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US Defense Department cultivates new solid rocket motor suppliers

In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and escalating global tensions, the U.S. Department of Defense is strategically diversifying its solid rocket motor suppliers to mitigate risks associated with a concentrated supply chain. This move aims to revitalize domestic production capabilities for solid rocket motors, essential components in the arsenal of hypersonic weapons, conventional weapons, and nuclear missiles.
Expand Expanding CloseNASA launches space sustainability strategy to address orbital debris challenges

NASA revealed its comprehensive Space Sustainability Strategy April 9, aiming to tackle the escalating threats posed by space debris in Earth’s orbit. This initiative, as detailed by NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy during the 39th Space Symposium, prioritizes understanding the complex nature of space sustainability and developing methods to mitigate associated risks.
Expand Expanding CloseThis Week in Launch: A lonely SpaceX week

This week we’re only seeing three launches, all of which are from SpaceX and two of those are for Starlink missions out of Florida. About what we expect from a company doing the majority of Earth’s launch capability.
Expand Expanding CloseDon’t throw away those eclipse glasses! Put them to better use

You’ve probably had those eclipse glasses laying around for the last week, unsure of what to do with them and inching them closer and closer to the trash bin. But don’t! There’s a much better place to send them if you don’t plan on using them again.
Expand Expanding ClosePolaris Dawn is getting closer and closer to being launch ready

Things are slowly falling into place for the Polaris Program‘s first mission, Polaris Dawn. The mission is nearing milestones that might finally give it a launch date that will actually hold.
Expand Expanding CloseSo, you missed last week’s eclipse, when is the next one?

Last Monday North America got to witness the most unique solar event that can ever happen, a total solar eclipse. If you didn’t get to travel to, or be lucky and just live in, the path of totality, you most likely missed out on the fun. So if you are determined to not miss the next one, where do you have to be and when is the next total solar eclipse?
Expand Expanding CloseSpaceX launches the first Falcon booster 20 times

Friday evening SpaceX launched a Starlink mission that while not newsworthy anymore, the booster it launched on was. B1062, first launched in 2020, has now reached the big 20 mission milestone.
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How many exoplanets have been discovered?
NASA estimates that the Milky Way Galaxy is home to at least 100 billion planets. Others believe it could be anywhere from 200-300 billion. Using data from exoplanet-hunting missions such as Kepler, Gaia, and now James Webb, we can identify and confirm their existence. So, how many exoplanets have been discovered?
Expand Expanding Close2024 Total Solar Eclipse: No photos, videos, or words can do it justice

After a short nap in a Walmart parking lot, a wildlife refuge, and then a quick realization our planned viewing location would be closed, we witnessed something most people never get to see, a total solar eclipse. However, time continues to move forward and what is done is done. For those that witnessed it, what do we do next?
Expand Expanding CloseThis Week in Launch: ULA is back again to reattempt its final Delta IV launch

After some delay due to technical issue, ULA is back to attempting to get its final Delta IV Heavy off the ground and firmly into retirement. Russia is also launching a decade old rocket that is still in development for some reason.
Expand Expanding CloseWhy is ULA retiring the Delta IV Heavy?

Later today we expect to see the Delta IV launch its final mission. About two weeks ago ULA was forced to scrub its last attempt after issues with a pumping system arose in the final minutes of the countdown. A question I’ve seen popping up in a few groups was “Why is ULA retiring the Delta IV?” It’s a valid question, the large capable rocket seems like it should have a long life ahead still but alas, ULA has other plans.
Expand Expanding CloseHow to check if clouds will ruin your eclipse viewing today

This afternoon for most Americans there will be a partial solar eclipse. For a small part of the country, the Moon will completely blocks out the Sun from view, forming a total eclipse. If you’re in the area hoping to see it (like myself), here’s the best tool to see if clouds will ruin depending on where you are.
Expand Expanding CloseIntuitive Machines secures $30M crewed lunar rover contract

Intuitive Machines has been awarded $30 million by NASA to conduct a services feasibility assessment for a Lunar Terrain Vehicle, LTV, the first phase of developing a crewed rover for human exploration of the Moon’s surface. This contract marks the company’s first foray into human spaceflight operations, underpinning its role in NASA’s ambitious $4.6 billion LTV services project.
Expand Expanding ClosePioneering the lunar frontier: Artemis 4 astronauts to visit 1st lunar space station

