Small thinking

In this story, the plans of the ESA and NASA are discussed in regard to getting samples of Martian soil back here for study….by 2031.  This is the perfect example of the small thinking that infects NASA. By 2031, Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos will have people on Mars, while the government spaceflight agencies diddle around. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

SpaceX, on to Mars

More space news.  It looks like 2020 could turn out to be a banner year in spaceflight, much like 1961 and 1969.  I’ve waited about 45 years for this to happen.  I am glad to see it finally happening. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

Space

In the words of Instapundit; Faster, please.  I’ve said here before that the fact that we are using Russian spacecraft to transport our astronauts is a national embarrassment. It needs to end.  It is clear that only private companies have any hope of ending it quickly.  NASA seems to bureaucratic to do so. The same is true for getting back to the moon. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

Space news

SpaceX is making more progress.  Billionaires interested in space travel has been a blessing to us. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

Space news

Some more good space news.  I will be so happy when NASA gets back to putting astronauts back in orbit on our own rockets.  Falcon Heavy will be a big part of that. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

SpaceX success

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)

Falcon Heavy

Another Falcon Heavy launch tonight.  SpaceX is a real bright spot in the US space sector.  Keeping our fingers crossed for another success.

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.

Space news

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.

Space news

If the Falcon Heavy can do the job and is already flying, why do we need the SLS? (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)