Author: martianjoe

As NASA continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, the agency is increasingly turning to lower-cost missions to achieve its objectives. One such mission, ESCAPADE, is already beginning to yield exciting scientific findings. However, these less expensive missions come with their own set of challenges, primarily in the form of increased risks and difficult trade-offs.

ESCAPADE, or Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers, aims to study the atmosphere of Mars, with a specific focus on the interaction between solar wind and the Red Planet’s upper atmosphere. The mission’s two identical spacecraft are designed to operate in the Martian atmosphere, gathering data that will help scientists understand the planet’s climate history and its potential for supporting life.

Unlike traditional big-ticket NASA missions, which often have budgets running into the billions of dollars, ESCAPADE is part of NASA’s new low-cost mission initiative. With an estimated cost of $75 million, ESCAPADE represents a significantly smaller financial investment. This approach, while economically appealing, does come with a higher degree of risk.

Lower-cost missions require a more streamlined design and production process, which can lead to increased chances of technical malfunctions or mission failure. There is less room for redundancy or backup systems, which are typically built into larger missions to ensure success even in the event of unexpected issues. Moreover, the lower budget necessitates certain trade-offs. In the case of ESCAPADE, the spacecraft will have a narrower range of scientific instruments, which limits the scope of potential discoveries.

Nonetheless, the opportunities these missions offer are vast. The cost savings allow for more frequent launches, translating into more opportunities for scientific discovery. By taking on these risks, NASA hopes to accelerate our understanding of the universe.

Early results from ESCAPADE are promising, indicating that the increased risk may well be worth the potential rewards. The mission is still in its early stages but has already started delivering valuable scientific data. This approach to space exploration could revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos, offering insights at a fraction of the typical cost.

Ultimately, the success of missions like ESCAPADE will be determined by the balance between cost, risk, and scientific return. As we continue to explore the final frontier, these low-cost missions may well become an integral part of our journey into the universe.

NASA’s foray into low-cost space missions, epitomized by ESCAPADE, represents a bold new direction for space exploration. The mission encapsulates the potential for significant scientific discovery paired with economic viability. Despite the increased risks and necessary trade-offs, if these missions continue to produce promising results, they may herald a new era of space exploration.

Read more from the original source here: [https://www.space.com/space-exploration/missions/lower-cost-space-missions-like-nasas-escapade-are-starting-to-deliver-exciting-science-but-at-a-price-in-risk-and-trade-offs](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/missions/lower-cost-space-missions-like-nasas-escapade-are-starting-to-deliver-exciting-science-but-at-a-price-in-risk-and-trade-offs).

Title: Space Debris: Are We Waiting for a Disaster to Take Action?

The cosmos, while vast and awe-inspiring, is becoming increasingly crowded with not only satellites and spacecraft but also the growing menace of space debris. This celestial litter, often the remnants of defunct satellites and spent rocket stages, poses a significant threat to the safe and sustainable use of outer space. Alarmingly, when one piece of debris collides with another object in orbit, it can generate even more fragments, exacerbating the problem in a cascading effect.

Despite the mounting evidence of this looming hazard, it seems as though the global community may be waiting for a catastrophe before fully addressing the issue of space debris.

The sheer volume of space debris is staggering. According to the European Space Agency (ESA), there are currently over 34,000 fragments larger than 10cm, about 900,000 pieces between 1cm and 10cm, and a staggering 128 million pieces smaller than 1cm, all zooming around our planet at high velocities. These figures are concerning given that even small pieces of debris, due to their high speeds, can cause substantial damage to satellites and crewed spacecraft.

The risk is not just theoretical. In 2009, a defunct Russian satellite collided with a functional commercial communications satellite owned by the US firm Iridium. This disastrous event generated thousands of pieces of debris, many of which still pose a threat to other satellites.

Despite these alarming incidents and the escalating volume of space debris, international efforts to address the issue have been slow and fragmented. While there have been several initiatives aimed at developing technologies to remove debris and guidelines for mitigating its creation, there remains a lack of consensus among nations on how to tackle this burgeoning problem.

So, are we waiting for a catastrophic event to truly spark action? Some experts fear so. They argue that without a significant incident that causes considerable financial or human loss, the urgency and political will to address space debris might not be galvanized.

