With approval for another flight as early as next week, SpaceX has released a report on what happened on the last two flights, and what they’ve done to prevent a repeat of either.
[Tuesday-morning update]
For those with X, Elon is about to talk about getting multi-planetary, as a prelude to this afternoon’s launch attempt. For the Xless, just go to SpaceX.com.
[Update a few minutes later]
It just changed the start time from 1015 PDT to 1800. So after the flight, instead of before?
FAA has approved Starship’s return to flight. pic.twitter.com/NtxV5TY9jz
— Marcia Smith (@SpcPlcyOnline) May 22, 2025
…won’t be catching the booster.
It’s tragic how politicized the energy industry has become, due to the climate commies.
An interesting essay. I’m working with several people to pursue LASSO. It’s primarily a tech demo for low-altitude lunar orbit, but if it works, we could get a good map of the resource.
A good article from Irene Klotz.
[Afternoon update]
What comes after Artemis III?
The Musk derangement is strong in comments.
And this had me rolling my eyes: “”…one friend in the industry predicted a future without them to be so dire that Artemis III would be the last US human spaceflight of our lifetimes.”
An account on X called @Gwynneshotwell7 claiming to be Gwynne Shotwell followed me the other day. Out of curiosity, I followed it back. It then initiated a DM conversation with it as following:
Scammer: Hello this is Gwynne Shotwell president of SpaceX Yesterday, 6:10 PM
Me: It obviously is not. Yesterday, 9:24 PM
Scammer: Yeah it true this is my private account and SpaceX is giving new opportunities to everyoneSpaceX. Is giving investment opportunities Potential benefits include substantial monthly revenue, potentially reaching $50,000 per week or more, depending on your investment and agreement. You would also have opportunities to participate in government contracts and partnerships, and contribute to decision-making in pioneering U.S. technology. Furthermore, there’s the exciting prospect of lunar and Martian travel, offering the chance to be among the first to explore new frontiers developed by SpaceX. 4:14 AM
Me: I know Gwynne. You are not Gwynne. 8:49 AM
Scammer: Yeah of course this is me and this is my private account Have we meant before? 10:35 AM
Me: Gwynne is grammatical and knows how to spell.10:52 AM
Scammer: It was likely a typographical error, as previously stated. This is the best chance to build generational wealth; it’s an opportunity you might never see again. Throughout my career as a financial engineer and investor, I can confidently say that this represents the most significant investment return I have ever seen. And of course this is Gwynne Shotwell 11:15 AM
Me: Of course you’re a scam artist. Your account will be ended shortly.
_______________________________________
It doesn’t know that I emailed Gwynne this morning about it. I think she knows someone who can do something about this…
…is just as biased and overconfident as humans can be.
Well, it’s taught by humans.
The administration is proposing ending Gateway, and SLS/Orion after Artemis III. That’s still two flights too many, but it all has yet to play out.
[Afternoon update]
Thoughts from Bob Zimmerman.
[Sunday-morning update]
Speaking of Bob Zimmerman, he’s less than impressed with Lockheed Martin’s delivery of the first crew-capable Orion.
[Bumped]
I remember when The Battle of Britain came out, as a young adolescent. I went to see it at least twice, maybe three times. I had the hots for Susannah York. I also had written a term paper about it.