Author

Avatar for Derek Wise

Derek Wise

derekiswise

Content Manager and Videographer for Space Explored

Interested in space for many years, Derek recently moved to Florida and has been producing rocket launch videos ever since.

Derek joined the Space Explored team and has expanded into writing, covering space-related events from around the world.

Follow me on Social Media!

Twitter: @derekiswise

Instagram: @derekiswise

Facebook: @derekwisephoto

Youtube: Derek Wise

Derek can also be reached via email at derek@9to5mac.com

Connect with Derek Wise

SpaceX launches 5G direct-to-cell connection on Starlink satellites

Late last night, SpaceX launched its first rocket of 2024 out of Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. On top, in addition to the Starlink V2 mini satellites were used to, were six Starlink satellites capable of connecting directly to standard 5G cellphones. These satellites are the first following a partnership with T-Mobile announced back in 2022 to feature the connectivity, and are a major step forward for SpaceX’s satellite internet constellation.

Expand Expanding Close

First Lady Jill Biden visits the Space Coast

On Monday, First Lady Jill Biden and Secretary of the VA Denis McDonough visited the Space Coast as part of her Joining Forces initiative to support military families. The two started with a tour of Cape Canaveral Space Force Station facilities before returning to Patrick Space Force Base to visit a Starbase classroom and hold a round-table with military spouses.

Expand Expanding Close

Chris Hadfield’s ‘Space Oddity’ cover, shot on the ISS, released to the world | This Day in Space (May 12, 2013)

Astronaut Chris Hadfield performs in his iconic Space Oddity music video

Ten years ago today, Astronaut Chris Hadfield released a cover of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity,” entirely filmed aboard the International Space Station. He released the song the same day he relinquished command of the International Space Station, and he returned to Earth in a Soyuz capsule the following day.

Expand Expanding Close

SpaceX’s Starlink expanding with new RV and cruise partners

SpaceX Starlink service RV Cruise

SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet has continued to expand, and new partnerships will be using the service to provide internet to even more of the general public outside of the home. These latest partnerships, with Carnival Corporation and Thor Industries, will bring Starlink service aboard Carnival Cruise line and Aida Cruise ships, and also integrate the technology into newly built RVs.

Expand Expanding Close

Display your message on the iPad flying around the Moon

Callisto technology demo on Artemis 1's Orion displaying user submitted message on an iPad while traveling around the Moon

That’s right! While Artemis 1 is an important mission for the return of humanity to the Moon, everyone back here on Earth has the opportunity to participate by sending messages to an iPad that resides within the Orion spacecraft. A camera will capture the message on the iPad within the capsule and share the recording, so while sending your message beyond the Moon you can spread it to other people here on Earth. And sending your message is really simple. Here’s how.

Expand Expanding Close
NASA's Artemis 1 launch of Orion on SLS

Watch NASA’s historic Artemis 1 launch in slow motion

While plenty of people on the space coast and around the world stayed up to watch the SLS rocket take flight for the very first time on the historic Artemis 1 launch, that 1:47 a.m. ET liftoff wasn’t ideal for those who wanted to catch some sleep. But we captured the launch of Artemis 1 in slow motion from the press site, so whether you missed liftoff when it happened or just want to relive the moment, you can do so.

Expand Expanding Close

Track Artemis 1 on its journey to the Moon and back

Artemis 1 Orion spacecraft track its journey to the moon

NASA’s Space Launch System rocket may have taken flight early Wednesday morning, but as with most missions, the rocket launch is only the start of it! The Orion spacecraft is on a journey to the Moon and back, proving all the systems ahead of humans stepping aboard the spacecraft on Artemis II. Here’s how you can follow with this historic mission and track Orion on its journey.

Expand Expanding Close

Starlink drops speed, introduces data cap with reduced speed, 1Mbps speeds for business after limit

Starlink internet service

SpaceX’s high-speed satellite internet service, Starlink, has changed a great deal from when it first came out. Starlink has seen reduced real-world speeds for a while as a result of the large number of customers, but now Starlink has changed its expected download speeds to much lower targets. Additionally, the company has introduced soft data-caps and the ability to pay for more priority access.

Expand Expanding Close