Space and Tech

SpaceX Aims for Stellar Reentry: Ensuring Safety of Starship Megarocket for a Successful Launch

SpaceX focuses on secure reentry of Starship Megarocket, maximizing safety for an explosive-free launch.

Published

6 months ago

June 5, 2024

Rod Washington, Daily News Staff

In the ambitious journey towards a fully reusable spacecraft capable of transporting humans and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond, SpaceX is gearing up for another critical test flight of its Starship rocket. The fourth fully integrated test flight (IFT-4) is slated for next week, pending regulatory approval, with a primary focus on demonstrating safe reentry and landing capabilities—if everything goes as planned.

Preparations and Milestones

SpaceX’s fourth test flight aims to achieve new milestones, potentially launching on the morning of Wednesday, June 5, from Texas. This follows the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) completion of its safety investigation into the third flight, finding no public safety concerns. This clears the path for the FAA to issue the next launch license. Additionally, SpaceX completed its second wet dress rehearsal on May 23, using prototype stages Booster 11 and Ship 29, signifying readiness for the upcoming mission.

Lessons from Previous Flights

The third integrated flight test of Starship on March 14 marked significant progress. It featured a successful stage separation, a full-duration burn of the second-stage engines, an internal propellant-transfer demonstration for NASA, and a test of the Starlink dispenser door. Despite the upper stage disintegrating during reentry and the Super Heavy booster exploding 1,515 feet above the Gulf of Mexico due to engine shutdowns, the mission showed substantial improvements compared to the earlier tests, which both ended in premature explosions.

Goals of the Fourth Test

The IFT-4 mission shifts focus from achieving orbit to successfully returning both stages of the Starship. Primary objectives include executing a landing burn and soft splashdown of the Super Heavy booster in the Gulf of Mexico and achieving a controlled reentry of the Starship upper stage.

To enhance reliability, SpaceX has made several software and hardware upgrades. Changes include dropping the Super Heavy’s hot-stage adapter post-boostback burn to reduce weight for the final flight phase. This adapter allows the engines to remain ignited while the second stage separates and begins its burn. The upper stage is again targeting a splashdown in the Indian Ocean.

Key Aspects to Watch

Performance of the attitude control system will be crucial. In the third test, a filter blockage in this system caused a loss of control, resulting in unanticipated heating during reentry. SpaceX has since added more control redundancy and upgraded hardware to resist blockages. Observers will be keen to see how well the upper stage performs during its brief time in space and how its hexagonal heat-absorbing tiles fare during reentry.

A Step Towards a Reusable Future

SpaceX remains focused on rapidly developing the Starship to build a fully reusable transportation system. The company is keen to learn quickly from each test, continuously refining and improving its technology.

“The fourth flight of Starship will aim to bring us closer to the rapidly reusable future on the horizon,” SpaceX stated. “We’re continuing to rapidly develop Starship, putting flight hardware in a flight environment to learn as quickly as possible.”

As the world watches, the upcoming flight promises to provide stunning views of Earth and the Starship, along with insights into SpaceX’s progress. Each test flight brings its successes and challenges, and while the outcome remains uncertain, it’s certain to be an exciting and informative spectacle.

https://www.spacex.com/vehicles/starship

SpaceX Starship: Second Test Launch Set for November, Anticipation Builds

https://stmdailynews.com/spacex-starship-second-test-launch-set-for-november-anticipation-builds/

Authors

Rod Washington

Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art. View all posts
Daily News Staff

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Space and Tech

Blue Origin’s New Shepard NS-28: Aiming for the Stars on November 22nd

Blue Origin’s New Shepard NS-28 mission, launching on November 22, features a significant crewed aspect, promoting broader space access. The mission patch symbolizes the journey’s educational and inspirational goals. Join the excitement!

Published

22 hours ago

November 19, 2024

Rod Washington

New Shepard 28

Blue Origin has once again captured the public’s imagination with the announcement of its ninth human flight, the NS-28 mission, set to launch from Launch Site One in West Texas on Friday, November 22. With the launch window opening at 9:30 AM CST (15:30 UTC), excitement is brewing as space enthusiasts and potential future astronauts gear up for another exhilarating journey into the cosmos.

One of the highlights of this mission is the crewed aspect, making it another significant step in Blue Origin’s mission to democratize access to space. Following the success of its previous flights, NS-28 promises to deliver an experience that will inspire and ignite passion for space exploration. The live webcast on BlueOrigin.com will commence at T-30 minutes, offering spectators a front-row seat to this groundbreaking event.

