch of the V1.01 StarLink Satellites.Afte
First crewed Dragon launch date has officially been announced
SpaceX announced this week that their long anticipated Demo 2 mission will launch from Cape Canaveral Florida on May 27th. This launch is historically significant as it will be the first time humans will be launched into space from American soil since the space shuttles was retired in 2011. Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley, NASAs first commercial crew astronauts, will launch atop a Falcon 9 in a crew dragon capsule. SpaceX has proven itself over the past ___ years in the commercial crew program. They
StarLiner OFT will re-fly in 2020
New developments from Boeing, as it was revealed that the next flight of Boeing Starliner capsule will be an uncrewed flight test, a repeat of OFT-1.On December 22nd 2019, Boeing launched the inaugural flight of their Starliner capsule for the mission OFT-1. This flight was plagued by software issues which led to its early return and failure to dock with the International space station. It did successfully test most of its hardware and survived reentry in better condition than expected but afte
NASA plans to resurrect the Space Shuttle after SLS goes over budget again
Another audit of NASA's Space Launch System shows the program is well over budget and delays it passed the president's goal of putting Americans on the Moon by 2024. After seeking out all options, NASA's Administrator Jim Bridenstine has made the executive decision to bring back the Space Shuttle better than ever. They plan to collect the Shuttles they have on display and mate the newly-upgraded RS-25 engines back onto the orbiters. The orbiters would then be mated to the SLS's core tank to be u
NASA and JAXA add astronauts to SpaceX Crew-1 launch
This morning NASA and JAXA both announced a new addition of Astronauts to launch alongside NASA astronauts Michael Hopkins and Victor Glover Jr. on the first operational launch of SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft. JAXA announced that Noguchi Soichi is currently preparing and training to fly on board Crew Dragon for the first operational Crew Dragon launch to the International Space Station. Shortly thereafter, NASA announced that Shannon Walker, an American Astronaut, is also going to be joining
NASA & JAXA Astronaut added to first Operational Dragon Mission
Space X's first rotational Crew Mission to the International Space Station, following DM-2, has just added two new Members, making the total roster, a crew of four. This will make the first time more than three humans have launched to Low Earth Orbit since Space Shuttle Atlantis's final mission in 2011.On the morning of March 31st, 2020, NASA & JAXA (Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency) respectively released Press Statements announcing the additions of American Astronaut, Shannon Walker, and J
AEHF-6 Success; First US Space Force mission to orbit
On a clear Thursday afternoon, after a 1 hour and 21 minute delay, at 4:18 p.m. a United Launch Alliance Atlas V in the 551 configuration, raced into orbit with the first official payload for the newly formed United States Space Force.The payload in question was the Advanced Extremely High Frequency 6 (AEHF-6) satellite, a highly advanced jam-resistant communication satellite built by Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. This was the sixth and final one to complete the global constellation and
ULA is launching the first satellite for the U.S. Space Force
United Launch Alliance is ready to launch the first National Security Space Mission for the newly rebranded, United States Space Force. The AEHF 6 satellite is developed by Lockheed Martin and provides improved global, survivable, and protected communications for strategic command and tactical warfighters.At 2:57pm EDT, ULA is launching their largest Atlas V variant, the 551. This rocket has a large 5 meter fairing and 5 Solid Rocket Boosters strapped to the sides of the first stage. The Atlas V
Space X will fly NASA cargo to Gateway on new Dragon XL
In a stunning and unexpected announcement on March 27th, 2020, NASA Administrator, Jim Bridenstine, made the online announcement via twitter that the agency has selected Private Aerospace Company, Space X to be the first to fly Cargo Re-supply missions to NASA's Lunar Orbiting Gateway, in association with the new Artemis spaceflight program. The twitter thread by Administrator Bridenstine goes on to explain that, similarly to the ISS Commercial Re-Supply contracts already awarded by NASA, the A
Space X SAOCOM-1B Delayed indefinitely; COVID-19
The first rocket launch to be severely affected by COVID-19 is now officially upon us. On March 24th; Launch Services Provider, Space X and Argentinian customer, CONAE, announced that their upcoming mission to Low Earth Orbit is now postponed indefinitely.In a statement released to the press, The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and the National Commission for Space Activities (CONAE), detail their reasons for scrubbing SAOCOM-1B, which was slated for liftoff from Cape Canaveral at
KSC Employee tests positive for COVID-19
While the world is fighting a global pandemic, it has been shown that no sector of society has gone unaffected, not even our nations aerospace industry.On Sunday March 22nd, an employee of Jacob’s Space Exploration Group, a NASA subcontractor based out of Kennedy Space Center, was tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. He was out of work for over a week but it is unknown if he had contracted the virus while still at work as he had no symptoms at the time. Management is currently working with th
NASA halts SLS production and testing
A statement from NASA's Administrator Jim Bridenstine was released yesterday, March 19th, stating that the agency's Michoud Assembly Facility and Stennis Space Center are moving to Stage 4 today, March 20th. It's the 4th and final stage of NASA's Response Framework that limits the amount of in-person activities taking place at the facilities. This move to Stage 4 was made, because of the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the area near the facilities and one confirmed case on their Stennis Space
SpaceX successfully deploys 60 Starlink satellites despite engine failure
This morning at 8:16am EDT, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This launch was the 5th launch of operational Starlink satellites as well as the 5th reuse of a Falcon 9 first stage, a first in the Aerospace industry. The Falcon 9 launched nominally from 39A and ascended through Maximum Aerodynamic Pressure beautifully. A few moments before MECO, Main Engine Cut Off, there was a bright flash from one of the engines. This w
Following Launch Pad Abort; StarLink-5 set to fly
After a long awaited mission was set to liftoff, an issue occurred that caused only the second ever abort of a SpaceX Falcon 9 after main engine ignition but before liftoff. On March 15th, 2020 at 9:22 am, SpaceX was to lift its fifth batch of 60 version 1 Starlink Satellites into Low Earth Orbit. However, this was no ordinary launch, as it marked the first time a booster was to be re-flown for a fifth time, getting it halfway to its ten-flight lifespan.After a successful static fire on March 13
Starlink launch postponed until Wednesday morning
On Sunday morning, SpaceX attempted to launch their Falcon 9 rocket with 60 Starlink satellites encapsulated in the fairing. The sequence proceeded nominally until the engines ignited and "out of family data" triggered an abort shutting down the engines. SpaceX reported that it was an issue that occurred during the engine power check that happens right before the rocket is released from the launchpad. They are now targeting 8:16am EDT on Wednesday from LC-39a at the Kennedy Space Center in Flori
SpaceX is setting another reusability record this morning
This morning at 9:22am EDT, SpaceX will be launching another batch of Starlink satellites, adding to their ever-growing constellation of internet satellites. The satellites will be launched on a Falcon 9 rocket from LC-39a at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. On this mission, the first stage is being used for the 5th time in a row, another reusability first for SpaceX, no other first stage booster has exceeded 4 launches yet. This booster previously supported its first mission in July of 2018
SpaceX is launching their final Cargo Dragon spacecraft tonight
Tonight at 11:50pm ET, SpaceX will be launching their final Cargo Dragon spacecraft, ending the second round of the Commercial Resupply Service (CRS) contract with NASA. Dragon is currently loaded with roughly 4,500 pounds of supplies and payloads, including materials to support more than 250 research investigations being conducted on the ISS currently. This particular Dragon previously supported the CRS-10 and CRS-16 missions and the booster supported the CRS-19 mission. After launch, the first
SpaceX is launching their final Cargo Dragon spacecraft tonight
Tonight at 11:50pm ET, SpaceX will be launching their final Cargo Dragon spacecraft, ending the second round of the Commercial Resupply Service (CRS) contract with NASA. Dragon is currently loaded with roughly 4,500 pounds of supplies and payloads, including materials to support more than 250 research investigations being conducted on the ISS currently. This particular Dragon previously supported the CRS-10 and CRS-16 missions and the booster supported the CRS-19 mission. After launch, the first
Static Fire complete; Final Cargo Dragon Prepares to fly to ISS
Private Aerospace Company, Space X is currently making preparations for their next Commercial Re-supply flight to the ISS for NASA. What many do not realize, is that CRS-20 is actually one of Space X's most historical missions to date! Here's why: On the morning of March 1st, 2020, Space X announced via Twitter that Falcon 9 successfully ran a Static Fire test on Pad-40, a test in which all 9 of Falcon's first stage engines ignite and fire for a few-second duration. A pre-launch wet dress rehear
Watch SpaceX break a reusability record this morning
Photo: SpaceX At 10:05am ET, SpaceX is launching another batch of 60 Starlink satellites to add on to their growing Internet constellation in Low Earth Orbit. The Falcon 9 is launching from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. After this launch there will be a total of 240 V1 Starlink satellites in orbit, 300 satellites total including the very first launch of V0.9 satellites. This is the 4th reuse of this booster and they're planning on landing o
Watch SpaceX break a reusability record this morning
Photo: SpaceX At 10:05am ET, SpaceX is launching another batch of 60 Starlink satellites to add on to their growing Internet constellation in Low Earth Orbit. The Falcon 9 is launching from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. After this launch there will be a total of 240 V1 Starlink satellites in orbit, 300 satellites total including the very first launch of V0.9 satellites. This is the 4th reuse of this booster and they're planning on landing o
A successful launch of Solar Orbiter for ESA and NASA
Photo: Kevin Quick Solar orbiter has launched from Cape Canaveral atop a ULA Atlas V rocket. The joint venture between NASA and the European Space Agency has been in the works for 10 years. The satellite will spend the next 2 years moving into position to orbit the sun to send back scientific data to help scientists on Earth understand and predict the volatile space weather caused by our Sun. Solar Orbiter will join its brother, the Parker Solar probe. The satire will maintain a Sun Synchrono
A successful launch of Solar Orbiter for ESA and NASA
Photo: Kevin Quick Solar orbiter has launched from Cape Canaveral atop a ULA Atlas V rocket. The joint venture between NASA and the European Space Agency has been in the works for 10 years. The satellite will spend the next 2 years moving into position to orbit the sun to send back scientific data to help scientists on Earth understand and predict the volatile space weather caused by our Sun. Solar Orbiter will join its brother, the Parker Solar probe. The satire will maintain a Sun Synchrono
NASA's Solar Orbiter is launching tonight on a rare Atlas V configuration
At 11:03pm ET, United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket will be launching from SLC-41 (Space Launch Complex 41) at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This Atlas V is in the "411" configuration, meaning it is sporting 1 strap-on Solid Rocket Motor, 1 Centaur engine on the second stage, and a 4m fairing encapsulating the payload. The payload on this mission is the Solar Orbiter spacecraft that will observe the sun with high-resolution telescopes and provide the first ever images of
NASA's Solar Orbiter is launching tonight on a rare Atlas V configuration
At 11:03pm ET, United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket will be launching from SLC-41 (Space Launch Complex 41) at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This Atlas V is in the "411" configuration, meaning it is sporting 1 strap-on Solid Rocket Motor, 1 Centaur engine on the second stage, and a 4m fairing encapsulating the payload. The payload on this mission is the Solar Orbiter spacecraft that will observe the sun with high-resolution telescopes and provide the first ever images of
Watch Antares launch from Wallops Island, VA in just a few hours
At 5:39pm ET, Northrup Grumman's Antares rocket is launching from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility. Weather is currently 95% go and the launch is on track for an on-time liftoff from Pad 0A. The Cygnus spacecraft on this mission is carrying approximately 8,000lbs of supplies, research, and hardware to the International Space Station including a Mobile Space Lab to perform biology experiments without the need for crew operations for as long as a month. Other
Watch Antares launch from Wallops Island, VA in just a few hours
At 5:39pm ET, Northrup Grumman's Antares rocket is launching from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility. Weather is currently 95% go and the launch is on track for an on-time liftoff from Pad 0A. The Cygnus spacecraft on this mission is carrying approximately 8,000lbs of supplies, research, and hardware to the International Space Station including a Mobile Space Lab to perform biology experiments without the need for crew operations for as long as a month. Other
NASA Launch Services Program Awards $80.4Mil contract to Space X
- On February 4th, 2020, NASA publicly announced that Private Aerospace company, Space X, is their selection of launch provider for an upcoming Launch Services Program mission, dubbed, PACE. PACE, which stands for Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, & ocean Ecosystem, is being conducted by teams at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. The mission was conceived with the objective of designing a new Earth Observation Satellite, built to further evaluate the health of earth's oceans and collect data on its a
Rocket Lab is launching their first dedicated mission for the NRO tonight
Photo: Rocket Lab Update 8:05pm ET: Currently in a hold due to ground winds, establishing a new T-0. Launch window is open until 11pm ET. Update 6:17pm ET: liftoff is now set for 8:22pm ET Tonight at 7:01pm ET, Rocket Lab is launching their Electron rocket from Launch Complex 1 on the Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand. The satellite they're launching is NROL-151 for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and will be the first time Rocket Lab will be launching a high-class payload of this kind. Th
Rocket Lab is launching their first dedicated mission for the NRO tonight
Photo: Rocket Lab Update 8:05pm ET: Currently in a hold due to ground winds, establishing a new T-0. Launch window is open until 11pm ET. Update 6:17pm ET: liftoff is now set for 8:22pm ET Tonight at 7:01pm ET, Rocket Lab is launching their Electron rocket from Launch Complex 1 on the Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand. The satellite they're launching is NROL-151 for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and will be the first time Rocket Lab will be launching a high-class payload of this kind. Th
Starlink 181-240 Launch is a Success
SpaceX has successfully launched and deployed its fourth batch of Starlink satellites earlier this morning. The launch occurred on time at 9:06am at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40. Onboard were 60 custom built SpaceX satellites. Each 260kg, or 507 pound satellite, is part of a larger proposed constellation that aims to provide the worlds most advanced broadband internet to across the globe and in places currently inaccessible. SpaceX is also experimenting with darkening th
Starlink 181-240 Launch is a Success
SpaceX has successfully launched and deployed its fourth batch of Starlink satellites earlier this morning. The launch occurred on time at 9:06am at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40. Onboard were 60 custom built SpaceX satellites. Each 260kg, or 507 pound satellite, is part of a larger proposed constellation that aims to provide the worlds most advanced broadband internet to across the globe and in places currently inaccessible. SpaceX is also experimenting with darkening th
New Commercial Segments Coming to ISS
Photo Credit: Axiom An announcement was made by NASA yesterday afternoon that laid out an exciting new project for the International Space Station. They have selected a new contractor, Axiom Space, to develop and manufacture new segments for the ISS. Axiom will build 3 large pressurized modules as well as a large Earth observation window, similar to the current Cupola module.Photo Credit: AxiomNASA began soliciting bids in early June of 2019 after NASA's announcement that the International Spac
New Commercial Segments Coming to ISS
Photo Credit: Axiom An announcement was made by NASA yesterday afternoon that laid out an exciting new project for the International Space Station. They have selected a new contractor, Axiom Space, to develop and manufacture new segments for the ISS. Axiom will build 3 large pressurized modules as well as a large Earth observation window, similar to the current Cupola module.Photo Credit: AxiomNASA began soliciting bids in early June of 2019 after NASA's announcement that the International Spac
Firefly Aerospace suffers anomaly during their first stage qualification test: Updated
Photo: Firefly Aerospace Earlier today Firefly Aerospace posted on their social medias stating that they will be conducting a qualification test of their first stage for the Alpha rocket. Those tweets and posts about the test have now been removed. The Burnet County Sherrif’s Office then posted of an explosion that occurred near Firefly’s facilities near US Highway 183 in Briggs. They started evacuations around the area within a 1 mile radius of the facilities and traffic was shutdown. Fire
Firefly Aerospace suffers anomaly during their first stage qualification test: Updated
Photo: Firefly Aerospace Earlier today Firefly Aerospace posted on their social medias stating that they will be conducting a qualification test of their first stage for the Alpha rocket. Those tweets and posts about the test have now been removed. The Burnet County Sherrif’s Office then posted of an explosion that occurred near Firefly’s facilities near US Highway 183 in Briggs. They started evacuations around the area within a 1 mile radius of the facilities and traffic was shutdown. Fire
SpaceX to launch 60 more satellites into orbit, days after IFA
Just 5 days after the successful In Flight Abort Test of the Crew Dragon Space Craft, SpaceX is set to send 60 more Starlink Satellites into low Earth orbit. This will be the 4th batch of satellites to leave Earth, making it the largest commercial satellite constellation. In fact, Starlink missions will be expected to take up the majority of SpaceX launches this year. This comes right after the historic IFA (In Flight Abort) test of the Crew dragon capsule, where SpaceX and customer NASA
SpaceX Successfully Tests In-flight Abort Capabilities
Photo: Kevin Quick SpaceX successfully tested its Crew Dragon capsule's abort system this weekend. After being pushed back from an early Saturday morning launch, the Falcon 9 took off at 10:30am Sunday morning. Hundreds of cameras were pointed to the sky when the spacecraft separated. Shortly after separation, the rest of the rocket was destroyed due to the increased aerodynamic loads against the body of the first stage. The second stage stayed intact and exploded on impact with the Atlantic Oc
SpaceX Successfully Tests In-flight Abort Capabilities
Photo: Kevin Quick SpaceX successfully tested its Crew Dragon capsule's abort system this weekend. After being pushed back from an early Saturday morning launch, the Falcon 9 took off at 10:30am Sunday morning. Hundreds of cameras were pointed to the sky when the spacecraft separated. Shortly after separation, the rest of the rocket was destroyed due to the increased aerodynamic loads against the body of the first stage. The second stage stayed intact and exploded on impact with the Atlantic Oc
Watch SpaceX abort their Crew Dragon spacecraft mid-flight tomorrow morning
Tomorrow morning SpaceX will test an in-flight abort of their Crew Dragon spacecraft during a launch of their Falcon 9 rocket. The 4-hour launch window for the launch opens at 8am ET and remains open until 12pm ET and are currently targeting the end of the window. The Falcon 9 will be launching with Crew Dragon from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This Falcon 9 previously support 3 mission prior to tomorrow’s 4th launch - SSO-A, Merah Putih, and the Bangaba
Watch SpaceX abort their Crew Dragon spacecraft mid-flight tomorrow morning
Tomorrow morning SpaceX will test an in-flight abort of their Crew Dragon spacecraft during a launch of their Falcon 9 rocket. The 4-hour launch window for the launch opens at 8am ET and remains open until 12pm ET and are currently targeting the end of the window. The Falcon 9 will be launching with Crew Dragon from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This Falcon 9 previously support 3 mission prior to tomorrow’s 4th launch - SSO-A, Merah Putih, and the Bangaba
SpaceX Will Intentionally Blow Up A Falcon 9 This Weekend.
