A tiny Japanese satellite named LignoSat, made entirely of magnolia wood, has arrived at the International Space Station (ISS). This innovative spacecraft aims to revolutionize space exploration by offering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional aluminum satellites. LignoSat’s success could pave the way for a future where wooden spacecraft are the norm, minimizing the harmful effects of space junk and pollution.
SpaceX has announced plans for the sixth flight test of its Starship launch vehicle, tentatively scheduled for November 18th. This test will feature an attempt to catch the booster back at the launch site, as well as a splashdown of the upper stage in the Indian Ocean. Future Starship vehicles will boast significant improvements, including redesigned flaps, larger propellant tanks, and enhanced thermal protection.
After a six-month delay caused by a hurricane and other weather challenges, the SpaceX Crew-8 mission, carrying three astronauts and one cosmonaut, has finally begun its journey back to Earth. The Dragon capsule undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) early Thursday morning and is expected to splash down near the Florida coast on Friday afternoon. The mission, launched in March, involved over 200 science experiments and technology demonstrations, which will now be brought back for analysis.
SpaceX’s Crew-8, comprised of NASA astronauts and a Roscosmos cosmonaut, has finally begun its journey home after nearly eight months aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Their homecoming was delayed due to weather and issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. The crew set a new record for the longest time spent in orbit by a Crew Dragon capsule, surpassing their own previous record set during the Crew-2 mission. Follow along with NASA’s livestream as Crew-8 splashes down off the coast of Florida.
SpaceX’s Starship is set for its fifth test flight on Sunday, October 13, after receiving clearance from the FAA. The launch is expected to showcase the reusability of the Starship rocket, with the booster landing back on Earth using the launch tower’s arms. This mission is a critical step towards making space travel more affordable and enabling future lunar and Martian missions.
SpaceX launched a Crew Dragon capsule with a reduced crew of two to the International Space Station (ISS), carrying supplies and two empty seats for Starliner astronauts. This mission marked the first piloted space flight from pad 40 at the Space Force station and SpaceX’s inaugural launch from that location. The crew will replace Crew 8 members who are scheduled to return to Earth on October 7. The mission also serves as a ‘rescue’ mission for Starliner astronauts who have been stranded in space since June due to issues with their spacecraft.
SpaceX is set to launch two astronauts into orbit on Saturday in a mission to rescue Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stranded on the International Space Station since June due to issues with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft. The launch, carrying NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, will take place from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and the Dragon spacecraft will dock with the ISS on Monday. The mission will mark the return of human spaceflights to the ISS after a months-long delay caused by the Starliner malfunction.
NASA’s SpaceX Crew 9 mission, featuring American astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, is scheduled to launch on September 28th. The mission will bring back astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from the International Space Station and mark a significant milestone in international space cooperation.
SpaceX is moving forward with its fifth Starship test flight despite facing delays and regulatory scrutiny from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The company claims the delays are due to excessive environmental analysis, while the FAA has proposed a fine for alleged licensing violations. SpaceX is also pushing forward with its sixth test flight, highlighting its commitment to Starship development and reusability.
The SpaceX Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) has been delayed once again, pushing the launch to September 26th. The mission will carry two astronauts, Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov, to the station, where they will join a crew of six astronauts, including those returning from the Boeing Starliner mission. The crew will conduct scientific experiments, maintain the station, and prepare for the arrival of the next crew.
