{"id":21840,"date":"2020-05-14T16:23:00","date_gmt":"2020-05-14T20:23:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?p=21840"},"modified":"2020-05-14T16:23:00","modified_gmt":"2020-05-14T20:23:00","slug":"space-transport-roundup-may-14-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?p=21840","title":{"rendered":"Space transport roundup &#8211; May.14.2020"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>A sampling of recent articles, videos, and images dealing with space transport (find <a href=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?cat=5\">previous roundups here<\/a>):<\/p>\n<p>** <strong>Two launches from Cape Canaveral this weekend<\/strong>:\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/spaceflightnow.com\/2020\/05\/13\/back-to-back-launches-scheduled-from-cape-canaveral-this-weekend\/\">Back-to-back launches scheduled from Cape Canaveral this weekend \u2013 Spaceflight Now<\/a><\/p>\n<p>**** <strong>Saturday, May 16th<\/strong>, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ulalaunch.com\/rockets\/atlas-v\">ULA Atlas V rocket<\/a> will take a <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Boeing_X-37\">X-37B<\/a> spaceplane into orbit for the 6th mission of the program. (See <a href=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?p=21793\">previous ST Roundup<\/a> for info on the X-37B mission.) The window for the launch is between 8:24-10:53 am EDT (1224-1453 GMT).<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ulalaunch.com\/missions\/atlas-v-ussf-7\">Atlas V USSF-7- United Launch Alliance (ULA) Rocket Launch &#8211; ULA<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/spaceflightnow.com\/2020\/05\/14\/atlas-5-av-081-mission-status-center\/\">Live coverage: Atlas 5 rolls to launch pad at Cape Canaveral \u2013 Spaceflight Now<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.leonarddavid.com\/x-37b-space-plane-ready-for-new-mission\/\">X-37B Space Plane: Ready for New Mission &#8211; Leonard David<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/W4sOJ9_ZVz0?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p>****\u00a0 <strong>Sunday, May 17th<\/strong>, a SpaceX Falcon 9 will put 60 more Starlink satellites into orbit. Over 400 Starlink satellite are already in space. Liftoff is set for 0753 GMT (3:53 a.m. EDT). A storm brewing in the Atlantic, however, may cause a postponement since it could prevent the recovery of the booster, which will be on its 5th flight. To maintain the desired high flight rate for the Starlink program, the boosters need to be reused multiple times. A test firing of the booster engines was successfully carried out yesterday.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/spaceflightnow.com\/2020\/05\/13\/spacex-readies-rocket-for-final-falcon-9-launch-before-crew-flight\/\">SpaceX readies rocket for final Falcon 9 launch before crew flight \u2013 Spaceflight Now<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teslarati.com\/spacex-falcon-9-record-landing-engine-failure\/\">SpaceX Falcon 9 booster set for record-breaking landing after lessons learned from engine failure &#8211; Teslarati<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Find more <a href=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?cat=5#SpaceX\">SpaceX items below<\/a><\/p>\n<p>** <strong>China launches Kuaizhou-1A solid fueled rocket with two smallsats<\/strong> (93 kg each )for the Xingyun communications and data relay constellation. The constellation will eventually reach 80 satellites.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_keKPF0L6Z8?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/spaceflightnow.com\/2020\/05\/12\/first-two-smallsats-launched-for-chinese-data-relay-constellation\/\">First two smallsats launched for Chinese data relay constellation \u2013 Spaceflight Now<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/2020\/05\/kuhaizhou-1a-satellites-tribute-wuhan\/\">Kuhaizhou-1A launches two satellites, one named in tribute to Wuhan &#8211; NASASpaceFlight.com<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>** <strong>China&#8217;s new crew capsule lands successfully a few days after launch on the new Long March 5B<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.xinhuanet.com\/english\/2020-05\/08\/c_139040867.htm\">Return capsule of China&#8217;s experimental manned spaceship comes back successfully &#8211; Xinhua<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.chinadaily.com.cn\/a\/202005\/08\/WS5eb4f803a310a8b2411543eb_1.html\">Re-entry module of prototype spacecraft makes landing &#8211; Chinadaily.com.cn<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.leonarddavid.com\/chinas-new-spaceship-space-station-and-human-moon-exploration-plans\/\">China\u2019s New Spaceship: Space Station and Human Moon Exploration Plans &#8211; Leonard David<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/2020\/05\/new-chinese-crew-capsule-returns-earth\/\">New Chinese crew capsule completes test flight, returns to Earth &#8211; NASASpaceFlight.com<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The core stage made an uncontrolled reentry a week after the launch:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/2020\/5\/13\/21256484\/china-rocket-debris-africa-uncontrolled-reentry-long-march-5b\">An out-of-control Chinese rocket may have dumped debris in Africa after falling from space &#8211; The Verge<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/arstechnica.com\/science\/2020\/05\/large-chunks-of-a-chinese-rocket-missed-new-york-city-by-about-15-minutes\/\">Large chunks of a Chinese rocket missed New York City by about 15 minutes | Ars Technica<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/spaceflightnow.com\/2020\/05\/09\/u-s-military-tracking-large-chinese-rocket-reentry\/\">U.S. military