Photo Credit USLaunchReport There are few things that spaceflight fans are more excited about this month than SpaceX in flight abort test. Currently scheduled for January 18th, the inflight abort mission will test the Crew Dragon’s ability to carry the capsule and its human occupants far from the rocket in the event of a catastrophic failure. Luckily for us (and somewhat unluckily for booster B1046.4) the separation will occur during the moment of most aerodynamic pressure, or max Q, and ultimat
SpaceX Will Intentionally Blow Up A Falcon 9 This Weekend.
Photo Credit USLaunchReport There are few things that spaceflight fans are more excited about this month than SpaceX in flight abort test. Currently scheduled for January 18th, the inflight abort mission will test the Crew Dragon’s ability to carry the capsule and its human occupants far from the rocket in the event of a catastrophic failure. Luckily for us (and somewhat unluckily for booster B1046.4) the separation will occur during the moment of most aerodynamic pressure, or max Q, and ultimat
Space X Static Fires ahead of Dragon Abort Test; StarLink Success
January 11th, 2020 - Space X is starting the New Year off running, completing the worlds first rocket launch of the new decade, becoming the largest satellite operating agency, and taking another crucial step towards their Commercial Crew goals, all within the first ten days of January. This morning, just after 10:10am, launch teams at LC-39A preformed a Static-Fire test of the Falcon 9 booster which will be flying Crew Dragon on the In-Flight Abort Test (IFA) next week. Space X has since confir
SpaceX is sending up another batch of Starlink satellites tomorrow night
Tomorrow, January 6th, SpaceX is launching another batch of Starlink satellites from SLC-40 (Space Launch Complex 40) in Cape Canaveral, FL.This launch is very similar to the launch that took place in November when the first operational batch of satellites were launched. The launch will be taking place at 9:19pm ET (2:19 UTC) and they will be attempting a drone ship landing for the first stage booster, which previously supported 3 other missions; Telstar 18V, Iridium-8, and Starlink v0.9 (the f
SpaceX is sending up another batch of Starlink satellites tomorrow night
Tomorrow, January 6th, SpaceX is launching another batch of Starlink satellites from SLC-40 (Space Launch Complex 40) in Cape Canaveral, FL.This launch is very similar to the launch that took place in November when the first operational batch of satellites were launched. The launch will be taking place at 9:19pm ET (2:19 UTC) and they will be attempting a drone ship landing for the first stage booster, which previously supported 3 other missions; Telstar 18V, Iridium-8, and Starlink v0.9 (the f
Boeing's Starliner barely makes orbit due to internal clock error
Photo: NASA/Joel KowskyThis morning at 6:36am ET, a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 41 (SLC-41) at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Base, FL carrying Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. The Atlas V performed nominally and "hit the bullseye" on accuracy according to ULA CEO Tory Bruno, and successfully deployed the uncrewed Starliner spacecraft into a suborbital trajectory as intended. Before the intended orbital insertion burn, a timer on-board the spacecraft wa
Boeing's Starliner barely makes orbit due to internal clock error
Photo: NASA/Joel KowskyThis morning at 6:36am ET, a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 41 (SLC-41) at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Base, FL carrying Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. The Atlas V performed nominally and "hit the bullseye" on accuracy according to ULA CEO Tory Bruno, and successfully deployed the uncrewed Starliner spacecraft into a suborbital trajectory as intended. Before the intended orbital insertion burn, a timer on-board the spacecraft wa
Boeing's Starliner ready for first test flight
Photo: NASA/Joel KowskyTomorrow morning (December 20th) at 6:36am ET, Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft will launch on its first test flight to the International Space Station. Starliner will be launching from Space Launch Complex 41 (SLC-41) at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Base in Florida, on top of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with 2 strap-on solid rocket motors. This is an unscrewed flight and is meant to demonstrate Boeing's ability to launch astronauts to the ISS, dock/undoc
Boeing's Starliner ready for first test flight
Photo: NASA/Joel KowskyTomorrow morning (December 20th) at 6:36am ET, Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft will launch on its first test flight to the International Space Station. Starliner will be launching from Space Launch Complex 41 (SLC-41) at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Base in Florida, on top of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with 2 strap-on solid rocket motors. This is an unscrewed flight and is meant to demonstrate Boeing's ability to launch astronauts to the ISS, dock/undoc
JCSAT-18/Kacific1 launching on Falcon 9 tonight
Photo: Ryan Bale // CRS-14 In just under a half hour, SpaceX is launching the JCSAT-18/Kacific1 mission for SKY Perfect JSAT. At 7:10pm ET, the Falcon 9 rocket will launch from SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral, Florida on a twice flown first stage booster, previously launching the CRS-17 and CRS-18 missions for NASA. After launch, the first stage will perform a landing on the droneship “Of Course I Still Love You” and the two fairing halves will be caught by the 2 recovery ships, “Ms. Tree” and “Ms. Chi
JCSAT-18/Kacific1 launching on Falcon 9 tonight
Photo: Ryan Bale // CRS-14 In just under a half hour, SpaceX is launching the JCSAT-18/Kacific1 mission for SKY Perfect JSAT. At 7:10pm ET, the Falcon 9 rocket will launch from SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral, Florida on a twice flown first stage booster, previously launching the CRS-17 and CRS-18 missions for NASA. After launch, the first stage will perform a landing on the droneship “Of Course I Still Love You” and the two fairing halves will be caught by the 2 recovery ships, “Ms. Tree” and “Ms. Chi
Blue Origin is launching New Shepard after 7 months
Photo: Blue OriginBlue Origin is targeting a launch of their Suborbital launch vehicle named New Shepard, from West Texas at 8:30am CST (9:30am EST). They are currently watching the weather conditions as they are not as good as they would like them to be, but they’re watching the forecasts to ensure a successful launch. This is the 6th time this New Shepard booster has flown a mission after successfully landing and being recovered from the last 5 missions it flew on. This is the most flights a
Blue Origin is launching New Shepard after 7 months
Photo: Blue OriginBlue Origin is targeting a launch of their Suborbital launch vehicle named New Shepard, from West Texas at 8:30am CST (9:30am EST). They are currently watching the weather conditions as they are not as good as they would like them to be, but they’re watching the forecasts to ensure a successful launch. This is the 6th time this New Shepard booster has flown a mission after successfully landing and being recovered from the last 5 missions it flew on. This is the most flights a
Watch Rocket Lab perform its first recovery tests tonight!
Photo: Andrew Burns and Simon Moffatt Later tonight, Rocket Lab is going for a second attempt to launch their Electron rocket, after a second stage umbilical had an issue that caused them to stand down from launching on November 28th. This will be the 10th flight of the Electron rocket and is the first time an upgraded first stage is flying. After successfully delivering the several small satellites for Alba Orbital and ALE Co., Ltd (ALE), the first stage of the Electron rocket will descend back
Watch Rocket Lab perform its first recovery tests tonight!
Photo: Andrew Burns and Simon Moffatt Later tonight, Rocket Lab is going for a second attempt to launch their Electron rocket, after a second stage umbilical had an issue that caused them to stand down from launching on November 28th. This will be the 10th flight of the Electron rocket and is the first time an upgraded first stage is flying. After successfully delivering the several small satellites for Alba Orbital and ALE Co., Ltd (ALE), the first stage of the Electron rocket will descend back
SpaceX CRS-19 Succesful
Credit: Kevin Quick Es'hail-2 SpaceX has successful launched its 19th cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station this afternoon. The Falcon 9 lifted off at 12:51 p.m. from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Atop the Falcon 9 booster was a Dragon cargo capsule with some 5,700 lbs of crew supplies and research. The uncrewed Dragon Capsule is making its third visit to the ISS. The first stage booster, B1059.1, is brand new. After launch, the rocket and carg
SpaceX CRS-19 Succesful
Credit: Kevin Quick Es'hail-2 SpaceX has successful launched its 19th cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station this afternoon. The Falcon 9 lifted off at 12:51 p.m. from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Atop the Falcon 9 booster was a Dragon cargo capsule with some 5,700 lbs of crew supplies and research. The uncrewed Dragon Capsule is making its third visit to the ISS. The first stage booster, B1059.1, is brand new. After launch, the rocket and carg
SpaceX CRS-19 Scheduled to Launch Today.
Credit NASA SpaceX plans to launch its 19th cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station this afternoon at 12:51 p.m. Like all resupply missions, the launch window is immediate, meaning that any hold up due to weather problems, or a problem with the rocket itself will scrub the launch for the day. This will be the third trip to the ISS for this particular uncrewed Dragon capsule and the first use of this Falcon 9 first stage. Both will launch from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Ca
SpaceX CRS-19 Scheduled to Launch Today.
Credit NASA SpaceX plans to launch its 19th cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station this afternoon at 12:51 p.m. Like all resupply missions, the launch window is immediate, meaning that any hold up due to weather problems, or a problem with the rocket itself will scrub the launch for the day. This will be the third trip to the ISS for this particular uncrewed Dragon capsule and the first use of this Falcon 9 first stage. Both will launch from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Ca
Firefly Aerospace successfully qualifies new rocket stage
November 29th, 2019 - With the major successes of commercial launch providers such as Space X or Rocket Lab, in 2019, it is extremely easy to overlook progress being made by smaller Aerospace corporations within the Industry. Austin, Texas based company, Firefly Aerospace; which achieved recognition in February of this year for their 20 year lease of historic Launch Complex-20 in Florida; has completed yet another major milestone before the decade's looming end. Announced to the public via twitt
Holiday Launch Season on Florida Space-Coast
November 27th, 2019 - 2019 appears to be going out on a BANG this December, as the Eastern Range of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and NASA Kennedy Space Center, prepare for a rapid succession of rocket launches. With a potential for up to 5 launches being slated for the Christmas season, members of the media, pace fans, and locals alike, are preparing for one of the busiest month's the community has seen all year. Ringing in the launch season will be Space X's 11th launch of the year, CRS-19
60 More Space X StarLink Satellites in Orbit
November 13th, 2019 - The morning of November 11, 2019, Space X fans and Aerospace enthusiasts on Florida's space coast were treated to a crystal clear view of StarLink-1 and Falcon 9 lifting off from Space Launch Complex 40 in Cape Canaveral. This mission, Space X's 10th of 2019, marks several new milestones for the company. The Falcon 9 first stage which supported this mission, Booster B1048, is for the first time, 4 times re-flown, and will be undergoing preparations for an upcoming 5th fligh
That Time Pizza Hut Delivered to the ISS
The year is 2000. The dawn of the new millennium. Our chilling in the basement. Mom left $20 on the table to order pizza. Pick up the phone and call Pizza Hut right? Right. But what if you are a Russian cosmonaut, floating in space in the brand new, 16 nation International Space Station? There’s no pizza in space right? In July of 2000, the standard for pizza delivery was thrust through the stratosphere. The plan was to send a 6 inch pepperoni pizza to the space station on board the new Zvezda
That Time Pizza Hut Delivered to the ISS
The year is 2000. The dawn of the new millennium. Our chilling in the basement. Mom left $20 on the table to order pizza. Pick up the phone and call Pizza Hut right? Right. But what if you are a Russian cosmonaut, floating in space in the brand new, 16 nation International Space Station? There’s no pizza in space right? In July of 2000, the standard for pizza delivery was thrust through the stratosphere. The plan was to send a 6 inch pepperoni pizza to the space station on board the new Zvezda
NG-12 ISS Resupply Mission Success
November 13th, 2019 - The morning of November 2, 2019 at 0959 AM EST, Northrop Grumman and NASA successfully launched NG-12 aboard an Antares 230+ from Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia. This mission marked the 12th mission with Northrop Grumman to resupply the International Space Station with the Cygnus Spacecraft. Additionally, this was the first flight of the 230+ and second Cygnus spacecraft currently in orbit . The spacecraft, honored, the " S.S. Alan Bean", successfully delivered 8,200 pou
SpaceX successfully deploys their second set of Starlink Satellites.
Photo: Kevin Quick // Spaceflight News This morning at 9:56am ET, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) in Cape Canaveral, FL, carrying another batch of 60 Starlink satellites into Low Earth Orbit. This Falcon 9 included a reused first stage as well as a pair of reused fairings, which were recovered from the sea from the Falcon Heavy ArabSat-6A mission. The first stage was previously flown on the Iridium-7, SAOCOM-1A, and Nusantara Satu missions, making this the
SpaceX successfully deploys their second set of Starlink Satellites.
Photo: Kevin Quick // Spaceflight News This morning at 9:56am ET, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) in Cape Canaveral, FL, carrying another batch of 60 Starlink satellites into Low Earth Orbit. This Falcon 9 included a reused first stage as well as a pair of reused fairings, which were recovered from the sea from the Falcon Heavy ArabSat-6A mission. The first stage was previously flown on the Iridium-7, SAOCOM-1A, and Nusantara Satu missions, making this the
SpaceX Will Be Launching it’s Next Batch of Starlink Satellites Tomorrow
SpaceX plans to launch a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket tomorrow morning. Inside the fairing will be 60 Starlink satellites that will lay the (groundwork) for the (company’s) massive Starlink constellation program. These sixty satellites, along with another 11,540 planned satellites will bring internet to even the most remote places on earth by 2024. The company says it only needs a couple hundred to begin providing internet on Earth. SpaceX has recently applied for an additional 30,000 Starlink sat
SpaceX Will Be Launching it’s Next Batch of Starlink Satellites Tomorrow
SpaceX plans to launch a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket tomorrow morning. Inside the fairing will be 60 Starlink satellites that will lay the (groundwork) for the (company’s) massive Starlink constellation program. These sixty satellites, along with another 11,540 planned satellites will bring internet to even the most remote places on earth by 2024. The company says it only needs a couple hundred to begin providing internet on Earth. SpaceX has recently applied for an additional 30,000 Starlink sat
4 Astronauts May Spend 2 Weeks on Lunar Surface
Last week at the 2019 annual meeting of Lunar Exploration and Analysis Group (LEAG) NASA spokespersons casually mentioned a mission in the works that would have 4 astronauts spend 2 weeks on the surface of the moon. Currently the mission is unnamed but it is likely to occur near 2030. This announcement comes as a surprise to many. The current record for longest lunar excursion is Apollo 17’s 3 day stint. NASA is already looking for possible landing sites near the South Pole where they believe
4 Astronauts May Spend 2 Weeks on Lunar Surface
Last week at the 2019 annual meeting of Lunar Exploration and Analysis Group (LEAG) NASA spokespersons casually mentioned a mission in the works that would have 4 astronauts spend 2 weeks on the surface of the moon. Currently the mission is unnamed but it is likely to occur near 2030. This announcement comes as a surprise to many. The current record for longest lunar excursion is Apollo 17’s 3 day stint. NASA is already looking for possible landing sites near the South Pole where they believe
Northrop Grumman launching supplies to the ISS this weekend
Photo: NASA // Bill Ingalls Northrop Grumman is planning to launch their Antares rocket on November 2nd on a mission to supply the International Space Station with supplies and science experiments. Antares will launch from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, Virginia at 9:59am ET. This will be the twelfth time Cygnus has been launched to resupply the space station under the Commercial Resupply Services contract with NASA. Cygnus is carrying a various amount of science experiments
Northrop Grumman launching supplies to the ISS this weekend
Photo: NASA // Bill Ingalls Northrop Grumman is planning to launch their Antares rocket on November 2nd on a mission to supply the International Space Station with supplies and science experiments. Antares will launch from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, Virginia at 9:59am ET. This will be the twelfth time Cygnus has been launched to resupply the space station under the Commercial Resupply Services contract with NASA. Cygnus is carrying a various amount of science experiments
The Air Force's X-37B breaks record in space
The Air Force’s X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle successfully landed back at the runway at Kennedy Space Center early this morning at 3:51am ET. The spaceplane stayed in orbit around the Earth for 780 days, breaking its own record of time spent in space. The total number of days the vehicle has spent in space is now 2,865 days - it was designed for 270 days in orbit. The X-37B was launched on board a Falcon 9 rocket by SpaceX on September 7th, 2017, starting its 5th mission of long duration experimen
The Air Force's X-37B breaks record in space
The Air Force’s X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle successfully landed back at the runway at Kennedy Space Center early this morning at 3:51am ET. The spaceplane stayed in orbit around the Earth for 780 days, breaking its own record of time spent in space. The total number of days the vehicle has spent in space is now 2,865 days - it was designed for 270 days in orbit. The X-37B was launched on board a Falcon 9 rocket by SpaceX on September 7th, 2017, starting its 5th mission of long duration experimen
NASA Begins Attachment of First RS-25 Engines to SLS Artemis I
NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) has hit a milestone today as engineers began structurally matting the rockets four RS-25 engines. News from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans has been met with rejoice as the nation waits for the Space Shuttles predecessor to begin operations early next year. The RS-25 engines were developed by Los Angeles based rocket engine design company Rocketdyne and were previously flown on the Space Shuttle. Concerted efforts to design them began in the 1970's
NASA Begins Attachment of First RS-25 Engines to SLS Artemis I
NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) has hit a milestone today as engineers began structurally matting the rockets four RS-25 engines. News from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans has been met with rejoice as the nation waits for the Space Shuttles predecessor to begin operations early next year. The RS-25 engines were developed by Los Angeles based rocket engine design company Rocketdyne and were previously flown on the Space Shuttle. Concerted efforts to design them began in the 1970's
One Giant Leap for (Wo)mankind: First All Female Spacewalk FINALLY Happens!
