SpaceX Launches Starlink Group 12-14

SpaceX Launches Starlink Group 12-14

Liftoff of a SpaceX Falcon9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Image by Richard P Gallagher
Liftoff of a SpaceX Falcon9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Image by Richard P Gallagher

Cape Canaveral, FL – February 21, 2025 – SpaceX moved another step closer to completing its ambitious Starlink constellation project today with the successful launch of the Starlink Group 12-14 mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The launch, which occurred at 10:19 a.m. EST (1519 UTC) from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40), deployed 23 Starlink V2 Mini satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO), further expanding the company’s global internet coverage network. This mission underscored SpaceX’s ongoing commitment to reusable rocket technology and its goal of providing high-speed internet access worldwide.

Starliner astronauts

Starliner Woes Spark Musk-Mogensen Online Melee 

February 21, 2025 

NASA astronauts Sunita “Suni” Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore, now in their 261st day aboard the International Space Station (ISS), remain at the center of a prolonged mission saga sparked by Boeing’s troubled Starliner spacecraft. Their extended stay, originally planned as an eight-day test flight, has escalated into a public spectacle, fueled by technical setbacks, political rhetoric, and a fiery online spat between SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and former ISS commander Andreas Mogensen on February 20, 2025. 

Booster B1067. Image by Richard P Gallagher

Booster B1067 Poised to Surpass Its Own Record in Upcoming Launch 

Cape Canaveral, Florida — SpaceX is on the brink of setting a new milestone in spaceflight reusability with its Falcon 9 booster B1067 scheduled to launch for the 26th time on February 15, 2025, during the Starlink Group 12-8 mission. This mission, taking off from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, will further demonstrate SpaceX’s commitment to a sustainable present in space through reliable reuse of its booster fleet. 

Blue Origin Slashes 1400 Jobs To Focus On Launch Operations

Blue Origin Slashes 1400 Jobs To Focus On Launch Operations

Blue Origin manufacturing facility located in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Image by Mark Stone | FMN

February 13, 2025 – Blue Origin, the commercial space company founded by Jeff Bezos, is preparing for significant layoffs as part of a strategic pivot aimed at reducing R&D costs and focusing on ramping up rocket launches. The announcement comes after years of extensive research and development, with the company now looking to streamline operations.

In Defense of The Teflon Don: Donald Trump, The Presidential GOAT 

In Defense of The Teflon Don: Donald Trump, The Presidential GOAT 

47th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump. Credit: White House official presidential portrait
47th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump. Credit: White House official presidential portrait

In the annals of American history, few figures have been as resilient, as contentious, and as indomitable as Donald J. Trump, the man I now referred to as the “Teflon Don” and the “Presidential GOAT” (Greatest of All Time). His journey to reclaim the presidency was nothing short of a modern-day odyssey, replete with lawsuits, allegations, and the kind of scrutiny that would have crushed lesser mortals. 

Remembering the Challenger Tragedy 

Remembering the Challenger Tragedy 

Challenger STS-51L crew. Credit: NASA

Today is the 39th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. On January 28, 1986, astronauts: Francis R. Scobee, Michael J. Smith, Judith A. Resnik, Ronald E. McNair, Ellison S. Onizuka, Gregory B. Jarvis, and Christa McAuliffe, the first teacher in space, perished when the rocket they were aboard exploded. This event shook the nation and led to significant changes within NASA and the broader aerospace community. 

Brevard County Republicans Hold “Trump Wave” to Celebrate Inauguration

Brevard County Republicans Hold “Trump Wave” to Celebrate Inauguration

Trump supporters' wave to passing traffic.  Image by Richard P Gallagher | FMN
A Trump supporter waves to passing traffic. Image by Richard P Gallagher | FMN

Cocoa, FL – This afternoon, the intersection of Wickham Road and Pineda Causeway in Brevard County, Florida, was alive with the spirit of patriotism as local Republicans came together for a “Trump Wave.” Organized by the Brevard Republican Executive Committee, the event was a vibrant demonstration of support for the newly inaugurated President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

The Curtain Falls on TikTok: Ban Enacted in U.S., Millions of Users and Businesses in Limbo 

The Curtain Falls on TikTok: Ban Enacted in U.S., Millions of Users and Businesses in Limbo 

TikTok logo image
TikTok is no longer in the US…for now.
Washington, D.C. – January 19, 2025 

In an unprecedented move against a social media platform, the United States has officially banned TikTok, effective from today, due to concerns over national security, privacy, and foreign influence. The TikTok ban decision marks the culmination of years of scrutiny and legislative action against the Chinese-owned app, which boasts over 170 million American users, including those in Florida. 

Trial and Triumph – An Emotional Day For Two Competing Launch Companies

Trial and Triumph – An Emotional Day For Two Competing Launch Companies

Space X’s Starship (L) and Blue Origin’s New Glenn (R) both had success full launches but faced challenges during Thursday’s flight tests. Images: Richard P Gallagher-FMN / Blue Origin

January 16th proved to be an emotional roller coaster for private space exploration. Both Blue Origin and SpaceX achieved notable successes tempered by huge challenges during their respective rocket launches from Florida and Texas. 

Blue Ghost, New Glenn, and Starship: Charting the Future of Space Travel

Blue Ghost, New Glenn, and Starship: Charting the Future of Space Travel

The countdown clock outside of the KSC's media center displays the next launch. Image by Richard P Gallagher/FMN
The countdown clock outside of the KSC’s media center displays the next launch. Image by Richard P Gallagher/FMN

Cocoa, FL – January 14, 2025 

Looking for something to see or do while in Florida this week? You’re in luck! This week is witnessing a flurry of space exploration activities at Cape Canaveral and KSC, with multiple launches and historic feats by private aerospace giants. The excitement began with SpaceX’s ongoing efforts to complete their Starlink constellation and will culminate in the much-anticipated launches of the Blue Ghost lunar lander, Blue Origin’s first New Glenn Heavy booster launch, and hopefully SpaceX’s Starship IFT-7. 

Connectivity Amid Chaos: Starlink’s Critical Role in California’s LA Fires

Connectivity Amid Chaos: Starlink’s Critical Role in California’s LA Fires

A SpaceX Falcon9 rocket launches from LC-40 at CCSFS in Florida to deliver a batch of Starlink satellites. Image by Richard P Gallagher / FMN
A SpaceX Falcon9 rocket launches from LC-40 at CCSFS in Florida to deliver a batch of Starlink satellites. Image by Richard P Gallagher / FMN

Los Angeles, CA — As the devastating wildfires continue to ravage California, leaving swathes of communities in darkness, disarray and without internet, a technological marvel is helping to restore service: Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service.  

Billionaires Battle to Launch Behemouth Rockets 

Billionaires Battle to Launch Behemouth Rockets 

Bezos and Musk. Photo/ Facebook

It’s Musk vs. Bezos in an epic Battle of the Billionaires. The competition between Musk and Bezos has been public and sometimes personal, with both taking jabs at each other’s technologies and strategies. The Musk-Bezos rivalry has not only pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in private spaceflight but has also revitalized public interest in space. Their companies have made space more accessible, reduced costs through reusability, and set ambitious goals for humanity’s future in space. While SpaceX has the lead in terms of operational experience and public visibility, Blue Origin’s methodical approach might yet prove equally impactful in the long term.