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Missions To The Moon (HSF) / Re: NASA HLS (Human Landing System) Lunar Landers

« Last post by 321 on Today at 08:32 pm »

I really hope that eventually SpaceX will be forced to make SS HLS at least half shorter.

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Missions To The Moon (HSF) / Re: NASA's Artemis Program Updates and Discussion Thread 6

« Last post by 321 on Today at 08:28 pm »

We have discussed ad nauseam how Starship (Depot/Tanker/HLS) plus D2 can completely supersede SLS/Orion. However, If Starship fails and the Appendix P hardware succeeds, is there a mission plan that does not need SLS/Orion? How does crew reach LEO, and how does crew get from LEO to the Moon and back?

I can see a couple options:

-the most direct option would be the launch a crew Dragon to dock with the Blue Moon HLS transporter/lander in LEO. The crew transfers over to HLS, then Dragon undocks and remains in LEO under remote control. HLS proceeds with its mission, performing a LTI burn, a lunar landing, lunar takeoff, and TEI burn. Blue Moon redocks with Dragon in LEO, the crew transfers back, and finally returns to Earth.

The primary unknown factor is Blue Moon's ability to reach LEO from the lunar surface. As spec'd, it's only required to reach Gateway in NRLO. Some investigation would also be required about its ability to sustain crew on the LEO to Lunar surface trip and back, although the lunar surface and translunar space are similar enough that I don't think this will be a major issue.

BM2 on its own can't even come close to executing this mission.  If it did, it'd be the size of Starship.  However, there are lots of other options:

1) Keep the split between the vehicle that brings the crew to and from lunar orbit, and the one that goes down to the surface.  You could then use a "ferry" crewed BM2, carried by the CT, to go LEO-NRHO (or LEO-LLO), where it would transfer the crew to the HLS BM2.  Upon HLS's return from the surface, the ferry would carry the crew back to LEO, where it would transfer to the D2 or Starliner.

2) Make a "no propulsion" version of the BM2 crew module and permanently dock it onto a CT.  The CT would then haul the BM2 from LEO to lunar orbit and back.  The D2 would bring up both the crew and the consumables to reprovision it.

3) If all you really want to get rid of is SLS, then launch Orion on a new Glenn, dock it with the CT, and have the CT take it to lunar orbit.  The Orion could then return directly to EDL when the mission was over.

Surface stays are limited by Dragon's free flying design limit of 10 days.

That free-flight limit is for when the D2 is crewed the entire time.  We suspect (but don't know) that the limit can be made considerably longer if the D2 is uncrewed.

-Alternatively the first crew Dragon could return after docking to HLS, and a second Dragon could be launched upon their return to LEO. This would increase risk to the crew, as a launch failure on the 2nd Dragon would be unsurvivable, but would allow full usage of HLS's 30 day design limit with weeklong stays on the Moon.

As I said above, I don't think you need to do this for extending the uncrewed free-flight time, but there is The RAAN Problem to worry about:  If the lunar segment aborts early, the returning vehicle and the D2 will have very different orbital nodes, which can require unreasonably large amounts of delta-v to make the orbital planes line up.  This may be a reason for a second D2 to be on warm standby.

The other alternative we've discussed is to take the D2 along to lunar orbit and back.  It's not used during the translunar and lunar segments; it just sits there, idle but docked.  If it's docked to a BM2 or a BM2 crew module, the BM2 system supports the crew, and the D2 is just there so the RPOD back in LEO is a non-issue.

This does require some modification to the D2:  radiation-hardening the avionics, and ensuring that the docking system can be pushed by the CT/BM2 stack.  However, unlike Starship, the CT will be very low thrust, so pushing the D2 around eyeballs-out can be considerably easier.

-Assuming a commercial crew station with multiple docking ports is available, like Haven-2, Dragon and Blue Moon could meet at the station for the crew transfer. The Dragon could then be left docked until HLS returns.

This is still vulnerable to the RAAN problem.  Again, I doubt the D2 free-flight limit is only 10 days if the D2 is uncrewed.

If sized right for propulsion trip LEO>LLO(LL)>LEO a reusable BM2/CT stack with single refueling port for both is all that is needed to develop to make moon missions a routine. Plus of cause LEO refueling from NG S2.
D2 would carry crew to and from LEO and could be equipped with propulsion pack to be able for some change of orbital plane plane to meet early or late return of BM2/CT stack.