Earlier this year, everyone was buzzing about the first all female spacewalk. Due to not having the correct size suit it was cancelled, causing major disappointment to those ready for the groundbreak...but that is all about to change. Today is the day. Today is when NASA astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir step out (in two appropriately sized suits, may I add) and take part in the first all female spacewalk. Over the weekend a power controller had failed, so these awesome ladies are goin
One Giant Leap for (Wo)mankind: First All Female Spacewalk FINALLY Happens!
Earlier this year, everyone was buzzing about the first all female spacewalk. Due to not having the correct size suit it was cancelled, causing major disappointment to those ready for the groundbreak...but that is all about to change. Today is the day. Today is when NASA astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir step out (in two appropriately sized suits, may I add) and take part in the first all female spacewalk. Over the weekend a power controller had failed, so these awesome ladies are goin
ISS News: Week of October 14th
It has been more than 20 years since the International Space Station (ISS) was launched into the earth’s orbit. However, the ISS is up there with a purpose: hundreds of science experiments are conducted every year with the purpose of providing us with valuable insights about physics, space travel, and life on earth. This article will provide an overview of the scientific experiments carried out within the ISS in the Week of September 30, 2019. Of the hundreds of experiments being conducted, thr
ISS News: Week of October 14th
It has been more than 20 years since the International Space Station (ISS) was launched into the earth’s orbit. However, the ISS is up there with a purpose: hundreds of science experiments are conducted every year with the purpose of providing us with valuable insights about physics, space travel, and life on earth. This article will provide an overview of the scientific experiments carried out within the ISS in the Week of September 30, 2019. Of the hundreds of experiments being conducted, thr
ICON set to launch October 9th after almost a year delay
Photo: NASA KennedyNorthrup Grumman’s Pegasus XL launch vehicle is finally ready to launch NASA’s Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) after being delayed for nearly a year. In November of 2018, some of the sensor readings on the rocket were not within normal limits during various ferry and launch attempts. After being flown back to Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) in California and having some modifications done, the launch is back on the schedule and is targeting a date of October 9th from t
ICON set to launch October 9th after almost a year delay
Photo: NASA KennedyNorthrup Grumman’s Pegasus XL launch vehicle is finally ready to launch NASA’s Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) after being delayed for nearly a year. In November of 2018, some of the sensor readings on the rocket were not within normal limits during various ferry and launch attempts. After being flown back to Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) in California and having some modifications done, the launch is back on the schedule and is targeting a date of October 9th from t
StarShip Mk 1 to make Orbital flight attempt this fall
August 29, 2019 - Following the milestone flight of the StarHopper test vehicle on Tuesday, Space X CEO Elon Musk has taken to twitter to update the world on whats in store for the very near future of StarShip, the company's proposed Mars rocket.As outlined by Musk, the Mk 1 orbital prototype is currently targeting October of 2019 for its first, sub-orbital test flight, which will evaluate the high performance launch & landing capabilities of the rocket within Earths atmosphere. Musk also stated
Space X successfully tests "StarHopper" prototype Mars rocket
August 28, 2019 - Following a scrubbed launch attempt on August 26th, shortly after 5pm CST on Tuesday, August 27th, Space X successfully launched and landed their StarHopper prototype launch vehicle. StarHopper, which began development in November of 2018, preformed a test flight which saw the vehicle rise 150 meters in altitude, travel 20 meters due south above the Landing Zone, then descend softly on the ground at Space X's Test Facility in Boca Chica, Texas. This highly anticipated test flig
ULA successfully launches their Delta Medium rocket for the last time
This morning at 9:06am EDT, United Launch Alliance launched their Delta IV rocket in the medium configuration, with a 4-meter fairing and 2 solid rocket motors. It was carrying the GPS III satellite which is a more advanced and highly accurate GPS system for civil users. The Delta IV launched from Space Launch Complex 37 in Cape Canaveral, FL, completing 17 years of successful launches for ULA. The only rockets left in the Delta family now are the large Delta Heavy rockets, which will only laun
ULA successfully launches their Delta Medium rocket for the last time
This morning at 9:06am EDT, United Launch Alliance launched their Delta IV rocket in the medium configuration, with a 4-meter fairing and 2 solid rocket motors. It was carrying the GPS III satellite which is a more advanced and highly accurate GPS system for civil users. The Delta IV launched from Space Launch Complex 37 in Cape Canaveral, FL, completing 17 years of successful launches for ULA. The only rockets left in the Delta family now are the large Delta Heavy rockets, which will only laun
Watch this Delta rocket launch for the last time
In just over 12 hours, United Launch Alliance will be launching their Delta IV rocket in it's "Medium" configuration consisting of a 4-meter fairing and 2 solid rocket boosters strapped to the sides of the main booster. After this launch, only the Delta IV Heavy rocket will launch from the Delta family of rockets, once those are done the Delta rockets will be retired as a whole. The Delta Heavy has 5 more launches after this, with the last launch being NROL-70 from Cape Canaveral, FL in 2024. T
Watch this Delta rocket launch for the last time
In just over 12 hours, United Launch Alliance will be launching their Delta IV rocket in it's "Medium" configuration consisting of a 4-meter fairing and 2 solid rocket boosters strapped to the sides of the main booster. After this launch, only the Delta IV Heavy rocket will launch from the Delta family of rockets, once those are done the Delta rockets will be retired as a whole. The Delta Heavy has 5 more launches after this, with the last launch being NROL-70 from Cape Canaveral, FL in 2024. T
SpaceX's 18th resupply mission launches to the ISS
Photo: Richard AngleLast night at 6:01 PM EST SpaceX successfully launched the 18th resupply mission for NASA to the International Space Station. After two reschedules, a Dragon capsule on board a Falcon 9 rocket was finally able to launch. In two days the capsule will dock, and along with the usual supplies for the astronauts there are several experiments to be conducted using space’s harsh conditions, as well as microgravity. The weather leading up to today’s launch has been less than ideal.
SpaceX's 18th resupply mission launches to the ISS
Photo: Richard AngleLast night at 6:01 PM EST SpaceX successfully launched the 18th resupply mission for NASA to the International Space Station. After two reschedules, a Dragon capsule on board a Falcon 9 rocket was finally able to launch. In two days the capsule will dock, and along with the usual supplies for the astronauts there are several experiments to be conducted using space’s harsh conditions, as well as microgravity. The weather leading up to today’s launch has been less than ideal.
SpaceX to launch twice-flown Dragon spacecraft to the ISS
On July 24th, SpaceX is sending up the Cargo Dragon on board a Falcon 9 rocket for the 18th resupply mission to the International Space Station for NASA. On board this mission are not only necessary supplies for the astronauts, but supplies for them to continue living in space. One of the experiments launching on this mission is going to hopefully help the medicine world. With the age of technology we are at today, there has long been plans to try and figure out a way to 3D print human organs.
SpaceX to launch twice-flown Dragon spacecraft to the ISS
On July 24th, SpaceX is sending up the Cargo Dragon on board a Falcon 9 rocket for the 18th resupply mission to the International Space Station for NASA. On board this mission are not only necessary supplies for the astronauts, but supplies for them to continue living in space. One of the experiments launching on this mission is going to hopefully help the medicine world. With the age of technology we are at today, there has long been plans to try and figure out a way to 3D print human organs.
SpaceX updates us on Crew Dragon anomoly
As most may remember - On April 20th, SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft exploded at their landing zones during the abort motor testing of the recently-recovered spacecraft from the DM-1 mission. This was meant to do tests of the abort system after recovery ahead of using that capsule for the In-Flight Abort test they had planned to do a month later. The explosion of Crew Dragon turned many heads and many people questioned the safety of Dragon. SpaceX and NASA have been working very closely over
SpaceX updates us on Crew Dragon anomoly
As most may remember - On April 20th, SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft exploded at their landing zones during the abort motor testing of the recently-recovered spacecraft from the DM-1 mission. This was meant to do tests of the abort system after recovery ahead of using that capsule for the In-Flight Abort test they had planned to do a month later. The explosion of Crew Dragon turned many heads and many people questioned the safety of Dragon. SpaceX and NASA have been working very closely over
India’s Chandrayaan-2 Prepares For Launch
Image credit: ISROIndia is on the precipice of it’s most ambitious lunar mission yet. On July 14th, the Chandrayaan-2 Lunar exploration mission will commence, lifting off from Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, India. The India Space Research Organisation (ISRO), in collaboration with Russia’s Roscosms, has designed and built a triple threat; A Lunar orbiter, lander, and rover all in one. The Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk.3, arrived at the launch pad earlier this morning. The launch is s
India’s Chandrayaan-2 Prepares For Launch
Image credit: ISROIndia is on the precipice of it’s most ambitious lunar mission yet. On July 14th, the Chandrayaan-2 Lunar exploration mission will commence, lifting off from Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, India. The India Space Research Organisation (ISRO), in collaboration with Russia’s Roscosms, has designed and built a triple threat; A Lunar orbiter, lander, and rover all in one. The Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk.3, arrived at the launch pad earlier this morning. The launch is s
Arianespace's Vega rocket suffers first failure
At 9:53pm ET, Arianespace launched their Vega rocket carrying an Earth observation satellite for the United Arab Emirates, named FalconEye1. It launched successfully from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana, and had performed nominally up until first stage cutoff. From the ground, it had seemed the second stage did not ignite after cutoff and the webcast switched to a graphic showing the animation of the rocket continuing, but the telemetry data shown on the side of the webcast sh
Arianespace's Vega rocket suffers first failure
At 9:53pm ET, Arianespace launched their Vega rocket carrying an Earth observation satellite for the United Arab Emirates, named FalconEye1. It launched successfully from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana, and had performed nominally up until first stage cutoff. From the ground, it had seemed the second stage did not ignite after cutoff and the webcast switched to a graphic showing the animation of the rocket continuing, but the telemetry data shown on the side of the webcast sh
How these six new satellties will improve weather forecasting
Credit: Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd Six of the 24 payloads that launched on Falcon Heavy last week were the constellation of COSMIC-2 microsatellites by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and the National Space Organization (NSPO). Built on the success of COSMIC-1, these six satellites will work in unison to observe the Climate, Ionosphere, and Atmosphere of our planet. They have multiple sensors on board to record temperature, air pressure, density, and humidity to impr
How these six new satellties will improve weather forecasting
Credit: Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd Six of the 24 payloads that launched on Falcon Heavy last week were the constellation of COSMIC-2 microsatellites by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and the National Space Organization (NSPO). Built on the success of COSMIC-1, these six satellites will work in unison to observe the Climate, Ionosphere, and Atmosphere of our planet. They have multiple sensors on board to record temperature, air pressure, density, and humidity to impr
LightSail-2 takes flight on Falcon Heavy
Photo: The Planetary Society “Well there’s just a tremendously exciting prospect called solar sailing. And this is a very crude model.” With this introduction by famed astrophysicist Carl Sagan, Johnny Carson begins to clear off his desk to make room. Sagan pulls a large pyramid shaped model out from behind his chair. It looks delicate, consisting of a thin sheet of a shiny material and held together by wooden skewers and string. “It’ll take you where you want to go.” In 1972 Carl Sagan introdu
LightSail-2 takes flight on Falcon Heavy
Photo: The Planetary Society “Well there’s just a tremendously exciting prospect called solar sailing. And this is a very crude model.” With this introduction by famed astrophysicist Carl Sagan, Johnny Carson begins to clear off his desk to make room. Sagan pulls a large pyramid shaped model out from behind his chair. It looks delicate, consisting of a thin sheet of a shiny material and held together by wooden skewers and string. “It’ll take you where you want to go.” In 1972 Carl Sagan introdu
NASA launches In-Flight Abort test of Orion Capsule
07/03/19 - At the time of publish, NASA & Lockheed Martin are on target for NET 07/02/19 07:15EST launch of the AAT-2 Mission, which will be a critical hardware test for the Artemis Moon Mission. The Orion Crew Capsule, produced by Lockheed Martin, is set to be launched on top of the upcoming SLS Rocket and will feature a Tractor Launch Abort System in order to keep human passengers safe during the most critical moments of the flight profile. The AAT-2 mission will see a test article version of
NASA's Mobile Launcher arrives at LC39B
Photo: Ryan Bale Big things are on the move at Kennedy Space Center...literally. Actually, only one “big thing” that weighs 10.5 million pounds and stands a total of 380 feet off the ground (according to NASA). NASA’s Mobile Launcher 1 (ML-1) was rolled out of the Vehicle Assembly Building on a ten hour (and yet only four mile long) journey to Launch Complex 39-B. Here it will prepare for the launch of the SLS rocket and Orion capsule during Artemis-1 mission, which will be the first test of t
NASA's Mobile Launcher arrives at LC39B
Photo: Ryan Bale Big things are on the move at Kennedy Space Center...literally. Actually, only one “big thing” that weighs 10.5 million pounds and stands a total of 380 feet off the ground (according to NASA). NASA’s Mobile Launcher 1 (ML-1) was rolled out of the Vehicle Assembly Building on a ten hour (and yet only four mile long) journey to Launch Complex 39-B. Here it will prepare for the launch of the SLS rocket and Orion capsule during Artemis-1 mission, which will be the first test of t
NASA's Orion spacecraft completes critical test
Image credit: Richard Angle This morning at 7am ET, NASA’s Orion spacecraft completed a critical test for the future of the SLS program and returning humans to the Moon. Orion launched on top of a refurbished Peacekeeper ICBM first stage that was supplied by Northrop Grumman (formerly Orbital ATK). The abort test only lasted about 3 minutes, with the test concluding after the data recorders were jettisoned (separated) from the Orion crew capsule. The Launch Abort System (LAS) initiated at 31,00
NASA's Orion spacecraft completes critical test
Image credit: Richard Angle This morning at 7am ET, NASA’s Orion spacecraft completed a critical test for the future of the SLS program and returning humans to the Moon. Orion launched on top of a refurbished Peacekeeper ICBM first stage that was supplied by Northrop Grumman (formerly Orbital ATK). The abort test only lasted about 3 minutes, with the test concluding after the data recorders were jettisoned (separated) from the Orion crew capsule. The Launch Abort System (LAS) initiated at 31,00
NASA's Replacement for Hydrazine?
Photo: NasaNASA is developing a new type of fuel that would act as an environmentally friendly replacement for Hydrazine. This new fuel is safer to handle, easier to use, and lasts longer, allowing the spacecraft to remain operational for longer periods of time. This new fuel goes by the name AF-M315E. Recently launched on SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket, the Green Propellant Infusion Mission, or GPIM, will prove the real life applications of using this fuel as an alternative to other monopropell
NASA's Replacement for Hydrazine?
