The latest news about SpaceX, NASA and Spaceflight.

Earlier in 2023, SpaceX experienced a significant setback with the failure of its Starship/SuperHeavy launch vehicle during its inaugural flight. This highly anticipated test, conducted from Starbase in Texas, ended in the loss of the rocket due to multiple engine failures, causing a catastrophic spin. This event marked a pivotal moment in SpaceX's ambitious space exploration program, highlighting both the potential and challenges of such cutting-edge technology.

As SpaceX gears up for the second test flight involving Booster 9 and Ship 25, optimism is cautiously high. Both components have undergone extensive testing, including two static fires for Booster 9, marking a first for the SuperHeavy series. Ship 25 has also had a flawless testing campaign, raising hopes for a successful flight. However, given the complexity of the mission, the launch timing remains fluid, with SpaceX committed to ensuring maximum data collection and safety.

The Federal Aviation Administration's safety review of SpaceX's Starship marked a significant milestone for the aerospace company. After the explosive test flight in April, the FAA grounded Starship to conduct a thorough investigation. This review was not just a procedural step but a deep dive into the technical and operational nuances of SpaceX's ambitious project. The FAA evaluated the Super Heavy booster's performance, specifically focusing on the unexpected "rock tornado" and the subsequent damage to the surrounding environment. SpaceX's commitment to safety was put to the test as the review scrutinized the mishap's causes and examined the company's safety culture, system safety processes, and quantitative risk analysis for launch and reentry operations.

Such high-tide flooding that inundates roads and buildings along the west coast of the Americas tends to be uncommon outside of El Niño years, but that could change by the 2030s.

An analysis by NASA’s sea level change science team finds that if a strong El Niño develops this winter, cities along the western coasts of the Americas could see an increase in the frequency of high-tide flooding that can swamp roads and spill into low-lying buildings.

El Niño is a periodic climate phenomenon characterized by higher-than-normal sea levels and warmer-than-average ocean temperatures along the equatorial Pacific. These conditions can spread poleward along the western coasts of the Americas. El Niño, which is still developing this year, can bring more rain than usual to the U.S. Southwest and drought to countries in the western Pacific like Indonesia. These impacts typically occur in January through March.

The Starship system is a fully reusable, two‑stage‑to‑orbit super heavy‑lift launch vehicle under development by SpaceX. The system is composed of a booster stage named Super Heavy and a second stage, also called "Starship"

Sales for Starlink are on a trajectory to overtake the launch business soon, which means more and more regions will have access to SpaceX’s internet services. Think about it: a service that started off with test satellites is now on the verge of being the main moneymaker for one of the most talked-about companies in the world.

And while SpaceX keeps a tight lid on their financials, we've gotten a peek behind the curtain. A valuation of $150 billion was pinned on the company after a recent tender offer. Those numbers aren't just stratospheric; they're astronomical. This valuation reflects not only the commercial success of their launches but also the potential of their satellite-driven internet business.

The Starship system is a fully reusable, two‑stage‑to‑orbit super heavy‑lift launch vehicle under development by SpaceX. The system is composed of a booster stage named Super Heavy and a second stage, also called "Starship"

The latest news about SpaceX, NASA and Spaceflight.

The planned launch hinges on the critical approval from regulatory bodies, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These organizations are in the final stages of an environmental review, scrutinizing the launch site nestled among the wetlands of South Texas. Despite the pending approvals, SpaceX's announcement hints at a confident stance that the necessary endorsements are within reach, aligning with insider reports suggesting federal consent is imminent.

The Starship system is a fully reusable, two‑stage‑to‑orbit super heavy‑lift launch vehicle under development by SpaceX. The system is composed of a booster stage named Super Heavy and a second stage, also called "Starship"