tracking unguided re-entry of large Chinese rocket \u2013 Spaceflight Now<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>**** <strong>Recovery operations for China\u2019s new crewed spacecraft<\/strong> &#8211; SciNews\/CCTV\/CNSA<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>China\u2019s new-generation crewed spacecraft successfully landed at the Dongfeng landing site, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China, on 8 May 2020, at 05:49 UTC (13:49 local time). During the two days and 19 hours in orbit, the uncrewed spacecraft carried out a series of space science and technology experiments. The spacecraft was transported to the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center for inspection and verification work. Credit:China Central Television (CCTV)\/China National Space Administration (CNSA)<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zYxIsaEPZPc?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p>**** <strong>Spacecraft Return Capsule Structure Intact as Designed after Return to Earth: Designer<\/strong> &#8211; CCTV<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em><span class=\"style-scope yt-formatted-string\" dir=\"auto\">The structure of the return capsule of the trial version of China&#8217;s new-generation manned spaceship was intact as designed after it landed on the Earth on Friday, a designer of the spaceship said on Saturday.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4ZNNfGoTAh0?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p>** <strong>History of Chinese spaceplane designs and projects:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/china-aerospace.blog\/2020\/05\/05\/chinese-spaceplanes-a-historical-perspective\/\">Part 1: A Historical Perspective on Chinese Spaceplanes \u2013 The China Aerospace Blog<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/china-aerospace.blog\/2020\/05\/11\/chinas-spaceplane-projects-past-present-and-future\/\">Part 2: China\u2019s Spaceplane Projects: Past, Present and Future \u2013 The China Aerospace Blog<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>** <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.rocketlabusa.com\">Rocket Lab<\/a> updates<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Another set of 3D printed Rutherford engines rolling off the line in Long Beach. We&#8217;re fast approaching our 200th engine! <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/DsLdk9L93B\">pic.twitter.com\/DsLdk9L93B<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Rocket Lab (@RocketLab) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/RocketLab\/status\/1260710472820523009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">May 13, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">The 3rd pad (LC-1B) is coming along nicely. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/wHkzeWI2Vw\">pic.twitter.com\/wHkzeWI2Vw<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Peter Beck (@Peter_J_Beck) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Peter_J_Beck\/status\/1260061407497711616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">May 12, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">A rocket at LC-2 USA and at LC-1 NZ. One day I would love to launch both at the same time and we can have a race to orbit. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/nLbvPqZfJb\">pic.twitter.com\/nLbvPqZfJb<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Peter Beck (@Peter_J_Beck) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Peter_J_Beck\/status\/1258517052194566144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">May 7, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>** <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.firefly.com\">Firefly<\/a> updates<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Firefly Aerospace is preparing Reaver engines for integration with Alpha Flight 1. Engines are acceptance tested on our horizontal test stand. This video shows the startup sequence of an engine, filmed at 1,000 frames per second. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/GBsAJnYPc6\">pic.twitter.com\/GBsAJnYPc6<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Firefly Aerospace (@Firefly_Space) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Firefly_Space\/status\/1258795655641927681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">May 8, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Firefly is currently acceptance testing all of the elements and systems for Alpha Flight 1. Today, the Stage 1 liquid oxygen (LOx) tank successfully passed acceptance testing! Alpha uses the world\u2019s largest all-composite LOx tank, which allows Firefly to create the lightest, <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/m8fS62ShTL\">pic.twitter.com\/m8fS62ShTL<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Firefly Aerospace (@Firefly_Space) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Firefly_Space\/status\/1260316105245163520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">May 12, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>** <strong>Briefs<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/spaceflightnow.com\/2020\/05\/11\/cygnus-departs-station-beginning-extended-experimental-mission\/\">Cygnus departs space station, beginning extended experimental mission \u2013 Spaceflight Now<\/a> &#8211; After departing the ISS, Cygnus will remain in orbit till May 29th. It will deploy some smallsats and do various experiments including combustion and fire tests.