Photo: NasaNASA is developing a new type of fuel that would act as an environmentally friendly replacement for Hydrazine. This new fuel is safer to handle, easier to use, and lasts longer, allowing the spacecraft to remain operational for longer periods of time. This new fuel goes by the name AF-M315E. Recently launched on SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket, the Green Propellant Infusion Mission, or GPIM, will prove the real life applications of using this fuel as an alternative to other monopropell
NASA chooses Dragonfly for their New Frontiers Mission
Image: NASA This afternoon, Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA’s Associate Administrator of Science, and Lori Glaze, NASA’s Director of Planetary Sciences, announced they have chosen Dragonfly as their New Frontiers mission. This rotorcraft is designed to fly around through the thick atmosphere of Saturn’s moon Titan. It uses 8 propellers in a quadcopter configuration to efficiently fly around the surface of Titan to explore and collect research on various locations. First off, why go to Titan instead of E
NASA chooses Dragonfly for their New Frontiers Mission
Image: NASA This afternoon, Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA’s Associate Administrator of Science, and Lori Glaze, NASA’s Director of Planetary Sciences, announced they have chosen Dragonfly as their New Frontiers mission. This rotorcraft is designed to fly around through the thick atmosphere of Saturn’s moon Titan. It uses 8 propellers in a quadcopter configuration to efficiently fly around the surface of Titan to explore and collect research on various locations. First off, why go to Titan instead of E
VIDEO: SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch and landings as viewed from the NASA Causeway
Videos: Ryan BaleWatch as members of the press photograph the launch of SpaceX's Falcon Heavy on the STP-2 mission carrying 24 payloads for the Air Force, NOAA, The Planetary Society, and more! Read more about this launch here!
VIDEO: SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch and landings as viewed from the NASA Causeway
Videos: Ryan BaleWatch as members of the press photograph the launch of SpaceX's Falcon Heavy on the STP-2 mission carrying 24 payloads for the Air Force, NOAA, The Planetary Society, and more! Read more about this launch here!#FalconHeavy #SpaceX
Third Launch For Falcon Heavy!
Photo: Ryan BaleTonight SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket has launched for the third time, but on this Florida night there was a new milestone hit for this beast of a rocket. At 2:30 AM EST, three hours after the opening of the launch window, the Falcon Heavy had its first night launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida. On board this mission for the Department of Defense are 24 satellites for their first ever mission with a Falcon Heavy. According to SpaceX’s briefing on the launch, “the [Space Test Prog
Third Launch For Falcon Heavy!
Photo: Ryan BaleTonight SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket has launched for the third time, but on this Florida night there was a new milestone hit for this beast of a rocket. At 2:30 AM EST, three hours after the opening of the launch window, the Falcon Heavy had its first night launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida. On board this mission for the Department of Defense are 24 satellites for their first ever mission with a Falcon Heavy. According to SpaceX’s briefing on the launch, “the [Space Test Prog
SpaceX launches the first batch of their Internet satellites
Photo: SpaceXOn Thursday, May 23rd, SpaceX launched the first 60 satellites of their internet constellation using a flight-proven Falcon 9 rocket. These satellites are positioned in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and are low enough to still be affected by Earth's atmosphere to passively deorbit quickly if there's an issue where a satellite becomes inoperable. After launch, the first stage separated and was recovered far out in the Atlantic Ocean after launching SpaceX's heaviest payload to date. Also re
SpaceX launches the first batch of their Internet satellites
Photo: SpaceXOn Thursday, May 23rd, SpaceX launched the first 60 satellites of their internet constellation using a flight-proven Falcon 9 rocket. These satellites are positioned in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and are low enough to still be affected by Earth's atmosphere to passively deorbit quickly if there's an issue where a satellite becomes inoperable. After launch, the first stage separated and was recovered far out in the Atlantic Ocean after launching SpaceX's heaviest payload to date. Also re
Space X StarLink set to debut this week:
05/11/2019 - This week Space X is targeting the maiden launch of their new global internet concept, Starlink. Starlink-0.9, launching aboard a Falcon 9, will deploy 60 test satellites to Low Earth Orbit to debut the companies highly anticipated project. The launch window for Starlink-1 is currently NET 05/15/19 from 20:30 - 23:59 EST.
Blue Origin announces "Blue Moon"
Today at 4pm EDT in Washington DC, Jeff Bezos held a small press conference with select media of the unvailing of Blue Origin's new project to create a human prescence on the Moon. This new Lunar Lander is able to fit inside the fairing of New Glenn, their orbital rocket currently in production and testing, and is powered by their new BE-7 engine. The BE-7 engine uses LH2 (Liquid Hydrogen) and LOX (Liquid Oxygen) as a propellant, and will begin hot fire testing this summer. This new engine is al
Blue Origin announces "Blue Moon"
Today at 4pm EDT in Washington DC, Jeff Bezos held a small press conference with select media of the unvailing of Blue Origin's new project to create a human prescence on the Moon. This new Lunar Lander is able to fit inside the fairing of New Glenn, their orbital rocket currently in production and testing, and is powered by their new BE-7 engine. The BE-7 engine uses LH2 (Liquid Hydrogen) and LOX (Liquid Oxygen) as a propellant, and will begin hot fire testing this summer. This new engine is al
SpaceX launches CRS-17 after delay from NASA
Photo: Richard Angle At 2:48am EDT, before even the rooster was crowing, SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket with supplies for the International Space Station. On board the Dragon Spacecraft is over 5,500 pounds of supplies & support for over 250 experiments that the astronauts will perform. This is the seventeenth out of twenty resupply missions that SpaceX will perform for NASA. According to SpaceX, “under the CRS contracts, SpaceX has restored the United States’ capability to deliver and retu
SpaceX launches CRS-17 after delay from NASA
Photo: Richard Angle At 2:48am EDT, before even the rooster was crowing, SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket with supplies for the International Space Station. On board the Dragon Spacecraft is over 5,500 pounds of supplies & support for over 250 experiments that the astronauts will perform. This is the seventeenth out of twenty resupply missions that SpaceX will perform for NASA. According to SpaceX, “under the CRS contracts, SpaceX has restored the United States’ capability to deliver and retu
Amidst weather, Dragon is preparing for launch tomorrow morning.
Currently, SpaceX is targetting 3:12am EDT for the launch of their Cargo Dragon vehicle from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40). This is their 17th commercial resupply mission with the Dragon spacecraft and it will be carrying more than 5000lbs of cargo. Weather is currently 40% go and there is a backup launch window on May 4th at 2:48am EDT if tomorrow morning's attempt is scrubbed. After launch, the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket will boostback and land on a droneship just off the coast of
Amidst weather, Dragon is preparing for launch tomorrow morning.
Currently, SpaceX is targetting 3:12am EDT for the launch of their Cargo Dragon vehicle from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40). This is their 17th commercial resupply mission with the Dragon spacecraft and it will be carrying more than 5000lbs of cargo. Weather is currently 40% go and there is a backup launch window on May 4th at 2:48am EDT if tomorrow morning's attempt is scrubbed. After launch, the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket will boostback and land on a droneship just off the coast of
Firefly Aerospace: A Brief Technical History
23 miles outside Austin, Texas in Cedar Park, there is a an unassuming office park with a construction company, an air conditioning supplier, and the Northpoint church. If you parked your car in the lot for Sunday mass, you might see an unusual amount of cars parked outside Firefly Aerospace. Inside, men and women are working around the clock, building the next commercial launch vehicle to ferry small satellites into orbit, and eventually the moon. Texas has a long history of headquartering Am
Firefly Aerospace: A Brief Technical History
23 miles outside Austin, Texas in Cedar Park, there is a an unassuming office park with a construction company, an air conditioning supplier, and the Northpoint church. If you parked your car in the lot for Sunday mass, you might see an unusual amount of cars parked outside Firefly Aerospace. Inside, men and women are working around the clock, building the next commercial launch vehicle to ferry small satellites into orbit, and eventually the moon. Texas has a long history of headquartering Am
SpaceX on track for Cargo Dragon launch after Crew Dragon anomaly
Two days ago, SpaceX was running a series of static fire tests of their Crew Dragon spacecraft, designed to carry astronauts back to the ISS. This was the same Dragon that launched back in March and visited the International Space Station for a few days before returning to Earth. SpaceX had planned on reusing this spacecraft on the In Flight Abort test, where it would test its abort system during launch to ensure safety in the event of an anamoly. During these static fire tests of the abort sy
SpaceX on track for Cargo Dragon launch after Crew Dragon anomaly
Two days ago, SpaceX was running a series of static fire tests of their Crew Dragon spacecraft, designed to carry astronauts back to the ISS. This was the same Dragon that launched back in March and visited the International Space Station for a few days before returning to Earth. SpaceX had planned on reusing this spacecraft on the In Flight Abort test, where it would test its abort system during launch to ensure safety in the event of an anamoly. During these static fire tests of the abort sy
Liftoff for Cygnus!
Photo: NASA 2014 Northrop Grumman had a successful launch of their Antares rocket from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia at 4:46 PM EDT. On board the Antares is the Cygnus spacecraft, which is carrying almost 7,600 pounds of NASA cargo to the International Space Station with supplies and experiments for the crew on board. The Antares rocket is designed to be an inexpensive way to launch cargo into space, with the ability to carry up to 8,000 kilograms (or over 17,600 pounds) of cargo in
Liftoff for Cygnus!
Photo: NASA 2014 Northrop Grumman had a successful launch of their Antares rocket from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia at 4:46 PM EDT. On board the Antares is the Cygnus spacecraft, which is carrying almost 7,600 pounds of NASA cargo to the International Space Station with supplies and experiments for the crew on board. The Antares rocket is designed to be an inexpensive way to launch cargo into space, with the ability to carry up to 8,000 kilograms (or over 17,600 pounds) of cargo in
Northrup Grumman's Cygnus spacecraft will launch to the ISS today
This afternoon, at 4:46pm EDT, Northrup Grumman will be launching the Cygnus spacecraft on their Antares rocket from the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. Cygnus will be launching on the Antares 230 rocket, which features RD-181 engines with increased performance an flexibility. This will be the last time the Antares 230 configuration will launch, as they are getting ready to debut the Antares 230+, which will have significant upgrades to the strcuture of the vehicle and also have a higher ma
Northrup Grumman's Cygnus spacecraft will launch to the ISS today
This afternoon, at 4:46pm EDT, Northrup Grumman will be launching the Cygnus spacecraft on their Antares rocket from the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. Cygnus will be launching on the Antares 230 rocket, which features RD-181 engines with increased performance an flexibility. This will be the last time the Antares 230 configuration will launch, as they are getting ready to debut the Antares 230+, which will have significant upgrades to the strcuture of the vehicle and also have a higher ma
Falcon Heavy completes its first commericial mission
SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket successfully lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, carrying the ArabSat 6A payload for ArabSat. Falcon Heavy launched at 6:35pm EDT flying off the pad on its way out of the atmosphere. The rocket performed nominally without any issues and delivered the satellite successfully into its intended orbit. This is the first time that SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket completed a launch for a customer, which opened the door to being a reliabl
Falcon Heavy completes its first commericial mission
SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket successfully lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, carrying the ArabSat 6A payload for ArabSat. Falcon Heavy launched at 6:35pm EDT flying off the pad on its way out of the atmosphere. The rocket performed nominally without any issues and delivered the satellite successfully into its intended orbit. This is the first time that SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket completed a launch for a customer, which opened the door to being a reliabl
Falcon Heavy postponed until Thursday due to high winds
SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket stood down for launch today due to high upper level winds. The launch kept getting pushed back into the window and sat waiting at the end in case the winds improved. Fueling never started so the launch was considered postponed instead of scrubbed. Weather was predicted to be 80% go, but these weather forecasts don't include upper level winds as they can be unpredictable. The threat that high Upper Levels Winds poses to rockets is that it can veer the rocket off the
Falcon Heavy postponed until Thursday due to high winds
SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket stood down for launch today due to high upper level winds. The launch kept getting pushed back into the window and sat waiting at the end in case the winds improved. Fueling never started so the launch was considered postponed instead of scrubbed. Weather was predicted to be 80% go, but these weather forecasts don't include upper level winds as they can be unpredictable. The threat that high Upper Levels Winds poses to rockets is that it can veer the rocket off the
Falcon Heavy is back and better than before
Last year, SpaceX debuted their Falcon Heavy for the first time on February 6th, 2018, carrying Elon's Tesla Roadster as the test payload. The main event of that launch was the successful landing and recovery of the side boosters, which landed nearly simultaneously back at the two concrete landing zones SpaceX had constructed. Since then, the Tesla roadster has completed 3/4ths of its orbit and SpaceX hasn't launched another Falcon Heavy, why is that? The next scheduled launch of Falcon Heavy w
Falcon Heavy is back and better than before
Last year, SpaceX debuted their Falcon Heavy for the first time on February 6th, 2018, carrying Elon's Tesla Roadster as the test payload. The main event of that launch was the successful landing and recovery of the side boosters, which landed nearly simultaneously back at the two concrete landing zones SpaceX had constructed. Since then, the Tesla roadster has completed 3/4ths of its orbit and SpaceX hasn't launched another Falcon Heavy, why is that? The next scheduled launch of Falcon Heavy w
ULA's Delta IV rocket ready to launch the WGS-11 satellite
Tonight at 6:56pm EDT, United Launch Alliance's Delta IV rocket will launch from Launch Complex 37 in Cape Canaveral, FL, carrying the WGS-10 satellite into a Geostationary Transfer Orbit. The launch window for tonight's launch is open until 9:05pm EDT, giving them roughly 2 hours to solve any technical issues on the rocket if they come up prior to liftoff. Weather conditions throughout the window show an 80% chance of favorable weather with a chance of some isolated showers at the beginning o
ULA's Delta IV rocket ready to launch the WGS-11 satellite
Tonight at 6:56pm EDT, United Launch Alliance's Delta IV rocket will launch from Launch Complex 37 in Cape Canaveral, FL, carrying the WGS-10 satellite into a Geostationary Transfer Orbit. The launch window for tonight's launch is open until 9:05pm EDT, giving them roughly 2 hours to solve any technical issues on the rocket if they come up prior to liftoff. Weather conditions throughout the window show an 80% chance of favorable weather with a chance of some isolated showers at the beginning o
SpaceX's Crew Dragon completes its historic mission to the ISS
Early this morning, March 3rd, at 5:51am EST, SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft successfully docked with the International Space Station. Crew Dragon was launched on the Falcon 9 rocket from LC-39a at 2:49am EST Saturday morning. This launch marked the first time that a crew vehicle has launched from the United States since 2011, when the Space Shuttle retired. This marked a moment in history for the US as well as SpaceX. This is the first time that a commercial crew vehicle has been launched t
SpaceX's Crew Dragon completes its historic mission to the ISS
Early this morning, March 3rd, at 5:51am EST, SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft successfully docked with the International Space Station. Crew Dragon was launched on the Falcon 9 rocket from LC-39a at 2:49am EST Saturday morning. This launch marked the first time that a crew vehicle has launched from the United States since 2011, when the Space Shuttle retired. This marked a moment in history for the US as well as SpaceX. This is the first time that a commercial crew vehicle has been launched t
SpaceX's Crew Dragon is ready for launch.
Thursday evening, February 28th, SpaceX's Falcon 9 went vertical at Launch Complex 39A, Kennedy Space Center with their new crew vehicle on top. This is the spacecraft that will become the first commercial crew vehicle to launch and autonomously dock with the International Space Station. Dragon isn't flying empty - A dummy, or a "smarty" as they're calling it, will be riding in one of the seats of Dragon as it launches to the ISS and when it returns back to Earth next week. This mannequin will
SpaceX's Crew Dragon is ready for launch.
