#falcon_9

Starlink Fairing Deploy Sequence

According to Reuters, the company neglected labor safety standards SpaceX employees suffered more than 600 work-related injuries due to Elon Musk’s ambitions in his quest to fly to Mars and safety violations, as reported by Reuters, citing official data from US government agencies and information received from victims. “The Reuters Investigative Reporting Unit found that Musk's company flouted safety regulations at hazardous rocket and space facilities across the United States. The employees paid a high price for this. Based on interviews with them and government data, we have documented at least 600 work-related injuries suffered by SpaceX employees since 2014,” Reuters writes, saying that this is a known number of cases and the total number has not been disclosed. [caption id="attachment_81905" align="aligncenter" width="780"] SpaceX[/caption] Hundreds of SpaceX employees were injured and one died due to Elon Musk's ambitions to conquer space. In many cases, we are talking about serious injuries or even disability. Reuters has documented at least 600 previously unreported workplace injuries at Musk's rocket company: broken limbs, amputations, electrocutions, head and eye injuries and one death. SpaceX employees say they are paying the price for the billionaire's ambition to colonize space at a rapid pace. More than a hundred people were cut, and about thirty suffered broken or dislocated bones or crushed limbs. All this was due to clutter in the workplace, lack of training, overwork, lack of safety precautions and haste. As Reuters notes, SpaceX believes that employees themselves should be responsible for their own safety. But employees confirm that Elon Musk himself often neglects security requirements. To speed up production and reduce costs, SpaceX has begun building rockets in tents on the unequipped Gulf Coast, according to the agency.

This is the 270th flight of Falcon 9 rockets. The space company SpaceX today completed its 80th orbital launch in 2023, placing more than 1,000 tons of cargo into orbit.  [caption id="attachment_81323" align="aligncenter" width="780"] SpaceX[/caption] A Falcon 9 rocket launched 23 second-generation Starlink internet satellites into orbit from the Kennedy Space Center's launch pad at Cape Canaveral in Florida. The launch took place at 00:05 US East Coast time (08:05 Moscow time) on November 8, 2023. https://youtu.be/scmGtpWC7jg The launch was successful and the company has already reported the deployment of 23 Starlink satellites in orbit. Meanwhile, the first stage of the launch vehicle successfully landed on an autonomous floating platform called Just Read the Instructions in the Atlantic Ocean.  SpaceX successfully completed its 80th orbital launch in 2023: video and photos [caption id="attachment_81324" align="aligncenter" width="400"] SpaceX[/caption] [caption id="attachment_81325" align="aligncenter" width="400"] SpaceX[/caption] [caption id="attachment_81326" align="aligncenter" width="780"] SpaceX[/caption]

It acts as a Bragg mirror Astronomers will now see fewer SpaceX satellites when observing the sky. After years of scientists complaining about the high reflectivity of the company's constellation of Internet satellites, SpaceX has begun using a new "mirror film" that diffuses light from Earth. Last week, SpaceX launched 22 new Starlink V2 satellites on a Falcon 9 rocket, demonstrating the new mirror coating for the first time. A previously published video shows a highly reflective dielectric mirror film covering satellites. It seems counterintuitive that adding a mirror coating to satellites would make them less visible from the ground, but that's exactly what Starlink claims. SpaceX unveils 'mirror film' to hide Starlink satellites from astronomers [caption id="attachment_57266" align="aligncenter" width="780"] SpaceX[/caption] SpaceX says it has been working for the past few years on this film, which acts as a Bragg mirror, also known as a distributed Bragg reflector. It consists of several layers of plastic with different refractive indices. This creates interference patterns that scatter light but transmit radio waves. SpaceX also coated parts of the satellites with low-reflective black paint to absorb light. SpaceX designed the Starlink satellites to be cheap and easy to replace, but the more visible versions to astronomers will remain in orbit for years. Some existing satellites have "canopies" to reduce reflectivity, but SpaceX was never happy with this solution because it increased atmospheric drag after launch. Starlink is currently the only satellite megaconstellation, but other companies such as Amazon are planning to launch their own versions.