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.innovationaus.com\/defence-deal-sends-gilmour-space-soaring\/\" target=\"_d\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Defence deal sends Gilmour Space soaring &#8211; InnovationAus<\/a> &#8211; See also<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gspacetech.com\/\"> Gilmour Space Technologies<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.prnewswire.com\/news-releases\/pryer-aerospace-signs-long-term-agreement-with-blue-origin-to-support-new-glenn-heavy-lift-launch-vehicle-301058644.html\" target=\"_d\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pryer Aerospace Signs Long-Term Agreement with Blue Origin to Support New Glenn Heavy-Lift Launch Vehicle &#8211; Pryer Aero<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCQXI2_3fN9TameVbDKW-ODg\/videos\" target=\"_d\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">SPACESHIPMANIA &#8211; YouTube<\/a> &#8211; Models<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a id=\"SpaceX\"><\/a>** <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.spacex.com\">SpaceX<\/a><\/strong>:<\/p>\n<p>** <strong>Counting down to launch of astronauts to the ISS on SpaceX Crew Dragon<\/strong>.\u00a0 Preparations are speeding up for the Commercial Crew Program (CCP) demonstration launch for crew transport to the Station. Liftoff is set for May 27th at<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley entered quarantine on May 13th:\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.nasa.gov\/commercialcrew\/2020\/05\/13\/spacex-demo-2-crew-members-enter-preflight-quarantine\/\">SpaceX Demo-2 Crew Members Enter Preflight Quarantine \u2013 Commercial Crew Program\/NASA<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/spaceflightnow.com\/2020\/05\/08\/dragon-astronauts-wrap-up-training-prepare-to-enter-quarantine\/\">Dragon astronauts wrap up training, prepare to enter quarantine \u2013 Spaceflight Now<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>NASA&#8217;s role in monitoring development of the crew system:\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/how-nasa-certifies-new-spacecraft-safe-enough-for-humans\/\">How NASA Certifies New Spacecraft Safe Enough for Humans | WIRED<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>A Tesla Model X will take the astronauts to the launch pad:\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.collectspace.com\/news\/news-051320a-spacex-tesla-modelx-astrovan.html\">Astronauts to ride NASA-adorned Tesla Model X to SpaceX launchpad | collectSPACE<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/arstechnica.com\/science\/2020\/05\/crew-dragon-astronauts-will-ride-to-the-launch-pad-in-a-tesla-model-x\/\">Meet the new \u201cAstrovan\u201d for Crew Dragon\u2014a Tesla Model X | Ars Technica<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Solar array performance will determine how long the Dragon remains at the ISS:\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/spaceflightnow.com\/2020\/05\/12\/dragon-solar-array-concerns-driving-duration-of-first-crewed-test-flight\/\">Dragon solar array concerns driving duration of first crewed test flight \u2013 Spaceflight Now<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Here\u2019s some <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Tesla?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@Tesla<\/a> news that everyone should love. Check out the Model X that will carry <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AstroBehnken?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@AstroBehnken<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Astro_Doug?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@Astro_Doug<\/a> to the launchpad for the Demo-2 mission! <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/LaunchAmerica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#LaunchAmerica<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/6GCQYDFXiv\">pic.twitter.com\/6GCQYDFXiv<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Jim Bridenstine (@JimBridenstine) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/JimBridenstine\/status\/1260667420777353216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">May 13, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>**** <strong>Try docking the Crew Dragon to the ISS with the <a href=\"https:\/\/iss-sim.spacex.com\/\">SPACEX &#8211; ISS Docking Simulator<\/a><\/strong>. Scott Manley gives a tutorial on the simulator:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>How To Dock With ISS in SpaceX&#8217;s Free Dragon Docking Simulator<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>In advance of the DM-2 Flight carrying crew to the ISS using the first privately designed and built spacecraft SpaceX have released a cut down version of the Dragon simulator which allows you to fly the docking sequence with the ISS. While this is only a cut down version of a full Dragon 2 simulation, it does give you a chance to see how the user interface design is radically different from existing space vehicles. It also gives you a chance to fly recklessly around a simulated ISS, since they won&#8217;t let you do that in real life.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Pp4CTN6-kzQ?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p>The astronauts in flight-suits practice docking in the full scale hardware simulator: <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.nasa.gov\/commercialcrew\/2020\/05\/12\/crew-dragon-displays-and-crew-spacesuits-ready-for-mission-to-space-station\/\">Crew Dragon Displays and Crew Spacesuits Ready for Mission to Space Station \u2013 Commercial Crew Program<\/a><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_21845\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21845\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.nasa.gov\/commercialcrew\/2020\/05\/12\/crew-dragon-displays-and-crew-spacesuits-ready-for-mission-to-space-station\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"21845\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?attachment_id=21845\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/AstronautsPracticeDocking-SpaceX-scaled.