Thursday evening, February 28th, SpaceX's Falcon 9 went vertical at Launch Complex 39A, Kennedy Space Center with their new crew vehicle on top. This is the spacecraft that will become the first commercial crew vehicle to launch and autonomously dock with the International Space Station. Dragon isn't flying empty - A dummy, or a "smarty" as they're calling it, will be riding in one of the seats of Dragon as it launches to the ISS and when it returns back to Earth next week. This mannequin will
SpaceX and NASA pass huge milestone ahead of Crew Dragon launch
SpaceX and NASA passed a critical milestone yesterday getting us one step close to launching SpaceX's Crew Dragon. During the Flight Readiness Review (FRR), they've come to the decision that Crew Dragon, Falcon 9, and all ground support system at LC-39A are ready to support the launch of Demo Mission 1. The launch of DM-1 is currently targeting March 2nd at 2:48am EST with 2 separate backup windows of March 5th, and March 8th if a scrub due to weather or technical issues occur before launch. Fa
SpaceX and NASA pass huge milestone ahead of Crew Dragon launch
SpaceX and NASA passed a critical milestone yesterday getting us one step close to launching SpaceX's Crew Dragon. During the Flight Readiness Review (FRR), they've come to the decision that Crew Dragon, Falcon 9, and all ground support system at LC-39A are ready to support the launch of Demo Mission 1. The launch of DM-1 is currently targeting March 2nd at 2:48am EST with 2 separate backup windows of March 5th, and March 8th if a scrub due to weather or technical issues occur before launch. Fa
SpaceX successfully delivers the Nusantara Satu satellite and Israeli Moon lander into orbit
At 8:48pm EST, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket lit up the Cape Florida skies carrying 2 satellites and a lander into orbit around the Earth. After first stage separation, the second stage ignited its engine and continued on toward orbit while the first stage coasted on its trajectory. This was the highest heating from reentry by far for a first stage booster and it successfully entered the atmosphere and landed on the droneship Of Course I Still Love You stationed in the Atlantic Ocean in one piece.�
SpaceX successfully delivers the Nusantara Satu satellite and Israeli Moon lander into orbit
At 8:48pm EST, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket lit up the Cape Florida skies carrying 2 satellites and a lander into orbit around the Earth. After first stage separation, the second stage ignited its engine and continued on toward orbit while the first stage coasted on its trajectory. This was the highest heating from reentry by far for a first stage booster and it successfully entered the atmosphere and landed on the droneship Of Course I Still Love You stationed in the Atlantic Ocean in one piece.�
Don't miss SpaceX launching a historic Moon mission this evening
Tonight at 8:45pm EST, SpaceX will be launching their Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The Falcon 9 will be delivering the SSL-built Nusantara Satu satellite for the Pasifik Satelit Nusantara (PSN), a leading Asian provider of satellite communications. On top of that, SpaceX is carrying the Israeli SpaceIL Lunar Lander, which will become the world's first privately funded spacecraft to reach the Moon. The first stage of this mission will perform a landin
Don't miss SpaceX launching a historic Moon mission this evening
Tonight at 8:45pm EST, SpaceX will be launching their Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The Falcon 9 will be delivering the SSL-built Nusantara Satu satellite for the Pasifik Satelit Nusantara (PSN), a leading Asian provider of satellite communications. On top of that, SpaceX is carrying the Israeli SpaceIL Lunar Lander, which will become the world's first privately funded spacecraft to reach the Moon. The first stage of this mission will perform a landin
Opportunity Rover mission comes to an end
After 8 months of no contact and thousands of commons sent, the Opportunity Rover has been considered gone. on June 10th, there was a dust storm on the surface of Mars that covered the solar panels of the Opportunity Rover and blocking any sunlight from reaching the surface for Opportunity to recharge its batteries. Last night the Mars Rover team sent out the final commands to try and receive a signal of life from the rover, but no signal came back. What was meant to be a 90 Day mission on the
Opportunity Rover mission comes to an end
After 8 months of no contact and thousands of commons sent, the Opportunity Rover has been considered gone. on June 10th, there was a dust storm on the surface of Mars that covered the solar panels of the Opportunity Rover and blocking any sunlight from reaching the surface for Opportunity to recharge its batteries. Last night the Mars Rover team sent out the final commands to try and receive a signal of life from the rover, but no signal came back. What was meant to be a 90 Day mission on the
SpaceX breaks records with new Raptor engine
On February 3rd, SpaceX fired up their new Raptor engine for the first time for roughly 3 seconds at the McGregor, Texas testing facility. Raptor uses spark plugs that ignite Methalox torches to start the engines, which allow easy restarts without reloading any ignition fluids like the Merlin Engines use. A few days later, Raptor fired up again and met the power level needed to launch Starship and Super Heavy and reached 257 bar of chamber pressure using warm propellants. Just yesterday, the S
SpaceX breaks records with new Raptor engine
On February 3rd, SpaceX fired up their new Raptor engine for the first time for roughly 3 seconds at the McGregor, Texas testing facility. Raptor uses spark plugs that ignite Methalox torches to start the engines, which allow easy restarts without reloading any ignition fluids like the Merlin Engines use. A few days later, Raptor fired up again and met the power level needed to launch Starship and Super Heavy and reached 257 bar of chamber pressure using warm propellants. Just yesterday, the S
Blue Origin has successful New Shepard launch after a month delay
This morning at 10:05am EST, Blue Origin's suborbital New Shepard rocket launched from West Texas after being delayed last month due to a ground system issue. The capsule reached an apogee of 350,000ft and both the booster and the capsule safely landed back on Earth. New Shepard flew 8 onboard payloads on this mission.The Modal Propellant Gauging experiment to see how to measure fuel levels in microgravity by using sound waves.The Vibration Isolation Platform, which will be used to test separa
Blue Origin has successful New Shepard launch after a month delay
This morning at 10:05am EST, Blue Origin's suborbital New Shepard rocket launched from West Texas after being delayed last month due to a ground system issue. The capsule reached an apogee of 350,000ft and both the booster and the capsule safely landed back on Earth. New Shepard flew 8 onboard payloads on this mission.The Modal Propellant Gauging experiment to see how to measure fuel levels in microgravity by using sound waves.The Vibration Isolation Platform, which will be used to test separa
SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft is getting ready to launch astronauts to the ISS this year
Earlier this month, SpaceX rolled out their Crew Dragon spacecraft on top of their Falcon 9 rocket for fit checks at the launchpad for the spacecraft and the Crew Access Arm. As of now there is no firm launch date since they cannot launch until the Government is no longer shutdown, causing some major delays. Crew Dragon is SpaceX's first ever spacecraft that will carry Astronauts from US soil to the International Space Station for the first time since 2011, when the Space Shuttle retired. Spa
SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft is getting ready to launch astronauts to the ISS this year
Earlier this month, SpaceX rolled out their Crew Dragon spacecraft on top of their Falcon 9 rocket for fit checks at the launchpad for the spacecraft and the Crew Access Arm. As of now there is no firm launch date since they cannot launch until the Government is no longer shutdown, causing some major delays. Crew Dragon is SpaceX's first ever spacecraft that will carry Astronauts from US soil to the International Space Station for the first time since 2011, when the Space Shuttle retired. Spa
SpaceX's Cargo Dragon spacecraft returns from the International Space Station
Sunday afternoon SpaceX's Cargo Dragon spacecraft was released from the International Space Station's manipulator arm and started on its way to return back to Earth after a five-week long stay at the station. Dragon was released around 3:37pm EST and began performing automated maneuvers to move away from the Space Station to get out of the safety bubble that surrounds the station. These operations were previously delayed from Thursday, January 10th because of poor weather conditions at the splas
SpaceX's Cargo Dragon spacecraft returns from the International Space Station
Sunday afternoon SpaceX's Cargo Dragon spacecraft was released from the International Space Station's manipulator arm and started on its way to return back to Earth after a five-week long stay at the station. Dragon was released around 3:37pm EST and began performing automated maneuvers to move away from the Space Station to get out of the safety bubble that surrounds the station. These operations were previously delayed from Thursday, January 10th because of poor weather conditions at the splas
SpaceX kicks off the year with the final Iridium launch
This morning at 10:31am EDT (7:31am PST), SpaceX launched their Falcon 9 rocket for the first time this year from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, carrying the final batch of Iridium satellites into orbit around the Earth. This brought the total of the next generation of Iridium satellites in orbit to 75, completing the constellation. This launch featured a flight-proven first stage which previously supported the Telstar 18 VANTAGE mission that launched from Cape Canaveral back in Septem
SpaceX kicks off the year with the final Iridium launch
This morning at 10:31am EDT (7:31am PST), SpaceX launched their Falcon 9 rocket for the first time this year from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, carrying the final batch of Iridium satellites into orbit around the Earth. This brought the total of the next generation of Iridium satellites in orbit to 75, completing the constellation. This launch featured a flight-proven first stage which previously supported the Telstar 18 VANTAGE mission that launched from Cape Canaveral back in Septem
SpaceX launches GPS satellite for Air Force with expended Falcon 9
Early this morning at 9:21am EST at Cape Canaveral, Florida, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket carried the Air Force's GPS III space vehicle into orbit around Earth. Due to the requirements for this mission, the first stage of the Falcon 9 was expended and not recovered. The payload needs the extra performance to ensure it gets into the correct inclination for its orbit. The GPS III satellite is the Air Force's first Global Positioning System III vehicle and will deliver positioning, navigations, and t
SpaceX launches GPS satellite for Air Force with expended Falcon 9
Early this morning at 9:21am EST at Cape Canaveral, Florida, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket carried the Air Force's GPS III space vehicle into orbit around Earth. Due to the requirements for this mission, the first stage of the Falcon 9 was expended and not recovered. The payload needs the extra performance to ensure it gets into the correct inclination for its orbit. The GPS III satellite is the Air Force's first Global Positioning System III vehicle and will deliver positioning, navigations, and t
Possible parts for SpaceX's Starship hopping test article show up at Boca Chica launch site
Earlier today, photos were posted on Twitter of what looks like possible parts for the upcoming Starship test article that'll be used to "hop" to analyze the control and stability of the craft on landing. Following these, images, Elon did confirm that the pieces are made out of stainless steel, but are a very different material than the old Atlas rockets.Elon did confirm that these were parts for the Starship test article, as well as giving a lot of new information about it. He mentioned that t
Possible parts for SpaceX's Starship hopping test article show up at Boca Chica launch site
Earlier today, photos were posted on Twitter of what looks like possible parts for the upcoming Starship test article that'll be used to "hop" to analyze the control and stability of the craft on landing. Following these, images, Elon did confirm that the pieces are made out of stainless steel, but are a very different material than the old Atlas rockets.Elon did confirm that these were parts for the Starship test article, as well as giving a lot of new information about it. He mentioned that t
First satellite for the French Military's surveillance network launched on Soyuz rocket
Today at 11:37am EST, a Russian Soyuz rocket launched from Arianespace's French Guiana launchpad in South America. This also marks the last launch of the year for Arianespace.The Soyuz carried the CSO-1 satellite, or the Composante Spatiale Optique satellite, which is the first of the French Military's new series of reconnaissance satellites. This is the new space-based surveillance network that will collect day and night imagery in visible and infrared bands.CSO-1 weighed about 7,850 pounds (3
First satellite for the French Military's surveillance network launched on Soyuz rocket
Today at 11:37am EST, a Russian Soyuz rocket launched from Arianespace's French Guiana launchpad in South America. This also marks the last launch of the year for Arianespace.The Soyuz carried the CSO-1 satellite, or the Composante Spatiale Optique satellite, which is the first of the French Military's new series of reconnaissance satellites. This is the new space-based surveillance network that will collect day and night imagery in visible and infrared bands.CSO-1 weighed about 7,850 pounds (3
Indian Air Force satellite successfully launched atop GLSV Mk.2 rocket
Today, December 19th, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully launched the GSAT 7A Spacecraft into a Geostationary Transfer Orbit atop their Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk. 2 (GSLV Mk.2). This launch vehicle produces about 1.8 million pounds of thrust to lift the rocket and the payload off the launch pad. This is the seventh launch of the GSLV rocket and the last launch of the year for the Indian Space Program. Liftoff occurred at 5:40am EST from the Second Launch
Indian Air Force satellite successfully launched atop GLSV Mk.2 rocket
Today, December 19th, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully launched the GSAT 7A Spacecraft into a Geostationary Transfer Orbit atop their Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk. 2 (GSLV Mk.2). This launch vehicle produces about 1.8 million pounds of thrust to lift the rocket and the payload off the launch pad. This is the seventh launch of the GSLV rocket and the last launch of the year for the Indian Space Program. Liftoff occurred at 5:40am EST from the Second Launch
Rocket Lab successfully launches NASA's ElaNa-19 mission
At 1:16am EST, Rocket Lab launched their Electron rocket carrying a NASA mission for the very first time from the Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand. Electron was carrying 13 CubeSats, weighing 172 pounds, into a 500km x 500km orbit using the kick stage. This was the first time that NASA CubeSats got a dedicated ride to orbit on a commercial launch vehicle.This launch was made possible by NASA's Venture Class Launch Services (VCLS) initiative. Before now, CubeSats were limited to ride share arrange
Rocket Lab successfully launches NASA's ElaNa-19 mission
At 1:16am EST, Rocket Lab launched their Electron rocket carrying a NASA mission for the very first time from the Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand. Electron was carrying 13 CubeSats, weighing 172 pounds, into a 500km x 500km orbit using the kick stage. This was the first time that NASA CubeSats got a dedicated ride to orbit on a commercial launch vehicle.This launch was made possible by NASA's Venture Class Launch Services (VCLS) initiative. Before now, CubeSats were limited to ride share arrange
SpaceX successfully delivers Dragon to the ISS, but has a mishap during landing
Yesterday at 1:16pm EST, SpaceX launched their Dragon spacecraft on top of a brand new block 5 Falcon 9 to send it up to the International Space Station carrying cargo and experiments for astronauts onboard. The Falcon 9 lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 powered by 9 Merlin engines with a total thrust of 1,710,000 pounds. About 2.5 minutes into flight, the first stage main engines shutdown and the two stages separated, sending the second stage on its own to carrying Dragon the rest of the
SpaceX successfully delivers Dragon to the ISS, but has a mishap during landing
Yesterday at 1:16pm EST, SpaceX launched their Dragon spacecraft on top of a brand new block 5 Falcon 9 to send it up to the International Space Station carrying cargo and experiments for astronauts onboard. The Falcon 9 lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 powered by 9 Merlin engines with a total thrust of 1,710,000 pounds. About 2.5 minutes into flight, the first stage main engines shutdown and the two stages separated, sending the second stage on its own to carrying Dragon the rest of the
SpaceX successfully launches 64 satellites and lands same booster for the third time
Yesterday afternoon at 1:34pm EST, SpaceX launched their Falcon 9 rocket carrying the SSO-A mission with SHERPA from Space Launch Complex 4 at the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. This mission was a big deal for SpaceX, such as reusing a first stage booster for a third time for the first time, the first booster to launch from all three SpaceX pads (SLC-40, LC-39A, SLC-4), and the most launches in a year with 19 and 22 by the end of the year. Lastly, it's the largest ride share on a US
SpaceX successfully launches 64 satellites and lands same booster for the third time
Yesterday afternoon at 1:34pm EST, SpaceX launched their Falcon 9 rocket carrying the SSO-A mission with SHERPA from Space Launch Complex 4 at the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. This mission was a big deal for SpaceX, such as reusing a first stage booster for a third time for the first time, the first booster to launch from all three SpaceX pads (SLC-40, LC-39A, SLC-4), and the most launches in a year with 19 and 22 by the end of the year. Lastly, it's the largest ride share on a US
OSIRIS-REx arrives at Bennu
After two years of coasting through deep space, doing course corrections, and flying by Earth, OSIRIS-REx has arrived at the asteroid Bennu. Today at about 12:30pm EST, OSIRIS-REx officially reached the asteroid. The spacecraft will be retrieving a sample from the surface of the asteroid before leaving and returning to Earth. Alongside collecting a sample, it will be analyzing and mapping the surface of the asteroid and obtaining data that we can use to learn about the creation of our planet a
OSIRIS-REx arrives at Bennu
After two years of coasting through deep space, doing course corrections, and flying by Earth, OSIRIS-REx has arrived at the asteroid Bennu. Today at about 12:30pm EST, OSIRIS-REx officially reached the asteroid. The spacecraft will be retrieving a sample from the surface of the asteroid before leaving and returning to Earth. Alongside collecting a sample, it will be analyzing and mapping the surface of the asteroid and obtaining data that we can use to learn about the creation of our planet a
NASA's InSight successfully lands on Mars
NASA's InSight lander successfully lands on Mars after a 6 month journey from Earth! All reports from InSight are nominal and the spacecraft is safe on the surface of the red planet. The Entry, Descent, and Landing process through the atmosphere went nominally and placed the lander safely on Mars, the first landing since Curiosity landed in 2012. In roughly 5 hours we'll get confirmation on solar array deployment as well as some photos from the surface of Mars. This is the first photo from the
NASA's InSight successfully lands on Mars
NASA's InSight lander successfully lands on Mars after a 6 month journey from Earth! All reports from InSight are nominal and the spacecraft is safe on the surface of the red planet. The Entry, Descent, and Landing process through the atmosphere went nominally and placed the lander safely on Mars, the first landing since Curiosity landed in 2012. In roughly 5 hours we'll get confirmation on solar array deployment as well as some photos from the surface of Mars. This is the first photo from the
NASA InSight on track to land on Mars tomorrow
After being launched in May of this year, NASA's InSight is on track to land on the red planet tomorrow afternoon. This will be the first landing on Mars since the Curiosity rover landed back in 2012! The InSight mission is designed to explore, monitor, and analyze the surface of Mars and everything below the surface. The lander is seeking how a rocky body evolves and forms into a planet and determine tectonic activity below the surface. This mission is going to help give us a deeper understand
NASA InSight on track to land on Mars tomorrow
After being launched in May of this year, NASA's InSight is on track to land on the red planet tomorrow afternoon. This will be the first landing on Mars since the Curiosity rover landed back in 2012! The InSight mission is designed to explore, monitor, and analyze the surface of Mars and everything below the surface. The lander is seeking how a rocky body evolves and forms into a planet and determine tectonic activity below the surface. This mission is going to help give us a deeper understand
Northrup Grumman's Antares rocket launches Cygnus to the ISS
Early Saturday morning, Northrup Grumman's Antares rocket launched from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia and carried the Cygnus spacecraft into orbit to rendezvous with the International Space Station. Liftoff occurred at 4:01am EST from Launch Pad 0A of Virginia Space's Mid-Atlantic Spaceport. The NG-10 Cygnus Spacecraft is named after former astronaut John Young, who was NASA's longest serving astronaut and was a pioneer in human spaceflight while paving the way for humans living
Northrup Grumman's Antares rocket launches Cygnus to the ISS
Early Saturday morning, Northrup Grumman's Antares rocket launched from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia and carried the Cygnus spacecraft into orbit to rendezvous with the International Space Station. Liftoff occurred at 4:01am EST from Launch Pad 0A of Virginia Space's Mid-Atlantic Spaceport. The NG-10 Cygnus Spacecraft is named after former astronaut John Young, who was NASA's longest serving astronaut and was a pioneer in human spaceflight while paving the way for humans living
Atlas V rolls out ahead of Tuesday night's launch
Today at 11:10am EDT, United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket made the 1,800ft journey from the vertical integration facility to Space Launch Complex 41 by rail ahead of tomorrow night's launch. The Atlas V will be launching the AEHF-4 mission for the US military and it's a protected communications relay station for them and allies. The Atlas V will launch from SLC-41 in Cape Canaveral, FL at 12:15am EDT on Wednesday October 17th (Tomorrow Night). It is in its 511 configuration where it will u
Atlas V rolls out ahead of Tuesday night's launch
Today at 11:10am EDT, United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket made the 1,800ft journey from the vertical integration facility to Space Launch Complex 41 by rail ahead of tomorrow night's launch. The Atlas V will be launching the AEHF-4 mission for the US military and it's a protected communications relay station for them and allies. The Atlas V will launch from SLC-41 in Cape Canaveral, FL at 12:15am EDT on Wednesday October 17th (Tomorrow Night). It is in its 511 configuration where it will u
An emergency landing for US-Russian crew after Soyuz launch failure
Last night at 4:47am EDT, Russia's Soyuz rocket liftoff off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome carrying 3 crew to the International Space Station. Shortly after liftoff, there was an anomaly during the separation event of the 4 side boosters, causing the crew to go on a ballistic reentry abort and land back on Earth. There hasn't been official confirmation as to what went wrong, but Russia has started a full investigation to pinpoint the issue. The crew experienced about 6.7Gs of force during their
An emergency landing for US-Russian crew after Soyuz launch failure
Last night at 4:47am EDT, Russia's Soyuz rocket liftoff off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome carrying 3 crew to the International Space Station. Shortly after liftoff, there was an anomaly during the separation event of the 4 side boosters, causing the crew to go on a ballistic reentry abort and land back on Earth. There hasn't been official confirmation as to what went wrong, but Russia has started a full investigation to pinpoint the issue. The crew experienced about 6.7Gs of force during their
NASA's Hubble Space Telescope enters safe mode after a gyroscope failure
NASA's Hubble Space Telescope entered into "Safe Mode" on Friday after having an on-board gyroscope fail. These gyroscopes are used to help keep the telescope pointed in a specific direction for Long periods of time. Without the functions gyros, the telescope cannot orientate itself to a desired point in space. The Hubble Space Telescope Twitter tweeted today, "Mission experts are taking steps to return Hubble to great science.". They have a backup gyro onboard, but it Is being "problematic" a
NASA's Hubble Space Telescope enters safe mode after a gyroscope failure
NASA's Hubble Space Telescope entered into "Safe Mode" on Friday after having an on-board gyroscope fail. These gyroscopes are used to help keep the telescope pointed in a specific direction for Long periods of time. Without the functions gyros, the telescope cannot orientate itself to a desired point in space. The Hubble Space Telescope Twitter tweeted today, "Mission experts are taking steps to return Hubble to great science.". They have a backup gyro onboard, but it Is being "problematic" a
SpaceX is gearing up for a launch and landing on the West Coast this weekend
Just after 5pm EDT on Tuesday, SpaceX tweeted out that they had a successful static fire of their Falcon 9 rocket for the launch of SAOCOM 1A spacecraft this weekend. Currently SpaceX is targeting a launch time of 7:21pm PDT (10:21pm EDT) Sunday night from Space Launch Complex 4 West (SLC-4W) at California's Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB). After liftoff and first stage separation, the flight-proven first stage will flip around and fly back toward the VAFB and attempt the first "Return to Lau
SpaceX is gearing up for a launch and landing on the West Coast this weekend
Just after 5pm EDT on Tuesday, SpaceX tweeted out that they had a successful static fire of their Falcon 9 rocket for the launch of SAOCOM 1A spacecraft this weekend. Currently SpaceX is targeting a launch time of 7:21pm PDT (10:21pm EDT) Sunday night from Space Launch Complex 4 West (SLC-4W) at California's Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB). After liftoff and first stage separation, the flight-proven first stage will flip around and fly back toward the VAFB and attempt the first "Return to Lau
Parker Solar Probe completes its first flyby of Venus since launch in August
Today, the Parker Solar Probe completed the first flyby of Venus to bring down its orbit to get closer to the sun. The flyby was at a distance of about 1,500 miles and was the first of 7 total flybys the spacecraft will encounter. The teams will be taking data from this flyby and will be assessed over the next few days. Parker Solar Probe is now enroute to its first close encounter with the sun.