New Shepard 28 — Image Credit: Blue Origin

The NS-28 Mission Patch: A Story of Meaning and Symbolism

Accompanying the NS-28 mission is a beautifully designed mission patch that encapsulates the spirit and purpose of this historic flight. Each element of the patch carries deep significance, painting a portrait of the crew and their aspirations in space.

Emily Calandrelli is represented by the color pink and a girl in signature pink overalls, acknowledging her influential role as a science communicator and advocate for space education.
For Sharon and Marc Hagle, this flight marks their second journey on New Shepard, a milestone aptly symbolized by the centerline in the “2,” fostering a sense of continuity and commitment to space travel.
The stars in the mission patch signify Austin Litteral’s enduring vision of humanity’s place among the stars, highlighting the adventurous spirit that drives our quest for knowledge beyond our planet.
At the bottom of the patch, a representation of people embodies J.D. Russell’s hope for future generations to expand their understanding of the universe, underscoring the mission’s educational and inspirational goals.
Lastly, the wolf in the crew capsule’s window stands as a tribute to Hank Wolfond, symbolizing the strength, courage, and tenacity that is required for exploration beyond our earthly confines.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Space Tourism and Exploration

As Blue Origin prepares for the NS-28 mission, more than just a flight is at stake. This mission represents a significant leap in commercial space travel and signifies a broader movement towards making space accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Each launch brings us closer to a future where experiencing space is a possibility for many, rather than just a select few.

With the countdown ticking down to November 22, stakeholders, space enthusiasts, and the general public alike are encouraged to tune in to the live webcast and partake in the excitement surrounding human spaceflight. Innovations in technology and a shared passion for exploration are paving the way for a new era of discovery—one where the stars are no longer out of reach.

Join us in celebrating the NS-28 mission—an emblem of human ingenuity, curiosity, and the indomitable spirit of exploration. See you on launch day—let’s reach for the stars together!

For more information about the crew, please see our previous blog post here

Or read the post from Blue Origin here.

Follow Blue Origin on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Threads, and YouTube, and sign up at BlueOrigin.com to stay updated on all mission details.

The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/

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Space and Tech

NASA Coverage of the Upcoming Progress 90 Cargo Resupply Mission

Published

1 day ago

November 18, 2024

Charles Elliot

Excitement is building as NASA prepares for the upcoming launch of the Progress 90 spacecraft, a critical mission that will deliver essential supplies to the crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS). With a launch scheduled for 7:22 a.m. EST on Thursday, November 21, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, this unpiloted Roscosmos cargo spacecraft will transport nearly three tons of food, fuel, and vital equipment to the Expedition 72 crew.

Tune In for Live Coverage

NASA is offering live launch coverage starting at 7:00 a.m. EST on the day of the launch, available on NASA+ and their official website. This is a fantastic opportunity for space enthusiasts and curious minds alike to witness firsthand the relentless efforts of international space collaboration. Not sure how to catch the excitement? NASA has made it easy! Their live coverage can be accessed through various platforms, including social media, so you won’t miss a moment of this thrilling event.

Mission Timeline

Following the launch, the Progress 90 spacecraft will embark on a two-day journey to the ISS, a remarkable feat of engineering and logistics. It is scheduled to autonomously dock at the space-facing port of the Poisk module on Saturday, November 23, at 9:35 a.m. EST. Make sure to tune in for NASA’s coverage of the docking process, which will begin at 8:45 a.m. that same day. Observing the intricate choreography of rendezvous and docking showcases the ingenuity of modern space missions.

Before Progress 90 arrives, it’s important to note that the previous Progress 88 spacecraft will undock from the Poisk module on Tuesday, November 19. Although NASA will not stream this undocking event, it marks another step in efficient cargo operations at the ISS.

What Happens Next?

Once docked, the Progress 90 spacecraft will remain attached to the ISS for approximately six months, providing continuous support to the crew. When it completes its mission, the spacecraft will carry away any used supplies and cargo, ensuring a tidy and efficient living environment aboard the station. It will then safely re-enter Earth’s atmosphere, disposing of invaluable trash generated during the mission.

The Role of the ISS in Space Exploration

For over 24 years, NASA has played a key role in maintaining a continuous human presence in low Earth orbit, enabling groundbreaking research and scientific exploration that simply cannot be achieved on our home planet. The ISS serves as a unique laboratory that allows for experiments in microgravity, helping scientists make discoveries that will not only benefit life on Earth but also pave the way for future space exploration.

The station is poised to support NASA’s ambitious goals for the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and expand our presence in the solar system. Ultimately, this sustained effort will guide us toward the dream of human exploration of Mars.

Join the Journey!

