Waltham MA (SPX) Nov 13, 2023
When landing on the surface of the Moon, astronauts can become spatially disoriented, which is when they lose sense of their orientation - they might not be able to tell which way is up. This disorientation can lead to fatal accidents. Even on Earth, between 1993 and 2013, spatial disorientation led to the loss of 65 aircraft, US$2.32 billion of damages and 101 deaths in the U.S. Cou

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Nov 12, 2023
In a significant advancement for space-based data and analytics, Spire Global, Inc. (NYSE: SPIR), a leader in this domain, has successfully launched eleven satellites as part of SpaceX's Transporter-9 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base. This launch includes a blend of ten satellites for Space Services customers and one for Spire's own data and analytics solutions, marking a milestone for t

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Nov 12, 2023
In a significant advancement for Earth observation technology, Planet Labs PBC (NYSE: PL) achieved a major milestone with the successful launch and commissioning of Pelican-1, its first technology demonstration satellite for the upcoming high-resolution Pelican fleet. This historic event, conducted in collaboration with space industry leader SpaceX on their Transporter-9 mission, took place from

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Nov 12, 2023
As Earth and Mars find themselves on opposite sides of the Sun - a biennial astronomical event known as the Mars solar conjunction - NASA's intrepid Mars fleet braces for a two-week communication hiatus, from November 11 to 25. This period, marked by the potential for solar interference, necessitates a pause in sending commands to the fleet, but it's far from a standstill for the Martian explore

Louisville CO (SPX) Nov 13, 2023
Sierra Space, a leader in the commercial space sector, has achieved a significant milestone with the successful testing of its new VRM5500-H hypergolic rocket engine, promising to revolutionize the current propulsion systems in space. This engine, with its high thrust and exceptional throttling abilities, is poised to set new standards in space propulsion technology. The VRM5500-H engine,

Aberystwyth, Wales (SPX) Nov 13, 2023
Great art is often difficult to quantify. Apple TV's series For All Mankind is a case in point, running the risk of being too sci-fi for drama fans (rockets, moon bases, Mars) and having too much naturalistic drama for sci-fi aficionados (jealousy, divorce, institutional politics). Nonetheless, the show consistently rewards both sets of viewers by brilliantly blurring the line between real

Washington DC (UPI) Nov 11, 2023
A SpaceX Dragon spacecraft successfully docked with the International Space Station on Saturday carrying equipment for the station's crew. The Dragon docked with the ISS's Harmony module at 5:07 a.m., according to NASA. The Dragon was launched Thursday from Launch Complex 39A at Florida's Kennedy Space Center atop a Falcon 9 rocket. The spacecraft carried 6,500 pounds of s

Washington (AFP) Nov 11, 2023
SpaceX is hoping to re-launch Starship, the most powerful rocket ever built, next week, the company said, after an attempt in April ended in a spectacular explosion. "Starship preparing to launch as early as November 17, pending final regulatory approval," SpaceX said on X Friday evening. SpaceX foresees Starship as a next-generation, fully reusable spaceship that will eventually carry b

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Nov 11, 2023
In a textbook launch, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket flawlessly lifted off from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, marking yet another successful step in the company's journey to revolutionize space travel. The launch, which occurred precisely within the planned 55-minute window at 10:49 a.m. PT, marks the ninth dedicated smallsat rideshare mission under the