Space

Just within the last day, this and this happened and barely made any news.  Space launches are becoming very common, which is both good news and bad news. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

SpaceX getting on with it

Go, Elon. Go.  Story here.

Meanwhile, NASA moving slowly, as usual.

Way to go ESA

It looks like the James Webb telescope launch last week will be in service much longer than expected thanks to the ESA’s Ariane 5’s efficiency. Story here.  (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

Well, this is good news

First orbital Starship test in January.

Oh no!

Story here.  I am hopeful that Elon is being dramatic for the purposes of lighting a fire under his employees.  Time will tell.

Space stuff

ULA and Blue Origin are having trouble delivering engines for their new launch platform.

The Chinese are looking to build a moon lander.  Hopefully Elon will get there before them.

A Russian rocket is going to fall out of orbit and burn up. (metaphor alert)

(All links in memory of Mike Nofsinger who would love the crap out of all of this.)

Big, if true.

Elon Musk claims that SpaceX is cranking out a Raptor rocket engine every 48hrs.  If that is true it is an amazing production feat.  It is also what is required to get to the level of spaceflight that the US needs. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

Congrats again SpaceX

They did it again.  This time with a used booster and a used capsule.  SpaceX is making space a bunch cheaper. (Post in memory of Mike Nofsinger, who is up there somewhere, smiling.)

SpaceX and fairing recovery

It appears that SpaceX has determined that catching the fairings prior to their hitting the water isn’t worth the extra effort. (Post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

Not just SpaceX

Rocket Lab is racking up some impressive statistics for its space launch business. Good. The more private companies we have doing this the better chance we’ll get out there sooner and we;; ahead of our national competitors. (Post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)