However, waiting for a disaster is a perilous approach. The loss of critical satellites could disrupt global communications, weather forecasting, navigation systems, and military surveillance, all with potentially catastrophic effects on the ground. Moreover, a significant collision involving a crewed spacecraft could result in human casualties.

Space debris is a global problem that requires collective action. Nations must work together to develop comprehensive and enforceable regulations to mitigate the creation of new debris, invest in technologies for debris removal, and promote sustainable practices in space exploration and utilization.

There isn’t a moment to waste. The cosmos is our shared frontier, and it is incumbent upon us all to ensure its safe and sustainable use. The question remains, will we take the necessary steps before it’s too late, or will it indeed take a catastrophe for nations to take space debris seriously?

Read more from the original source here: [Space Debris: Will it Take a Catastrophe for Nations to Take the Issue Seriously?](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/space-debris-will-it-take-a-catastrophe-for-nations-to-take-the-issue-seriously)

Title: Mission Accomplished: ULA Chief Tory Bruno Steps Down After 12 Successful Years

After steering the helm for nearly 12 years, Tory Bruno, the CEO of the United Launch Alliance (ULA), is resigning from his post, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking accomplishments in the field of space exploration. Bruno will be departing the U.S. rocket launch provider to seek “another opportunity,” as announced by ULA earlier this week.

Under Bruno’s leadership, ULA, a joint venture between aerospace giants Lockheed Martin and Boeing, has solidified its reputation as a reliable and dominant force in the realm of space launch. From launching critical national security payloads to propelling scientific probes towards distant planets, Bruno’s tenure has been marked by a series of remarkable feats.

“Finished the mission I came to do,” said Bruno, encapsulating his time at ULA in a simple yet powerful statement that hints at the exceptional achievements the company has made during his stewardship.

However, his leadership has not only been about launching rockets. Bruno has also been instrumental in shaping ULA’s future path. He oversaw the development of the Vulcan Centaur, ULA’s next-generation launch vehicle, which is designed to be more cost-effective and flexible than its predecessors. This innovative rocket is set to have its inaugural flight later this year and is expected to become a cornerstone of ULA’s launch services.

Being at the forefront of the space industry for over a decade, Bruno has played a pivotal role in advancing ULA’s mission of “saving lives, exploring the universe, and connecting the world.” His departure marks the end of an era, but it also represents an exciting new chapter for the company and the U.S. space industry as a whole.

As he steps away from ULA, Bruno is leaving behind a profound legacy of leadership and innovation. The impact of his work will continue to be felt as ULA strides forward in its journey toward the stars. He has not only steered the company through complex and challenging times, but he has also set the stage for its future success.

While the announcement of Bruno’s resignation has come as a surprise to many, it is clear that the seasoned aerospace executive is ready to embark on a new adventure. The specifics of his “another opportunity” have yet to be revealed, stimulating curiosity and speculation within the industry.

As the space community bids farewell to Bruno and awaits the announcement of ULA’s new leadership, one thing is clear: Bruno’s influence will continue to shape the trajectory of U.S. space exploration for years to come.

As the page turns on this exciting chapter in ULA’s story, the world is watching with keen interest to see where the company—and its outgoing leader—will journey next.

Read more from the original source here: [https://www.space.com/space-exploration/longtime-united-launch-alliance-ceo-tory-bruno-resigns-from-space-company-finished-the-mission-i-came-to-do](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/longtime-united-launch-alliance-ceo-tory-bruno-resigns-from-space-company-finished-the-mission-i-came-to-do).

In a celestial Christmas treat from the Hubble Space Telescope, astronomers were gifted with a stunning snapshot of “Dracula’s Chivito”, the largest site of planetary birth ever witnessed. Named after the famous Transylvanian count and a delicious Uruguayan sandwich, this fascinating region of the cosmos has captivated scientists with its sheer size and breathtaking beauty.

The image, which was taken by the Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3, displays a mesmerizing portrait of new planets in the process of formation. Akin to a cosmic nursery, Dracula’s Chivito is a vast expanse of gas and dust, where baby planets are cradled and nurtured until they mature into fully-grown celestial bodies. As the largest known site of planetary birth, this region provides invaluable insights into the formation and evolution of planets.