SpaceX Awaits Regulatory Breakthrough Following April Rocket Mishap SpaceX's Regulatory Journey: Aiming for October Milestone SpaceX, the visionary aerospace company led by Elon Musk, is on the verge of a significant regulatory achievement. After a major setback in April involving a Falcon 9 rocket explosion during a test flight, SpaceX has been diligently working to regain its standing. Here's the latest on SpaceX's quest for an upgraded launch license. SpaceX's Pursuit of an Enhanced Launch License Recent developments indicate that SpaceX's efforts to secure an upgraded launch license may yield positive results as early as October. The April incident, which unfolded during a Crew Dragon capsule test flight at SpaceX's Texas facility, resulted in the rocket's destruction. Fortunately, there were no casualties, but the incident prompted a thorough review of the company's safety protocols and procedures. The explosion also raised concerns at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), responsible for overseeing commercial space launches in the United States. [caption id="attachment_55332" align="aligncenter" width="688"] SpaceX License Advancement Possible As Early As October Following April Rocket Explosion[/caption] FAA's Reassessment and Upgraded License SpaceX had been operating under a license that granted certain privileges for its rocket launches. However, the April mishap prompted the FAA to reevaluate and potentially enhance SpaceX's license to ensure maximum safety. If approved, the new license would expand SpaceX's capabilities and provide greater flexibility for future missions. Insiders at the FAA have indicated their active collaboration with SpaceX to expedite the review process. While no official timeline has been confirmed, there is optimism that the upgraded license could be granted by October, contingent on SpaceX meeting all safety and regulatory requisites. Implications of an Enhanced License The potential approval of an upgraded license holds profound significance for SpaceX. It would empower the company to sustain its ambitious launch schedule, encompassing crewed missions to the International Space Station (ISS), satellite deployments, and even missions to Mars. Post the April incident, SpaceX has implemented substantial safety enhancements and executed successful launches, including the groundbreaking Inspiration4 mission, which transported an all-civilian crew to orbit. These endeavors underscore SpaceX's unwavering commitment to safety and reliability, further bolstering the case for a license upgrade. As October draws near, space enthusiasts and industry observers eagerly await the FAA's decision, which could herald an exciting new chapter in SpaceX's cosmic exploration journey. FAQs  About SpaceX License Advancement Possible As Early As October Following April Rocket Explosion Q1: Why does SpaceX need an upgraded launch license? A1: SpaceX is pursuing an upgraded launch license to expand its capabilities and flexibility after a rocket incident prompted safety concerns. Q2: When did the rocket incident occur, and what were the consequences? A2: The rocket incident happened in April during a Crew Dragon test flight, resulting in the rocket's destruction. Thankfully, no casualties were reported. Q3: What is the role of the FAA in this process? A3: The FAA oversees commercial space launches in the United States and is reassessing SpaceX's license to ensure safety. Q4: What activities could SpaceX undertake with an enhanced license? A4: An upgraded license would allow SpaceX to conduct a wider range of activities, including crewed missions to the ISS, satellite deployments, and missions to Mars. Q5: How has SpaceX demonstrated its commitment to safety? A5: SpaceX has made substantial safety improvements and executed successful launches, such as the Inspiration4 mission, showcasing its dedication to safety and reliability.

Starlink's popularity is growing rapidly SpaceX is set to open an office in Dublin, which will be the first European office for the company founded by Elon Musk. The move comes as the US tech business seeks to expand sales of its Starlink satellite broadband service across the region. The Sunday Times, citing its source, reports that the decision to open in Ireland follows the global rise in popularity of the Starlink service and that the company will seek to build a financial team there. [caption id="attachment_54454" align="aligncenter" width="780"] SpaceX's[/caption] Elon Musk is preparing to open SpaceX's first European office The global space economy grew 8% to $546 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow another 41% over the next five years, according to a leading space nonprofit. The sector is expected to demonstrate resilience in the coming years, despite global economic uncertainty and a recent slowdown in space investment. According to the Space Foundation, there were 186 launch attempts in 2022 and 145 in the previous year. Of those, 81 were commercial launches, 50 of which were conducted by Musk's industry-leading SpaceX. The US dominated civil and defense spending in space, accounting for almost 60% of total spending. China comes in second place with a share of 14%. The European Space Agency came in third with a 5% share. Previously, Musk confirmed that his company SpaceX received permission to launch the Starship spacecraft.

No launch date yet American billionaire Elon Musk has confirmed that his company SpaceX has received permission for the orbital launch of the Starship spacecraft from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Congratulations to SpaceX for completing and documenting the 57 items required by the FAA for Starship's second flight. It is worth noting that 6 out of 63 points relate to later flights. SpaceX has met the requirements of the US Federal Aviation Administration [caption id="attachment_54441" align="aligncenter" width="450"] SpaceX[/caption] On its first launch, the rocket rose high and flew for more than three minutes, but lost several engines, caused serious damage to the launch pad, and entered a dive, after which it was remotely destroyed. After the launch, a crater appeared in the ground, concrete pieces scattered across the area, and the environment was damaged, Some species of wildlife are in danger of extinction. The launch also caused a fire of approximately 16,000 m2 within the state park.

