SpaceX launched 21 of its larger Starlink V2 Mini satellites into orbit on April 19. SpaceX has also confirmed that it will make a second attempt to launch its massive Starship rocket later today (April 20th). However, the world’s major rocket suppliers – and their key clients – are discovering that Elon Musk’s rocket business […]
The last-minute scrubbed launch of SpaceX’s giant Starship launch has been rescheduled for April 20th. There were more than 500,000 viewers tuned in around the planet to the official SpaceX webcast to watch the non-event, as well as tens of thousands watching on other webcasts, plus millions more viewing on broadcast TV. In relaying its […]
With around ten minutes to go (at 14:15 BST) SpaceX announced its Starship test launch was delayed because of a faulty (possibly frozen) pressure valve. The count continued to T-10 secs to for a ‘wet’ dress rehearsal – so known because the propellant tanks were fully loaded. Elon Musk, speaking during a telecast, had previosuly […]
Elon Musk says his giant Starship could make its debut flight during the third week of April. Observers suggest April 20th is a dependable target date, subject to the usual weather and technical considerations. Work at the launch site has been happening for months and intensified over the past 10 days, with Musk saying that […]
Elon Musk’s giant Starship combination of rocket plus Super Heavy booster looks likely to be launched in the next few days. The importance for the satellite community is its potential capacity to launch far more Starlink satellites simultaneously – or larger/heavier commercial and NASA satellites – into orbit with a single launch. There are other […]
Elon Musk is considering shifting the giant SpaceX Starship development and testing work from its current Texas base to Florida. Musk’s worry is an ongoing environmental review being undertaken by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA is expected to deliver its verdict on Starship testing by February 28th, and which – if favourable – […]
Elon Musk has admitted in a memo to staff that problems with his massive Starship places SpaceX into a “genuine risk of bankruptcy”. SpaceX has let go a number of senior executives and adding that development work on the crucial Raptor engines has created a “disaster” for the company. “The Raptor production crisis is much […]
Elon Musk’s next-generation Starship is truly huge. Images give just an impression with humans dwarfed by the rocket. Elon Musk says its first launch could take place as soon as January provided that the scheme receives a Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) licence. Musk was talking to delegates at National Academies’ Space Studies Board and Board […]
Elon Musk, in one of his regular Tweets, says that the Starlink initial beta broadband-by-satellite test stage will end in October. This early adopter test-stage has more than 100,000 users spread over 17 countries. SpaceX has launched almost 1,800 Starlink satellites into orbit and well over 1600 are fully working. Musk’s Tweet suggests that a […]
Elon Musk has said his Starlink broadband by satellite service will operate its data-transfer of customer’s material at “the speed of light”. Musk’s comments refer to the use of laser transmitters on board the ‘next generation’ of satellites. Early satellites already in space, about 1700 of them, will depend on non-laser ground-based gateway links to […]