Artemis I: An Anniversary of a Rollout

Posted inArtemis, KSC, NASA, Space News
Aug. 16, 2022: NASA’s SLS Artemis 1 rolling towards Pad 39B. Photo by TJ Waller

By: TJ Waller

Introduction:

Yesterday, August 16, 2023, marked the anniversary of when humanity and I witnessed one more “small step” towards a momentous event that marked a significant leap forward in space exploration: The rollout of Artemis I – NASA’s next historic mission aimed at returning humans to the Moon. This mission, a critical step towards the agency’s broader Artemis program, promised to not only expand our understanding of the Moon but also lay the groundwork for future crewed missions to Mars and beyond.

Artemis 1 preparing to leave the VAB. Photo by TJ Waller

Artemis I: A Bold Vision Realized:

Artemis I, named after the ancient Greek goddess of the Moon, was the first uncrewed flight of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft. This groundbreaking mission tested the compatibility and performance of these systems, which will eventually carry astronauts on lunar missions.

The Last Sentinel: XSM-64 Navaho Missile Guards Cape Canaveral’s South Gate as Sole Survivor

Posted inSpace News, US Space Force
Navaho Missile at South Gate USSF. Photo by: TJ Waller

By: TJ Waller

Introduction

The XSM-64 Navaho missile, a surface-to-surface guided missile developed by North American Aviation, holds a significant place in the history of the U.S. missile and space program. Designed as a supersonic intercontinental cruise missile, the Navaho XSM-64 represented cutting-edge technology and was intended to carry a conventional warhead to a range of 6,325 miles. In this article, we will explore the fascinating story of the Navaho missile, its development, launches, and its impact on subsequent missile programs.

Origins and Development

The Navaho missile project was born out of the post-World War II era, where various nations were exploring advanced missile technologies. In 1947, the U.S. Air Force envisioned the Navaho as a pilotless bomber capable of delivering a weapons payload over a distance of 5,500 miles. The initial design, known as the Navaho X-10, resembled a traditional aircraft and was used for test flights. These early versions of the Navaho were remotely controlled and took off from a runway like an airplane.

NASA SpaceX Crew-7 Mission: Now August 25

Posted inISS, KSC, NASA, Space News, SpaceX
NASA Crew-6
Crew-6 Dragon Capsule

By: TJ Waller

The eagerly anticipated NASA SpaceX Crew-7 mission has been pushed once again and is now scheduled to take flight on a new launch date of August 25, 2023; with an instantaneous launch window of 3:49 AM EDT. This mission will mark a significant milestone in the partnership between NASA and SpaceX as they continue their collaboration in transporting astronauts to and from the International Space Station.

Crew-7 is a true testament to international cooperation, with astronauts representing four different space agencies. The mission will be commanded by NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli, while European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Andreas Mogensen will serve as the pilot. Joining them as mission specialists are Satoshi Furukawa from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Konstantin Borisov from the Russian space agency Roscosmos.

NASA Crew-6 on Pad 39A
NASA Crew-6 on Pad 39A