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2560,2048\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Astronauts Practice Docking the Dragon\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Astronauts practice docking the Dragon. Credits: SpaceX&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/AstronautsPracticeDocking-SpaceX-1024x819.jpg\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-21845\" src=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/AstronautsPracticeDocking-SpaceX-500x400.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/AstronautsPracticeDocking-SpaceX-500x400.jpg 500w, https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/AstronautsPracticeDocking-SpaceX-1024x819.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/AstronautsPracticeDocking-SpaceX-768x614.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/AstronautsPracticeDocking-SpaceX-1536x1229.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/AstronautsPracticeDocking-SpaceX-2048x1638.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-21845\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Astronauts practice docking the Dragon. Credits: SpaceX\/NASA.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>**** <strong>Promotional video from NASA on the upcoming commercial crew mission<\/strong>: <span class=\"style-scope yt-formatted-string\" dir=\"auto\">NASA and SpaceX prepare to <\/span><a class=\"yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string\" dir=\"auto\" spellcheck=\"false\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/results?search_query=%23LaunchAmerica\">#LaunchAmerica<\/a> &#8211; NASA<\/p>\n<p><em><span class=\"style-scope yt-formatted-string\" dir=\"auto\">Together with SpaceX, NASA will return human spaceflight to American soil after nearly a decade. SpaceX will launch people into space for the first time ever with astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley on board Crew Dragon, which will dock to the International Space Station.<br \/>\nPrepare to <\/span><a class=\"yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string\" dir=\"auto\" spellcheck=\"false\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/results?search_query=%23LaunchAmerica\">#LaunchAmerica<\/a><span class=\"style-scope yt-formatted-string\" dir=\"auto\"> on May 27: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/launchamerica\">www.nasa.gov\/launchamerica<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5EgRrAK8_HQ?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p>**** <strong>Commercial Crew was a huge bargain and Orion\/SLS a boondoggle of historic proportions<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2020\/05\/13\/nasa-estimates-having-spacex-and-boeing-build-spacecraft-for-astronauts-saved-up-to-30-billion.html\" target=\"_d\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">NASA: SpaceX, Boeing building spacecraft for astronauts saved up to $30 billion &#8211; CNBC<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2020\/05\/13\/nasa-estimates-having-spacex-and-boeing-build-spacecraft-for-astronauts-saved-up-to-30-billion.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"21841\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?attachment_id=21841\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/CCPBudgetHistory-mcalister-May2020.png\" data-orig-size=\"630,354\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"CCP Budget History\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/CCPBudgetHistory-mcalister-May2020.png\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-21841 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/CCPBudgetHistory-mcalister-May2020-500x281.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/CCPBudgetHistory-mcalister-May2020-500x281.png 500w, https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/CCPBudgetHistory-mcalister-May2020.png 630w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>**** <strong>Planet Labs takes advantage of Rideshare\u00a0 on Starlink launches<\/strong>:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.planet.com\/pulse\/skysats-16-21-to-launch-on-spacex-falcon-9-starlink-missions\/\"> SkySats 16-21 to Launch on SpaceX Falcon 9 Rideshare Missions &#8211; Planet Lab<\/a><\/p>\n<section>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>Planet is set to launch six more SkySat satellites (SkySats 16-21) into Low Earth Orbit this summer, rounding out the fleet of 15 SkySats already in operation.<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>SkySats 1-15 operate in Sun Synchronous Orbits, a specific type of Low Earth Orbit that results in the Earth\u2019s surface always being illuminated by the Sun at the same angle when the satellite is capturing imagery. About half of the SkySats currently pass overhead in a morning crossing plane, while the other half moves in an afternoon crossing plane, so together they provide twice-daily coverage of select areas on a global scale. SkySats 16-21 will operate at a \u201cmid-inclination\u201d orbit of 53 degrees, complimenting the Sun Synchronous fleet, and will offer more targeted coverage and\u00a0raw image capacity in key geographic regions.<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>The six SkySats will be evenly split across two launches on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.spacex.com\/falcon9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">SpaceX\u2019s Falcon 9<\/a>, a two-stage reusable rocket that has successfully flown satellites and cargo over 80 times to orbit. They will do so as rideshare payloads on launches of SpaceX\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.starlink.