Starship Clears FAA Safety Hurdles, Environmental Review Still Pending

October 31, 2023Posted inSpace News, SpaceX
Starship

SpaceX’s Starship sits on the pad in Boca Chica, Texas awaiting regulatory hurdles for it’s second orbital test flight. Photo: Richard Gallagher/FMN www.rpgphotography.com

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given its nod of approval regarding the safety of SpaceX’s Starship and Super Heavy rocket. This decision comes months after the initial orbital launch attempt in April resulted in an explosion over the Gulf of Mexico.

SpaceX’s Second Starship Test Appears Imminent

October 27, 2023Posted inSpace News, SpaceX

SpaceX’s Starship stands on the pad in Boca Chica, TX looking ready to fly. Photo: Richard Gallagher/FMN

After a successful rehearsal that put nearly all of SpaceX’s pre-flight systems for the Starship rocket to the test, the long-awaited Starship flight might be just around the corner. Recent developments have stirred excitement and speculation as the pace quickens for the Starship’s apparent upcoming launch.

ULA Announces Date for Vulcan Rocket Test

October 27, 2023Posted inSpace News, United Launch Alliance, Vulcan

A Vulcan booster’s engines are test fired in this undated photo. Photo: ULA

In a Tweet ( or should we say “X”) posted on Thursday, United Launch Alliance announced that they are targeting December 24th for the first launch of their new Vulcan booster. The announcement comes after months of delays due to technical issues. The Vulcan booster will replace ULA’s retiring Atlas V and Delta IV boosters.

How To Take A “Streak Shot” Of A Night Launch in Florida

October 24, 2023Posted inEntertainment / Recreation, General

If you are visiting Florida and want to create a great launch photograph but the launch is at night, take a look at this relatively simple technique that will yield some great results: a launch streak shot.

Launch streaks are not difficult for nearly any photographer to create, and it doesn’t take any specialized equipment other than a wide-angle lens and a relatively inexpensive shutter release cable used to keep the shutter of your camera open for several minutes during the flight of the rocket. Just follow a basic procedure and you too can create a memorable photo that will be one that you keep for years.

The Smell of Space?

October 20, 2023Posted inGeneral, Space News

In a fascinating revelation, astronauts have confirmed that space, despite being known for its emptiness, carries a distinct smell. While most space is devoid of tangible matter, those who have ventured into its depths have reported encountering an unexpected olfactory experience.

Astronaut Bruce McCandless II, mission specialist, participates in a extra-vehicular activity (EVA), a few meters away from the cabin of Space Shuttle Challenger. Photo: NASA

Some astronauts have described space as having a metallic, sweet, and slightly burnt aroma.

Exploring NASA’s Deep Space Optical Communications on the Psyche Mission

October 19, 2023Posted inFalcon Heavy, KSC, NASA, Space News

By: TJ Waller

NASA Psyche Liftoff
NASA Psyche Liftoff

In the vast expanse of space exploration, the need for efficient data transmission between spacecraft and Earth has always been a challenge. Traditional radio communications have served us well, but as our ambitions grow, so does the demand for higher data rates. NASA’s Psyche mission aims to push the boundaries of data transmission with the Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) project. In this article, I will explore the fascinating world of DSOC, its significance for future missions, and how it could revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos.

Psyche launches to explore a Metal World

October 14, 2023Posted inKSC, NASA, Space News, SpaceX

Psyche launches on October 13th aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy booster. Photo: Mark Stone/FMN

In a significant milestone for space exploration, NASA’s Psyche mission has successfully launched, marking a crucial step in our quest to explore a mysterious asteroid. The mission, which was originally scheduled to take place on October 5th, finally lifted off from Kennedy Space Center’s Pad 39A on October 13th at 10:16 AM.

Amazon’s Project Kuiper Takes Flight

October 6, 2023Posted inAtlas V, Space News, United Launch Alliance

‍A ULA Atlas V sends two test satellites to orbit for Amazon on Friday, October6. 2023. Photo by Mark Stone for FMN

       In the quest to bridge the digital divide and provide new global internet connectivity to underserved communities, Amazon has embarked on an ambitious venture known as Project Kuiper. This groundbreaking initiative aims to revolutionize satellite internet connectivity through the deployment of a vast constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO).

Project Kuiper, spearheaded by Amazon, seeks to address the challenges of delivering broadband access to remote and underserved areas around the world. With the ultimate goal of providing fast, reliable, and affordable internet, Amazon plans to launch a total of 3,236 satellites into LEO. These satellites will form a constellation capable of delivering broadband connectivity to even the most remote corners of our planet.

VICTUS NOX Mission: A Groundbreaking Achievement in Tactically Responsive Space

September 16, 2023Posted inSpace News, Vandenburg Space Force Base

The VICTUS NOX mission, a pioneering TacRS initiative, successfully lifted off from Space Launch Complex 2 West (SLC-2W) at Vandenberg Space Force Base on September 14, 2023. This mission aimed to showcase the ability to encapsulate the Millennium Space Systems-built space vehicle, mate it to Firefly’s Alpha launch vehicle, and complete all final launch preparations within a remarkable 24-hour timeframe. The launch window was scheduled just 27 hours after receiving the launch orders, setting a new record for responsive space launch.

Victus Nox lifts off from Vandenburg SFB on September 14,2023 Credit: USSF/Firefly

United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches NROL-107 Silent Barker

September 13, 2023Posted inAtlas V, Space News, United Launch Alliance

BY: TJ WALLER

ULA NROL-107 Silent Barker Lift Off
ULA NROL-107 Silent Barker Lift Off

Introduction

In a significant achievement for the United States Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC) and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), the United Launch Alliance (ULA) has successfully launched the NROL-107/SILENTBARKER mission; marking ULA’s 98th launch for national security. This joint national security mission was carried out by an Atlas V 551 rocket, adding another feather to ULA’s cap of 157 launches with a 100 percent success rate. The not-so-silent Silent Barker lifted off at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Sunday, September 10, 2023 at 8:47 AM EDT, and drew an exceptionally large crowd of spectators, media and photographers all along the Space Coast!

Crew-6 Astronauts Return Safely to Earth After 186 Days in Space

Crew-6 Astronauts Return Safely to Earth After 186 Days in Space

September 5, 2023Posted inKSC, Space News
NASA Crew-6 Walk Out

Crew-6 Crew Dragon Splashdown

The Crew-6 astronauts, consisting of NASA astronauts Stephen Bowen and Woody Hoburg, UAE astronaut Sultan Alneyadi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, have successfully completed their mission on the International Space Station (ISS) and safely returned to Earth. After spending a remarkable 186 days in space, the crew members splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida, at 12:17 a.m. EDT. This moment marked the conclusion of their six-month scientific endeavor.