Unseenlabs to Expand Maritime Surveillance Constellation with Launch of 12th and 13th Nanosatellites
French maritime surveillance provider Unseenlabs is expanding its satellite constellation with the launch of its 12th and 13th nanosatellites, bringing the company halfway towards its goal of offering near-real-time maritime surveillance services by the end of 2025. The new satellites, BRO-12 and BRO-13, are set to be integrated and launched on a Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Unseenlabs’ current network of 11 satellites can monitor and track signals from ships across the world’s oceans every four to six hours, providing valuable data for commercial and government customers. The company plans to launch a total of six satellites in 2024, with a proposed constellation of 25 satellites by 2025, enabling a revisit time of around 30 minutes over the same area to enhance its services for real-time environmental monitoring, rapid response to maritime disasters, and live tracking of pollutant emissions.
NASA and SpaceX Delay Crew-8 Mission to Avoid Conflict with IM-1 Lunar Lander Launch
NASA and SpaceX have announced a delay in the launch of the four-person Dragon Crew-8 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) from February 22 to no earlier than February 28 to avoid potential conflict with the launch of Intuitive Machines’ IM-1 lunar lander mission. The Crew-8 Dragon Endeavour launch date will be reassessed following a successful launch of the IM-1 lunar lander, and it could be subject to further changes. This delay is part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and success of space missions amidst increasing interest and activity in space exploration.
Jeff Koons: Moon Phases Project Sends 125 Sculptures to the Moon
Artist Jeff Koons is set to send 125 sculptures to the moon on a rocket developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Each one-inch miniature Moon sculpture represents a phase of the Moon and is associated with significant historical figures. The launch, initially scheduled for February 14th, has been rescheduled for February 15th due to technical issues.
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.
Hawaiian Airlines introduces high-speed Starlink internet service on select flights
Hawaiian Airlines has unveiled its new high-speed Starlink internet service, making it the world’s first major carrier to deploy this advanced technology on select flights. Passengers can now enjoy seamless connectivity comparable to their home internet experience, marking a significant milestone in the aviation industry. The integration of Starlink’s technology with the airline’s renowned hospitality will offer a seamless and complimentary Wi-Fi service to guests, eliminating the hassle of registration and payment processes. The implementation of Starlink’s technology represents a significant advancement in in-flight connectivity, enabling passengers to enjoy uninterrupted access to high-speed, low-latency broadband internet while traversing the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.
NASA Launches PACE Mission to Study Earth’s Microscopic Marine Life and Atmospheric Particles
NASA has launched the PACE mission to observe Earth’s microscopic marine life and atmospheric particles, aiming to provide unprecedented insights into how oceanic and atmospheric processes shape the planet. Equipped with three instruments, the mission will shed light on indicators for ocean health and global warming. PACE has the potential to continue orbiting and studying Earth for up to 10 years, joining a fleet of NASA Earth science missions to gather data on climate change.
SpaceX Scrubs Starlink Mission for Third Time Due to Poor Weather Conditions
SpaceX has had to scrub the Starlink mission for the third time this week due to poor weather conditions. The next available launch opportunity is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 5:17 p.m. PST. If successful, this will be the 82nd landing on the SpaceX droneship, ‘Of Course I Still Love You,’ which is staged out in the Pacific Ocean. The mission was announced after strong ground winds forced SpaceX and NASA to stand down from attempting to launch NASA’s PACE mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. If the Starlink 7-13 launch is successful, it will mark several milestones for SpaceX including the 65th SpaceX launch from SLC-4E, 133rd orbital launch from SLC-4E, 296th Falcon 9 launch, and the 270th Falcon 9 booster landing.
NASA Requests Private Space Companies for Mars Missions
We are one step closer to a private, for-profit, libertarian utopia on Mars as NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratories has requested private space companies to outline how they would complete one of four different missions to the Red Planet, as reported…
SpaceX Unveils Ambitious Plans for Future with Starship Megarocket
SpaceX has unveiled its ambitious plans for the future, showcasing a photo of the ‘megabay’ at its Starbase site in South Texas. The image reveals a packed building filled with towering stainless-steel cylinders – Super Heavy vehicles, the first stage…