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Starlink<\/a> satellites.<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>SkySats 16-18 will launch on SpaceX\u2019s ninth Starlink mission, targeted for launch in the next month, and SkySats 19-21 will launch later this summer. Both missions will launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Base in Florida.<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>The launch of SkySats 16-21, as well as the development of our enhanced <a href=\"https:\/\/www.planet.com\/pulse\/more-spectral-bands-50cm-global-analytics-change-detection\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">50 cm imagery<\/a> (to be made available to customers this year)\u2014are just some examples of Planet\u2019s continuously evolving industry-leading geospatial offerings. Stay tuned to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.planet.com\/pulse\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pulse blog<\/a> for more launch and product updates in the coming months.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>See also:<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teslarati.com\/spacex-starlink-launch-rideshare-debut\/\">SpaceX Starlink launches to debut rideshare capabilities next month &#8211; Teslarati<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/2020\/05\/planet-labs-skysats-to-rideshare-with-spacex-starlink-launches\/\">Planet Labs SkySats to rideshare with SpaceX Starlink launches &#8211; NASASpaceFlight.com<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>**** <strong>Each generation of SpaceX rockets pushes the technology to the next level<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nextbigfuture.com\/2020\/05\/technology-progress-iterations-times-progress-between-iterations.html\">Technology Progress = Iterations Times Progress Between Iterations \u2013 NextBigFuture.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>Elon Musk has noted that progress in any given technology is simply # of iterations * progress between iterations. SpaceX has successfully completed six major iterations and is on its seventh rocket version iteration. SpaceX has existed for eighteen years and has shortened its development time from six years to about two years.<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>This is why SpaceX is crushing all of its competitors like United Launch Alliance, China, Russia, Ariane and Blue Origin.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>**** <strong>Starship<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>****** <strong>SpaceX continues to maintain a very high level of activity at Boca Chica Beach<\/strong>. The Raptor engine used during test firings last week was removed from the SN4 Starship prototype. A subsequent pressure test on the SN4 using cryogenic propellants successfully reached 7.5 atmospheres, which should provide sufficient margin for uncrewed test flights. (8.5 atm will need to be reached to provide the safety margin desired for crew flights.) A different Raptor engine was then installed on SN4. Test firings are expected to start within a day or two. If these go well, there could be a 150 meter hop a few days after that.<\/p>\n<p>This diagram for the cryogenic tank tests shows the liquid methane fuel in green and the liquid oxygen in blue:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Let&#8217;s clear some misconceptions:<br \/>\nchilly exterior: cold(er than air) gas inside<br \/>\nchilly with condensation on bottom: very little cryo liquid inside (common before static fires)<br \/>\nfrosty walls: filled with cryo liquid (up to the frost lines. happens during cryo proof and actual WDRs) <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/Fz3seKp3mW\">pic.twitter.com\/Fz3seKp3mW<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Rafael Adamy (@fael097) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/fael097\/status\/1259047154317955072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">May 9, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, the SN5 is nearly fully stacked. It&#8217;s expected that it will get a nosecone on top and the reentry fins on the side. Assuming it passes tank pressure and engine test firing tests with three engines installed, the SN5 might launch to as high as 20 km. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.teslarati.com\/spacex-starship-first-triple-raptor-prototype\/\">SpaceX&#8217;s first high-flying, triple-Raptor Starship is almost finished &#8211; Teslarati<\/a>.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Oh and SN5&#8217;s tanks section is finally fully stacked&#x1f680;Although saying &#8220;fully&#8221; is kinda dicey now since it&#8217;s supposed to have a nosecone, eventually&#x1f914;Good thing they&#8217;re not in a hurry with all the SN4 testing ahead&#x1f605;<br \/>\n&#x1f4f8; by <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/BocaChicaGal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@BocaChicaGal<\/a> for <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NASASpaceflight?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@NASASpaceflight<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/5qC0eR4RpF\">https:\/\/t.co\/5qC0eR4RpF<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/Ah3zwzJnHd\">pic.twitter.com\/Ah3zwzJnHd<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Rafael Adamy (@fael097) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/fael097\/status\/1260631347393114114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">May 13, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><br \/>\nComponents for SN6 are also in production. Each prototype is expected to have improvements and enhancements over the previous one. Eventually, a SN# will go to orbit and then attempt a reentry and landing.