Tag: SpaceX
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Cybertrucks on Mars? Space advocates and NASA consider ideas for sample return
These AI images of a “Cybertruck on Mars” were created by the Stable Diffusion image generation program, running on Tesla’s Dojo supercomputer in 2022. (Tesla via YouTube) Tesla’s Cybertruck may look ungainly on Earth, but a pressurized version of the vehicle might be just the thing for gathering up samples of Martian rock and soil…
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SpaceX launches Falcon 9 at sunrise with 23 Starlink satellites
A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifts off from Kennedy Space Center at sunrise Monday carrying 23 Starlink satellites in to orbit. Image: Adam Bernstein/Spaceflight Now. SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 23 Starlink satellites at sunrise Monday, capping a busy long-weekend for the launch company that saw three launches and two scrubbed countdowns over four…
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SpaceX launched twin communications satellites for Space Norway
An illustration of the two Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM) program satellites on orbit. Illustration: Northrop Grumman SpaceX completed its second launch of the weekend with a mission for Space Norway. The company launched its Falcon 9 rocket for the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM). The satellites, called ASBM-1 and ASBM-2, are designed to provide…
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Flight 5 and 6 Preparations Underway as SpaceX reveals Raptor 3
SpaceX continues with the Starship pace, with another busy week involving the reveal and first firing of the Raptor 3 engine, a spin prime — and not a static fire — for Ship 30, tons more Orbital Launch Pad B work. SpaceX noted it is also working Flight 6 preparations while waiting for Flight 5…
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Starship is getting a new environmental assessment
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released the details on the new Tiered Environmental Assessment (TEA) for Starbase. This proposal will help SpaceX expand operations in Starbase and better define operations for the Starship program. Why Does SpaceX need a new EA? See Also SpaceX Starship Section L2 SpaceX Click here to Join L2 In…
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SpaceX aces 2nd attempt, launching Falcon 9 with 21 Starlink satellites
The shock waves created as the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket became supersonic created a halo-like effect during its ascent. Liftoff of the Starlink 8-3 mission took place at 8:50 a.m. EDT (1250 UTC) on Aug. 10, 2024. Image: William Harwood/CBS News A day after bad weather in the booster recovery zone forced a mission scrub,…
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NASA says Boeing Starliner test crew may have to return in SpaceX capsule in 2025
An image captured through the window of a docked SpaceX Dragon capsule shows Boeing’s Starliner capsule hooked up to the International Space Station. (NASA Photo) Continuing concerns about the thruster system on Boeing’s Starliner space capsule may lead NASA to decide against letting astronauts take the craft back down to Earth from the International Space…
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As it happened: NASA discusses ISS schedule shuffle, SpaceX Crew-9 launch delay, Boeing Starliner questions
NASA officials aim to add context to some of its recent changes to the manifest of the International Space Station. It will host a media teleconference on Wednesday, Aug. 7, to discuss the timelines of the SpaceX Crew-9 launch, the Crew-8 return to Earth and the impacts to the schedule from the ongoing Boeing Starliner…
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NASA chief will make the final decision on how Starliner crew flies home
NASA on Tuesday confirmed that it is delaying the launch of its next astronaut mission to the International Space Station, Crew 9, until at least September 24. This is a significant slip from the previous date of August 18. The space agency said the delay was necessary for “operational flexibility” as it continues to deliberate…
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NASA pushes Crew-9 launch to September amid uncertainty of Starliner’s return timeline
The crew of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station poses during training at SpaceX’s Hawthorne facility. Image: SpaceX NASA is delaying the launch of the next space station crew as it continues to work through thruster issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. In a blog post, the agency said the launch of the…