For the first time in over 50 years, humans are on their way to the Moon
Latest
Starlink router bypass allows using your own router with the updated terminal, mesh router in the works
SpaceX’s Starlink internet service continues to expand and see upgrades, in addition to all the launches. We recently spotted a change to the Starlink FAQ page that will improve the experience for those hoping to use their own router with the service.
Expand Expanding Close‘High performance’ Starlink user terminal could be on the horizon
On January 21, SpaceX filed an application with the FCC for the operation of a new, more ruggedized Starlink user terminal. The terminal would be better suited for harsh conditions, such as high heat. This joins a previous application to operate similarly ruggedized terminals on moving vehicles, such as trucks, aircraft, and ships.
Expand Expanding CloseNASA says no to NFTs
As a Government agency, NASA images are not copyrighted. This means YouTubers, news agencies, or anyone else can use the images without needing to fall into fair-use exceptions. The same, however, is not true for the agency’s logos. NASA logos, including the meatball logo and popular worm logo, may only be used with permission from the agency – and don’t expect to get this permission for space-themed NFTs.
Expand Expanding CloseNASA teams finish SLS countdown test, moving closer to rocket rollout
We are inching closer and closer to the long-awaited launch of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. Engineers just completed another milestone test working towards seeing SLS roll out from the VAB for the first time.
Expand Expanding CloseJames Webb Space Telescope arrives at its nearly one million mile away destination
After a month of travel and nail-biting deployments, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope arrived at the Earth-Sun L2 Lagrange Point on January 24.
Expand Expanding CloseSpaceX Dragon capsule splashes down off the Florida coast
On December 21, SpaceX launched CRS-24, a cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station. Now, the Dragon capsule that supported that mission has splashed down off the coast of Florida.
Expand Expanding CloseCatching falling rockets with a helicopter: Rocket Lab’s method of reusability
Reusability in spaceflight is increasing. While SpaceX has been able to reuse the first stage of its Falcon 9 rocket by landing them, Rocket Lab is taking a different sort of approach with its Electron rocket: deploying a parachute and using a helicopter to scoop them out of the air.
It’s certainly a different approach than landing, but Rocket Lab teams are hard at work making this reusability a reality.
Expand Expanding CloseA SpaceX rocket stage is about to crash into the Moon
Seven years ago, SpaceX launched its first mission out of Earth orbit for NOAA, and since then, its upper stage has stuck around. But, according to a community of observers, it will meet an end crashing into the Moon soon.
Expand Expanding Close
Astra static fires its first Florida rocket ahead of launch
Astra’s Rocket 3.3 vehicle came to life on January 22 ahead of the company’s first launch from Florida. The launch date is pending the FAA issuing the launch license.
Expand Expanding CloseULA launches first-time configuration Atlas V for the US Space Force
Today United Launch Alliance launched its first mission of 2022, and the final unflown configuration of the Atlas V rocket. Onboard were two space surveillance satellites for the US Space Force.
Expand Expanding CloseFormer SpaceX engineers announce autonomous electric rail system startup
Three former engineers from Elon Musk’s SpaceX have formed a startup to innovate in the rail transportation market, using electric and autonomous rail carts to shuttle shipping containers to where they need to go.
Expand Expanding CloseABL Space Systems’ rocket second stage destroyed in ‘test anomaly,’ everyone is safe
At the Mojave Air and Space Port, the second stage of a launch vehicle being developed by ABL Space Systems was destroyed during a test anomaly on January 19.
Expand Expanding CloseSpaceX doubled number of 10+ flight boosters with last two launches
So far in January, SpaceX has launched three Falcon 9 rockets, two of which broke the 10 flight milestone. Both of these milestone-breaking missions took place just in the last week.
Expand Expanding Close
Launch Spotlight: ULA Atlas V to launch two payloads, but this Atlas is different
Friday afternoon United Launch Alliance is preparing to launch two satellites directly to geosynchronous orbit for the U.S. Space Force. The USSF-8 mission will be the only Atlas V to fly the 511 configuration and is ULA’s first flight of 2022.
Launch Date: Friday, January 21, 2:00 p.m. EST
Expand Expanding CloseRocket Lab announces first launch of 2022
Rocket Lab, everyone’s favorite US / New Zealand-based smallsat launcher, announced the first launch of its Electron rocket for the year, and yes, it’s going to be BlackSky satellites.
Expand Expanding CloseAstra’s first Florida launch held up waiting for FAA launch license
The newest smallsat launcher to come online is preparing to launch its first mission from Florida’s Space Coast, but it will need to wait for a license from the FAA.
Expand Expanding Close
Launch Spotlight: SpaceX to launch Starlink satellites aboard a Falcon 9
Monday evening SpaceX is preparing to launch another batch of Starlink satellites. This will take off from Launch Complex-39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Launch Date: Tuesday, January 18, 9:02 p.m. EST
Expand Expanding CloseSatellites capture stunning imagery of the Hunga-Tonga volcano eruption
An underwater volcano located near the Tonga Islands recently became active. Early this morning, a major eruption took place. Multiple satellites captured it as it happened.
Expand Expanding CloseHow to watch SpaceX’s upcoming Transporter-3 launch
This morning, SpaceX plans to launch their Transporter 3 mission, carrying a payload of dozens of nanosatellites and microsatellites to space. Here’s how to watch the Falcon 9 rocket lift off from the Kennedy Space Centers’s Space Launch Complex 40.
Expand Expanding CloseHow to watch Virgin Orbit’s upcoming LauncherOne mission, ‘Above the Clouds’
Virgin Orbit is back at it again with their one-of-a-kind LauncherOne rocket. Wednesday, the rocket will launch mid-air from Virgin Orbit’s custom Boeing 747 with several customer satellites onboard. Here’s everything we know and how you can watch it live.
Expand Expanding Close
Launch Spotlight: Virgin Orbit’s first 2022 launch of its LauncherOne vehicle
After becoming a publically traded company last week, Richard Branson’s commercial launch provider, Virgin Orbit, is preparing for its first launch of 2022. Onboard will be four payloads from both civil and commercial entities. Continuing on with fun names Virgin Orbit has given its mission, this one is called “Above the Clouds.”
Launch Date: Wednesday, January 12, ~5:00 p.m. EST (Takeoff: ~4:00 p.m. EST)
Expand Expanding Close
NASA releases new video for the International Space Station after US commitment to 2030 [Video]
The Biden Administration has committed to supporting the International Space Station until the end of this decade. This gives commercial companies more time to develop and bring their stations online before the ISS is retired.
Expand Expanding Close
Launch Spotlight: SpaceX set to launch third Transporter mission
Thursday morning SpaceX is preparing to launch another Transporter rideshare mission. This will take off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This mission will feature a booster landing at Landing Zone 1, also located at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Launch Date: Thursday, January 13, 10:25 a.m. EST
Expand Expanding CloseFirst Astra rocket vertical in Florida at SLC-46
Astra is set to launch its next mission from Florida’s Space Coast rather than Alaska, where the company conducted its previous launches. Today we saw the first signs of Astra’s launch readiness with a vertical rocket on its launch site.
Expand Expanding Close