The Chinese are serious about space

And we need to be too.

Example 1

Example 2

Now, none of this is stuff the US hasn’t done, but the Chinese have already caught up technologically in a lot of areas.  There is no reason to believe that they won’t catch up in space, and quickly.

Starlink

SpaceX has launched another 60 Starlink satellites.  The plan is to provide worldwide satellite broadband access.  Apparently, you can already sign up to beta test the service.  It is reportedly pretty good.   In a rare miss, the booster failed to land on the recovery ship.  That booster had already flown 6 previous times.  Amazing.

SpaceX getting into national defense

Well, sort of.  Got to say I am happy about this as SpaceX seems to be one of the few competent companies out there.

Power from space

This technology has been talked about in one form or another since the 70s.  Interesting that they are finally getting around to experimenting with it.  I am still skeptical of its practicality.  (Post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

Its not just SpaceX

Rocket Lab just launched a Japanese earth imaging satellite from New Zealand. This is their seventh successful launch this year. Story here. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

OK, this is kinda cool

An object is approaching earth and it isn’t a comet, meteor or asteroid.  What  it might be turns out to be really neat. Story here. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

Space news

SpaceX isn’t the only company recovering rockets for reuse. Story here. Rocket Lab out of New Zealand is doing the same, thought differently and on a much smaller rocket.

Speaking of SpaceX, they had another launch over the weekend as well. Space launches are becoming a weekly, if not daily occurrence. This is great news. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

Voyager 2

Is still chugging along. I remember as a kid the photos from Voyager 1 and 2. They are an inspiration for us to keep exploring. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

The ESA needs to just call SpaceX

ESA loses another rocket and 2 satellites. Story here.  If you needed any more proof of the superiority of private enterprise, SpaceX is example #1.  (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

Way to go JAXA

Looks like JAXA is going to get more use out of their asteroid exploring satellite. Good job JAXA. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)