Can’t wait to see the final designs! These might be the next human-driven vehicles on the moon.

They just won’t die lol. Best of luck

That was a fun read! I really like the Spaceport Readiness Level scale. Makes me excited for the future.

https://x.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1842169172932886538

I wish them best of luck! These are big projects which could truly transform our exploration around the earth/moon system.

So excited for attempt number 2!

It’s time to start taking this stuff seriously. Glad to hear it’s in the works.

https://spacenews.com/rfa-first-stage-destroyed-in-static-fire-test/

Just kidding…

https://x.com/rfa_space/status/1825634436794245548

On Monday evening, RFA conducted a hot fire of its first stage at their launch site at SaxaVord Spaceport.

This resulted in an anomaly that led to the loss of the stage. No one was injured in the process. The launch pad has been saved and is secured, the situation is under control and any immediate danger has been mitigated. We are now working closely with SaxaVord Spaceport and the authorities to gather data and info to eventually resolve what happened.

We will take our time to analyze and assess the situation.

We develop iteratively with an emphasis on real testing. This is part of our philosophy and we were aware of the higher risks attached to this approach. Our goal is to return to regular operations as soon as possible.

https://spacenews.com/indian-solid-sslv-rocket-launches-earth-observation-satellite/

Thanks! I’ve never modded(?) before but I’d be more than happy to give it a shot :)

Personally, I think it’s a great thing that the US arguably has the best military surveillance and communication satellites. Certainly I prefer money going there than into literal bullets. In any case, doesn’t this have nothing to do with space tourism?

This community is awesome!

I post kind of a crazy amount, so if anyone wants to request that I do less of that, please let me know! (I’m also going to try to be more on-topic in the future.)

Thanks everyone for being so cool and for having a great time cheering for and discussing spaceflight. Ad astra!

https://x.com/SpaceX/status/1823378186836889699

CNBC updated its story yesterday with additional factually inaccurate information.

While there may be a typo in one table of the initial TCEQ’s public version of the permit application, the rest of the application and the lab reports clearly states that levels of Mercury found in non-stormwater discharge associated with the water deluge system are well below state and federal water quality criteria (of no higher than 2.1 micrograms per liter for acute aquatic toxicity), and are, in most instances, non-detectable.

The initial application was updated within 30 days to correct the typo and TCEQ is updating the application to reflect the correction.

If a rocket gets to orbit, it most certainly hasn’t blown up ;) Furthermore if it is reusable (which only SpaceX has) then it doesn’t even crash into the ocean.

Let’s be very clear on what rockets generally do. Last year, there were just over 200 launches worldwide (a world record, btw). ~10 of these sent professional astronauts to space stations. The rest deployed satellites that do all sorts of amazing things, including astronomy research, weather and earth observation, and communications. If 1 or 2 are a tourist flight, what’s the big deal?

1st paragraph:

NASA’s internal watchdog sharply criticized the work Boeing is doing on the next version of the Space Launch System, finding serious lapses in quality control.

They are reporting on an official report, not hating or spreading rumors/false information. Berger and Foust are two of the most respected space reporters in the world today.

Not just Eric Berger: https://spacenews.com/nasa-watchdog-finds-quality-control-problems-with-boeing-sls-work/

I’m pretty sure it’s because increased solar activity causes Earth’s atmosphere to expand and reach further into space, causing more drag higher up. I think we saw some newly-starlink satellites have to deal with this some time ago!

This is awesome! Can’t wait to try it out. Over the years I’ve seen various tools, some of them paid, and of very different quality levels.

Usually I would revert to just manual data entry by making life easier for myself and just looking at every 5 seconds or so. Usually works well enough, but I am always left wanting to see the finer details.

Looking forward to testing this out :)

Not a fan of Musk myself, but I’m not quite sure what you mean?