China successfully lands space probe on the dark side of the moon January 3, 2019 The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has successfully landed a lunar probe on the far side of the moon, transmitting the hidden half's first ever up-close image. The moon is tidally locked to Earth and rotates at the same rate as it orbits our planet, meaning we never see most of the so-called dark side. While [...]
SpaceX is getting ready to launch its Falcon Heavy – the world’s most powerful operational rocket September 8, 2015 Not one to be perturbed by a couple of missed landings, SpaceX – the space company founded by Tesla entrepreneur Elon Musk – has announced plans to attempt one of its boldest rocket launches yet: sending the Falcon Heavy, the world's most powerful rocket, into space for the first time. At a conference in [...]
Elon Musks’ SpaceX resupply rocket explodes just few minutes after take-off June 28, 2015 SpaceX's latest mission didn't last long – its Falcon 9 rocket exploded just a few minutes after being launched from a base in Florida this morning. Read more: SpaceX launch Q&A: Expert explains the science behind landing a reusable rocket The company, which was set up by entrepreneur Elon Musk in 2002, said the [...]
SpaceX GoPro video: Here’s what Elon Musk’s Falcon 9 rocket sees from space as it falls to earth June 7, 2015 The rocket ship sent into space by Elon Musk's SpaceX programme has captured stunning footage of the earth from miles above. A GoPro – the action camera favoured by adventurers – was attached to the rocket Falcon 9 which is being tested out to deliver payloads to the International Space Station (ISS) and then return [...]
Elon Musk’s SpaceX can now launch military and spy satellites for the US May 27, 2015 Private company SpaceX has received certified approval from the US to send military and spy satellites into space. The decision comes after two years of reviews by the US Air Force, and founder Elon Musk described it as an “important step” in bringing competition to National Security Space launch. “We thank the Air Force [...]
SpaceX shows off its Dragon abort system for keeping humans safe in space missions May 6, 2015 SpaceX flexed some rocket muscle today, as it attempted to show Nasa how safely it can send humans up into space via a cargo ship. The US aerospace company, founded by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, tested the abort system aboard its Dragon capsule, which it hopes to eventually use for transporting humans to and from [...]
This video posted by Elon Musk shows SpaceX’s Falcon rocket booster very nearly landing on a tiny platform in the middle of the ocean April 15, 2015 Disappointment all round at SpaceX HQ yesterday, when a rocket booster launched by the company didn't quite touch down properly on a pad – dubbed "Just Read the Instructions" thanks to the mantra printed on it – floating 50 miles out to sea. The rocket booster, which had just come from launching an International Space [...]
SpaceX lands $1bn investment from Google and Fidelity January 20, 2015 SpaceX, the California-based rocket company, said it received a $1bn investment from Google and Fidelity. Google and Fidelity will together own just under 10 per cent of the company, which gives SpaceX a total valuation of $10bn. SpaceX, which is based by Tesla founder Elon Musk, said it will use the funding for innovation in [...]
Global internet users mapped: Google mulls SpaceX investment to bring developing world online January 20, 2015 Google is considering an investment in Elon Musk’s company SpaceX, as part of a plan to deliver internet by satellite to the developing world and other areas that lack coverage. The deal has not been finalised, but would value SpaceX at around the $10bn (£6.6bn) mark, and would be a significant boost to the aim [...]
SpaceX rocket landing: Why did Elon Musk’s mission go wrong? January 10, 2015 Today, the American firm SpaceX launched a rocket into space. After releasing its cargo up in the direction of the International Space Station (ISS), the rocket started to change direction and headed back down to Earth. The plan was to eventually land the Falcon 9 rocket on a launch pad just off the coast [...]