SpaceX has won a contract for two more private astronaut missions to the ISS, using its Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon. These missions are for Vast Space, a company developing a private space station. The partnership highlights SpaceX’s continued growth in the commercial space sector and underscores its role in the future of space exploration.
NASA has postponed the return of astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from the International Space Station to at least late March 2025. Their return was initially set for February 2025, but technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft and subsequent delays in the Crew-10 launch necessitated the postponement. The delay allows for thorough preparation of a new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft for the mission.
SpaceX has secured a launch license from the FAA for Starship’s 7th test flight remarkably fast. This swift approval follows SpaceX’s previous criticism of the FAA’s regulatory hurdles. While the exact launch date remains unknown, a mid-January launch is anticipated. The mission likely involves another attempt to catch the Super Heavy booster, paving the way for simultaneous Starship and Super Heavy booster catches in future flights. This highlights improvements in the efficiency of the FAA and SpaceX’s relentless pursuit of reusable space technology.
SpaceX launched three Falcon 9 missions in under 24 hours, bringing its 2024 launch total to 128. While falling short of its initial 144-launch goal, SpaceX aims for 30 more launches before year’s end, maintaining a rapid launch pace.
Elon Musk and SpaceX are under federal investigation for potential breaches of national security protocols. Investigations focus on undisclosed meetings with foreign leaders, including Vladimir Putin, and concerns about Musk’s transparency regarding his personal conduct and drug use. The probes could lead to stricter security measures for private firms working with the government.
Astronaut Don Pettit shared a time-lapse video of a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft’s rapid departure from the ISS after completing its 31st commercial resupply mission for NASA. The video shows the capsule’s trajectory as it heads home carrying scientific samples. Pettit, NASA’s oldest active astronaut, frequently shares stunning images and videos from the ISS.
Elon Musk’s bid for enhanced security clearance at SpaceX faces hurdles due to concerns over his communications with foreign officials, past drug use, and potential conflicts of interest from his possible role in the Department of Government Efficiency. SpaceX’s legal team advises against pursuing the clearance, fearing a loss of existing access. This situation underscores the complexities of national security and high-profile appointments.
SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft successfully completed a static fire test, firing three engines for eight seconds. This paves the way for the seventh orbital test flight, planned for January 11th (unconfirmed), which will involve engine ignitions in orbit and a splashdown in the Indian Ocean. Starship is pivotal for NASA’s Artemis III Moon mission (delayed to 2027) and potential future Mars missions.
SpaceX is proposing to incorporate its Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas, into a new city, aiming to streamline growth and attract talent for its ambitious Starship program. The move follows years of development and investment in the region, but faces scrutiny amidst environmental concerns.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announced significant design improvements to Starship, the ambitious spacecraft aiming for lunar and Martian missions. The upgraded version, lighter and more heat-resistant, is preparing for its seventh test flight, potentially paving the way for hundreds of launches in the coming years.