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Other Launchers (Korean, Brazilian etc.) / Re: Isar Spectrum flight 2 - Andøya - TBD February 2026 (20:00 UTC)

« Last post by Elektro88 on Today at 08:26 pm »

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for local advice regarding parking near Nordmela.
Is there any legal place to park from where it’s possible to watch the launch from Nordmela Beach, or alternatively walk towards the peninsula about 5 km away?

I want to make sure I only park where it’s allowed and don’t block roads or private access.
Any tips would be very helpful. Thanks in advance!

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Commercial Space Flight General / Re: Sirius Space Services

« Last post by AndrewM on Today at 08:23 pm »

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sirius-space-services_lanceurs-siriusspace-vol-activity-7400212029585682432-gy5Z

"2026 will be a pivotal year for the marketing of our #lanceurs " 🚀

Last night, Antoine Fourcade, co-founder and president of #SiriusSpace, was a guest on the Tech&Co show on BFM Business. With François Sorel, he looked back at the key milestones achieved this year and those that will lead us to our first #vol scheduled for the end of 2026-early 2027.

In 2025, we have validated several major milestones for the realization of the engine that will equip our #lanceurs:
✅Validation of the PDR (Preliminary Design Review) by the Centre National d'Études Spatiales
✅First successful h#turbopompes attempt
✅ Combustion #chambre Test Qualification
✅ Acquisition of the SERM by Sirius to directly manufacture and assemble our parts with high-precision machining, a strategic advance that accelerates our #industrialisation

As #spatiale Europe continues to structure itself, our pace will not slow down in 2026, which promises to be a pivotal period for the acceleration of the #fabrication of the first #lanceur of Sirius! 🚀

Our comprehensive #moteurs tests are fast approaching, and more decisive milestones are to come:
🔹 Announcing our #pasdetir
🔹 Finalizing the launcher #structures
🔹 Finalizing the on-board#électronique
All this to end the year 2026 in style with our first ballistic ✨ shot

Our first #lancements have already been signed, and we are staying the course to respect our planning, faithful to our pragmatic and realistic approach. The #industrialisation is underway, with a capacity to manufacture and adjust our tests that is already at work. 🏭

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported us since our beginnings. 🙏
We stay the course and move forward.

Together, let's reach #orbit. 🌍🚀

Translated via built-in LinkedIn translator.

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Historical Spaceflight / Re: On this Day in Space History - A Space Almanac

« Last post by catdlr on Today at 08:19 pm »

Jan 24

https://twitter.com/airandspace/status/2015170768812769323

National Air and Space Museum
@airandspace
·
The Hubble Space Telescope captured this image of Venus in UV light #OTD in 1995. At ultraviolet wavelengths, Venus's cloud patterns become distinctive.

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Commercial Space Flight General / Re: Axiom Space LLC: General Company and Development Updates and Discussions

« Last post by catdlr on Today at 08:18 pm »

https://twitter.com/Axiom_Space/status/2015163364436050319

Axiom Space
@Axiom_Space
·

Thanks for visiting, @NASAAdmin. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman had the chance to see our next-gen spacesuit, the #AxEMU, in action at our facilities. We are suiting America's return to the Moon, ready to fulfill national goals with
@NASAArtemis, and make exciting discoveries #ForScience. Learn more about the #AxEMU: https://axiomspace.com/axiom-suit.

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Advanced Concepts / Re: Leap 71 (AI Computational Engineering in Space Propulsion)

« Last post by catdlr on Today at 08:15 pm »

https://twitter.com/leap_71/status/2015125641054818525

LEAP 71
@leap_71
·
Collecting data for Noyron - this 6 kN KeroLOX thruster, generated by our Large Computational Engineering Model was tested to collect more sensor data to validate our performance predictions.

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SpaceX Starship Program / Re: SpaceX Starship/Super Heavy Engineering General Thread 5

« Last post by catdlr on Today at 08:14 pm »

This is not Missin Control, but since this was taken while a starship was on the Massey Test pad, this could be the Massey Testing Control room, or a reconfigured launch control being used for a Static Firing test.

Taken from Mr. Beast's new video.

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Commercial Space Flight General / Re: Reaction Dynamics

« Last post by AndrewM on Today at 08:12 pm »

Updates since August. In 2025, Reaction Dynamics completed flight qualification on the RE-102 engine, CDR for suborbital flight, and continued preparations for 1st Aurora-1 flight test. They are aiming for an integrated stage test and first suborbital demonstration flight in 2026.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/reaction-dynamics_replenishment-defence-deterrence-activity-7369352739908202497-cLzl [Sep. 4]

Reaction Dynamics has been selected as one of 15 NATO DIANA portfolio companies — and the only launch company — to receive €300,000 in funding towards our maiden flight and suborbital demonstration.

