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For the first time in nearly half a century, Russia has launched a spacecraft that is headed to the moon. On Friday morning at a spaceport in the far eastern part of Russia, a rocket lifted Luna-25, a robotic lander of moderate size, to Earth orbit. The Soyuz rocket began its flight under cloudy skies at the Vostochny launchpad. About 10 minutes into the flight, the spacecraft and a space tug propulsion unit separated from the rocket’s third stage. In about an hour, the space tug will push Luna-25 on a course to the moon.

Persons: Vladimir V, Putin, Luna Organizations: Soyuz Locations: Russia, Ukraine

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visit an exhibition of armed equipment on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice in this image released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency on July 27, 2023. The fact North Korean hackers may have obtained information about the Zircon does not mean they would immediately have that same capability, said Markus Schiller, a Europe-based missile expert who has researched foreign aid to North Korea's missile programme. Last month, North Korea test-launched the Hwasong-18, the first of its ICBMs to use solid propellants. "North Korea announced that it was doing the same thing in late 2021. If NPO Mash had one useful thing for them, that would be top of my list," he added.

Persons: Kim Jong, Sergei Shoigu, ScarCruft, Lazarus, Tom Hegel, SentinelOne, Hegel, Obama, Nicholas Weaver, Matt Tait, Weaver, Vladimir Putin, Markus Schiller, Schiller, Jeffrey Lewis, James Martin, James Pearson, Christopher Bing, Chris Sanders, Alistair Bell Organizations: Russia's, North, Korean Central News Agency, KCNA, REUTERS, NPO Mashinostroyeniya, Pyongyang LONDON, Reuters, North Korean, United Nations, Soviet Union, NPO, Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, Mash, James, James Martin Center, Nonproliferation Studies, Korea, Thomson Locations: Pyongyang, WASHINGTON, Russian, Reutov, Moscow, Russia, Washington, New York, North Korea, Soviet, United States, Crimea, Korean, Europe, London

[1/5] Belarus' exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya gives an opening speech during the New Belarus conference in Warsaw, Poland, August 6, 2023. REUTERS/Kuba StezyckiWARSAW, Aug 6 (Reuters) - Exiled opponents of President Alexander Lukashenko met in Poland on Sunday, on the eve of the third anniversary of their unsuccessful post-election protests, to display unity and plan strategy including the issuance of "New Belarus" passports. Set up in August 2022 by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the self-declared government-in exile has opened more than 20 alternative embassies and information centres abroad. Speaking at a hotel in Warsaw to several hundred activists, including independent media and civic groups, Tsikhanouskaya urged opposition forces abroad to unite and support the creation of a "New Belarus" movement. Lukashenko has ruled Belarus with an iron first since 1994, using security forces to intimidate, beat and jail his foes or force them to flee abroad.

Persons: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Alexander Lukashenko, Lukashenko, Tsikhanouskaya, Syarhei Tsikhanouski, Agnieszka Pikulicka, Andrew Cawthorne Organizations: New, REUTERS, Thomson Locations: Belarus, New Belarus, Warsaw, Poland, WARSAW, Lithuania, Russia, Ukraine, Belarusian

☆ Iran's drones could reach a new South American market as Bolivia expresses interest
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-31 | by ( Natasha Turak | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Here's what's ahead for defense stocks "Latin American countries are of special significance in Iran's foreign and defense policy based on the importance of [the] very sensitive South American region," Iran's Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani was quoted as saying. Iran's drones have made "considerable impact on any battlefield they have appeared in," according to Farzin Nadimi, an arms expert at The Washington Institute said. The U.S.' concerns center on Iran's deepening foreign alliances and dissemination of its lethal drones, analysts say. It added that a former Revolutionary Guard Corps commander, "boasted in October 2022 that 22 countries — including Algeria, Armenia, Serbia, Tajikistan, and Venezuela — had submitted formal requests for Iranian drones." Iran has previously provided drones to African countries including Sudan and Ethiopia, which the latter used against Tigrayan rebels.

