A “Democratic Government” Threatens to Fine Its Citizens For Using Starlink

A “Democratic Government” Threatens to Fine Its Citizens For Using Starlink

March 18, 2024Posted inSpace News, SpaceX, Starlink
When A Telecom Agency suspects that there are citizens who violate the law by using foreign satellite services. 
Map Internett Access Graphic

By now, most are familiar with SpaceX’s effort to bring internet access to every corner of the world. And they’re doing a pretty good job of it. With over 6000 Low Earth Orbit (LEO)  Starlink satellites already in space, and as many as 6000 more going up on future launches, one would think that the whole world would be pretty happy about it, right? Or at least the “free countries”…but maybe not.

FAA Grounds Starship Flights…Again

FAA Grounds Starship Flights…Again

March 15, 2024Posted inSpace News, SpaceX, Starship
Starship IFT-3 ,surrounded by hot plasma during reentry just prior to loss of communications on March 14, 2024 Screenshot: SpaceX
Starship IFT-3 ,surrounded by hot plasma during reentry just prior to loss of communications on March 14, 2024 Screenshot: SpaceX

It probably will come as no surprise to anyone that SpaceX’s Starship program is once again grounded pending another mishap investigation.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Thursday that it has initiated its third mishap investigation into the Starship program following an anomaly during its latest orbital test flight, IFT-3, on March 14, 2024. This inquiry marks yet another pause in the testing of the huge rocket, which reigns as the largest and most powerful rocket in history.

Despite Vehicle Loss, IFT-3 Checked A Lot Of Boxes for SpaceX

Despite Vehicle Loss, IFT-3 Checked A Lot Of Boxes for SpaceX

March 14, 2024Posted inSpace News, SpaceX, Starship
Starship OFT Launches From Boca Chica on March 14, 2202
Starship OFT 3 launches on March 14, 2024. Photo: Richard Gallagher/FMN

SpaceX successfully launched the third Integrated Flight Test (IFT) of a Starship this morning from the company’s Starbase test facility in Boca Chica, TX. With the launch, IFT-3 became the first Starship mission to reach orbit. Hopes ran high for the test mission as the countdown to the 8:25 AM CDT launch proceeded flawlessly with no holds.

Crew 7 Returns Safely With Early Morning Gulf Splashdown

Crew 7 Returns Safely With Early Morning Gulf Splashdown

March 12, 2024Posted inISS, NASA, Space News, SpaceX
A thermal screenshot showing the sucessfully deployed four parachuettes of the Dragon Capsule as it makes its descent on March 12 (Image credit: NASA)
A thermal image screenshot showing the successfully deployed four parachutes of the Dragon Capsule as it makes its descent on March 12 (Image credit: NASA)

The Crew-7 mission to the ISS ended this morning with a splashdown at 5:50 AM EDT this morning in the Gulf of Mexico. The splashdown near Pensacola, Florida marked the end of a six and one half month mission aboard the International Space Station for the crew of four.

Back to Boca Chica! SpaceX is Ready To Try It Again

Back to Boca Chica! SpaceX is Ready To Try It Again

March 6, 2024Posted inSpace News, SpaceX
Starship streaks into the Texas sky on OFT-2. Photo: Chris Leymarie FMN
Starship streaks into the Texas sky on OFT-2. Photo: Chris Leymarie FMN

Elon Musk is ready to give it another go, with a SpaceX post surfacing on X yesterday, announcing a potential launch date for the third Starship test flight. The company’s Starship and super-heavy booster combo is now expected to launch at 7:30AM CDT on March 14th from SpaceX’s Starbase, in Boca Chica, Texas IF regulatory approval is obtained in time.

Crew 8 Finally Launches To Orbit

March 4, 2024Posted inNASA, Space News, SpaceX
Crew 8 lifts off from KSC pad 39A on Sunday, March 3, 2024 Photo: Richard Gallagher, FMN
Crew 8 lifts off from KSC pad 39A on Sunday, March 3, 2024 Photo: Richard Gallagher, FMN

After days of weather delays and last minute concerns about a cracked hatch seal, the SpaceX crew Dragon Endeavour carrying Crew 8 to the ISS launched from the Kennedy Space Center Sunday night. The successful liftoff came at 10:53 p.m. EST from Launch Complex 39A. The mission marked SpaceX’s eighth commercial crew rotation mission on behalf of NASA, and the launch of the 50th human into space by the company since 2020.

Weather Concerns Delay Crew 8 Launch

Weather Concerns Delay Crew 8 Launch

February 29, 2024Posted inNASA, Space News, SpaceX
New Window May Not Be Much Better
Crew 8 Photo
Members of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 from left to right, NASA astronauts Jeanette Epps, mission specialist; Michael Barratt, pilot; Matthew Dominick, commander; and Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, mission specialist; are photographed inside the crew access arm at Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida during a dress rehearsal on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, in preparation for the Crew-8 mission. Photo credit: SpaceX

NASA and SpaceX announced today that they have decided to postpone the launch of the Crew-8 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Initially set for Friday, the mission is now rescheduled for 11:16 p.m. EST on Saturday, March 2.