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">SN6 gets a pointy end&#x1f680; &#8230;maybe? Well we can&#8217;t know for sure which nosecone each SN will get, but I&#8217;ll assign the latest nose to the latest SN until we know better. This is Nosecone #4 by the way.<br \/>\n&#x1f4f8; by <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/BocaChicaGal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@BocaChicaGal<\/a> for <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NASASpaceflight?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@NASASpaceflight<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/5qC0eR4RpF\">https:\/\/t.co\/5qC0eR4RpF<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/ex9oGFjCT4\">pic.twitter.com\/ex9oGFjCT4<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Rafael Adamy (@fael097) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/fael097\/status\/1260317062318129153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">May 12, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Here are Elon&#8217;s goals for transport costs once operational Starships are flying:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Starship + Super Heavy propellant mass is 4800 tons (78% O2 &amp; 22% CH4). I think we can get propellant cost down to ~$100\/ton in volume, so ~$500k\/flight. With high flight rate, probably below $1.5M fully burdened cost for 150 tons to orbit or ~$10\/kg.<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/elonmusk\/status\/1258580078218412033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">May 8, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Would be about 10 times that cost for payload to surface of Mars<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/elonmusk\/status\/1258581400732618752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">May 8, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>***** <strong>Views of Boca Chica activities:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>****** <strong>May 7<\/strong>: Starship SN-4 Slow Motion 4K Static Fire [May 7, 2020] &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC6uKrU_WqJ1R2HMTY3LIx5Q\/videos\">Everyday Astronaut on Youtube<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em><span class=\"style-scope yt-formatted-string\" dir=\"auto\">SpaceX successfully static fired their Starship SN-4 prototype using fuel from the header tank (secondary smaller tank inside the main tank). Everything looked good and SpaceX will continue to push to prepare for the 150m hop of this vehicle. Thanks to Rachel and Gene from <\/span><a class=\"yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string\" dir=\"auto\" spellcheck=\"false\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCDkP5NWUhfHXZNhcGr2G2pQ\">@SPadre<\/a><\/em><span class=\"style-scope yt-formatted-string\" dir=\"auto\"><em> [@ spacepadreisle on twitter] for shooting this for us!<\/em> <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/P7LbzUdkdIY?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p>****** <strong>May 8<\/strong>: SpaceX Releases Massive LN2 Possible Cryo Test Abort &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/LabPadre\/videos\" target=\"_d\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LabPadre &#8211; YouTube<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>05.09.2020 After an initial possible ambient test. SpaceX unexpectedly released a massive amount of LN2 from the tank farm. Some are speculating that a valve may have ruptured. Waiting on Elon&#8217;s response. All images are explicitly owned by LabPadre Media.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Z-7qsUiTpgU?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p>****** <strong>May 9<\/strong>: SpaceX Boca Chica &#8211; Full Drive-Past Entire Facility &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCSUu1lih2RifWkKtDOJdsBA\">NASASpaceflight &#8211; YouTube<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>Mary takes you on an updated drive past the growing facility at SpaceX Boca Chica, from the launch site to the production facility. Very useful to get one&#8217;s bearings. No fancy editing or timelapse, just a fateful of Boca Chica, which most of you will appreciate! Video from Mary (@BocaChicaGal)<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/wBic402S38c?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p>****** <strong>May 10<\/strong>: 4K SpaceX Starship SN4 Passes Cryo Test! &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/LabPadre\/videos\" target=\"_d\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LabPadre &#8211; YouTube<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>05.09.2020 A 4K segment of SpaceX Boca Chica crossing another milestone with Starship SN4 passing a cryogenic pressure test at 7.5 Bar according to Elon Musk on Twitter. At this point in the test the top starts to frost rather quickly. All images are explicitly owned by LabPadre Media.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/jiAU3_DKFLg?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p>****** <strong>May 11<\/strong>: SpaceX Boca Chica &#8211; Raptor delivery for Starship SN4 ahead of 150 meter hop &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCSUu1lih2RifWkKtDOJdsBA\">NASASpaceflight &#8211; YouTube<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>A new Raptor engine for Starship SN4 has arrived at SpaceX&#8217;s Boca Chica launch site ahead of the final static fire test, set for no earlier than Tuesday. If all goes well with the static fire, SN4 is expected to hop to 150 meters. Video and Photos from Mary (@BocaChicaGal). Edited by Jack Beyer (@thejackbeyer).<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/J99BZsJh3CE?