Persons: Oleksii Samsonov, Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, Edmundo Novillo, Novillo, Farzin, Nadimi, Novillo's, John Kirby, Biden, Ebrahim Raisi, Kirby, Annika Ganzeveld, Asad, Khomeini, Majid Asgaripour, Venezuela —, Raisi, ISW Organizations: Kyiv, Getty, Iran's, Bolivian, Bolivia's, CNBC, U.S . Defense Intelligence Agency, The Washington Institute, U.S . Institute for Peace, The U.S, U.S . National Security Council, Sepah, Anadolu Agency, American Enterprise Institute, Associated Press, U.S, Missiles, WANA, REUTERS, for, Revolutionary Guard Corps Locations: Russia, Kyiv, Ukraine, Iran, Washington, South America, Tehran, Fars, Bolivia, The, U.S, Europe, Africa, Latin America, Asia, America, Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, U.S Ayn, REUTERS Washington, Algeria, Armenia, Serbia, Tajikistan, Iranian, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Ethiopia

☆ SpaceX hasn't obtained environmental permits for 'flame deflector' system it's testing in Texas
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-28 | by ( Lora Kolodny | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

(Photo by Loren Elliott/Getty Images)SpaceX ran a "full-pressure test" of a new "flame deflector" system at its Starship Super Heavy launch site in South Texas on Friday. SpaceX hasn't disclosed how much water a system test consumes at the site, where that water will run off and what it contains. SpaceX hasn't said why it went ahead without a permit and didn't respond to a request for comment. Eric Roesch, an environmental engineer, has been tracking how SpaceX and other aerospace companies comply with environmental regulations in Texas via his newsletter ESGHound. "Industrial process water is a regulated pollutant under the Clean Water Act," Roesch told CNBC in an interview.

Persons: Loren Elliott, Elon Musk, SpaceX hasn't, Eric Roesch, Roesch Organizations: BOCA, SpaceX, CNBC, federal, Texas Commission, Environmental, Boca, Space Locations: BOCA CHICA , TX, Texas, Boca Chica, Brownsville , Texas, South Texas, of Mexico, Boca Chica , Texas, U.S, United States

☆ Venice film fest attracts top names despite Hollywood strikes
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-25 | by ( Crispian Balmer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Although many stars will miss the traditional red carpet openings for big studio productions, Venice artistic director Alberto Barbera still managed to attract a slew of top movies to the Lido. The world's oldest film festival, regarded as a launchpad for Oscar contenders as awards season approaches, features movies from 55 countries, including 23 titles running for the prestigious Golden Lion award. The SAG-AFTRA guild called the strike this month after failing to reach an agreement with studios on a new three-year contract. Barbera said he hoped stars of smaller independent movies would be able to publicise their work in person regardless of the stoppage. Both Allen, with his French language picture "Coup De Chance", and Polanski, with "The Palace" will show out of competition.

Persons: Bradley Cooper, Karl Lagerfeld, Andrew Kelly, Alberto Barbera, Yorgos Lanthimos, David Fincher, Michael Mann, Sofia Coppola, Ava DuVernay, Wes Anderson, Woody Allen, Roman Polanski, Luc Besson, MeToo, Besson, Oscar, Barbera, Luca Guadagnino, Zendaya, Maestro, Leonard Bernstein, Cooper, Priscilla, Elvis Presley's, Cailee Spaeny, Ferrari, Mann, Adam Driver, Enzo Ferrari, Penelope Cruz, Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Allen, Chance, Polanski, Anderson, Henry Sugar, Roald Dahl, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ralph Fiennes, Dev Patel, Ben Kingsley, Crispian Balmer, Alison Williams Organizations: Metropolitan Museum, Art's, REUTERS, Hollywood, Golden Lion, SAG, Netflix, Lion, Thomson Locations: New York City , New York, U.S, Venice, ., Italian, American, United States

☆ Tunisia and EU sign pact to stem migration
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-16 | by ( Tarek Amara | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The deal follow weeks of talks and Europe's pledge of major aid to Tunisia amounting to 1 billion euros ($1.12 billion) to help its battered economy, rescue state finances and deal with a migration crisis. All essential measures for bolstering efforts to stop irregular migration," Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Twitter. The European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyens said the bloc will allocate 100 million euros to Tunisia to help it combat illegal migration. Thousands of undocumented African migrants have flocked to the city of Sfax in recent months seeking to head for Europe in traffickers' boats, amounting to an unprecedented migration crisis for Tunisia. "We are very pleased, it is a further important step towards creation of a true partnership between Tunisia and the EU, which can address in an integrated fashion the migration crisis," Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Miloni said.