Dracula’s Chivito is nestled within the Carina Nebula, a massive star-forming region approximately 7,500 light-years away from Earth. The nebula, famed for its size and complexity, is home to some of the Milky Way’s most massive and luminous stars. This makes the nebula, and by extension Dracula’s Chivito, a hotbed of astronomical activity and a primary focus for scientists studying stellar evolution.

The moniker ‘Dracula’s Chivito’ might seem unusual for an astronomical object, but it has a whimsical backstory. Astronomers named it after Count Dracula, the blood-sucking character from Bram Stoker’s novel, as a playful nod to the nebula’s penchant for birthing new stars from the cosmic ‘blood’ of gas and dust. The ‘Chivito’ part of the name is derived from a popular Uruguayan sandwich, symbolizing the many layers of stellar material that make up this complex region of the cosmos.

The stunning image of Dracula’s Chivito serves as a reminder of the vastness of the universe and the continuing evolution that takes place within it. It offers a tantalizing glimpse into the cosmic processes that give birth to planets, some of which could potentially harbor life. It also underscores the vital role that the Hubble Space Telescope continues to play in our understanding of the universe.

Since its launch in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope has revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos, providing unprecedented images of distant galaxies, nebulae, and star-forming regions like Dracula’s Chivito. As Hubble nears the end of its operational life, it continues to dazzle with its observations, contributing to our ever-growing knowledge of the universe.

As we celebrate the holiday season here on Earth, this wondrous image serves as a reminder that the universe’s grand spectacle is ceaselessly unfolding, far beyond the limits of our home planet. The cosmic nursery that is Dracula’s Chivito continues its stellar performance, silently crafting new celestial bodies amidst a backdrop of cosmic dust and gas. It’s a silent night indeed, but one filled with astronomical wonder.

Read more from the original source here: [https://www.space.com/astronomy/stars/draculas-chivito-looks-stunning-in-this-tasty-christmas-photo-from-the-hubble-telescope](https://www.space.com/astronomy/stars/draculas-chivito-looks-stunning-in-this-tasty-christmas-photo-from-the-hubble-telescope).

Title: Indian Rocket Set to Launch Record-Breaking BlueBird 6 Smartphone Satellite Tonight

Get ready, space enthusiasts! Tonight, December 23, you can witness a historic moment in space exploration. An Indian LVM3 rocket is set to launch the BlueBird 6, the most massive smartphone satellite to date, into orbit. The event is sure to be a spectacle and the good news is, you can watch it live.

The BlueBird 6 is an ambitious project by AST SpaceMobile, a pioneer in space-based cellular broadband networks. It’s not just the size of the satellite that sets it apart, but also its purpose. Unlike traditional satellites, the BlueBird 6 aims to provide mobile connectivity directly to smartphones already in use worldwide. This means in the future, you could have cellular network coverage even in the most remote parts of the world, thanks to this smartphone satellite.

The Indian LVM3 rocket, also known as the Launch Vehicle Mark-3, has been chosen for this significant mission. The LVM3 is the heaviest rocket ever made by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), capable of carrying up to 8 tons of payload to a low Earth orbit. The ISRO has a track record of successful satellite launches, and this mission will further cement India’s position in the global space exploration scene.

Tonight’s launch is a testament to the collaborative strides being made in international space exploration. With AST SpaceMobile, based in the US, teaming up with India’s ISRO for this project, it’s clear that space exploration is a global endeavor, pushing boundaries and fostering international cooperation.

The launch is scheduled for tonight, and it’s an event you won’t want to miss. The thrill of watching a rocket launch, combined with the knowledge that you’re witnessing a significant step forward in space technology, is an experience like no other. The launch of the BlueBird 6 encapsulates the spirit of exploration and innovation, bringing the seemingly distant cosmos just a little bit closer to our daily lives.

As the countdown begins for this record-breaking launch, remember that you’re not just watching a rocket take off. You’re witnessing the future of mobile connectivity and space exploration unfold right before your eyes. So, grab your popcorn and prepare to be amazed, because this is a show you won’t want to miss!

Read more from the original source here: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/indian-rocket-launch-bluebird-6-satellite-ast-spacemobile.

