80 Days at ISS: Crew-9 Rescue? Polaris Dawn Spacewalk—Read All About It!

August 24, 2024Posted inBoeing, ISS, KSC, NASA, Space News, SpaceX, Starliner
Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft at the ISS photographed outside of the Harmony module. Credit: NASA

Boeing Starliner Astronauts Mark 80th Day Aboard ISS Amid Growing Concerns 

As the calendar flips to the 80th day since their arrival, the crew aboard Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft continues its mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who launched on this expedition on June 5, 2024, have been engaged in a variety of scientific experiments and station maintenance tasks. However, with growing technical challenges and ongoing discussions about their return, the crew’s extended stay is becoming a subject of interest among space agencies and enthusiasts alike. 

University of Florida Researchers Investigate Microgravity’s Effects on Fermentation

University of Florida Researchers Investigate Microgravity’s Effects on Fermentation

August 19, 2024Posted inISS, NASA, Space News

There’s nothing quite like a good, cold beer after a hot day’s work. Whether it’s mowing the lawn on a hot Florida morning or toiling deep in a mine in West Virginia, beer has been the beverage of choice for many — and it looks like that tradition will continue as travelers push into space. Researchers at The University of Florida in Gainesville have been looking into the process of brewing beer in the heavens, and have come up with some interesting results that will inform future brewers.

Falcon 9 Delivers Next-Gen WorldView Legion Satellites for Maxar

August 15, 2024Posted inFalcon 9, Space News, SpaceX
A Falcon9 rocket carrying a pair of WorldView satellites soars above the Florida palm fronds this morning from CCSFS. Image by Richard P Gallagher

SpaceX successfully launched its Falcon 9 rocket today at 9 a.m. Eastern Time, carrying the WorldView Legion 3 and 4 satellites into orbit. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, delivering the WorldView Legion 3 and 4 satellites into a sun-synchronous orbit. These satellites, developed by Maxar Technologies, are part of a next-generation constellation designed to provide high-resolution Earth imagery. The WorldView Legion satellites are expected to significantly enhance the ability to capture detailed images of the Earth’s surface, with applications ranging from environmental monitoring and agriculture to defense and intelligence.

Falcon to Deliver WorldView Satellites

Falcon to Deliver WorldView Satellites

August 14, 2024Posted inFalcon 9, Space News, SpaceX
WorldView Legion satellite illustration. Credit: Maxar Technologies
WorldView Legion satellite illustration. Credit: Maxar Technologies

On August 15, 2024, SpaceX is set to launch the WorldView Legion 3 and 4 satellites aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. This mission will expand Maxar Technologies’ Earth observation capabilities, which include national security, disaster response, and commercial mapping.

SpaceX Launches Starlink 10-7 Before Dawn on Monday

SpaceX Launches Starlink 10-7 Before Dawn on Monday

August 12, 2024Posted inAviation and Space News, Falcon 9, KSC, Space News, SpaceX, Starlink
As seen from Kennedy Point Park in Titusville, Starlink 10-7 rises off of LC-39A on August 12, 2024 Photo: Richard P. Gallagher / Florida Media Now
As seen from Kennedy Point Park in Titusville, Starlink 10-7 rises off of LC-39A on August 12, 2024
Photo: Richard P. Gallagher / Florida Media Now

SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 carrying another group of Starlink satellites from Kennedy Space Center this morning in the predawn hours. Liftoff was at 06:37 AM EDT from Launch Complex 39A.

Rocket Lab Reports Record Earnings In Second Quarter of 2024

Rocket Lab Reports Record Earnings In Second Quarter of 2024

August 9, 2024Posted inAviation and Space News, Space News
A Rocket Lab Electron rocket lifting off from Wallops Island, Virginia in 2024 Photo: Charles Boyer / Florida Media Now
A Rocket Lab Electron rocket lifting off from Wallops Island, Virginia in 2024
Photo: Charles Boyer / Florida Media Now

Rocket Lab, the New Zealand-based small launch services provider, announced yesterday that it had record earnings in the second quarter of this year, resulting in a 71% year-over-year growth for the same quarter in 2023. Rocket Lab has extensive manufacturing and launch facilities in the United States. It current launches out of Wallops Island, Virginia and in its native New Zealand.

NASA Updates Starliner Status

NASA Updates Starliner Status

August 7, 2024Posted inAviation and Space News, Boeing, NASA, Space News, Starliner

Crew Return On Dragon Next Year Among Possible Contingency Plans

Starliner CST-100 in launch preparation, May 31, 2024 Photo: Charles Boyer / FMN
Starliner CST-100 in launch preparation, May 31, 2024 Photo: Charles Boyer / Florida Media Now

NASA managers said in a news conference today that they are close to a decision on when and how they plan to bring Boeing Starliner Crewed Flight test astronauts from the International Space Station. The mission was originally slated to run eight days, but the pair have been in orbit for sixty-three days since their June 5th launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station aboard an Atlas V.

IFT-5: Super Booster, Mega Sonic Boom

August 7, 2024Posted inSpace News, SpaceX, Starship
A SpaceX Starship powered by a Super Heavy Booster rises out of the early morning fog during the IFT-2 launch on 11-18-2023 to the astonishment of spectator at Isla Blanca Park. Image by Richard P Gallagher

 SpaceX’s Starship Integrated Flight Test 5 (IFT-5) is poised to be one of the most ambitious tests in the company’s history. With major technical upgrades and a first of its kind booster catch attempt, SpaceX aims to further demonstrate the capabilities of its fully reusable mega rocket system. If successful, will the sonic boom produced by the Super Heavy booster equal a super sonic boom?  This article will explore what affects the loudness of a sonic bomb and more!

Crew 9 Launch Postponed; Starliner Saga Continues

Crew 9 Launch Postponed; Starliner Saga Continues

August 6, 2024Posted inNASA, Space News
NASA's next ISS rotational crew, Crew- 9 Photo: NASA
NASA’s next ISS rotational crew, Crew- 9 Photo: NASA

NASA announced today that they have postponed the launch of the Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) to no earlier than Tuesday, September 24, 2024. According to NASA this decision allows additional time for mission managers to finalize the return plans for the agency’s Boeing Crew Flight Test, which is currently docked at the ISS.