As we look forward to another exciting chapter in space travel with the Progress 90 mission, we encourage everyone to join the conversation. Share your thoughts, watch the launch, engage with fellow enthusiasts online, and marvel at the boundaries that humanity is pushing through science and collaboration. Space is within our reach, and every mission takes us one step closer to understanding our universe!

Together, let’s celebrate the spirit of exploration and the collaborative advances in human innovation that make missions like this possible. See you on launch day! 🌌🚀✨

Get breaking news, images and features from the space station on Instagram, Facebook, and X.

Learn more about the International Space Station, its research, and its crew, at:

https://www.nasa.gov/station

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Space and Tech

Blue Origin’s NS-28 Mission: A Stellar Crew Ready for Space!

Published

5 days ago

November 15, 2024

Rod Washington

Blue Origin has announced an exciting lineup for its 28th New Shepard mission, NS-28, which marks yet another milestone in the company’s quest to democratize access to space. This mission features six remarkable individuals, including renowned science communicator Emily Calandrelli and two returning space travelers, Sharon and Marc Hagle. As excitement builds for this journey, let’s take a closer look at the crew who will embark on this extraordinary mission.

The Crew of NS-28

1. Emily Calandrelli (@TheSpaceGal)
Emily is not just an engineer from MIT; she’s also a vibrant advocate for women in STEM and a beloved television personality. Known for her Emmy-nominated hosting of Xploration Outer Space and her role on Netflix’s Emily’s Wonder Lab, Emily has inspired countless young minds with her engaging approach to science. Her commitment to improving policies for breastfeeding mothers and advocating for parental leave in the aerospace industry showcases her passion for making the world a better place. With nearly three million followers, she’s ready to inspire a new generation from high above the Earth.

2. Sharon Hagle
As the founder of SpaceKids Global, Sharon is dedicated to ensuring the next generation excels in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). Her organization has reached over 867,000 students worldwide with initiatives like sending science projects to the International Space Station and partnering with Girl Scouts. Sharon’s first journey to space on NS-20 in March 2022, alongside her husband, Marc, made history as they became the first married couple to launch on a commercial space vehicle.

3. Marc Hagle
Marc, the president and CEO of Tricor International, is a leading figure in property development. An avid philanthropist along with his wife, Sharon, Marc shares her passion for education and the arts. His love for space exploration brought him back for a second trip aboard New Shepard. His previous flight on NS-20 was a testament to the couple’s adventurous spirit.

4. Austin Litteral
Austin’s journey to NS-28 fulfills a childhood dream of going to space—a dream sparked by NASA shuttle launches on his bedroom wall. As a risk management professional and a devoted husband and father, Austin exemplifies the spirit of adventure. His seat is sponsored by Whatnot, where he won a ticket through the “Whatnot to the Moon” giveaway, proving that sometimes, dreams do come true in the most unexpected ways!

5. James (J.D.) Russell
J.D. is a former law enforcement officer turned entrepreneur, who now leads InfoHOA, focusing on community management solutions. His journey to this flight is marked by resilience and dedication to giving back through his foundation, which supports children’s education and helps families of first responders. J.D.’s passion for making a difference reflects the ethos of this mission as well.

6. Henry (Hank) Wolfond
Hank, the CEO of Bayshore Capital and an experienced pilot, is not just a business leader; he also advocates for important causes like confronting antisemitism and supporting autism acceptance. His extensive flying experience enhances the adventure of space travel, and his commitment to philanthropy is evident through his involvement in numerous charitable organizations.

A Historic Mission

As New Shepard prepares for its 28th mission, this flight signifies not just individual dreams realized, but a collective effort to inspire and educate future generations. The crew for NS-28 embodies the spirit of exploration and social responsibility, each bringing unique stories, passions, and contributions to the table.

So, mark your calendars and prepare for liftoff! The journey into space represents not just a physical departure from Earth but a leap toward greater hope, curiosity, and the endless possibilities that lie beyond our atmosphere. Stay tuned as these adventurous souls launch into the great unknown!

According to Blue Origin, the flight date will be announced soon.

Follow Blue Origin on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Threads, and YouTube, and sign up on BlueOrigin.com to stay current on all mission details.

STM Daily News is a multifaceted podcast that explores a wide range of topics, from life and consumer issues to the latest in food and beverage trends. Our discussions dive into the realms of science, covering everything from space and Earth to nature, artificial intelligence, and astronomy. We also celebrate the amateur sports scene, highlighting local athletes and events, including our special segment on senior Pickleball, where we report on the latest happenings in this exciting community. With our diverse content, STM Daily News aims to inform, entertain, and engage listeners, providing a comprehensive look at the issues that matter most in our daily lives. https://stories-this-moment.castos.com/