Title: Northern Lights Set to Dazzle in Ten States Tonight

Look up, North America: A stunning night-time spectacle may be coming to a sky near you. The breathtaking Northern Lights, also known as auroras, are predicted to paint the night sky in ten states tonight, thanks to an incoming rush of speedy solar wind that continues to buffet Earth’s magnetic field.

From Alaska to Idaho, stargazers have the chance to witness the ethereal beauty of nature’s own light show. This atmospheric phenomenon is typically confined to high-latitude regions, but the relentless solar wind is expected to make the lights visible further south than usual.

Auroras are created when Earth’s magnetic field interacts with charged particles from the sun. When these particles collide with the gases in our planet’s atmosphere, they create the stunning, dancing lights that we recognize as the Northern Lights. This light show is not just a feast for our eyes but also a testament to the fascinating interplay between our planet and its cosmic neighborhood.

The incoming solar wind is a high-speed stream of charged particles, ejected from the sun through solar flares and coronal mass ejections. As these particles race towards Earth at speeds of up to a million miles per hour, they generate a geomagnetic storm upon interaction with our planet’s magnetic field. It’s this storm that fuels the dramatic expansion of the auroral zone, allowing more people to witness the spectacle.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a G1-class geomagnetic storm watch, indicating a minor storm that can produce beautiful auroras visible far beyond their usual territories. The ten states likely to experience the spectacle include Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and parts of northern Illinois. Residents of these states are in for a night of celestial beauty, provided the skies are clear.

Viewing conditions are expected to be favorable, with clear or partly cloudy skies forecasted in most of these states. To increase your chances of witnessing the auroras, seek out spots with minimal light pollution, and let your eyes adjust to the darkness. The best time to watch is typically around local midnight, but auroras can appear anytime from dusk to dawn.

Remember, while the Northern Lights are a wonder to behold, they also serve as a reminder of the powerful forces at play in our solar system. Each colorful display is a result of high-energy solar particles colliding with our atmosphere, a testament to the ongoing relationship between our planet and the Sun.

So, bundle up, step outside, and turn your eyes to the skies. Tonight, Mother Nature is set to put on a show you won’t want to miss.

Read more from the original source here: [https://www.space.com/stargazing/auroras/northern-lights-may-be-visible-in-10-states-dec-22-23](https://www.space.com/stargazing/auroras/northern-lights-may-be-visible-in-10-states-dec-22-23).

Title: Planet-Eating Stars Suggest Earth’s Inevitable Demise

A recent study of aging stars similar to our own Sun presents a chilling forecast for the ultimate fate of Earth: being devoured by the Sun.

Astronomers, using data from NASA’s Kepler mission and the European Space Agency’s Gaia mission, have identified a population of stars that appear to have consumed what were once their nearest planetary neighbors. This research provides a glimpse into the potential destiny of our own planetary system billions of years from now.

Stars, like all things in the universe, are subject to a life cycle. They are born, live, and eventually die. Our Sun, a middle-aged star, is predicted to expand into a red giant in about five billion years. As it swells, it will envelop and likely consume the Earth, just as the stars observed in this study have done with their closest planets.

The concept of planet-eating stars is not entirely new to the scientific community. Astronomers have long suspected that stars could swallow up their nearby planets as they expand with age, but until now, this theory had not been confirmed. The recent study, based on observations of approximately 280,000 stars, offers substantial evidence to support this theory.

The stars that have consumed their planets show crucial differences from their non-planet-eating counterparts. They rotate more rapidly and have different chemical compositions, with a higher concentration of lithium and metals that could only have come from devoured planets. This discovery provides a tool for astronomers to identify more planet-eating stars in the future.

This research doesn’t just offer a glimpse into our planet’s distant future, but also provides insight into the past of our own solar system. It raises the possibility that our Sun may have already consumed a close-in planet early in its life, which could have significant implications for our understanding of the solar system’s development and the formation of Earth.

While this news may seem alarming, it’s important to put it into perspective. This is not something we need to worry about for billions of years.

“It’s like knowing that the sun will rise tomorrow – it’s going to happen, but it doesn’t really affect you right now,” says astronomer Eva Villaver, one of the researchers involved in the study. “But it’s fascinating to think about, to realize that even stars have a life cycle and that one day our Sun will die, taking the Earth with it.”

