Chris Bergin

Nov 17, 2024 | nasaspaceflight.com | Chris Bergin

1 When SpaceX launched Starship and Super Heavy for its first flight test in April 2023, the rocket became the most powerful ever flown, mostly due in part to Super Heavy’s 33 Raptor engines. As such, Starship is loud — extremely loud, and scientists and government agencies have long discussed the potential environmental impacts from a launch cadence that sees Starship launch hundreds of times in one year.

Oct 9, 2024 | nasaspaceflight.com | Chris Bergin

4SpaceX is setting the stage for acquiring final approval to launch the fifth flight of Starship, a mission that includes another major milestone toward its rapid reusability aspirations. With a preliminary Oct. 13 launch date, SpaceX is taking all the required steps to prepare for the final approval from the FAA. Meanwhile, Starbase continues to set the stage for its future, with numerous vehicles in various stages of testing and the buildup of the second pad at the launch site.

May 18, 2024 | nasaspaceflight.com | Chris Bergin

2The Hubble Space Telescope continues to operate to this day in part due to the work performed 15 years ago by the crew of STS-125. Dubbed Hubble Servicing Mission 4 (HSM 4), scientists knew this would be their final chance to use the space shuttle to visit and upgrade the orbiting laboratory. As we look back on the mission, the question remains whether or not Hubble will be visited or repaired again.

Feb 7, 2024 | nasaspaceflight.com | Chris Bergin

1The combined Ariane 6 launcher task force, consisting of ESA, CNES, and ArianeGroup, has reported on the progress of Ariane 6, the steps to launch, and the beginning of stage shipments to the launch site. The Canopée ship, which Ariane and ESA use to transport the massive rocket, will collect the first and second stages from France and Germany, respectively. ESA reports that the first flight remains on track, targeting a launch window between June 15 and July 31, 2024.

Nov 2, 2023 | nasaspaceflight.com | Chris Bergin

1The flight of Booster 9 and Ship 25 is now in the final stage of preparations, focused on regulatory approval that will allow SpaceX to set a launch date. That target is currently tracking mid-November as the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) works on the final element of the FAA’s launch license via an updated Biological Assessment under the Endangered Species Act.