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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