Parker Solar Probe completes its first flyby of Venus since launch in August
Today, the Parker Solar Probe completed the first flyby of Venus to bring down its orbit to get closer to the sun. The flyby was at a distance of about 1,500 miles and was the first of 7 total flybys the spacecraft will encounter. The teams will be taking data from this flyby and will be assessed over the next few days. Parker Solar Probe is now enroute to its first close encounter with the sun. #ParkerSolarProbe
SpaceX will be launching globally recognized Yusaku Maezawa around the moon with 8 artists on BFR
Tonight SpaceX announced new information regarding the updated BFR rocket and who their first paying customer is! His name is Yusaku Maezawa and is a world known artist curator from Japan and will be choosing 8 artists of his choice to fly with him. He's already put down a downpayment for the flight that is set to occur in 2023 and has purchased the entire BFR for the flight, so the 8 artists will be flying for free. The project is called #dearMoon, and more can be read about it here: https://d
SpaceX will be launching globally recognized Yusaku Maezawa around the moon with 8 artists on BFR
Tonight SpaceX announced new information regarding the updated BFR rocket and who their first paying customer is! His name is Yusaku Maezawa and is a world known artist curator from Japan and will be choosing 8 artists of his choice to fly with him. He's already put down a downpayment for the flight that is set to occur in 2023 and has purchased the entire BFR for the flight, so the 8 artists will be flying for free. The project is called #dearMoon, and more can be read about it here: https://d
SpaceX will be announcing BFR upgrades and who they're going to fly around the Moon
At 6:00pm PDT (9:00pm EDT), SpaceX will be announcing who they plan on flying around the Moon on thee BFR. This new rocket is sporting a new design since the last time they showed us their plan for this beast of a machine. Last night, Elon tweeted out two photos showing new officialrenders of the BFR, both shown in this article. Following the photos, he started to reveal some of the new features that stand out in them.Here's what we know: While not shown in the renders, there are grid fins on
SpaceX will be announcing BFR upgrades and who they're going to fly around the Moon
At 6:00pm PDT (9:00pm EDT), SpaceX will be announcing who they plan on flying around the Moon on thee BFR. This new rocket is sporting a new design since the last time they showed us their plan for this beast of a machine. Last night, Elon tweeted out two photos showing new officialrenders of the BFR, both shown in this article. Following the photos, he started to reveal some of the new features that stand out in them.Here's what we know: While not shown in the renders, there are grid fins on
SpaceX launches its 60th mission after minor delays
On September 10th, at 12:45am EDT, SpaceX launched their 60th successful mission, carrying the Telstar 18V satellite into a Geostationary Transfer orbit on a new Block 5 booster. SpaceX launched their Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 in Cape Canaveral, Florida sporting a new Block 5 booster. Following stage separation, the first stage followed along its trajectory, without performing a boost back burn, and reentered the atmosphere to land on their droneship "Of Course I Still Love Yo
SpaceX launches its 60th mission after minor delays
On September 10th, at 12:45am EDT, SpaceX launched their 60th successful mission, carrying the Telstar 18V satellite into a Geostationary Transfer orbit on a new Block 5 booster. SpaceX launched their Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 in Cape Canaveral, Florida sporting a new Block 5 booster. Following stage separation, the first stage followed along its trajectory, without performing a boost back burn, and reentered the atmosphere to land on their droneship "Of Course I Still Love Yo
NASA's completed Mobile Launch Platform for SLS rolls onto LC-39B
On August 31st, 2018, NASA's Mobile Launch Platform (MLP) that will support the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion Spacecraft arrived at Launch Complex 39B for fit checks and system testing. Before departing toward the launchpad, NASA's Crawler Transporter had to go pickup the MLP by going underneath it and then having it attached to the top. The 380ft Tall MLP travelled toward the launchpad at a whopping 0.7mph (1.13kmh) down the crawlerway. The Mobile Launch Platform is a key part in
NASA's completed Mobile Launch Platform for SLS rolls onto LC-39B
On August 31st, 2018, NASA's Mobile Launch Platform (MLP) that will support the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion Spacecraft arrived at Launch Complex 39B for fit checks and system testing. Before departing toward the launchpad, NASA's Crawler Transporter had to go pickup the MLP by going underneath it and then having it attached to the top. The 380ft Tall MLP travelled toward the launchpad at a whopping 0.7mph (1.13kmh) down the crawlerway. The Mobile Launch Platform is a key part in
Air leak detected on-board the International Space Station
Crews on board the International Space Station have started work to repair a small leak in the Soyuz MS-09 Spacecraft. While the crew were sleeping, officials on the ground noticed a small drop in cabin pressure around 7pm EDT. This leak poses no immediate danger to the crew as they have weeks of air left on the station with the leak present, but they have started to repair the hole. To slow the loss of air and pressure, they've applied Kapton Tape over the hole, which is regularly used as an i
Air leak detected on-board the International Space Station
Crews on board the International Space Station have started work to repair a small leak in the Soyuz MS-09 Spacecraft. While the crew were sleeping, officials on the ground noticed a small drop in cabin pressure around 7pm EDT. This leak poses no immediate danger to the crew as they have weeks of air left on the station with the leak present, but they have started to repair the hole. To slow the loss of air and pressure, they've applied Kapton Tape over the hole, which is regularly used as an i
Parker Solar Probe launched on SUNday to get closer to the Sun than ever before
Early in the morning on Sunday, at 3:31am EDT, United Launch Alliance's Delta IV Heavy rocket lifted off from SLC-37 for the first time in over a year. It was delayed from its first attempt on Saturday due to an alarm caused by a helium gas regulator issue, aborting the launch for the day. On top of the Delta IV Heavy is the Parker Solar Probe. Named after Eugene Parker, this probe will dive deeper into the sun than any other spacecraft ever has before and will become the fastest human-made obj
Parker Solar Probe launched on SUNday to get closer to the Sun than ever before
Early in the morning on Sunday, at 3:31am EDT, United Launch Alliance's Delta IV Heavy rocket lifted off from SLC-37 for the first time in over a year. It was delayed from its first attempt on Saturday due to an alarm caused by a helium gas regulator issue, aborting the launch for the day. On top of the Delta IV Heavy is the Parker Solar Probe. Named after Eugene Parker, this probe will dive deeper into the sun than any other spacecraft ever has before and will become the fastest human-made obj
The first re-flight of a Falcon 9 block 5 booster launches tomorrow night
On Tuesday, August 7th, at 01:18am EDT, SpaceX will be launching the Merah Putih (Telkom-4) satellite from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) on top of a reused Block 5 first stage. This Block 5 booster previously supported the Bangabandhu-1 mission and was also the first Block 5 rocket to launch. There will be a recovery attempt for this booster on SpaceX's droneship "Of Course I Still Love You" (OCISLY) which will be positioned out in the Atlantic Ocean. No fairing recovery will be attempted si
The first re-flight of a Falcon 9 block 5 booster launches tomorrow night
On Tuesday, August 7th, at 01:18am EDT, SpaceX will be launching the Merah Putih (Telkom-4) satellite from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) on top of a reused Block 5 first stage. This Block 5 booster previously supported the Bangabandhu-1 mission and was also the first Block 5 rocket to launch. There will be a recovery attempt for this booster on SpaceX's droneship "Of Course I Still Love You" (OCISLY) which will be positioned out in the Atlantic Ocean. No fairing recovery will be attempted si
Meet Eugene Parker, the discoverer of Solar Wind
Eugene Parker was born on June 10th, 1927 in Houghton, Michigan and is currently 91 years old. Parker received his Bachelors in Science Degree from Michigan State University in 1948 and then later received his Ph.D. from Caltech in 1951. In the mid-1950s, he developed a theory on Solar Wind that moved through space at supersonic speeds and predicted the Parker Spiral shape of the Sun's magnetic field in the outer solar system. His theory was rejected by the Astrophysical Journal, but the editor
Meet Eugene Parker, the discoverer of Solar Wind
Eugene Parker was born on June 10th, 1927 in Houghton, Michigan and is currently 91 years old. Parker received his Bachelors in Science Degree from Michigan State University in 1948 and then later received his Ph.D. from Caltech in 1951. In the mid-1950s, he developed a theory on Solar Wind that moved through space at supersonic speeds and predicted the Parker Spiral shape of the Sun's magnetic field in the outer solar system. His theory was rejected by the Astrophysical Journal, but the editor
The 7th batch of Iridium satellites will launch tomorrow morning
Tomorrow morning SpaceX will be launching another batch of iridium satellites on their 7th mission. This is the first launch of the new Block 5 variant of the Falcon 9 from the west coast. The Iridum-7 launch will be taking place out of California's Vandenberg Air Force Base and will be delivered into a polar orbit around Earth at 7:39am EDT. With this mission, the first stage will be landing on the droneship "Just Read The Instructions" (JRTI) positioned out in the Pacific Ocean. The first st
The 7th batch of Iridium satellites will launch tomorrow morning
Tomorrow morning SpaceX will be launching another batch of iridium satellites on their 7th mission. This is the first launch of the new Block 5 variant of the Falcon 9 from the west coast. The Iridum-7 launch will be taking place out of California's Vandenberg Air Force Base and will be delivered into a polar orbit around Earth at 7:39am EDT. With this mission, the first stage will be landing on the droneship "Just Read The Instructions" (JRTI) positioned out in the Pacific Ocean. The first st
The Falcon 9 soars through the Florida night sky carrying Telstar 19v
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket launched into Florida's night sky at 1:50am EDT with Telstar 19v inside the payload fairing. The Falcon 9 ascended into the sky as an orb of light at the newly upgraded rocket takes flight. This is the second time the new Block 5 version of the Falcon 9 has launches and is the first time from Space launch Complex 40 (SLC-40). The first stage separated and began to prepare for its landing as the second stage powered its way into orbit. The first stage came down and succe
The Falcon 9 soars through the Florida night sky carrying Telstar 19v
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket launched into Florida's night sky at 1:50am EDT with Telstar 19v inside the payload fairing. The Falcon 9 ascended into the sky as an orb of light at the newly upgraded rocket takes flight. This is the second time the new Block 5 version of the Falcon 9 has launches and is the first time from Space launch Complex 40 (SLC-40). The first stage separated and began to prepare for its landing as the second stage powered its way into orbit. The first stage came down and succe
SpaceX will be launching its heaviest payload yet with their Falcon 9 rocket
Tonight at 1:50am EDT, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket will liftoff from Space Launch Complex 40 in Florida to a Geostationary Transfer Orbit. This is the second launch of their new Block 5 rocket carrying the Telstar 19 Vantage satellite, which weighs at 7,075kg, making it the heaviest payload launched by the Falcon 9. After stage separation, the first stage will perform a landing on the droneship "Of Course I Still Love You", which is positioned in the Atlantic Ocean. A backup launch window in case
SpaceX will be launching its heaviest payload yet with their Falcon 9 rocket
Tonight at 1:50am EDT, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket will liftoff from Space Launch Complex 40 in Florida to a Geostationary Transfer Orbit. This is the second launch of their new Block 5 rocket carrying the Telstar 19 Vantage satellite, which weighs at 7,075kg, making it the heaviest payload launched by the Falcon 9. After stage separation, the first stage will perform a landing on the droneship "Of Course I Still Love You", which is positioned in the Atlantic Ocean. A backup launch window in case
Lockheed Martin reduces satellite production time with 3-D printing processes
Lockheed Martin set a new record for 3-D Printed space hardware by printing a giant satellite tank out of titanium. The 46-inch diameter tank consists of three parts welded together and completed the final rounds of quality testing this month. "Our largest 3-D printed parts to date show we're committed to a future where we produce satellites twice as fast and at half the cost," said Lockheed's executive vice president, Rick Ambrose. They've cut the delivery time of satellite fuel tanks from two
Lockheed Martin reduces satellite production time with 3-D printing processes
Lockheed Martin set a new record for 3-D Printed space hardware by printing a giant satellite tank out of titanium. The 46-inch diameter tank consists of three parts welded together and completed the final rounds of quality testing this month. "Our largest 3-D printed parts to date show we're committed to a future where we produce satellites twice as fast and at half the cost," said Lockheed's executive vice president, Rick Ambrose. They've cut the delivery time of satellite fuel tanks from two
Delta IV Heavy performing launch sequence tests for the upcoming launch of NASA's Parker Solar P
United Launch Alliances's Delta IV Heavy rocket has been undergoing several rounds of testing to get the vehicle ready for launch No Earlier Than August 4th, 2018 from Launch Complex 37. The Wet Dress Rehearsals (WDR) started on July 2nd, where they focused on fueling the three first stage boosters. A second successful WDR was performed a few days later on July 6th, where they fueled the entire rocket and simulated a liftoff sequence. These tests help ensure that the rocket, ground systems, and
Delta IV Heavy performing launch sequence tests for the upcoming launch of NASA's Parker Solar P
United Launch Alliances's Delta IV Heavy rocket has been undergoing several rounds of testing to get the vehicle ready for launch No Earlier Than August 4th, 2018 from Launch Complex 37. The Wet Dress Rehearsals (WDR) started on July 2nd, where they focused on fueling the three first stage boosters. A second successful WDR was performed a few days later on July 6th, where they fueled the entire rocket and simulated a liftoff sequence. These tests help ensure that the rocket, ground systems, and
SpaceX launches their last Block 4 rocket, sending Dragon to the ISS
At 5:41am EDT, SpaceX launched their final Block 4 first stage, making all future launches the new Block 5 rocket. They launched their Dragon spacecraft en-route to the International Space Station carrying 5,900 pounds of cargo and science experiments. The Falcon 9 launched from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) and lit up the sky as the 9 Merlin engines ignited. The rocket ascended into the Florida skies and entered the sunlight just before first stage separation, causing the plume of the engin
SpaceX launches their last Block 4 rocket, sending Dragon to the ISS
At 5:41am EDT, SpaceX launched their final Block 4 first stage, making all future launches the new Block 5 rocket. They launched their Dragon spacecraft en-route to the International Space Station carrying 5,900 pounds of cargo and science experiments. The Falcon 9 launched from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) and lit up the sky as the 9 Merlin engines ignited. The rocket ascended into the Florida skies and entered the sunlight just before first stage separation, causing the plume of the engin
Early morning spectacular tomorrow as the Falcon 9 will ascend into the skies just before sunrise
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket is ready on the pad for an early morning launch of 5:42am EDT. While the skies were gloomy and rainy during remote camera setup, weather is still 90% go for launch for on on-time liftoff tomorrow morning. This is the fifteenth resupply mission for SpaceX and Dragon under the Commercial Resupply Services contract with NASA. The Falcon 9 will be launching from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) with a first stage that was previously used for the TESS mission in April, and a
Early morning spectacular tomorrow as the Falcon 9 will ascend into the skies just before sunrise
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket is ready on the pad for an early morning launch of 5:42am EDT. While the skies were gloomy and rainy during remote camera setup, weather is still 90% go for launch for on on-time liftoff tomorrow morning. This is the fifteenth resupply mission for SpaceX and Dragon under the Commercial Resupply Services contract with NASA. The Falcon 9 will be launching from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) with a first stage that was previously used for the TESS mission in April, and a