Persons: Kais Saied, Giorgia Meloni, Ursula von der Leyen, Mark Rutte, Read, Europe's, Ursula von der Leyens, Giorgia Miloni, Meloni, Saied, Tarek Amara, Crispian Balmer, Anthony Deutsch, Hatem Maher, Andrew Cawthorne Organizations: Dutch, European Union, Twitter, European Commission, EU, Thomson Locations: Italian, Tunisia, EU, Tunis, TUNIS, Europe, Sfax, Rome, Italy, Libya, Amesterdam

☆ Elon Musk's SpaceX nears $150 billion valuation after secondary share sale
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-13 | by ( Michael Sheetz | In Michaeljsheetz | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

watch nowThe valuation of Elon Musk's SpaceX hit near $150 billion following a share sale by existing investors announced this week, CNBC has learned. The company did not announce a raise of new capital at this time, with the purchase offer representing a secondary sale of existing shares. Musk in April said that the company does "not anticipate needing to raise funding" to further bolster the programs for Starship, Starlink and other initiatives. SpaceX typically performs these secondary rounds about twice a year, to give employees and other company shareholders a chance to sell stock. A Starship prototype stands on the company's launchpad in Boca Chica, Texas on March 16, 2022.

Persons: Bret Johnsen Organizations: Elon, SpaceX, CNBC Locations: Boca Chica , Texas

☆ China beats SpaceX and Blue Origin to reach orbit with a methane-fueled rocket, edging ahead of the US in the space race
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-13 | by ( Marianne Guenot | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

China pulled ahead in the space exploration race by reaching orbit with a methalox rocket first. The fuel, based on methane, is coveted by companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin. SpaceX's own methalox-fueled rocket Starship exploded before reaching this milestone in April. Chinese firm LandSpace launched their Zhuque-2 rocket from the Gobi Desert on Tuesday, reaching orbit shortly after. Meanwhile, the future of New Glenn, Blue Origin's methalox rocket, is uncertain after its BE-4 engine exploded during testing in June, per Space.com.

Persons: LandSpace, Jonathan McDowell, Relativity, New Glenn, Blue, Jonathan Newton Organizations: SpaceX, Service, Privacy, China, US Space Force, Washington, Getty, Reuters Locations: China, Wall, Silicon, New, Starbase, Jiuquan, Gansu Province

☆ Ancient regal tomb in Spain belonged to a revered female leader, archaeologists reveal
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-08 | by ( Ashley Strickland | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

While analysis of DNA is one factor, archaeologists have relied on other clues to gain insight, such as grave goods. European archaeologists made a “spectacular” find in 2008 of a tomb near Seville, Spain, that belonged to an ancient individual of great importance. The Ivory Lady, who possibly held a leadership role, was likely revered by her society for generations after she died. Defying gravityThe Perseverance rover snapped a new image of the Ingenuity helicopter on Mars on April 16. As Ingenuity and the Perseverance rover begin to explore more challenging terrain, obstacles can block communications between the two — and Perseverance is the only one that can “call” Earth.

Persons: CNN — Piecing, Ivory Lady, ”, Graves, Leonardo García Sanjuán, Tom Booth, James Webb, — Doodles, Henry VIII, Ashley Strickland, Katie Hunt Organizations: CNN, Research, University of Sevilla, University of Seville, SpaceX, Boca, NASA, JPL, Caltech, ASU, Mars, James Webb Space Telescope, CNN Space, Science Locations: Seville, Spain, Boca Chica, Texas, Wild, Hong Kong, Indonesia

☆ How Singapore has become a leading force in tech innovation
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-07 | by ( Sponsor Post | Created Insider Studios With Edb Singapore | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Over 13 years ago, AvePoint, a SaaS solutions provider based in New Jersey, recognized the potential of Southeast Asia and found its entry point in Singapore. "While Singapore is a very small country, the country's focus on talent development and productivity results in it leading the forefront of innovation with a strong tech ecosystem for talent and corporate success," he said. In Singapore, ServiceNow was able to access a unique business partnership with Singapore Airlines, the world's most-awarded airline and one of the region's largest customers, developing a system called SQNow, which streamlines and manages IT workflows. "Being successful in Singapore is often a gateway into other markets around Southeast Asia," Nehammer added. Why Singapore's brand continues to thriveSingapore's ascent as a global tech powerhouse is anchored on the pillars of innovation, business networks, and robust tech infrastructure.