This new understanding of stars and their life cycles not only advances our knowledge of our own Solar System but also provides a valuable tool for studying exoplanets and their stars throughout the universe. The more we understand, the better we can predict the future – whether that’s the future of Earth or potential life on planets orbiting other stars.

Read more from the original source here: [https://www.space.com/astronomy/stars/planet-eating-stars-hint-at-earths-ultimate-fate](https://www.space.com/astronomy/stars/planet-eating-stars-hint-at-earths-ultimate-fate)

James Cameron is a name synonymous with epic, boundary-pushing science fiction films. As his latest project, Avatar: Fire and Ash, hits the silver screen, it’s the perfect time to take a retrospective look at this master filmmaker’s sci-fi oeuvre. From the depth of the ocean in The Abyss to the farthest reaches of Pandora in Avatar, Cameron’s films have taken audiences on unforgettable journeys into the unknown. This list, ranking his sci-fi films from worst to best, is nothing short of earth-shatteringly impressive.

In at number five is “True Lies” (1994). While not a traditional space or science fiction film, it boasts Cameron’s trademark high-tech gadgetry and action-packed sequences that have since become his signature. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s performance as a secret agent living a double life is both entertaining and engaging, but it is the dazzling special effects that truly steal the show.

Ranking at number four is “The Abyss” (1989). Set in the unfathomable depths of the ocean, this film pushes the boundaries of what is possible in underwater cinematography, a feat that echoes Cameron’s real-life deep-sea exploration pursuits. Despite its earthbound setting, The Abyss captures the sense of awe and dread associated with exploring an alien world.

The bronze medal goes to “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” (1991). This film elevated the sci-fi genre to new heights with its groundbreaking special effects, thrilling action sequences, and thought-provoking themes about artificial intelligence and destiny. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic line “I’ll be back” is still quoted today, cementing T2’s status as a sci-fi classic.

The runner-up on our list is “Aliens” (1986). A sequel to the 1979 Ridley Scott film, Cameron’s take on the Alien universe is filled with suspense, horror, and some of the most intense action sequences ever put on film. Sigourney Weaver’s performance as Ellen Ripley set a new standard for female action heroes and earned her an Academy Award nomination.

Finally, claiming the top spot is “Avatar” (2009). This visually stunning film transported audiences to the lush alien world of Pandora. With its revolutionary 3D technology and enthralling storyline, Avatar was a game-changer in the world of cinema. It broke box office records and sparked a cultural phenomenon that continues to this day with the highly anticipated sequel, Avatar: Fire and Ash.

Whether it’s through state-of-the-art special effects, compelling narratives, or memorable characters, James Cameron’s films have consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of science fiction. His impact on the genre is undeniable, and his films continue to inspire awe and wonder in audiences around the world.

As Avatar: Fire and Ash makes its cinematic debut, it’s clear that Cameron’s passion for exploring the unknown – whether it’s the depths of the ocean or the farthest reaches of space – is as strong as ever. We can’t wait to see where he takes us next.

Read more from the original source here: [https://www.space.com/entertainment/space-movies-shows/james-camerons-sci-fi-movies-ranked-worst-to-best](https://www.space.com/entertainment/space-movies-shows/james-camerons-sci-fi-movies-ranked-worst-to-best).

Title: Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Sheds X-ray Light 250,000 Miles into Space

In a remarkable celestial display, an unusual interstellar comet, 3I/ATLAS, has been spotted radiating an X-ray glow that extends a staggering 250,000 miles into space. This unprecedented event was captured by two space telescopes, shedding new light on how cometary gases interact with the sun’s charged particles.

Comets are often referred to as the ‘dirty snowballs’ of the cosmos. They are largely made up of ice, dust, and rock, and have been vital in providing scientists with key information about the early solar system. What makes 3I/ATLAS unique, however, is that it is an interstellar comet, meaning it originated from outside our solar system.

The extraordinary X-ray glow was discovered as 3I/ATLAS journeyed through the inner solar system. As the comet approached the sun, the heat caused its ices to vaporize, generating a glowing shroud of gas and dust referred to as a ‘coma’. This interaction of the comet’s gases with the solar wind—a stream of charged particles emitted by the sun—resulted in the spectacular X-ray emission.

