SpaceX
SPACETIDE 2021 Winter in Nihonbashi
We are pleased to announce that our 6th conference, SPACETIDE 2021 Winter in Nihonbashi, will take place on 13th-16th December. The theme of this conference will be “The Evolution of Commercial Space” and this four-day ev…
NASA to award SpaceX three more commercial crew flights
NASA announced Dec. 3 its intent to purchase three more commercial crew missions from SpaceX as a hedge against further delays in the certification of Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner.
SpaceX breaks annual launch record as it deploys 48 more Starlink satellites
SpaceX deployed 48 more satellites for its Starlink broadband constellation Dec. 2, along with two remote sensing spacecraft for BlackSky in a mission that breaks the record for Falcon 9 launches in a calendar year.
SpaceX grapples with Raptor production problems
Problems increasing production of the Raptor engines that power SpaceX’s Starship vehicle have led to personnel shakeups at the company and a warning from founder Elon Musk that the company risked “bankruptcy” if the company could not resolve them.
India orders halt on Starlink presales until it gives regulatory approval
India’s government has told SpaceX to stop taking preorders for Starlink broadband services in the country until it has a license to operate there.
Court ruling describes rejection of Blue Origin HLS lawsuit
A federal judge rejected Blue Origin’s lawsuit again NASA’s Human Landing System procurement on nearly every ground, even after the company offered to further increase its contribution to the program.
Musk predicts first Starship orbital launch in early 2022
SpaceX Chief Executive Elon Musk said he expects this first orbital flight of his company’s Starship vehicle to take place as soon as January, pending regulatory approvals.
Exolaunch signs multi-launch rideshare deal with SpaceX
German launch services provider Exolaunch has signed a multi-launch agreement for more capacity on SpaceX Transporter rideshare missions over the next two years.
Crew-3 arrives at ISS
A Crew Dragon spacecraft docked with the International Space Station Nov. 11, less than 24 hours after its launch from Florida.
SpaceX launches Crew-3 commercial crew mission for NASA
Four NASA astronauts are on their way to the International Space Station after SpaceX’s fifth crewed launch in less than 18 months Nov. 10.
Crew-3 mission cleared for launch
NASA and SpaceX are ready to proceed with the launch of a commercial crew mission Nov. 10 after overcoming weather and astronaut health issues as well as concerns about the spacecraft’s parachutes.
Crew-2 astronauts return to Earth
A SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft splashed down late Nov. 8, returning four astronauts from the International Space Station after nearly 200 days in space.
Crew-2 undocking delayed a day
NASA has delayed the undocking of a Crew Dragon spacecraft from the International Space Station by a day because of high winds at splashdown locations in the Gulf of Mexico, a move that won’t affect the launch of the next crew to the station.
Federal court rules against Blue Origin in HLS lawsuit
The Court of Federal Claims has ruled against Blue Origin in its suit about the agency’s selection of SpaceX for a single Human Landing System award.
Weather delays Crew-3 launch
Poor weather at locations in the Atlantic that could be used for Crew Dragon aborts will delay the launch of the next commercial crew mission to the International Space Station by three days.
Space Adventures no longer planning Crew Dragon flight
Space Adventures has dropped plans to fly space tourists on a high-altitude Crew Dragon flight but has not ruled out revisiting the mission concept in the future.
SpaceX Boca Chica environmental review draws strong public support and criticism
SpaceX performed a static-fire test of a Starship vehicle Oct. 21 as debate continues about an environmental assessment of the company’s proposed launch operations in Texas.
NASA starts process to acquire more commercial crew missions
NASA is beginning the process to procure more commercial crew flights as it looks to extend the International Space Station through the end of the decade, including the opportunity for new entrants to join the program.
Varda Space selects SpaceX for launch of first space manufacturing satellite
Space manufacturing startup Varda Space will launch its first spacecraft on a Falcon 9 in early 2023 to demonstrate the ability to produce a wide range of materials in microgravity.
