SpaceX Launches Commercial Direct to Cell Starlink Constellation
SpaceX has launched six Direct to Cell Starlink spacecraft on the Falcon 9 rocket, marking the second time this year. The successful deployment of 21 total satellites, including the DTC Starlinks, paves the way for the establishment of the first direct-to-cell constellation by August. With ambitious goals to launch 7,500 DTC Starlinks and send 28 satellites to low Earth orbit in a single launch, SpaceX is expanding its satellite network and connectivity services.
China’s Reusable Rocket Plans for Space Missions
China’s space contractor, CASC, is set to launch its first two reusable rockets in 2025 and 2026, part of the country’s broader lunar and human spaceflight plans. Unlike SpaceX’s Falcon 9, China’s approach involves catching the rocket using wires, rather than using landing legs. Other commercial firms in China are also working on reusable rockets, including Landspace, CAS Space, Galactic Energy, and iSpace.
SpaceX Launches Doubleheader Falcon 9 Rocket Mission
SpaceX successfully launched a doubleheader Falcon 9 rocket mission to deploy satellites and expand its Starlink constellation, with one launch carrying the Eutelsat 36D satellite and the other launching 23 Starlink satellites. Weather conditions forced the postponement of a third SpaceX launch in California. Despite the challenges, SpaceX’s ambitious launch schedule and successful missions demonstrate the company’s commitment to advancing satellite deployment and space exploration.
Space Coast Sets New Record for Orbital Missions in 2023
The Space Coast in Florida has set a new record for orbital missions in 2023, with a total of 72 launches from both Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The pace of launches is expected to increase significantly by the end of 2024, potentially reaching a rate of nearly twice weekly, with as many as 111 missions being possible. As of March 30, 2024, there have been 22 Space Coast launches, with 15 from Cape Canaveral and 7 from KSC. Of these, 21 were conducted by SpaceX (comprising 21 Falcon 9s) and 1 by ULA (utilizing 1 Vulcan). Additionally, there have been 2 human spaceflight missions: Ax-3 and Crew-8.
Chunks of SpaceX’s Exploded Starship Selling for Thousands on eBay
Chunks of SpaceX’s exploded Starship are being sold for thousands of dollars each on eBay, with recovered ceramic heat shield tiles becoming a lucrative secondary market for unique souvenirs. Lucky individuals have stumbled upon perfectly preserved heat shield tiles on the beaches near SpaceX’s testing facilities in Boca Chica, Texas, and are capitalizing on the opportunity by selling them for prices ranging from $30 for a broken tile to well over $2,000 for a mostly intact one. With one tile listed for a whopping $7,500 on eBay, the potential profits are attracting sellers eager to cash in on these unique space artifacts.
Rocket Launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base Scheduled for Thursday
Rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base scheduled for Thursday, Mar. 28, carrying 22 Starlink satellites. Falcon 9 booster to return to land on drone ship. Live webcast available on SpaceX’s X account.
Europe’s Ariane 6 Rocket Arrives at Spaceport in French Guiana
Europe’s new Ariane 6 rocket has arrived at its spaceport in French Guiana, ready to launch a diverse range of missions from nine countries and dozens of organizations. The rocket’s versatility will accommodate missions from established players like NASA to students designing their first-ever satellite, with objectives including measuring gamma rays, tracking wildlife, testing self-healing solar cells, and more. The payloads for Ariane 6’s first flight are sourced from commercial companies, space agencies, and universities, each contributing hardware to test and validate their technology in space, ranging from weather measurement on Earth and in the Solar System to studying the Sun and conducting other scientific experiments.
SpaceX’s Super Heavy-Starship rocket completes third test flight
SpaceX’s Super Heavy-Starship rocket completes successful test flight, reaching space and experiencing peak heating before breaking apart during descent. Despite the mishap, company officials see the flight as a major step forward and believe the data collected will help improve performance for the next test flight.
SpaceX to Launch Transporter-10 on March 4, 2024
The upcoming launch of Transporter-10 by SpaceX on March 4, 2024, aims to send a diverse range of spacecraft into orbit as part of the Smallsat Rideshare Program. The Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket will have a payload mass of approximately 5,000 kg and will be targeting a circular ~515 km Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) at ~97.45 degrees inclination. Transporter-10 is a part of SpaceX’s Smallsat Rideshare Program, designed to meet the demands of the New Space market and showcase the company’s commitment to facilitating access to space for a wide range of clients.
SpaceX Launches Falcon 9 Rocket to Deploy 22 Starlink Satellites
A SpaceX launch illuminated the Southern California skies as the Falcon 9 rocket deployed 22 Starlink satellites to expand the company’s satellite network. The mission aims to provide internet service in remote locations, showcasing SpaceX’s commitment to sustainable space travel and global connectivity. The successful deployment underscores SpaceX’s dedication to revolutionizing space technology and advancing global connectivity.