Persons: Tianyi Jiang, ServiceNow, it's, Jiang, Nehammer, AvePoint Organizations: ASEAN, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Singapore government's Smart, Smart, Singapore, Singapore Airlines, NCS, Tech, Monetary Authority of Singapore, MAS, Higher, Insider Studios, Singapore Economic Development Board Locations: Singapore, New Jersey, Southeast Asia, Asia, Rhode

☆ The Surprising Striver in the World’s Space Business
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-04 | by ( Alex Travelli | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

When it launched its first rocket in 1963, India was a poor country pursuing the world’s most cutting-edge technology. That projectile, its nose cone wheeled to the launchpad by a bicycle, put a small payload 124 miles above the Earth. In today’s space race, India has found much surer footing. These new thrusters will guide Skyroot’s next one into orbit this year, with a much more valuable payload. Pawan Kumar Chandana, 32, Skyroot’s chief executive, anticipates a global need for 30,000 satellites to be launched this decade.

Persons: pored, Skyroot’s, Pawan Kumar Chandana, Biden, Narendra Modi, “ Organizations: Skyroot Aerospace, U.S Locations: India, United States, Soviet Union, Hyderabad, Washington, China

☆ A retired US general says Ukraine could recapture Crimea before the summer's out, but only if the US gives it the ammunition it needs
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-22 | by ( Kwan Wei Kevin Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Retired Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges told Newsweek that Ukraine could retake Crimea before the summer ends. Hodges believes recapturing Crimea would be essential for Ukraine to rebuild its economy. "My principal caveat still remains that if the United States were to provide what Ukraine needs, then Ukraine could actually still liberate Crimea by the end of this summer," retired Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges told Newsweek on Wednesday. The Biden administration has held back from sending long-range weapons to Ukraine that have the capacity to strike targets in Russia. US officials told Ukraine in February that they weren't able to send over the ATACMS due to insufficient supply, per Politico.

Persons: Ben Hodges, Hodges, —, Pat Ryder, Biden, Vladimir Putin Organizations: Newsweek, Service, US Army, State Department, Pentagon, Tactical Missiles Systems, Ukraine Locations: Ukraine, Crimea, United States, Russia, Sevastopol, Saki, Russian, St . Petersburg, Belarus, Poland, Russians, Mykolaiv, Europe

☆ SpaceX to launch the first test payload for a bold new drug development company
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-12 | by ( Jackie Wattles | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +17 min

Its research, company officials hope, could lead to better, more effective drugs — and hefty profits. Varda Space industriesHow it worksVarda’s vision is straightforward: The company’s capsule will launch with an experiment already on board. Varda Space IndustriesDrugs in spaceMuch of the legwork for Varda’s drug experimentation can be done on the ground. The exorbitant price tag of drug research is often passed on to consumers in the form of eye-popping prices, which frequently draws critical headlines. “You’ll see like this entire ecosystem coming up to create this fertile ground for commercialization of space,” Bruey said.

Persons: El, Varda, “ It’s, ”, Will Bruey, ” Varda, what’s, Merck, Keytruda, Varda’s, Covid, that’s, Gabe Ramirez, ” Bruey, Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, “ I’ve, ” Asparouhov, Asparouhov, “, who’s, You’re, Nicholas Cialdella, Bruey, Jon Barr, Mark Herbert, there’s, Eric Lasker, ” Lasker, Varda isn’t, It’s, Paul Reichert, Merck hasn’t, Reichert, Herbert Organizations: El Segundo , California CNN, Citigroup, Varda Space Industries, SpaceX, Vandenberg Space Force, Big pharma, Merck, Bristol Myers Squibb, ISS, Laboratory, Space Station, Rocket, CNN, NASA, Company, Founders Fund, PayPal, Pharmaceuticals, Fortune, Space Industries, US Air Force, Utah Test, pharma, “, Congressional, International Locations: El Segundo , California, California, Los Angeles, Delian, Salt Lake City, ”

