Commercial Space – Page 55

SpaceX reschedules crew capsule in-flight abort test for Jan. 18

January 7, 2020 Stephen Clark

The final major test of the high-power launch abort engines on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft before astronauts climb aboard for a flight to the International Space Station is scheduled for Jan. 18 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA announced Monday.

Live coverage: Dragon cargo craft departs space station, returns to Earth

January 7, 2020 Stephen Clark

A SpaceX Dragon cargo capsule concluded a 30-day stay at the International Space Station Tuesday with an automated departure from the orbiting research outpost at 5:05 a.m. EST (1005 GMT) Tuesday. The Dragon’s release from the robotic arm set the stage for a scorching re-entry and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean southwest of Los Angeles at around 10:41 a.m. EST (1541 GMT).

SpaceX launches more Starlink satellites, tests design change for astronomers

January 7, 2020 Stephen Clark

Sixty more satellites for SpaceX’s Starlink global Internet network streaked into orbit Monday night from Cape Canaveral, including one spacecraft to test an experimental dark coating to address scientists’ concerns that the thousands of the quarter-ton, flat-panel satellites will impede astronomical observations.

Video: SpaceX launches first mission of 2020 (members only)

January 7, 2020 Stephen Clark

SpaceX launched its first mission of 2020 on Monday night from Cape Canaveral. A Falcon 9 rocket carried 60 satellites into orbit for SpaceX’s Starlink Internet network.

Timeline for Falcon 9 launch of Starlink satellites

January 6, 2020 Stephen Clark

Follow the key events of the Falcon 9 rocket’s ascent to orbit 60 satellites for SpaceX’s Starlink broadband network.

SpaceX test-fires rocket ahead of record-setting Starlink launch

January 4, 2020 Stephen Clark

SpaceX test-fired a Falcon 9 rocket Saturday at Cape Canaveral, two days before a scheduled launch Monday with 60 Starlink broadband relay stations that will make SpaceX the owner of the world’s largest fleet of commercial satellites.

Watch as SpaceX test-fires Falcon 9 ahead of Starlink launch (members only)

January 4, 2020 Spaceflight Now

Watch as SpaceX test fires a Falcon 9 rocket ahead of the planned launch of 60 more Starlink satellites.

Live coverage: Falcon 9 rocket launches on first mission of 2020

January 4, 2020 Stephen Clark

SpaceX launched its first mission of the year Monday at 9:19 p.m. EST (0219 GMT Tuesday), when a Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral with SpaceX’s third batch of 60 Starlink broadband satellites.

SpaceX drawing up plans for mobile gantry at launch pad 39A

January 3, 2020 Stephen Clark

With construction already underway at Kennedy Space Center’s launch pad 39A on facilities for SpaceX’s next-generation Starship vehicle, another new fixture could soon rise at the seaside launch complex to satisfy U.S. military requirements to vertically integrate sensitive top secret spy satellites with Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets.

Good weather predicted for Cape Canaveral’s first launch of 2020

January 2, 2020 Stephen Clark

Forecasters predict near-ideal weather conditions Monday night for the first launch at Cape Canaveral this year, when SpaceX plans to send another 60 Starlink broadband satellites into orbit atop a Falcon 9 rocket.