Tag: SpaceX
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SpaceX Falcon 9 conducts static fire ahead of Iridium NEXT-6/GRACE-FO mission
SpaceX conducted a Static Fire test on its Falcon 9 rocket for its second launch in May at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. This specific Falcon 9 rocket includes the flight-proven core 1043, which launched the classified “Zuma” mission in January 2018. The rocket will launch 5 Iridium NEXT satellites for Iridium Communications and…
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With Block 5, SpaceX to increase launch cadence and lower prices
On May 11th, SpaceX successfully launched a Block 5 Falcon 9 – the final major version of the launch vehicle. Most notably, Block 5 features a fully reusable first stage – capable of being launched twice in a single day. Such capabilities will help SpaceX tackle its busy launch manifest at an unprecedented low cost.…
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Bangabandhu-1 sucessfully launched by first Block 5 Falcon 9 – SpaceX’s goal of affordable access to space
SpaceX has conducted the debut launch of the final variant of its powerhouse Falcon 9 rocket, the Block 5 -which will continue to further SpaceX’s already realized goal of providing low-cost, affordable access to space for countries that have not been able to afford such missions before. The mission launched from LC-39A at the Kennedy…
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SpaceX’s upgraded Falcon 9 debuts with launch for Bangladesh (and rocket landing)
SpaceX’s first Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket lifts off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. (SpaceX via YouTube) SpaceX sent a Bangladeshi telecommunications satellite into orbit today atop what CEO Elon Musk calls the “last major version” of its workhorse Falcon 9 rocket. But Musk has yet more tweaks up his sleeve: He’s aiming…
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Computer aborts milestone SpaceX rocket launch at last minute, forcing a day’s delay
SpaceX’s first Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket sits on its Florida launch pad. (SpaceX via YouTube) News Brief: The anxiously awaited launch of the first of SpaceX’s “last” Falcon 9 rockets will have to wait at least one more day. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk says the company’s upgraded Block 5 model “will be the last…
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First Block 5 Falcon 9 static fires ahead of Bangabandhu-1 launch
The first Block 5 Falcon 9 completed a static fire test at Launch Complex 39A on Friday evening, although SpaceX appeared to waiting on the results of a data review before confirming the path to launch. On Monday, SpaceX confirmed they were re-scheduling the launch to May 10. The vehicle – notably including core 1046,…
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SpaceX Dragon cargo ship brings Robonaut and mice back to Earth from space station
News Brief: After a month of unloading and reloading, SpaceX’s Dragon cargo capsule was set loose from the International Space Station today and made a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. The two tons of cargo that were returned to Earth include mice that were part of a study focusing on zero-G’s effects on bones and…
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Dragon’s CRS-14 mission concludes with splashdown in Pacific Ocean
After 31 days of berthed operations, the CRS-14 Dragon from SpaceX wrapped up her mission to the International Space Station. Bringing back thousands of pounds of experiments and equipment for recovery, including Robonaut, the Dragon spacecraft was released from the ISS on Saturday ahead of splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Baja…
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Reused Dragon cargo carrier splashes down in Pacific Ocean
The Dragon supply ship departs the space station Saturday during an orbital night. Cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev captured this view of the Dragon spacecraft during its departure. Credit: Oleg Artemyev/Roscosmos An automated SpaceX supply ship parachuted into the Pacific Ocean on Saturday, bringing more than 3,800 pounds of cargo — including a NASA robot requiring repair…
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SpaceX’s May launch manifest takes shape; company prepares for Block 5 debut
With its two April launches behind it, SpaceX is deep into processing for its coming slate of three missions planned for May 2018. The three flights will see two flight-proven launches with SES-12 and the Iridium NEXT-6/GRACE-FO rideshare as well as the highly anticipated debut of the Block 5 variant of the Falcon 9, which…