☆ Five nations elected to U.N. Security Council, but Belarus denied
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

UNITED NATIONS, June 6 (Reuters) - The United Nations General Assembly elected Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone, Slovenia and South Korea to the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday for two-year terms starting on Jan. 1, 2024, while Belarus - allied with Russia in its invasion of Ukraine - was denied a spot. Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone and South Korea ran unopposed for a spot on the 15-member body, which is charged with maintaining international peace and security. The Security Council is the only U.N. body that can make legally binding decisions such as imposing sanctions and authorizing use of force. Guyana received 191 votes, Sierra Leone 188, Algeria received 184 votes, South Korea 180. "The Russians have always argued that a lot of states support Ukraine in public at the U.N., but sympathize with Russia in private.

Persons: Richard Gowan, Michelle Nichols, Will Dunham Organizations: UNITED NATIONS, United Nations General Assembly, . Security, South Korea, Belarus, United, United Arab Emirates, The Security, General, Sierra, Slovenia, Soviet Union, Thomson Locations: Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, South Korea, Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, South, Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana, United Arab, Britain, China, France, United States, General Assembly, Soviet

☆ Boeing and NASA Delay Launch of Starliner Astronaut Spacecraft Again
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-01 | by ( Michael Roston | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +3 min

To get to and from the space station, NASA currently relies on SpaceX, the company founded by Elon Musk. But NASA has also hired Boeing to build a capsule, so that one can serve as a backup if something goes wrong with the other. Boeing’s Starliner capsule has flown to orbit twice already with no astronauts aboard. “This is just part of the business to have these kinds of issues.”What’s Next: Boeing and NASA will assess repairs. After re-entering Earth’s atmosphere, the Starliner capsule returns to Earth gently under three parachutes.

Persons: Elon Musk, Steve Stich, ”, Mark Nappi, Stich, Nappi, Mr Organizations: NASA, SpaceX, Elon, Boeing, Soyuz, Starliner, Engineers

☆ Boeing mission to send astronauts to space station delayed again
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-01 | by ( Jackie Wattles | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —More lengthy delays could be in store for Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which is designed to ferry astronauts to and from the International Space Station and compete with SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. Boeing had been working toward a late July launch of the first crewed Starliner test flight. NASA astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams have been assigned to be the first astronauts to fly aboard Starliner. Boeing officials said the crew has been informed of the additional delays. The space agency awarded Boeing a $4.2 billion contract in 2014 for Starliner’s development — nearly twice as much as the $2.6 billion that was given to SpaceX.

Persons: CNN —, ”, Mark Nappi, Dave Calhoun, Nappi, ” Steve Stich, Starliner, NASA’s, SpaceX’s, Dragon, there’s, Barry, Butch ” Wilmore, Sunita Williams, — Organizations: CNN, International Space Station, Boeing, NASA, SpaceX, Starliner

☆ Spain's PLD Space calls off test rocket launch citing high altitude winds
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

PLD Space's test is set to be its first step in the race to put small satellites into space and capture a slice of a potential trillion-dollar market. The launch from a military aerospace research centre in Huelva, southern Spain, would have been the first in Western Europe by a private company. Europe's efforts to develop capabilities to send small satellites into space are in focus after a failed orbital rocket launch by Virgin Orbit from Britain in January. PLD Space's "Miura 1" rocket, named after a breed of fighting bulls, is as tall as a three-storey building and has a 100-kg (220-lb) cargo capacity. Reporting by Jon Nazca and Inti Landauro Editing by Emma Pinedo and Mark PotterOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Miura, Read, Jon Nazca, Emma Pinedo, Mark Potter Organizations: Virgin Orbit, Inti, Thomson Locations: Spanish, El, Almonte, Huelva, Spain, HUELVA, Western Europe, Britain, French Guiana

☆ Belarus's Lukashenko says there can be 'nuclear weapons for everyone'
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

May 29 (Reuters) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said that if any other country wanted to join a Russia-Belarus union there could be "nuclear weapons for everyone." Russia moved ahead last week with a plan to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, in the Kremlin's first deployment of such warheads outside Russia since the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union, spurring concerns in the West. "If someone is worried ... (then) it is very simple: join in the Union State of Belarus and Russia. That's all: there will be nuclear weapons for everyone." Russia and Belarus are formally part of a Union State, a borderless union and alliance between the two former Soviet republics.