It's business time for Rocket Lab
Tonight at 10:27pm EDT, Rocket Lab's Electron rocket is launching from the Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand carrying 3 satellites as well as 2 more small satellites into an elliptical orbit. The satellites will be brought up to 500km and then circularized by Rocket Lab's Curie engine powered kick stage, completing the mission. The launch of Electron was originally scheduled for between April 20th through May 3rd, but was delayed due to unusual behavior with a motor controller during a wet dress r
It's business time for Rocket Lab
Tonight at 10:27pm EDT, Rocket Lab's Electron rocket is launching from the Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand carrying 3 satellites as well as 2 more small satellites into an elliptical orbit. The satellites will be brought up to 500km and then circularized by Rocket Lab's Curie engine powered kick stage, completing the mission. The launch of Electron was originally scheduled for between April 20th through May 3rd, but was delayed due to unusual behavior with a motor controller during a wet dress r
Ancient Organic Material found on the Red Planet
New evidence found by NASA's Curiosity rover suggests that Mars could have supported life in the past. The organic molecules were found in sedimentary rockets near the surface which date to about 3 billion years old and there is variations in the levels of methane in the atmosphere. These organic materials, while normally associated with life, can be made by non-biological processes and don't always mean there was once or currently life. Jen Eigenbrode of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in G
Ancient Organic Material found on the Red Planet
New evidence found by NASA's Curiosity rover suggests that Mars could have supported life in the past. The organic molecules were found in sedimentary rockets near the surface which date to about 3 billion years old and there is variations in the levels of methane in the atmosphere. These organic materials, while normally associated with life, can be made by non-biological processes and don't always mean there was once or currently life. Jen Eigenbrode of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in G
Block 5 Falcon Heavy is targeting this fall for the next launch
SpaceX's next Falcon Heavy is planned to launch from LC-39a with a payload for the Air Force - this time with more power. The next Falcon Heavy launch will use all Block 5 boosters instead of the mixed Block 2/3 boosters like the one that launched in February. The launch is targeted for no earlier than late October with a payload for the Air Force and its Space Technology Program-2 (STP-2) mission which includes dozens of spacecraft. NASA is also having a rideshare on this mission of their Deep
Block 5 Falcon Heavy is targeting this fall for the next launch
SpaceX's next Falcon Heavy is planned to launch from LC-39a with a payload for the Air Force - this time with more power. The next Falcon Heavy launch will use all Block 5 boosters instead of the mixed Block 2/3 boosters like the one that launched in February. The launch is targeted for no earlier than late October with a payload for the Air Force and its Space Technology Program-2 (STP-2) mission which includes dozens of spacecraft. NASA is also having a rideshare on this mission of their Deep
New Horizons spacecraft has woken up for hibernation ahead of its historic Kuiper Belt flyby
The New Horizons spacecraft has woken up from hibernation that started on December 21st and is preparing for its flyby of Ultima Thule, a Kuiber Belt object. The Mission Operations Manager (MOM), Alice Bowman, has reported that the spacecraft is operating nominally and is in good health after coming out of hibernation at 2:12am EDT. The New Horizons cruised through deep space more than 3.7 billion miles (6 billion kilometers) away from Earth during its almost 6 month hibernation period. This pe
New Horizons spacecraft has woken up for hibernation ahead of its historic Kuiper Belt flyby
The New Horizons spacecraft has woken up from hibernation that started on December 21st and is preparing for its flyby of Ultima Thule, a Kuiber Belt object. The Mission Operations Manager (MOM), Alice Bowman, has reported that the spacecraft is operating nominally and is in good health after coming out of hibernation at 2:12am EDT. The New Horizons cruised through deep space more than 3.7 billion miles (6 billion kilometers) away from Earth during its almost 6 month hibernation period. This pe
SES-12 will be launching on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket tonight
Tonight at 12:29am EDT, the 4-hour launch window opens for the launch of SES-12 on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. The Falcon 9 will launch from Space launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) and ascend into Florida's night sky. The SES-12 satellite will separate from the second stage approximately 32 minutes after liftoff. The Falcon 9 that is launching SES-12 tonight is being launched on a flight-proven first stage that previously supported the OTV-5 mission that launched back in September. No recovery hardware
SES-12 will be launching on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket tonight
Tonight at 12:29am EDT, the 4-hour launch window opens for the launch of SES-12 on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. The Falcon 9 will launch from Space launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) and ascend into Florida's night sky. The SES-12 satellite will separate from the second stage approximately 32 minutes after liftoff. The Falcon 9 that is launching SES-12 tonight is being launched on a flight-proven first stage that previously supported the OTV-5 mission that launched back in September. No recovery hardware
In case you missed it - Cygnus launches toward the Space Station
Relive this morning's launch of the Antares rocket carrying the Cygnus spacecraft into orbit. Antares launched at 4:44am EDT from Wallops Island, Virginia carrying 7,385lbs (3,350kg) of supplies into orbit around the Earth. Cygnus is named after J.R. Thompson, a leader in the aerospace industry, and is expected to arrive at the Space Station on May 24th. Cygnus is being launched under a Commercial Resupply Service contract with NASA to send supplies and experiments to the International Space St
In case you missed it - Cygnus launches toward the Space Station
Relive this morning's launch of the Antares rocket carrying the Cygnus spacecraft into orbit. Antares launched at 4:44am EDT from Wallops Island, Virginia carrying 7,385lbs (3,350kg) of supplies into orbit around the Earth. Cygnus is named after J.R. Thompson, a leader in the aerospace industry, and is expected to arrive at the Space Station on May 24th. Cygnus is being launched under a Commercial Resupply Service contract with NASA to send supplies and experiments to the International Space St
Orbital ATK's OA-9 Mission to take place early tomorrow morning
At 4:39am EDT tomorrow, Orbital ATK will launch their Antares rocket carrying the Cygnus spacecraft to the International Space Station from the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. The launch was previously targeted for today, but was moved for "further pre-launch inspections and more favorable launch conditions" according to Orbital ATK. Orbital ATK launches Cygnus under NASA's CRS (Commerical Resupply Services) contract to send supplies and experiments to the International Space Station. Cygn
Orbital ATK's OA-9 Mission to take place early tomorrow morning
At 4:39am EDT tomorrow, Orbital ATK will launch their Antares rocket carrying the Cygnus spacecraft to the International Space Station from the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. The launch was previously targeted for today, but was moved for "further pre-launch inspections and more favorable launch conditions" according to Orbital ATK. Orbital ATK launches Cygnus under NASA's CRS (Commerical Resupply Services) contract to send supplies and experiments to the International Space Station. Cygn
SpaceX successfully delivers Bangladesh's first satellite into orbit on a brand new Falcon 9 des
After an abort yesterday due to a ground system issue, SpaceX's brand new Block 5 Falcon 9 rocket ignited and ascended into the sky. The Falcon 9 lifted off from SpaceX's Launch Complex 39a (LC-39a) with Bangladesh's first satellite inside the payload fairing at 4:14pm EDT. This satellite was the very first of many to launch on SpaceX's new Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket. This new and final variant version of the Falcon 9 will help aid in the goal of rapid reusability that will be capable of 10 or mor
SpaceX successfully delivers Bangladesh's first satellite into orbit on a brand new Falcon 9 des
After an abort yesterday due to a ground system issue, SpaceX's brand new Block 5 Falcon 9 rocket ignited and ascended into the sky. The Falcon 9 lifted off from SpaceX's Launch Complex 39a (LC-39a) with Bangladesh's first satellite inside the payload fairing at 4:14pm EDT. This satellite was the very first of many to launch on SpaceX's new Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket. This new and final variant version of the Falcon 9 will help aid in the goal of rapid reusability that will be capable of 10 or mor
Bangladesh to launch their first satellite on a new Falcon 9 rocket
SpaceX's new Falcon 9 rocket is vertical at Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) for today's launch of Bangladesh's first satellite, Bangabandhu-1. The launch is targeted for 4:42pm EDT with a backup time tomorrow at 4:14pm EDT. Bangabandhu-1 will be delivered into a geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) approximately 33 minutes after liftoff. This satellite is the very first of many to launch on SpaceX's new Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket. This new and final variant version of the Falcon 9 will help aid in the g
Bangladesh to launch their first satellite on a new Falcon 9 rocket
SpaceX's new Falcon 9 rocket is vertical at Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) for today's launch of Bangladesh's first satellite, Bangabandhu-1. The launch is targeted for 4:42pm EDT with a backup time tomorrow at 4:14pm EDT. Bangabandhu-1 will be delivered into a geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) approximately 33 minutes after liftoff. This satellite is the very first of many to launch on SpaceX's new Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket. This new and final variant version of the Falcon 9 will help aid in the g
Blue Origin's first launch of 2018 will take place this afternoon
Blue Origin's 8th launch of their New Shepard rocket will occur this afternoon at 12:43pm EDT from their West Texas launch site. After a couple delays this morning from thunderstorms, the launch countdown is underway once again. This is the 3rd overall booster of the New Shepard rocket. The first flown booster failed to land successfully and the 2nd booster re-flew multiple times and is now on display at Blue Origin's rocket factory in Florida. This third rocket flew at the end of the year last
Blue Origin's first launch of 2018 will take place this afternoon
Blue Origin's 8th launch of their New Shepard rocket will occur this afternoon at 12:43pm EDT from their West Texas launch site. After a couple delays this morning from thunderstorms, the launch countdown is underway once again. This is the 3rd overall booster of the New Shepard rocket. The first flown booster failed to land successfully and the 2nd booster re-flew multiple times and is now on display at Blue Origin's rocket factory in Florida. This third rocket flew at the end of the year last
TESS successfully delivered into orbit on the Falcon 9
At 6:51pm EDT, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket roared to life and climbed off the pad at Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The rocket soared into the clear Florida skies and accelerated TESS further into space to peer deep into the solar system. After first stage shutdown, the first and second stage separated. The second stage continued to push TESS to its desired orbit as the first stage flipped around to slow down for a picture-perfect landing on the East Coast droneship,
TESS successfully delivered into orbit on the Falcon 9
At 6:51pm EDT, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket roared to life and climbed off the pad at Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The rocket soared into the clear Florida skies and accelerated TESS further into space to peer deep into the solar system. After first stage shutdown, the first and second stage separated. The second stage continued to push TESS to its desired orbit as the first stage flipped around to slow down for a picture-perfect landing on the East Coast droneship,
NASA's planet searching satellite launch is pushed back 2 days
Today's launch of the Falcon 9 with NASA's TESS satellite has been pushed back to Wednesday. SpaceX will be conducting additional analysis of the Falcon's Guidence, Navigation, and Control systems to ensure a successful launch of this special payload. No launch time has been announced yet, but they're targeting Wednesday, April 18th.#NASA #SpaceX #Falcon9
NASA's planet searching satellite launch is pushed back 2 days
Today's launch of the Falcon 9 with NASA's TESS satellite has been pushed back to Wednesday. SpaceX will be conducting additional analysis of the Falcon's Guidence, Navigation, and Control systems to ensure a successful launch of this special payload. No launch time has been announced yet, but they're targeting Wednesday, April 18th.
TESS to launch on Falcon 9
Today, SpaceX is planning to launch NASA's TESS at 6:32pm EDT from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) on their Falcon 9 rocket. Following separation of the first and second stage, the first stage will perform a landing on the droneship "Of Course I Still Love You" approximately 8 minutes and 20 seconds after launch. TESS is NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite and will be the next planet finder. It's led out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Kavli Institute for Astrophys
TESS to launch on Falcon 9
Today, SpaceX is planning to launch NASA's TESS at 6:32pm EDT from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) on their Falcon 9 rocket. Following separation of the first and second stage, the first stage will perform a landing on the droneship "Of Course I Still Love You" approximately 8 minutes and 20 seconds after launch. TESS is NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite and will be the next planet finder. It's led out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Kavli Institute for Astrophys
Atlas V successfully launches AFSPC-11 into Florida's golden skies
Yesterday evening at 7:13pm EDT, United Launch Alliance launched their heaviest Atlas V rocket into the golden light on Florida's Space Coast. The Atlas V launched from Space Launch Complex 41 (SLC-41) in its 551 configuration with 5 Solid Rocket Boosters to loft the heavy AFSPC-11 satellite into its Geostationary Orbit. There were two spacecraft that were launched on this mission, CBAS and EAGLE. CBAS stands for Continuous Broadcast Augmenting SATCOM and EAGLE stands for ESPA Augmented GEO La
Atlas V successfully launches AFSPC-11 into Florida's golden skies
Yesterday evening at 7:13pm EDT, United Launch Alliance launched their heaviest Atlas V rocket into the golden light on Florida's Space Coast. The Atlas V launched from Space Launch Complex 41 (SLC-41) in its 551 configuration with 5 Solid Rocket Boosters to loft the heavy AFSPC-11 satellite into its Geostationary Orbit. There were two spacecraft that were launched on this mission, CBAS and EAGLE. CBAS stands for Continuous Broadcast Augmenting SATCOM and EAGLE stands for ESPA Augmented GEO La
Virgin Galactic takes to the skies again after 4 years
Yesterday, April 5th, Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo VSS Unity successfully completed its first supersonic, rocket-powered flight after spending two years going under extensive ground and atmospheric testing. Yesterdays flight saw amazing performance in terms of vehicle performance and altitude achieved, as well as the duration that the rocket burned for. Unity was dropped from Eve, the carrier aircraft, at about 46,500ft and ignited its main engine, accelerating the vehicle to nearly Mach 2 d
Virgin Galactic takes to the skies again after 4 years
Yesterday, April 5th, Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo VSS Unity successfully completed its first supersonic, rocket-powered flight after spending two years going under extensive ground and atmospheric testing. Yesterdays flight saw amazing performance in terms of vehicle performance and altitude achieved, as well as the duration that the rocket burned for. Unity was dropped from Eve, the carrier aircraft, at about 46,500ft and ignited its main engine, accelerating the vehicle to nearly Mach 2 d
SpaceX delivers Dragon to the ISS for a second time
As storm clouds begin to grow to the west of the launch pad, SpaceX's launches its Falcon 9 rocket on their fourteenth mission to the International Space Station. This reused Dragon capsule was launched at 4:30pm EDT from Space Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Base in Florida for the second time, carrying supplies and science experiments along with it. The Dragon spacecraft previously supported the CRS-8 mission back in April 2016 and will stay at the station for another month.