Scientists have known for some time that comets can emit X-rays, but the scale of the emission from 3I/ATLAS is unparalleled. This discovery presents an invaluable opportunity for astronomers to better understand the interaction between comets and the solar wind.

“The X-ray glow from 3I/ATLAS extends an astounding 250,000 miles into space, which is more than the distance from the Earth to the Moon,” said one of the researchers. “This provides a unique perspective on how cometary gases interact with solar wind, and it really underscores the dynamic and unpredictable nature of comets.”

The detection of the X-ray glow was made possible by the coordinated efforts of two space telescopes. These high-tech observers of the cosmos are equipped with specialized instruments that can detect and measure X-rays, granting scientists an exclusive window into the behaviours of comets and other celestial bodies.

This latest discovery underscores the importance of ongoing space exploration and research. By scrutinizing the behaviors and characteristics of celestial bodies like 3I/ATLAS, scientists not only learn more about our own solar system but also gain insights into the broader cosmos.

As the 3I/ATLAS continues its celestial journey, scientists around the world will keep a close watch, eager to uncover more secrets from this interstellar visitor. While the universe remains vast and largely mysterious, each discovery brings us one step closer to understanding the cosmic ballet that takes place in the heavens above us.

Read more from the original source here: [https://www.space.com/astronomy/comets/scientists-detect-x-ray-glow-from-interstellar-comet-3i-atlas-extending-250-000-out-miles-into-space](https://www.space.com/astronomy/comets/scientists-detect-x-ray-glow-from-interstellar-comet-3i-atlas-extending-250-000-out-miles-into-space).

In a spectacular display of aerospace engineering prowess, SpaceX successfully launched two Falcon 9 rockets on December 17, 2025. This doubleheader event, a first in the company’s history, happened simultaneously from two coasts, specifically the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Each rocket carried a payload of Starlink satellites, further expanding SpaceX’s ambitious project to blanket the globe with internet coverage.

SpaceX, under the leadership of tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, has been pioneering the new era of commercial spaceflight. The company’s reusable Falcon 9 rockets have disrupted the space industry, making space travel more affordable and thus more accessible. This double launch reaffirms SpaceX’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space exploration.

The two missions, named Starlink 6-99 and Starlink 15-13, are part of SpaceX’s larger Starlink project. This initiative aims to establish a network of thousands of small, low-Earth orbit satellites to provide high-speed internet to even the most remote corners of the globe. To date, SpaceX has launched over 1,500 Starlink satellites, with many more launches planned in the coming years.

The mission from Kennedy Space Center used the reusable Falcon 9 booster dubbed B1060, marking its eleventh trip to space. Meanwhile, the rocket from Vandenberg was the B1051, making its tenth flight. Both rockets successfully returned to Earth, landing on SpaceX’s drone ships – ‘Just Read the Instructions’ and ‘Of Course I Still Love You,’ respectively, marking another success in SpaceX’s track record of rocket reusability.

In addition to providing internet coverage, the Starlink network also serves as a testbed for SpaceX’s interplanetary ambitions. Musk has made it clear that his ultimate goal is to colonize Mars, and the company’s Starship spacecraft is currently in development for this purpose. The lessons learned from operating the Starlink network will undoubtedly prove vital to these future missions.

While the double launch is a significant achievement for SpaceX, it also underscores the need for careful regulation of space traffic. As more companies and countries aim to exploit the potential of space, the risk of collisions and space debris increases. SpaceX, however, has demonstrated a commitment to responsible space operations. The Starlink satellites are designed to burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere at the end of their lifespans, minimizing the risk of space junk.

The dual-coast spaceflight doubleheader represents a new milestone for SpaceX and the broader space industry. It highlights the rapid pace of progress in commercial spaceflight and raises exciting possibilities for the future. As SpaceX continues to launch more Starlink missions, the dream of global internet coverage – and beyond – is becoming a reality.

Read more from the original source here: [https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacex-starlink-6-99-ksc-jrti-15-13-vsfb-ocisly](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacex-starlink-6-99-ksc-jrti-15-13-vsfb-ocisly).