News - Page 39

Unreachable Skies: Steuben Puts Up a Barrier to Rocket Launches

Steuben, Maine, has voted to ban commercial rocket launches, prioritizing local serenity over aerospace expansion, with a 264 to 141 vote. The new ordinance blocks companies like bluShift Aerospace, despite their eco-friendly intentions, to protect the town’s tranquility. It extends to prohibit

12 March 2025

News

Senate Scrutiny: The Space Contract Drama Reimagined

Troy Meink’s nomination for Air Force Secretary, tied to alleged favoritism towards Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is under scrutiny by Senate Democrats. Allegations suggest Meink facilitated SpaceX’s prominent $2.5 billion satellite contract by altering requirements to favor the company. The investigation, fueled by

1 March 2025

News

Political Tempest: Senators Question Air Force Nominee’s SpaceX Ties

Two Democratic senators, Elizabeth Warren and Tammy Duckworth, challenge Troy Meink’s nomination for Secretary of the Air Force over concerns about his past dealings with SpaceX and Elon Musk. As a former official at the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), Meink had influence

28 February 2025

News·Planets·Space Tourism

Artificial Planets: Humanity’s Next Frontier? How Tech is Shaping Celestial Destiny

Artificial planets are becoming a scientific possibility, potentially addressing Earth’s resource and population challenges. Key technologies include nanomaterials and AI-driven construction systems for fabricating and maintaining these planets. Such planets could be custom-designed for optimal life support, unlike inhospitable natural planets. Innovations

28 February 2025

News·Stars

Next Lunar Adventure: Athena Prepares to Conquer the Moon’s Rugged South

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launched on February 26th, carrying Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lander “Athena” toward the Moon. Athena aims to land at the Moon’s South Pole, particularly Mons Mouton, to further lunar exploration. This mission highlights the geopolitical and economic significance of lunar

28 February 2025

News·Stars

Elon Musk’s Skyward Ambition: When Government Contracts Take Flight

Starlink, part of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is on the verge of securing a $2.4 billion contract with the FAA to support air traffic control communications. The proposed deal aims to replace current systems, heightening concerns over ethical implications and potential conflicts of

28 February 2025

News·Space Tourism·Stars

Virgin Galactic’s Orbital Hub: The Future of Space Tourism Awaits

Virgin Galactic’s Orbital Hub aims to revolutionize space tourism by making the cosmos a viable vacation destination. Focus on sustainability is achieved through innovative propulsion technology, aligning with global environmental goals. Modular design bridges tourism and scientific exploration, appealing to a wide

28 February 2025

News·Space Tourism·Stars

SpaceX’s Starship Prepares for Takeoff After Spectacular Setback

SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, is preparing for a new launch after receiving FAA approval, following a previous mission’s interruption earlier this year. The Starship rocket, a 171-foot-tall symbol of future space travel, experienced a significant setback when debris scattered to places

28 February 2025

Asteroid 2024 YR4·News·Planets·Stars·Telescopes

When the Stars Align: How a Near Miss from Space Provides a Cosmic Perspective

Asteroid 2024 YR4 initially posed a 3.1% chance of impacting Earth but now has a minimal threat of 0.0017%. This cosmic event prompts reflection on humanity’s potential responses and the wonders of space exploration. The skies over New England have provided stunning

28 February 2025

News·Space Tourism

The Future of Fast Travel: Spaceplanes Are Here! Could They Change How We Fly?

Spaceplanes are hybrid vehicles capable of operating in both Earth’s atmosphere and outer space. These vehicles promise to revolutionize both space exploration and commercial air travel, potentially offering flights like New York to Tokyo in under two hours. Companies such as Virgin

28 February 2025

News·Space Tourism·SpaceX Launches·Stars

Elon Musk’s Bold Gamble: Starship Soars Again Amid FAA’s Controversial Approval

The FAA approved SpaceX’s modified license for the Starship launch despite ongoing mishap investigations. Starship, at 403 feet tall, continues SpaceX’s ambitious pursuit of space exploration under Elon Musk’s leadership. Prior mishaps, such as mid-flight disassembly and regulatory violations, complicate SpaceX’s journey.

28 February 2025