☆ NASA researchers will spend a year living in a simulated Mars habitat
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-16 | by ( Thomas Page | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Bill Stafford/NASAAiming for fidelity has resulted in a habitat that could feasibly built on Mars, Smith adds. MARK FELIX/AFP/AFP /AFP via Getty ImagesNASA is attempting to fill in what it calls “Strategic Knowledge Gaps,” that currently make a manned Mars mission too risky. A manned Mars mission will ship food to the planet in advance of humans, which means it will need a long shelf-life. Intended as a location for the emirate to develop technology for an eventual Mars mission, it was also designed by Bjarke Ingels Group, with 3D-printed buildings. Thankfully the crew entering CHAPEA in June will not have to concern themselves with that potentially deadly element of a Mars mission.

☆ Belarus leader Lukashenko avoids stroll, skips lunch after Moscow parade
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Lukashenko, a close Putin ally, looked tired and a little unsteady on his feet, and a bandage was visible on his right hand. His appearance sparked speculation online about his health, though he otherwise showed no obvious sign of being unwell. In a rare departure from custom, the Belarusian president then missed the state lunch hosted by Putin in the Kremlin and attended by the other leaders. Lukashenko later on Tuesday resurfaced for the Victory Day wreath-laying ceremony in Minsk but in another departure from tradition he wore civilian clothes - not a military uniform - and made no speech. At Tuesday's Victory Day parade Putin said Russia was engaged in a "sacred" fight with the West over Ukraine.

☆ Elon Musk once praised a rocket CEO who didn't go to college for beating Jeff Bezos to orbit, new book reveals: 'Bezos has spent a shitload of money, and he hasn't made it'
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-08 | by ( Britney Nguyen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

A new book reveals Elon Musk once praised a rival New Zealand rocket CEO in a 2018 phone call. Musk said it was "impressive" that Rocket Lab launched a rocket into orbit before Blue Origin, per the book. Like SpaceX, Rocket Lab has been able to launch rockets into orbit — something Bezos' Blue Origin company has not yet achieved. In March, Rocket Lab launched its 35th Electron rocket just a week after launching its 34th Electron rocket. Neither Rocket Lab, Blue Origin, nor Musk responded to Insider's requests for comment.

☆ Rocket builder Firefly takes on high-speed Space Force mission for crucial next launch
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-06 | by ( Michael Sheetz | In Michaeljsheetz | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

The Alpha rocket for the Space Force's Victus Nox mission stands on the launchpad at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. The mission for the military's Los Angeles-based Space Safari team calls for flying a Millennium Space Systems-built satellite on Firefly Aerospace's Alpha rocket — on remarkably short notice. The Alpha rocket for the Space Force's Victus Nox mission stands on the launchpad at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. Space Force selected Firefly and Millennium for the Victus Nox contract in October, setting off a chain of events starting with the build phase. Firefly's opportunitywatch nowFirefly originally planned to fly a NASA mission on its third Alpha rocket launch, after the company reached space with its second launch in October.

Starship is SpaceX's next-generation rocket crucial for the company's commercial launch business and Musk's aim to start human colonies on Mars. The U.S. offers few such options and export controls would make building a foreign launch site difficult. SpaceX has eyed another Kennedy Space Center launch site for future Starship launches, LC-49, a few miles from LC-39A. But that location is in the midst of a lengthy environmental review that could take years. Plans for that orbital launch site, Spaceport Camden, were nixed by a local referendum after a lawsuit raised concerns about its environmental impact.

☆ Photo shows the moment lighting struck the launchpad as SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket was preparing for liftoff
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Marianne Guenot | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

SpaceX captured the moment a rocket on its launchpad was struck by lightning. The Falcon Heavy launch had been delayed due to adverse weather. The rocket's lighting protection mast deflected the bolt and the rocket survived the blast unscathed. A SpaceX Falcon Heavy launching on a previous mission. SpaceX, which is run by billionaire Elon Musk, attempted to launch an even more powerful rocket, its Starship mega-rocket, on April 20.

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