Tag: SpaceX
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Here’s why SpaceX really needed to change out that part on Starship
SpaceX’s Starship rocket did not launch on Friday morning from South Texas as intended because the company had to replace the actuator on a grid fin. The rocket is now being prepared for a launch during a tight window on Saturday morning, from 7 to 7:20 am local time. Here’s an explanation of why grid…
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After upgrades, Starship achieves numerous successes during second test flight
With the Federal Aviation Administration and US Fish and Wildlife Service approving the final signoff and license and SpaceX saying the rocket is ready, Starship set sail from Starbase on its second test flight Saturday. Liftoff at the first attempt followed only a one day slip to fix an issue with Booster 9’s grid fin…
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SpaceX delays launch of its giant Starship rocket to swap out a part
BOCA CHICA BEACH, Texas—The launch of SpaceX’s second full-size Starship rocket from South Texas is now scheduled for Saturday, a day later than previously planned, according to company founder Elon Musk. This 24-hour delay will allow time for SpaceX technicians at the company’s launch facility, known as Starbase, to replace a component on the rocket’s…
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The reviews are done—SpaceX is clear to launch Starship
The Federal Aviation Administration approved a commercial launch license Wednesday for SpaceX to fly its second full-scale Starship rocket as soon as Friday, seven months after the giant vehicle’s first test flight. “The FAA has given license authorization for the second launch of the SpaceX Starship Super Heavy vehicles,” the FAA said in a statement.…
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AST SpaceMobile Expands Satellite Coverage through Altered SpaceX Launch Plan
Texas-based satellite operator AST SpaceMobile has opted for a modified launch plan with SpaceX, investing an additional $5 million to deploy its first commercial direct-to-smartphone satellites early next year. The change involves adjusting the orbital inclination to 53 degrees, exceeding the initial plan. This alteration aims to enhance coverage, reaching up to 59 degrees latitude…
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SpaceX Secures Regulatory Nod for Second Starship/Super Heavy Launch
SpaceX has received the green light from regulatory authorities to proceed with its second integrated Starship/Super Heavy launch, scheduled for the morning of November 17. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed on November 15 that it had issued an updated launch license, citing SpaceX’s compliance with safety, environmental, policy, and financial responsibility requirements. The key…
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SpaceX Launches Ninth Transporter Mission, Deploying Over 100 Satellites
SpaceX successfully launched its ninth dedicated smallsat rideshare mission, Transporter-9, on November 11, deploying more than 100 satellites. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 1:49 p.m. Eastern, marking another chapter in a program that has stirred mixed reactions within the commercial space sector. The booster, having previously…
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SpaceX Successfully Launches Cargo Dragon Mission to the International Space Station
SpaceX achieved another milestone on November 9 with the successful launch of a cargo Dragon mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at 8:28 p.m. Eastern, carrying the CRS-29 cargo Dragon spacecraft into orbit. The Dragon is set to autonomously dock with the ISS around…
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SpaceX Launches Third Pair of O3b mPower Satellites for SES Despite Electrical Issues
SpaceX successfully launched a third pair of O3b mPower satellites for Luxembourg-based operator SES on November 12. The Falcon 9 rocket carrying SES’s satellites lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, at 4:08 p.m. Eastern, heading towards medium Earth orbit (MEO). The Boeing-built satellites separated from the rocket about two hours later. SES…
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SpaceX receives launch license for second integrated flight test of Starship
SpaceX has received the modified license No. VOL 23-129 Rev. 1, which will allow them to fly its Starship-Super Heavy vehicle for the second time. This came shortly after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) confirmed the completion of their investigation into the new deluge system at the orbital launch site in Starbase. FWS…