Packed Space Launch Schedule for March
This week’s space launch schedule is packed with four exciting flights, including the launch of Crew-8 to the International Space Station (ISS) from Florida, the Starlink 6-41 from Cape Canaveral, Transporter 10 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, and the debut of a new small satellite launcher from Japan. Crew-8, set to launch on March 3, will carry three NASA astronauts and one Roscosmos cosmonaut to the ISS for a six-month mission. The packed launch schedule promises an exciting start to the month of March, with multiple missions set to further humanity’s exploration of space and contribute to ongoing research and operations aboard the ISS.
Polaris Dawn private astronaut mission delayed to at least mid-2024
The Polaris Dawn private astronaut mission, backed by billionaire Jared Isaacman, has been delayed to at least the middle of 2024. The delay is due to the need for additional developmental time to ensure the completion of mission goals and a safe launch and return of Dragon and the crew. One of the key mission goals is to conduct a spacewalk, marking the first from a Crew Dragon spacecraft, requiring the development of an extravehicular activity (EVA) spacesuit and modifications to the Crew Dragon. Billionaire Jared Isaacman acknowledged the challenges, stating that the work was more difficult than expected, contributing to the delays. The Polaris Dawn mission serves as a testing ground for the suit that SpaceX plans to use for future missions, making it a significant milestone for the company.
SpaceX Testing Groundbreaking System to Tackle Communication Blackout During Spacecraft Re-Entry
SpaceX is set to trial a groundbreaking system using Starlink satellites to revolutionize re-entry communications for spacecraft. The innovative approach aims to address the persistent challenge of communication blackout caused by the plasma sheath during re-entry, potentially ensuring continuous connectivity for astronauts and mission control.
Space Shuttle Challenger Embarks on STS-41B Mission
On Feb. 3, 1984, space shuttle Challenger embarked on its fourth flight, STS-41B, marking a significant milestone in space exploration. The mission included practicing tasks required for the upcoming Solar Maximum Mission satellite retrieval and repair mission, successful test flights of the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) astronaut propulsion device during two untethered spacewalks, and the successful deployment of two commercial communications satellites, Westar VI and Palapa-B2. The crew for STS-41B was announced on Feb. 4, 1983, and the mission’s objectives underwent changes, ultimately including the Shuttle Pallet Satellite-01A (SPAS-01A) and practicing rendezvous maneuvers with the Integrated Rendezvous Target (IRT), an inflatable 6-foot balloon deployed from the payload bay.
Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Jeremy Hansen’s Tour to Ottawa, Regina, and Moose Jaw
Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen and backup astronaut Jenni Gibbons will be touring Ottawa, Regina, and Moose Jaw from February 6 to 9, 2024, discussing the upcoming Artemis II mission and engaging with students and the general public to inspire interest in space exploration and science.
Horrifying Consequences of Being in Space Without a Spacesuit Revealed in Simulation
A recent simulation created by DG EYE science on YouTube has revealed the horrifying consequences of being in space without a spacesuit. The video demonstrates the potential fate of a human exposed to the vacuum of space, and it’s as…