SpaceX's Latest Triumph: 22 Starlink Satellites Soar into Orbit In a triumphant display of innovation and space prowess, SpaceX achieved another milestone with the successful launch of 22 Starlink satellites from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The event, which unfolded on a Friday at 11:12 p.m. EDT from Complex 40, marked yet another remarkable achievement for Elon Musk's trailblazing aerospace company. The Path to Global Internet Coverage The Falcon 9 rocket, the workhorse of SpaceX's fleet, flawlessly delivered the Starlink satellites into orbit. This launch not only signifies a step closer to comprehensive global internet coverage but also showcases SpaceX's commitment to revolutionizing space exploration. A Spectacular Show of Precision One of the most awe-inspiring moments of the launch was the controlled separation of the first-stage booster from the spacecraft. This separation was swiftly followed by the booster's pinpoint landing on the drone ship named "A Shortfall of Gravitas," positioned in the vast Atlantic Ocean. This feat, achieved just 8 minutes and 25 seconds after liftoff, underscores SpaceX's exceptional expertise in reusing rocket components. A Record-Breaking Booster The Falcon 9 booster used for this mission had an impressive track record, having completed six prior missions. These included three previous Starlink missions, as well as missions for Intelsat IS-40e, CRS-26, and OneWeb Launch 16. SpaceX's dedication to reusability plays a pivotal role in its mission to reduce the cost of space exploration. SpaceX's Ongoing Commitment The successful launch of SpaceX's 63rd mission in 2023 is a testament to the company's unwavering dedication to advancing space technology. The majority of these missions have been dedicated to deploying Starlink satellites, a critical component of SpaceX's ambitious plan to establish a global satellite internet network. [caption id="attachment_54187" align="aligncenter" width="705"] SpaceX Achieves Success 22 Starlink Satellites Launched Successfully[/caption] Rescheduling for Diversity in Space Exploration Initially slated to coincide with another significant mission on Saturday, the Space Force's National Reconnaissance Office's SILENTBARKER/NROL-107 mission has been rescheduled for Sunday. The upcoming mission will utilize United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rockets, contributing to the diversification of launch providers in the space exploration landscape. A Glimpse into the Future: Starship's Falcon Heavy Launch In the interim, SpaceX is gearing up for another groundbreaking moment: the launch of a Starship spacecraft atop a Falcon Heavy booster stage. This endeavor marks a pivotal step in SpaceX's ambitious interplanetary travel plans. The company is eagerly awaiting approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to proceed with this historic launch, as confirmed by SpaceX's visionary founder, Elon Musk. Navigating Challenges and Safety While SpaceX's journey has been marked by remarkable achievements, it has not been without challenges. In April, the company faced a setback when the first Starship test flight encountered difficulties during separation from the Falcon Heavy's first stage, resulting in an explosion. Subsequently, the FAA conducted a thorough investigation and identified "63 corrective actions" that SpaceX must address before the next launch can proceed. Anticipating a New Frontier Despite the rigorous safety standards and regulatory oversight that accompany ambitious space exploration goals, the world eagerly anticipates the next chapter in space exploration. SpaceX's unwavering commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of space technology holds the promise of a future beyond Earth's confines. FAQs about SpaceX Achieves Success: 22 Starlink Satellites Launched Successfully Q1: What is the significance of the recent SpaceX launch? A1: The successful launch of 22 Starlink satellites by SpaceX signifies a significant step towards achieving comprehensive global internet coverage and showcases SpaceX's commitment to advancing space technology. Q2: Why was the Falcon 9 booster used for this mission notable? A2: The Falcon 9 booster used in this mission had a remarkable track record, having completed six previous missions, highlighting SpaceX's emphasis on rocket reusability. Q3: What challenges did SpaceX face during a previous Starship test flight? A3: SpaceX encountered difficulties during the separation of the Starship spacecraft from the Falcon Heavy's first stage in a previous test flight, resulting in an explosion and subsequent FAA investigation. Q4: What is the significance of rescheduling the NROL-107 mission? A4: Rescheduling the NROL-107 mission for a Sunday launch using United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rockets contributes to the diversification of launch providers in space exploration.