Watch: Incredible Starship Launch Footage
The good folks over at Cosmic Perspective / Everyday Astronaut captured some spectacular footage of the IFT-3 launch from their multiple remote cameras last week. No doubt, it’s the best to date. Well done!
FAA Grounds Starship Flights…Again
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
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.
SpaceX Planning To Launch Starlink 6-44 This Evening
Update: New Launch Window opens 3/14/24 7:04 PM EDT
Photo: Charles Boyer / FMN
SpaceX plans to launch the Starlink 6-44 mission tonight, Thursday, March 14, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.
The payload will be another tranche of 23 Starlink satellites that will be ferried low-Earth orbit from pad LC-39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. According to the company, “liftoff is targeted for 7:04 PM EDT, with backup opportunities available until 11:29 PM EDT.
AccuWeather Warns of “Supercharged” 2024 Hurricane Season
AccuWeather and other major forecasters have already begun releasing their 2024 Hurricane Season forecasts, and the news is not good.
Japan’s First Private Launch Attempt Ends In Fiery Explosion
Tokyo-based startup Space One’s aspirations to mark Japan’s entry into the private sector space race were abruptly halted when the company’s KAIROS (Kii-based Advanced & Instant ROcket System) rocket, carrying a mock satellite, exploded just seconds after liftoff on Wednesday in central Japan.
Crew 7 Returns Safely With Early Morning Gulf Splashdown
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.
Starlink 6-43 Opens What Could Be A Very Busy Week For SpaceX
Photo: Charles Boyer / FMN
SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 from SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station earlier this evening, kicking off what could prove to be quite a busy week for the company.
Starlink 6-43 Slated for Sunday
Photo: Charles Boyer / FMN
SpaceX plans to launch the Starlink 6-43 mission Sunday, March 10 aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.
The payload will be another tranche of 23 Starlink satellites that will be ferried low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. According to the company on Saturday, March 10th, “liftoff is targeted for 7:05 p.m. ET, with backup opportunities available until 11:03 p.m. ET. If needed, additional opportunities are also available on Monday, March 11 starting at 6:40 p.m. ET.”
Starship Environmental Impact Study Public Meetings Wrap Up
On March 7, 2023, the US Space Force, along with the Department of the Air Force, held the third of three in-person meetings in the Cape Canaveral / Titusville area, The purpose of the meetings was to provide information about a proposed Environmental Impact Study that would ultimately see SpaceX’s Starship Super Heavy rocket launch and land at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Early Voting for Presidential Preference Primary Starts
In our vibrant and diverse state of Florida, the importance of early voting as a cornerstone of our democratic process cannot be overstated. Early voting in the Presidential Preference Primary is key to the state’s commitment to ensuring that every voice is heard and every vote counts.
Back to Boca Chica! SpaceX is Ready To Try It Again
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.