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p>****** <strong>May 11<\/strong>:\u00a0 SpaceX Boca Chica &#8211; Starship SN4, 5, 6 and Nosecones Everywhere &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCSUu1lih2RifWkKtDOJdsBA\">NASASpaceflight &#8211; YouTube<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>As Starship SN4 prepares for another Static Fire test, SN5 is in the VAB and SN6 sections wait their turn at SpaceX Boca Chica. Meanwhile, yet another new nosecone has been spotted. Video and Photos from Mary (@BocaChicaGal).<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lnJdM0Szkuw?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p>****** <strong>May 12<\/strong>: SpaceX Boca Chica &#8211; Starship SN5 Stacked &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCSUu1lih2RifWkKtDOJdsBA\">NASASpaceflight &#8211; YouTube<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>Another Starship is born at SpaceX Boca Chica as SN5 is stacked inside the High Bay. Meanwhile, SN4 is in final preparations for a Static Fire test with the SN20 Raptor on Wednesday. Video and Photos from Mary (@BocaChicaGal). Edited by Jack Beyer (@thejackbeyer).<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nckxlErC2nk?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p>** <strong>May 14<\/strong>: SpaceX Boca Chica &#8211; Final preps underway ahead of Starship SN4&#8217;s third static fire &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCSUu1lih2RifWkKtDOJdsBA\">NASASpaceflight &#8211; YouTube<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>Final preparations were underway at SpaceX&#8217;s Boca Chica launch site on Wednesday ahead of the third Raptor static fire on Starship SN4. The static fire is slated to occur on Thursday afternoon. Video and Photos from Mary (@BocaChicaGal). Edited by Jack Beyer (@thejackbeyer).<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/F13MeFTcix8?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p>** <strong>Webcast rocket reports<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<p>****<strong> SpaceX Starship SN4 Prepares for flight, Crew Dragon Demo 2 &amp; Crew-1 updates, Chinese Long March 5B<\/strong> &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCBNHHEoiSF8pcLgqLKVugOw\">Marcus House<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>Starship completed its static fires with the SN4 Starship and we are looking onwards now to the potential 150 metre flight test. The SN5 and SN6 Starship continues construction as well so loads going on again in BocaChica Texas. More news, talks, and footage related to the first crewed flight for SpaceX coming up in a few weeks with the Crew Dragon Demo 2 mission including a great talk from Gwynne Shotwell. This week also saw the first successful flight of the Chinese Long March 5B heavy-lift rocket. Then a few other great little snippets of news as well.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_s2jWXoIGPI?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p>**** <strong>SpaceX Starship Updates \u2013 A History Of Starship Evolution<\/strong> &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC1XvxnHFtWruS9egyFasP1Q\">What about it!?<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-k5m7U3CbRo?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p>**** <strong>SpaceX Starship Updates \u2013 NASA Perseverance Rover Getting Ready For Mars<\/strong> &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC1XvxnHFtWruS9egyFasP1Q\">What about it!?<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/04ZIM3KCsXc?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">==<strong> <em>Amazon Ad<\/em> <\/strong>==<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/0989135519\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0989135519&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=hobbyspace&amp;linkId=5203723e716aff942564e0553e7de329\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em><strong>Safe Is Not an Option<\/strong><\/em><\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;\" src=\"\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=hobbyspace&amp;l=am2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0989135519\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe style=\"width: 120px; height: 240px;\" src=\"\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;OneJS=1&amp;Operation=GetAdHtml&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;source=ac&amp;ref=tf_til&amp;ad_type=product_link&amp;tracking_id=hobbyspace&amp;marketplace=amazon&amp;region=US&amp;placement=0989135519&amp;asins=0989135519&amp;linkId=77da9ee9c40bd2d5bdefcfdd25afd5da&amp;show_border=true&amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true&amp;price_color=333333&amp;title_color=0066c0&amp;bg_color=ffffff\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A sampling of recent articles, videos, and images dealing with space transport (find previous roundups here): ** Two launches from Cape Canaveral this weekend:\u00a0 Back-to-back launches scheduled from Cape Canaveral this weekend \u2013 Spaceflight Now **** Saturday, May 16th, a ULA Atlas V rocket will take a X-37B spaceplane into orbit for the 6th mission &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?p=21840\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Space transport roundup &#8211; May.14.2020<\/span> <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,106],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21840","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-rockets","category-space-transport-roundup"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p34aWK-5Gg","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":16558,"url":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?p=16558","url_meta":{"origin":21840,"position":0},"title":"Videos: ULA Delta IV rocket launches NASA&#8217;s Parker Solar Probe","author":"TopSpacer","date":"August 12, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Early this morning, a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket successfully launched NASA's Parker Solar Probe\u00a0from Cape Canaveral on a unique mission to study the Sun's corona up close\u00a0NASA,\u00a0ULA\u00a0Launch Parker Solar Probe on Historic Journey to Touch Sun | NASA https:\/\/youtu.be\/AlyuSwRSVHU Few get to see a spacecraft named after\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Rockets&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Rockets","link":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?cat=5"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/psplaunch-11-895x1024.