Well this isn’t good news

Virgin Orbit apparently experienced a test failure.  Hate to see this as the more companies are competing in the launch arena, the better for all of us.

This is insane

Story here.  With the amount of money NASA is wasting, Elon Musk could open Tesla factories on Mars.  This is important.  We need to get out into space and wasting time and money are both stupid things to do.

Go SpaceX

Looks like another successful launch. (thought they didn’t land the booster, which had been used for 5 previous launches)(post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

Good

Glad to hear it.

Spaceflight

A big part of routine spaceflight is about economics.  This isn’t well appreciated by the general public.  This column summarizes some of the advances that SpaceX is making in regard to those issues.  If SpaceX can routinely fly reusable rockets on a weekly basis, then a fleet of even 5 rockets translates into 260 launches a year.  More launches= lower costs= a truly fast development of this new frontier.  What a time to be alive.

Nuclear powered rockets

One of the most efficient ways to travel between planets would be nuclear powered spacecraft.  However, treaties banning the introduction of nuclear weapons into space have always been seen as an impediment to such spacecraft.  However, NASA seems to be re-examining the issue. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

SpaceX tests a new engine

Story here.  I’ve been posting a lot of space related news lately.  Frankly, I am thrilled.  The fact that there is news every few days in regard to innovation and exploration of space I something that was a regular feature of the news when I was growing up in the 60s.  Back then we thought we’d have a base on the moon in the 80s and regular space travel by 2000.  Then, the late 70s took all the air out of space travel and exploration.  That lasted more or less for 30 years.  Now thanks to several super-wealthy billionaires, private space companies are stepping in and filling the void.  Thank goodness.  I just hope this continues and even accelerates. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

 

Falcon Heavy

Looks like the second Falcon Heavy shot will take place around March 7th.  This is good news for the future of space, especially as it moves us further and further away from reliance on the Russians. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

 

Space news

New rocket engine plant in Huntsville, AL.

 

“Private” Chinese space companies ready for orbital launches.

 

Moon mining

 

(post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

The future of near-Earth space

Since space has been in the news lately, here is a nice article on the possible first permanent steps off the planet.