SpaceX delivers Dragon to the ISS for a second time
As storm clouds begin to grow to the west of the launch pad, SpaceX's launches its Falcon 9 rocket on their fourteenth mission to the International Space Station. This reused Dragon capsule was launched at 4:30pm EDT from Space Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Base in Florida for the second time, carrying supplies and science experiments along with it. The Dragon spacecraft previously supported the CRS-8 mission back in April 2016 and will stay at the station for another month
Dragon set to launch to the ISS tomorrow afternoon
SpaceX is targeting the launch of their Dragon spacecraft tomorrow, Monday April 2nd, at 4:30pm EDT from Space Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, FL. Dragon will launch on top of their Falcon 9 rocket which is using a "flight-proven" first stage which previously supported the CRS-12 mission last August. No recovery will be attempted on this first stage, but it will be used to practice high velocity 3 engine landing burns with minimal fuel left over to do so. This will pr
Dragon set to launch to the ISS tomorrow afternoon
SpaceX is targeting the launch of their Dragon spacecraft tomorrow, Monday April 2nd, at 4:30pm EDT from Space Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, FL. Dragon will launch on top of their Falcon 9 rocket which is using a "flight-proven" first stage which previously supported the CRS-12 mission last August. No recovery will be attempted on this first stage, but it will be used to practice high velocity 3 engine landing burns with minimal fuel left over to do so. This will pr
First SpaceX Block 5 launch confirmed
Thales Alenia Space confirmed to AmericaSpace today that their Bangabandhu-1 satellite will be launching on SpaceX's first 'Block-5' Falcon 9 rocket. The date is currently planned for NET April 24th, later than people had anticipated. The date was originally the first week of April, but slipped a few weeks back due to SpaceX running additional tests on the Block-5 first stage. Thales stated, "Bangabandu-1 will fly on the most advanced and reliable vehicle ever built by SpaceX". The Block-5, o
First SpaceX Block 5 launch confirmed
Thales Alenia Space confirmed to AmericaSpace today that their Bangabandhu-1 satellite will be launching on SpaceX's first 'Block-5' Falcon 9 rocket. The date is currently planned for NET April 24th, later than people had anticipated. The date was originally the first week of April, but slipped a few weeks back due to SpaceX running additional tests on the Block-5 first stage. Thales stated, "Bangabandu-1 will fly on the most advanced and reliable vehicle ever built by SpaceX". The Block-5, o
Launch of Iridium-5 slips due to satellite issue
Originally, Iridium-5 was supposed to be launched by SpaceX on their Falcon 9 rocket on March 29th at 7:19am PST, but has been pushed back a couple days. Matt Desch, CEO of Iridium, tweeted that they are having an issue with one of the ten satellites being launched and are resetting the date to NET March 31st at 7:08am PST (10:08am EST). There is a possibility that the launch could slip into next week, but as of right now 3/31 is the targeted date. "Launch success is priority #1!" Desch tweeted
Launch of Iridium-5 slips due to satellite issue
Originally, Iridium-5 was supposed to be launched by SpaceX on their Falcon 9 rocket on March 29th at 7:19am PST, but has been pushed back a couple days. Matt Desch, CEO of Iridium, tweeted that they are having an issue with one of the ten satellites being launched and are resetting the date to NET March 31st at 7:08am PST (10:08am EST). There is a possibility that the launch could slip into next week, but as of right now 3/31 is the targeted date. "Launch success is priority #1!" Desch tweeted
SpaceX successfully launches their largest payload on their 50th Falcon 9 launch
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket successfully lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida at 12:33am EST carrying the Hispasat 30W-6 satellite into a Geostationary Transfer Orbit. As Falcon slowely cleared the pad, it ascended as an orb of light into the clear Florida sky as the 9 Merlin engines powered it into flight. The first stage performed nominally and the second stage placed the satellite into its desired orbit with no problems on the vehicle. The first stage for this mission was a new booster and w
SpaceX successfully launches their largest payload on their 50th Falcon 9 launch
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket successfully lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida at 12:33am EST carrying the Hispasat 30W-6 satellite into a Geostationary Transfer Orbit. As Falcon slowely cleared the pad, it ascended as an orb of light into the clear Florida sky as the 9 Merlin engines powered it into flight. The first stage performed nominally and the second stage placed the satellite into its desired orbit with no problems on the vehicle. The first stage for this mission was a new booster and w
Falcon 9 will light up Florida's sky tonight
Tonight, at 12:33am EST, SpaceX will attempt to launch their Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Hispasat 30W-6 satellite into a Geostationary Transfer Orbit. The launch will take place at Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Base, FL. The launch window remains open for 2 hours stretching to 2:33am EST with a backup launch window on Wednesday, March 7th, at 12:33am EST. The first stage on this mission is a new booster and hasn't been previously flown, unlike the last fe
Falcon 9 will light up Florida's sky tonight
Tonight, at 12:33am EST, SpaceX will attempt to launch their Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Hispasat 30W-6 satellite into a Geostationary Transfer Orbit. The launch will take place at Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Base, FL. The launch window remains open for 2 hours stretching to 2:33am EST with a backup launch window on Wednesday, March 7th, at 12:33am EST. The first stage on this mission is a new booster and hasn't been previously flown, unlike the last fe
Falcon 9 successfully delivers PAZ satellite as well as Starlink satellites
Photo: Derrick Stamos // Spacecoaster ImagesThis morning at 6:17am PST (9:17am EST) SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket successfully lifted off from California's West coast carrying the PAZ satellite and 2 smaller satellites. After being delayed 24 hours, the Falcon 9 beautifully launched as it climbed into the California skies, becoming visible to everyone anywhere around the Vandenberg area. The first stage of this Falcon 9 rocket prevously supported the FORMOSAT-5 mission back in August 2017 from SLC-4
Falcon 9 successfully delivers PAZ satellite as well as Starlink satellites
Photo: Derrick Stamos // Spacecoaster ImagesThis morning at 6:17am PST (9:17am EST) SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket successfully lifted off from California's West coast carrying the PAZ satellite and 2 smaller satellites. After being delayed 24 hours, the Falcon 9 beautifully launched as it climbed into the California skies, becoming visible to everyone anywhere around the Vandenberg area. The first stage of this Falcon 9 rocket prevously supported the FORMOSAT-5 mission back in August 2017 from SLC-4
SpaceX delays the launch of the PAZ satellite
Earlier this morning, SpaceX had planned to launch the PAZ satellite into Low Earth Orbit from California's Vandenberg Air Force Base. Approximately 10 minutes prior to liftoff - SpaceX announced that they will be standing down from today's launch attempt due to strong upper winds. Another opportunity to launch will be tomorrow, February 22nd, at 6:17am PST (9:17am EST). Meanwhile, on the East coast, another Falcon 9 carrying theHispasat 30W-6 satellite is getting ready to launch. It successfull
SpaceX delays the launch of the PAZ satellite
Earlier this morning, SpaceX had planned to launch the PAZ satellite into Low Earth Orbit from California's Vandenberg Air Force Base. Approximately 10 minutes prior to liftoff - SpaceX announced that they will be standing down from today's launch attempt due to strong upper winds. Another opportunity to launch will be tomorrow, February 22nd, at 6:17am PST (9:17am EST). Meanwhile, on the East coast, another Falcon 9 carrying theHispasat 30W-6 satellite is getting ready to launch. It successfull
The PAZ satellite set to launch Sunday by SpaceX
SpaceX is currently planning the launch of the PAZ satellite into Low Earth Orbit atop their Falcon 9 rocket. They're currently targeting a liftoff time of 6:16am PST (9:16am EST), with an instantaneous launch window, meaning it has to launch at that time and no later. The satellite will be launched from Space launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, and will be released into its orbit approximately 11 minutes after launch. The first stage supporting this la
The PAZ satellite set to launch Sunday by SpaceX
SpaceX is currently planning the launch of the PAZ satellite into Low Earth Orbit atop their Falcon 9 rocket. They're currently targeting a liftoff time of 6:16am PST (9:16am EST), with an instantaneous launch window, meaning it has to launch at that time and no later. The satellite will be launched from Space launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, and will be released into its orbit approximately 11 minutes after launch. The first stage supporting this la
New droneship under construction for SpaceX rocket recovery
To this date, SpaceX currently has 2 droneships to land their first stage rockets on. Their first ever droneship, names "Just Read The Instructions" (JRTI) is currently located on the West coast for launches from Vandenberg in California. It was originally positioned on the East coast for launches from Florida, but was moved because they'd finished their second droneship - "Of Course I Still Love You" (OCISLY). "Of Course I Still Love You" is currently active on the East coast for Falcon 9 and
New droneship under construction for SpaceX rocket recovery
To this date, SpaceX currently has 2 droneships to land their first stage rockets on. Their first ever droneship, names "Just Read The Instructions" (JRTI) is currently located on the West coast for launches from Vandenberg in California. It was originally positioned on the East coast for launches from Florida, but was moved because they'd finished their second droneship - "Of Course I Still Love You" (OCISLY). "Of Course I Still Love You" is currently active on the East coast for Falcon 9 and
Crew Dragon recovery trainer spotted in Port Canaveral
Yesterday, February 9th, an object shaped similarly to SpaceX's Crew Dragon recovery trainer was seen in Port Canaveral. The mock-up was lifted by crane around 1pm and was lowered into "Go Searcher", a support ship used for SpaceX's recovery ops for first stage booster returns on the droneship. This full-scale mock-up of the spacecraft is made to practice safely getting astronauts out of the spacecraft after splashdown from the International Space Station (ISS). Doing these practices give the a
Crew Dragon recovery trainer spotted in Port Canaveral
Yesterday, February 9th, an object shaped similarly to SpaceX's Crew Dragon recovery trainer was seen in Port Canaveral. The mock-up was lifted by crane around 1pm and was lowered into "Go Searcher", a support ship used for SpaceX's recovery ops for first stage booster returns on the droneship. This full-scale mock-up of the spacecraft is made to practice safely getting astronauts out of the spacecraft after splashdown from the International Space Station (ISS). Doing these practices give the a
Falcon Heavy shakes Florida's space coast after a picture perfect launch (With photo gallery)
On Tuesday, February 6th, SpaceX launched their long awaited Falcon Heavy rocket and made history once again. After igniting the side boosters and then the core booster shortly thereafter, the rocket was released from the pad and began to roar to life and rumbled over the entire space coast. The Falcon Heavy rocket is comprised of 3 Falcon 9 cores strapped together. It isn't as simple as that - the core stage had to be redesigned to withstand the extreme forces being put onto it during flight f
Falcon Heavy shakes Florida's space coast after a picture perfect launch (With photo gallery)
On Tuesday, February 6th, SpaceX launched their long awaited Falcon Heavy rocket and made history once again. After igniting the side boosters and then the core booster shortly thereafter, the rocket was released from the pad and began to roar to life and rumbled over the entire space coast. The Falcon Heavy rocket is comprised of 3 Falcon 9 cores strapped together. It isn't as simple as that - the core stage had to be redesigned to withstand the extreme forces being put onto it during flight f
SpaceX's maiden launch of Falcon Heavy remains go for tomorrow afternoon
Tomorrow afternoon at 1:30pm EST, SpaceX plans to launch their long-awaited Falcon Heavy rocket from Historic Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A). The 3-hour launch window extends from 1:30pm-4:30pm EST with a backup window on Wednesday. At liftoff, Falcon Heavy will become the most powerful operational rocket in the world by a factor of 2, being able to lift twice the payload than the Delta IV Heavy. Only the Saturn V rocket, the one that brought astronauts to the Moon, delivered more payload into or
SpaceX's maiden launch of Falcon Heavy remains go for tomorrow afternoon
Tomorrow afternoon at 1:30pm EST, SpaceX plans to launch their long-awaited Falcon Heavy rocket from Historic Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A). The 3-hour launch window extends from 1:30pm-4:30pm EST with a backup window on Wednesday. At liftoff, Falcon Heavy will become the most powerful operational rocket in the world by a factor of 2, being able to lift twice the payload than the Delta IV Heavy. Only the Saturn V rocket, the one that brought astronauts to the Moon, delivered more payload into or
Falcon 9 launches satellite successfully - Unexpectedly lands first stage in water intact
Today at 4:25pm EST, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket took to the skies carrying the GovSat-1 satellite. The Falcon 9 rocket launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida off of Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40). The first stage of the Falcon 9 included recovery hardware, but would not be attempting a recovery. They would follow the regular landing procedures without landing on the droneship and it was planned to fall over into the water and explode due to the highly pressurized tanks rupturing. The first stage
Falcon 9 launches satellite successfully - Unexpectedly lands first stage in water intact
Today at 4:25pm EST, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket took to the skies carrying the GovSat-1 satellite. The Falcon 9 rocket launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida off of Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40). The first stage of the Falcon 9 included recovery hardware, but would not be attempting a recovery. They would follow the regular landing procedures without landing on the droneship and it was planned to fall over into the water and explode due to the highly pressurized tanks rupturing. The first stage
SpaceX will be launching GovSat-1 on a flight-proven booster
Later this afternoon at 4:25pm EST (21:25UTC), SpaceX will launch the GovSat-1 satellite with their Falcon 9 rocket. The Falcon 9 will launch from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) to carry the satellite into a Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO). The first stage of this Falcon 9 previously supported the NROL-76 mission back in May 2017 and SpaceX will not attempt a recovery of this booster. Still equipped with recovery hardware, we can assume they will still attempt a soft landing in the ocean f
SpaceX will be launching GovSat-1 on a flight-proven booster
Later this afternoon at 4:25pm EST (21:25UTC), SpaceX will launch the GovSat-1 satellite with their Falcon 9 rocket. The Falcon 9 will launch from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) to carry the satellite into a Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO). The first stage of this Falcon 9 previously supported the NROL-76 mission back in May 2017 and SpaceX will not attempt a recovery of this booster. Still equipped with recovery hardware, we can assume they will still attempt a soft landing in the ocean f
Falcon Heavy fires up its 27 engines for the first time ever!
Today around 12:30pm EST, SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket ignited its 27 Merlin engines for the very first time as a complete launch vehicle. For the static fire, they followed normal launch procedures with the fueling of the 3 cores and the upper stage and then igniting the engines in a staggered pattern to reduce the torque forces on the octowebs. The rocket fired all the engines for around 7-11 seconds and generated quite a bit of steam as the huge plume grew away from the launch pad. Elon Musk
Falcon Heavy fires up its 27 engines for the first time ever!
Today around 12:30pm EST, SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket ignited its 27 Merlin engines for the very first time as a complete launch vehicle. For the static fire, they followed normal launch procedures with the fueling of the 3 cores and the upper stage and then igniting the engines in a staggered pattern to reduce the torque forces on the octowebs. The rocket fired all the engines for around 7-11 seconds and generated quite a bit of steam as the huge plume grew away from the launch pad. Elon Musk
A picture perfect launch of Electron by Rocket Lab
After many scrubs and a delay, Rocket lab launches their Electron rocket into the sky above the Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand. The carbon-composite launch vehicle ignited its 9 Rutherford engines and launched off the pad about 2 seconds after engine ignition. The rocket climbed through the atmosphere and the first stage cutoff and separated about 2.5 minutes after launch. The second stage carried the 3 satellites into Low Earth Orbit. Electron launched an Earth-imaging Dove satellite for Plane
A picture perfect launch of Electron by Rocket Lab
After many scrubs and a delay, Rocket lab launches their Electron rocket into the sky above the Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand. The carbon-composite launch vehicle ignited its 9 Rutherford engines and launched off the pad about 2 seconds after engine ignition. The rocket climbed through the atmosphere and the first stage cutoff and separated about 2.5 minutes after launch. The second stage carried the 3 satellites into Low Earth Orbit. Electron launched an Earth-imaging Dove satellite for Plane
Welcome home, Dragon! SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft returns to Earth after almost a month at the IS
SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft reentered Earth's atmosphere carrying approximately 4,100 pounds of scientific research and hardware for NASA. Dragon successfully splashed down and was recovered in the Pacific Ocean by the SpaceX team a bit off the coast of California. Dragon will be brought back into port and will be transported to their HQ in Hawthrone, CA for unloading of the cargo and inspection of the spacecraft. This was the second time that this Dragon has been flown to space back. Dragon
Welcome home, Dragon! SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft returns to Earth after almost a month at the IS
SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft reentered Earth's atmosphere carrying approximately 4,100 pounds of scientific research and hardware for NASA. Dragon successfully splashed down and was recovered in the Pacific Ocean by the SpaceX team a bit off the coast of California. Dragon will be brought back into port and will be transported to their HQ in Hawthrone, CA for unloading of the cargo and inspection of the spacecraft. This was the second time that this Dragon has been flown to space back. Dragon