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":321,"url":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?p=321","url_meta":{"origin":21840,"position":1},"title":"NASA&#8217;s TDRS-K advanced communications sat launched","author":"TopSpacer","date":"January 31, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"An Atlas V rocket successfully launched a new communications satellite from Cape Canaveral. The TDRS-K will greatly enhance communications for NASA with its orbital spacecraft, the Hubble telescope and the ISS: ULA Altas V successfully launches with TDRS-K - NASASpaceFlight.com. Here is a video of the launch: http:\/\/youtu.be\/MM16W6w_GX8","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Rockets&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Rockets","link":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?cat=5"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/MM16W6w_GX8\/0.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":18523,"url":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?p=18523","url_meta":{"origin":21840,"position":2},"title":"Space transport roundup &#8211; April.20.2019","author":"TopSpacer","date":"April 20, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"A sampling of recent articles, videos, and images dealing with space transport: [ Update April.21.2019, 10:25 am EDT: An explosion took place on Saturday at Cape Canaveral during a SpaceX test of a Crew Dragon propulsion system. There is lots of speculation going on but we won't know what actually\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Rockets&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Rockets","link":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?cat=5"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/LM3LaunchBeidou-April20-2019.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":21504,"url":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?p=21504","url_meta":{"origin":21840,"position":3},"title":"Space transport roundup &#8211; Mar.25.2020","author":"TopSpacer","date":"March 25, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"A sampling of recent articles, videos, and images dealing with space transport (find previous roundups here): ** ULA Atlas V set to launch the sixth AEHF (Advanced Extremely High Frequency) communications satellite for the Air Force. The two hour launch window on Thursday opens at 2:57 pm EDT (1857 GMT).\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Rockets&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Rockets","link":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?cat=5"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/AtlasVForAEHF6MissionBeforeRollout_1000x1333-375x500.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2526,"url":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?p=2526","url_meta":{"origin":21840,"position":4},"title":"X-37B update","author":"TopSpacer","date":"May 28, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Leonard David gives the latest on the X-37B currently in orbit: US Military Space Plane's Mystery Mission Passes 5-Month Mark - Space.com. The U.S. Air Force's robotic X-37B space plane has quietly passed the five-month mark on its latest secret mission in Earth orbit. The unmanned X-37B spacecraft launched into\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Space Systems&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Space Systems","link":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?cat=26"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/VhAxiU5xL24\/0.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":20441,"url":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?p=20441","url_meta":{"origin":21840,"position":5},"title":"Space transport roundup &#8211; Dec.3.2019","author":"TopSpacer","date":"December 3, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"A sampling of recent articles, videos, and images dealing with space transport (find previous roundups here): [ Update Dec.4: Launch postponed due to high winds: Standing down today due to upper altitude winds and high winds at sea creating dynamic conditions around the Of Course I Still Love You droneship\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Rockets&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Rockets","link":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?cat=5"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/leo-aerospace-regulus-orbital-500x281.png?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21840","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=21840"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21840\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21846,"href":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21840\/revisions\/21846"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=21840"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=21840"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=21840"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}