FMN Photographer Takes Big Win

FMN Photographer Takes Big Win

FMN congratulates our own Richard Gallagher on his award-winning shot of the Starship Heavy booster return at Boca Chica, Tx on October 13th. Competing against a slate of world class photographers who submitted over 800 entries, Gallagher’s work placed second in Aviation Week’s annual photo contest in the “Photo Illustration” category.

Trump Names Jared Isaacman as Nominee for NASA Administrator

Trump Names Jared Isaacman as Nominee for NASA Administrator

Jared Isaacman Photo: John Kraus/Polaris Program
Jared Isaacman prior launching on the Polaris Dawn mission earlier this year. Photo: John Kraus/Polaris Program

In an announcement that has sparked widespread interest in both political and aerospace circles, former President Donald Trump has nominated billionaire entrepreneur and SpaceX partner Jared Isaacman as the next NASA Administrator. The announcement was made during a press conference today at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, where Trump praised Isaacman’s leadership in private space exploration and innovation.

NASA Administrator nominee Jared Isaacman starts his historic spacewalk in September 2024. Photo: SpaceX Livestream

Donald Trump Nominates Jared Isaacman To NASA Administrator Post

Jared Isaacman after his return to Earth following the Polaris Dawn mission in September 2024.
Photo: John Kraus / Polaris Dawn

Jared Isaacman, the billionaire entrepreneur, philanthropist, and private astronaut, has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as the next Administrator of NASA. Isaacman, best known to the general public as the commander of both the groundbreaking Inspiration4 and Polaris Dawn space missions and the first private citizen to conduct a spacewalk, is also the CEO of the payment processing giant Shift4, a rapidly growing company that Isaacman started when he was sixteen years old.

Going up: Can IFT-7 Repeat Another Successful Catch?

Going up: Can IFT-7 Repeat Another Successful Catch?

SpaceX is gearing up for its seventh integrated flight test of the Starship launch system, an ambitious next step on the path to making Starship fully reusable and making humans interplanetary. Scheduled for no earlier than January 11th, 2025, this test flight will introduce Starship 33, the first Block 2 model, with several new advancements and Super Heavy booster 14, Block 1.  

Experiencing Natural Florida: This Florida Spring Is Different…

Experiencing Natural Florida: This Florida Spring Is Different…

Warm Mineral Springs Photo: City of North Port
Warm Mineral Springs Photo: City of North Port

Florida is well known to locals and visitors alike for its crystal clear springs. With water that remains in the low to mid 70’s year round, Florida’s springs are a cool respite from Florida’s sweltering summers and a sanctuary for marine life seeking warmer waters in the winter. Any way you slice it, Florida’s beautiful springs are a must see. But there is one spring that stands out from all the rest…..

Solar Bears Win!

Orlando Solar Bears Win At Home Against Ghost Pirates 5-2!

Orlando Solar Bears Win At Home Against Ghost Pirates 5-2
Orlando Solar Bears Win At Home Against Ghost Pirates 5-2! | Photo: TJ Waller, FMN

The Orlando Solar Bears broke their home losing streak by mauling the Savannah Ghost Pirates 5-2 in the KIA Center Tuesday night (Nov. 26). The last time the Solar Bears won a home game was exactly one month ago on October 26 at their home opening game against none other than the Savannah Ghost Pirates!

The First Thanksgiving: St. Augustine’s Forgotten Feast

The First Thanksgiving: St. Augustine’s Forgotten Feast

The first Thanksgiving - long before the Pilgrims Image: Florida Museum of Natural History
The first Thanksgiving in St. Augustine – long before the first Pilgrims arrived . Image: Florida Museum of Natural History

When Americans think of Thanksgiving, the image of Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a meal in Plymouth in 1621 often comes to mind. However, history tells a richer, less-known tale of a thanksgiving that took place decades earlier in St. Augustine, Florida.

Florida Authorities Recover $1 Million in Stolen 1715 Fleet Gold Coins

Florida Authorities Recover $1 Million in Stolen 1715 Fleet Gold Coins

A diver surveys a canon from a Florida Shipwreck. Photo: US National Park Service
A diver surveys a canon from a Florida Shipwreck. Photo: US National Park Service

In a major investigative development concerning Florida’s maritime heritage, authorities have arrested Eric Schmitt of Booty Salvage, a family company renowned for its treasure-hunting endeavors. According to a news release by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Schmitt faces charges related to the theft and illegal sale of gold coins. All of the coins were recovered from the 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet shipwrecks off Florida’s Treasure Coast.