After NASA returns humans to the Moon during the Artemis 3 mission, the agency plans to begin assembling the first space station in lunar orbit. Part of the Artemis 4 mission, the goal is to deliver a critical component to the Lunar Gateway and begin enabling sustainable exploration of the Moon while serving as a stepping stone for future crewed missions to Mars.
Expand Expanding CloseNASA astronaut Terry Virts’ top tips for viewing Monday’s Total Solar Eclipse

On Thursday, April 8 the Moon will block out the Sun across a large part of Central and Eastern United States. For many of us it will be your first total solar eclipse and you probably don’t know what to do or how to enjoy it. Former NASA astronaut Terry Virts has a few key tips for what to do during next week’s eclipse.
Expand Expanding CloseThe space launch industry is surprisingly no longer just about rockets

We’ve seen a lot of changes to the space launch market over the last decade, from hopeful underdogs to defacto monopolies. Now we’re going through another large shift in the companies launching rockets, not launching rockets. Payload spoke with the top executives about the change and here’s what they said.
Expand Expanding CloseThis Week in Launch: All aboard the SpaceX Bandwagon!

This week SpaceX will be launching as many as four Falcon 9s, mostly for its internal programs like Starlink. One, however, will be for its rideshare program with a new name, Bandwagon. Although Monday’s Starlink mission out of California has potential to be an amazing twilight launch for local residents.
Expand Expanding CloseNASA plans to grow plants on the Moon, Artemis 3 lunar experiments selected

NASA has unveiled the first set of scientific instruments selected for deployment by astronauts on the Moon’s surface during the Artemis 3 mission. This endeavor aims to enhance our understanding of the Moon, aiding preparations for future crewed missions to Mars.
Expand Expanding CloseSpaceX’s Starship and the new space race: Reshaping the future of satellite launches

In an evolving space industry landscape marked by both innovation and competition, the emergence of SpaceX‘s Starship launch vehicle stands out as a pivotal development. Designed to place over 100 metric tons into low Earth orbit, Starship has garnered significant attention from companies specializing in the deployment of smaller payloads of about one metric ton or less.
Expand Expanding CloseThe fusion of human ingenuity, robotic precision heralds new chapter in space exploration

In the vast and mysterious expanse of space, a story of partnership continues to unfold. This isn’t a tale of human camaraderie but a narrative of humans and robots joining forces in the pursuit of cosmic discovery, health, and technology. Taking a closer look at this fascinating topic suggests the future of space exploration is not a solo journey for humans or robots, but a collaborative venture that leverages the strengths of both.
Expand Expanding ClosePolaris Program’s Ghost Squadron performing at SUN ‘n FUN 2024

A unique aerial demonstration is coming to SUN ‘n FUN on April 13, 2024. In Lakeland, Florida, the Polaris Program Ghost Squadron will be flying in the evening airshow with a mission to “inspire the next generation of aerospace enthusiasts and raise funds and awareness” for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The demonstration team consists of four L-39 jets, three Alpha Jets, and one MiG-29.
Expand Expanding CloseThis Week in Launch: Get ready to say farewell to the Delta IV

The Original Big Orange Rocket, ULA‘s Delta IV Heavy, is set to have its final mission as soon as this week if weather holds. Along side ULA’s second launch of the year, SpaceX has four missions scheduled with Chinese and Russian rockets launching to give us a launch every day except Sunday.
Expand Expanding CloseThis company wants to help more people experience the ‘overview effect’

If you have ever been interested in seeing Earth from the upper reaches of our atmosphere but can’t afford it, then you should be keeping Halo Space on your radar. The company, similar to other new space tourism companies, have been working on a high altitude balloon system to ferry customers up to the jar dropping views of “almost space.”
The catch is, on each flight they will send someone up there for free!
Expand Expanding CloseThis Week in Launch: Super Thursday? Rocket Lab, SpaceX, Russia, and China prepare for launches on the same day

On Thursday of this week we have a total of four planned launches from around the world from the biggest players in the space launch market. They include Rocket Lab’s first LC-2 mission in 2024, a crew rotation to the ISS by Russia, and a cargo resupply mission to the ISS by SpaceX.
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