ScientistPankaj: SpaceX launching secret national security mission for US Space Force today

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

SpaceX launching secret national security mission for US Space Force today

SpaceX launching secret Space Force mission today | Space quiz! Which type of geological landscape was chosen for exploration by the Curiosity and Perseverance Mars rovers? | Will Artemis 2 astronauts exercise on the way to the moon?

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February 14, 2024

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The Launchpad

SpaceX launching secret Space Force mission today

(SpaceX)

SpaceX will launch a mysterious national security mission today (Feb. 14), and you can watch the action live. A Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to launch the USSF-124 mission for the U.S. Space Force today at 5:30 p.m. EST (2230 GMT) from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Full Story: Space (2/14)

Space quiz! Which type of geological landscape was chosen for exploration by the Curiosity and Perseverance Mars rovers?

Learn the answer here!

Mountain peaks and hilltops

Ancient, dried lake beds

Polar ice caps

Dried river delta basins

Will Artemis 2 astronauts exercise on the way to the moon?

(U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Samoluk)

From simulators to space snacks, Artemis 2 astronauts are trying to practice all facets of moon living before they head toward the lunar surface in 2025. Jeremy Hansen emphasized here at Canadian Space Agency (CSA) headquarters that every detail matters when getting ready for the big mission, as it is the first moon excursion since 1972 that will have humans on board.

Full Story: Space (2/13)

Skywatching

The moon and Jupiter go on a Valentine's Day date tonight

(Chris Vaughan/Starry Night)

To see them, look high to the southwest as soon as the sun sets. The moon will be unmistakable, and Jupiter will be just above it and to the left, brighter than anything else in proximity to the moon. The duo will make their way across the sky together throughout the evening, finally setting in the west around midnight local time.

Full Story: Space (2/14)

Spaceflight

SpaceX to launch Intuitive Machines lander Feb. 15

(Intuitive Machines)

SpaceX is now aiming to launch the IM-1 moon lander mission for Intuitive Machines no earlier than Thursday, Feb. 15, due to a liquid methane temperature issue during preparations to fuel the Odysseus lander. The Houston-based company is launching its Nova-C lander, named "Odysseus," to the moon atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Full Story: Space (2/13)

SpaceX

Starship to launch again 'in about 3 weeks,' Elon Musk says

(SpaceX)

The third test flight of SpaceX's giant Starship rocket could be just around the corner, according to Elon Musk. "Starship were meant to fly and our next one launches in about 3 weeks, but I recommend waiting for a few more test flights before hopping on board," Musk said Monday.

Full Story: Space (2/13)

SpaceX postpones Crew-8 astronaut launch to Feb. 28

(NASA)

NASA's Crew-8 astronauts, who will launch on a SpaceX Crew Dragon, will fly to space no earlier than Feb. 28. The delay from Feb. 22 will make room for the expected launch of Intuitive Machines' moon lander from the same launch pad at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The window for that moon mission, known as IM-1, opens Thursday.

Full Story: Space (2/13)

Technology

How scientists are using A.I. to predict wildfires

(NOAA)

Fire weather prediction is not easy - there are so many different types of challenges that forecasters face both before a wildfire sparks and even while it's active. These fires can ignite any time, and anywhere. So many different factors must be considered before estimating how quickly one can spread, and how deeply it may impact our lives and our communities.

Full Story: Space (2/6)

Search for Life

Astronauts may threaten Mars missions with their bacteria

(NASA/CDC)

New research using simulated Mars conditions -- such as the planet's lack of water, harsh ultraviolet radiation and exposure to toxic salts - suggests four strains of bacteria that can be carried in the human gut may not only survive in Martian soil, or "regolith," but, under the right conditions, thrive.

Full Story: Space (2/13)