Space Explored

One year ago SpaceX launched its first fully integrated Starship rocket, which in my opinion is the start of the Starship era of spaceflight. While that mission was far from 100% successful, this new era is truly changing the way people look at the future of heavy lift rockets.

This week Seth is joined with former NASA astronaut Terry Virts to discuss their experiences witnessing April’s total solar eclipse. To finish the discussion, Virts goes into detail about what it’s like taking photos from space and the workflow of getting them to NASA and out on social media.

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In what I’ve always viewed as a bold move by NASA, since 2021 Perseverance has been collecting Martian core samples for future return. The issue is a return plan wasn’t finalized or paid for before launch, which in recent years has been under attack by Congress who wants a lighter budget. On Monday NASA conceded to complaints that it’s too expensive.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.