SpaceX steps into the small satellite game with a dedicated rideshare program

The way small satellites and scientific instruments find their way into space these days is generally by hitching a ride on large rockets carrying hefty payloads, wherever they can be squeezed in. But some are looking to change that, with NAS… Continue reading SpaceX steps into the small satellite game with a dedicated rideshare program

SpaceX Clips Dragon’s Wings After Investigation

When the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft reached orbit for the first time in 2010, it was a historic achievement. But to qualify for NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program, the capsule also needed to demonstrate that it could return safely to Earth. Its predecessor, the Space Shuttle, had wings that …read more

Continue reading SpaceX Clips Dragon’s Wings After Investigation

NASA announces 19 public-private partnerships to accelerate Moon and Mars programs

NASA is huge, and with an annual budget of US$21.5 billion, over 17,000 employees and who knows how many geniuses, you’d think it could pretty much solve any sciencey spacey problem. But no. The space agency not only needs outside help, it en… Continue reading NASA announces 19 public-private partnerships to accelerate Moon and Mars programs

SpaceX's next-gen Starship completes first hopper test flight

Earlier image of SpaceX's Starhopper prototype

The Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy are the stars of the show for SpaceX, but the company’s deep space aspirations rest on an even larger and more powerful vehicle known as the Starship. Today it flew this next-gen spacecraft for the first time ever, albeit only for a fleeting moment as the company commences sub-orbital hopper tests.

..
Continue Reading SpaceX’s next-gen Starship completes first hopper test flight

Category: Space

Tags:

Continue reading SpaceX's next-gen Starship completes first hopper test flight

Hyperloop hits record speeds at SpaceX's 2019 Pod competition

Inside the Hyperloop test tube at SpaceX headquarters

Now in its fourth instalment, SpaceX’s Hyperloop Pod competition continues to bring out the very best in student engineering teams from all around the world, with the 2019 edition again pushing the boundaries of the experimental transport technology. The reigning champions from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) returned to fend off their challengers, setting a new speed record in the process.

..
Continue Reading Hyperloop hits record speeds at SpaceX’s 2019 Pod competition

Category: Urban Transport

Tags:

Continue reading Hyperloop hits record speeds at SpaceX's 2019 Pod competition

SpaceX confirms leaky component to blame for Crew Dragon launchpad explosion

SpaceX appeared all set to breeze past another milestone as part of its Crew Dragon testing program in April, after the spacecraft successfully completed its maiden journey to and from the International Space Station in March. But an unexpect… Continue reading SpaceX confirms leaky component to blame for Crew Dragon launchpad explosion

New Space Abort Systems go Back to the Future

Throughout the history of America’s human spaceflight program, there’s been an alternating pattern in regards to abort systems. From Alan Shepard’s first flight in 1961 on, every Mercury capsule was equipped with a Launch Escape System (LES) tower that could pull the spacecraft away from a malfunctioning rocket. But by …read more

Continue reading New Space Abort Systems go Back to the Future

NASA’s “Green” Fuel Seeks Safer Spaceflight By Finally Moving Off Toxic Hydrazine

Spaceflight is inherently dangerous. It takes a certain type of person to willingly strap into what’s essentially a refined bomb and hope for the best. But what might not be so obvious is that the risks involved aren’t limited to those who are personally making the trip. The construction and …read more

Continue reading NASA’s “Green” Fuel Seeks Safer Spaceflight By Finally Moving Off Toxic Hydrazine

Falcon Heavy carries 24 satellites into orbit in SpaceX's "most difficult launch ever"

Falcon Heavy in flight during an earlier mission

SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket has lifted off again, this time embarking on what the company calls one of the most challenging launches in its history. With a slew of government satellites and important spacecraft onboard, the world’s most powerful operational vehicle took off into the night sky for the first time, on a mission to deliver payloads into three different orbits.

..
Continue Reading Falcon Heavy carries 24 satellites into orbit in SpaceX’s “most difficult launch ever”

Category: Space

Tags:

Continue reading Falcon Heavy carries 24 satellites into orbit in SpaceX's "most difficult launch ever"