That was a fun read! I really like the Spaceport Readiness Level scale. Makes me excited for the future.

I keep thinking that it must have been half a meter and there was a mistake somewhere, but that's what the source tells us! Insane.

That's so cool!!

https://x.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1842169172932886538

First crew dragon launch from SLC40!

I wish them best of luck! These are big projects which could truly transform our exploration around the earth/moon system.

So excited for attempt number 2!

It's time to start taking this stuff seriously. Glad to hear it's in the works.

Bill Nelson jump scare is so real lol. Can't wait.

https://spacenews.com/rfa-first-stage-destroyed-in-static-fire-test/

I LOVE that already there are enough commercial space missions happening that it's easy to get confused which one is which! The more the merrier imo :)

Thanks for sharing the video! I'm always interested in seeing mainstream coverage of this stuff. However, they really don't know what they're talking about. For example, the host says they're going to higher altitudes than the Apollo program, which is just utterly baloney. Really throws a wrench into the credibility of this news outlet, in my view at least.

As for whether this mission is risky, yes it absolutely is. However, all manned space missions are risky and this one doesn't really have anything that makes it fundamentally unsafe.

Look, NASA sets objectives to accomplish its missions to the ISS, and they work with the engineers at SpaceX to figure out how to accomplish them as safely as possible. These Polaris missions are fascinating in that the objectives are set jointly between the SpaceX team and a paying customer.

The customer is interested in a few things, but it probably comes down to fame for doing new things. SpaceX is interested in developing the technologies and raising funds to get to Mars. Where their goals overlap is how we get the Polaris missions. I think that's pretty cool!

Just kidding...

https://x.com/rfa_space/status/1825634436794245548

On Monday evening, RFA conducted a hot fire of its first stage at their launch site at SaxaVord Spaceport.

This resulted in an anomaly that led to the loss of the stage. No one was injured in the process. The launch pad has been saved and is secured, the situation is under control and any immediate danger has been mitigated. We are now working closely with SaxaVord Spaceport and the authorities to gather data and info to eventually resolve what happened.

We will take our time to analyze and assess the situation.

We develop iteratively with an emphasis on real testing. This is part of our philosophy and we were aware of the higher risks attached to this approach. Our goal is to return to regular operations as soon as possible.

While the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) is responsible for developing the satellite bus, Korea’s Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) is in charge of the payloads.

SpaceX is just launching the satellites.

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2024/08/transporter-11/

https://spacenews.com/indian-solid-sslv-rocket-launches-earth-observation-satellite/

Think a booster will complete 25 flights by the end of the year? I think so. We're close!

Thanks! I've never modded(?) before but I'd be more than happy to give it a shot :)

Personally, I think it's a great thing that the US arguably has the best military surveillance and communication satellites. Certainly I prefer money going there than into literal bullets. In any case, doesn't this have nothing to do with space tourism?

Instant upvote. Well played, my friend, well played.