Space Archive

Virgin Orbit to cease all operations and lay off 85 percent of its workforce

Jess WeatherbedMar 31, 2023

Jay PetersMar 29, 2023

We’re getting closer to 4G on the Moon.

Nokia is set to launch a 4G network on the Moon this year, as reported by CNBC. The network will go up to the Moon on a SpaceX rocket and will be used to help with the forthcoming human-crewed Artemis mission. The thing is, Nokia originally said in 2020 that the network would be deployed on the Moon in “late 2022,” so we’ll have to wait and see if the network actually makes it to the Moon’s surface this year.

So, when does the race to 5G on the Moon begin?

4G internet is set to arrive on the moon later this year

[CNBC]

Scientists erupt at NASA gutting funding for crucial Venus mission

The recent discovery of volcanic activity on the planet should have been a cause of celebration. But instead, the scientific community is in shock after NASA delayed funding for a key mission to Venus.

Georgina TorbetMar 28, 2023

Richard LawlerMar 23, 2023

Relativity Space successfully launched a 3D-printed rocket, but it didn’t make it to orbit.

Last night Relativity Space was able to launch its methane-fueled, 3D-printed Terran R rocket at 11:25PM ET (via Engadget, CNN) after being forced to scrub a few prior attempts.

However, Terran R failed to reach orbit, as the second stage engine sputtered out several minutes into the flight. Relativity called the launch “a huge win” and said, “We will assess flight data and provide public updates over the coming days.”

Mitchell ClarkMar 23, 2023

A chance to see a 3D-printed rocket launch.

Relativity Space is making its third attempt to launch its 3D-printed rocket, Terran 1. You can watch the livestream below for a chance to see it happen, though at the moment there isn’t a set T0 time.

Elizabeth LopattoMar 22, 2023

Virgin Orbit nearing deal for $200 million cash infusion.

The once-high-flying company has been struggling with “dwindling cash and mounting losses in recent quarters in a highly competitive market,” notes friend-of-The-Verge Joey Roulette.

Exclusive: Virgin Orbit near deal to raise $200 mln from Matthew Brown - term sheet

[Reuters]

SpaceX’s Starlink and other satellite internet providers are making light pollution worse for astronomers

Justine CalmaMar 21, 2023

The night sky is always getting faked

We’ve been getting fooled by photos of the night sky for years; now, tech is making it even easier.

Emma RothMar 16, 2023

SpaceX’s Starlink rolls out $200 per month ‘global’ satellite internet package

Emma Roth and Richard LawlerMar 15, 2023

Here’s the new spacesuit that astronauts will wear when they return to the Moon

Georgina TorbetMar 15, 2023

Amazon reveals its squared-off Project Kuiper satellite internet dishes

Emma RothMar 14, 2023

Our first look at a Martian sunset can tell us a lot about the Red Planet’s atmosphere

Georgina TorbetMar 10, 2023

Richard LawlerMar 8, 2023

Watch a (mostly) 3D-printed rocket launch for the first time.

Relativity Space has been preparing for its first launch of a 3D-printed rocket for a few years now, and it’s just minutes away.

According to Relativity, at “110 ft. tall and 7.5 ft. wide, Terran 1 is the largest 3D printed object to attempt orbital flight.”

Update: After an automated abort with 70 seconds left on the countdown in its first attempt, the team at first said it would recycle and attempt the launch again but now says the mission has been scrubbed for today.