Read More: https://lnkd.in/dwrZyppF

Our solution — ultra-responsive launch serving the reconstitution and hashtag#replenishment of critical space-based assets — was selected under the DIANA Challenge Call Area of Critical Infrastructure.

Through Phase 1 of the NATO DIANA Programme, we had the opportunity to engage with world-class experts and mentors who helped us refine our technology and grow our business.

As we move into Phase 2, we look forward to deepening collaborations with hashtag#defence, commercial, and international partners, further validating our hybrid propulsion technology, and advancing Canada’s sovereign and responsive access to space — allied-ready, a hashtag#deterrence from adversarial interference.

Phase 2 represents a significant milestone in our journey with DIANA, and we are proud to continue to work with them to strengthen the Alliance’s operational edge.

Congratulations to our fellow NATO DIANA portfolio companies:

Kelluu | IS-Wireless | Wayren | 52North | RVmagnetics | Edge | Manitty | DeltaOrbit | Telearmy Swaza | Zelim | Alea Quantum Technologies | TACTIQL | Kinnami Software Corporation

Lisa Campbell visits RDX [Sep. 12]

Reaction Dynamics was honored to welcome Lisa Campbell, President of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), to our headquarters this month.

At Reaction Dynamics, we have pioneered and patented advances in hybrid rocket technology that unlock a new level of performance and practicality for commercial spaceflight. Our approach combines high efficiency with storable propellants and responsive operations, creating a launch capability that is robust, scalable, and well-suited to the realities of today’s space economy. The same innovations also carry dual-use potential for defense, offering sovereign resilience at a moment when access to space is both strategically vital and technically complex.

CSA’s support has been instrumental in accelerating this progress. Their partnership helps transform promising technology into national capability, strengthening Canada’s position in a rapidly evolving global launch landscape. We are deeply grateful to the Canadian Space Agency | Agence spatiale canadienne for their commitment to advancing Canadian leadership in space and for the support they have provided throughout our journey.

With Aurora‑1 preparing to fly in 2026 and our orbital pathfinder on the horizon for 2028, Canada’s path to sovereign launch is no longer a distant ambition. It is taking shape on the ground, in hardware and flight programs, and in the skilled teams building what comes next. President Campbell’s visit affirms that this work is not simply possible, but that it is happening.

We look forward to sharing more as we move from development to demonstration, and from demonstration to dependable, sovereign launch services. The countdown to a new era of Canadian access to space has begun.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/reaction-dynamics_critical-design-review-reaction-dynamics-activity-7394019148533497856-VuO6 [Mid-November]

The team has officially completed Critical Design Review (hashtag#CDR) of our two-stage suborbital launch vehicle, a key milestone marking the transition into final build phase.

This is the moment our vision becomes hashtag#flight hardware, and our containerized, globally deployable rocket takes shape.

With the CDR behind us, our engineers are now assembling the hardware that will soon make it possible to offer our launch capabilities to allies around the globe.

This vehicle will deploy from Australia’s Southern Launch spaceport, halfway around the world, alongside our Canadian government partners and with NATO’s support (NATO DIANA) — a powerful demonstration of allied collaboration in action.

A system designed for:

Rapid deployment of critical assets
Sovereign access to space
Safety, agility, and control in space

This milestone represents years of design iteration, testing, and relentless teamwork, and puts Reaction Dynamics on track for a final integrated test and upcoming flight campaign.

Canada. Launch is coming.

And to our Allies. It’s coming to you too.

Reaction Dynamics Announces Strategic Collaboration to Strengthen Canada’s Defence and Space Capabilities [Nov. 19]

Reaction Dynamics (RDX) has entered into a strategic collaboration agreement, with Defence Research and Development Canada, aimed at advancing Canada’s technological edge in both defence and space domains. This new partnership brings together DRDC’s leading science and technology expertise with RDX’s breakthrough innovations in space transportation and propulsion systems.

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ISS Section / Re: Expedition 74 thread

« Last post by catdlr on Today at 08:07 pm »

https://twitter.com/_jaykeegan_/status/2015158028933161027

Jay Keegan
@_jaykeegan_
·
Following yesterday's reboost of the ISS by Dragon C211, the orbiting lab returned to its nominal attitude. Prior to the burn, flight controllers in Houston re-oriented the Station using the 4 Control Moment Gyros (CMGs).

Yesterday's reboost lasted 26 minutes, 11 seconds (1571 seconds) per NASA.

Note: This animation is at 100x speed. Any abrupt movements are due to drops in telemetry.