JAXA, the Japanese space agency (their version of NASA) has just landed a satellite on an asteroid in order to sample it and better understand its composition. This is a tremendous achievement and is good news for all of us hoping to see a more vigorous exploration of space. ( post in memory of Mike Nofsinger, who passed away 5 years ago this week)
The scientists at UKs SETI program want to get the public’s input on how we should respond to alien contact.
So far, the latest Falcon Heavy mission looks pretty successful. They’ve managed to land the side boosters, catch half of the payload fairing, and get satellites into orbit. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)
Another Falcon Heavy launch tonight. SpaceX is a real bright spot in the US space sector. Keeping our fingers crossed for another success.
NASA has a spacecraft that is orbiting an asteroid and mapping it in preparation for landing and sampling the surface. Small planetary bodies have become a hot item of study for NASA, JAXA and the ESA.
Did Stratolaunch die with Paul Allen? It will be sad if it did, though I have always had my doubts about its viability.
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.
Mostly, the internet is a cesspit of despair. However, occasionally, I learn something new and interesting from it.
At least in an asteroid impact simulation. Frankly, it is comforting to know that there is at least some attention being paid to this issue.
A hick-up on the way back to US manned spaceflight. I hope it won’t delay the first manned flight of the SpaceX crew capsule.
