Starship Flight 13 was More than Lucky!
Image Credit: SpaceX Video Stream at 1 minute into flight.
Boca Chica - Starbase, Texas On the evening of May 22, 2026 and going into the Memorial holiday weekend, with countless thousands of SpaceX fans, interested space officials, media & employees with glued to the launch site or watching thru a live stream, SpaceX launched their latest version of Starship, SpaceX sent the Heavy V3 version of Starship into a sub-orbit flight ending in the Indian Ocean. This was the twelfth flight of the massive SpaceX rocket.
Now fast forward to today, July 24, 2026 and the thirteenth flight of Starship from Texas. Flight Thirteen launched at 6:51 PM EDT. This is an impressive feat to have a turnaround of flights just two months apart. This launch was delayed from a previous attempt when the rocket aborted at ignition and then again due to weather.
The mammoth vehicle towering 124 meters (406 feet) tall completed several objectives bringing SpaceX to be on the cusp of readiness for orbital flight which included launch, stage separation a boost back burn, deployment of functional StarLink V3 satellites, and landing the booster offshore while the Starship portioned attained a sub-orbital flight and landed in the Indian Ocean.
With each new flight of Starship, SpaceX continues to learn, rework and develop systems that keep the entire program moving into what hopes to be a first orbital flight of the rocket.
This launch solidifies SpaceX’s over all grip on launch abilities and capabilities and sets forth that its rockets as being “ready for prime time” allowing NASA to seriously consider SpaceX as being preferred vendor moving forward to landing on the moon with their continued success. This also shows with the construction of the Giga-Bay and the building and work at both LC-39A and LC-37 and Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral S.F.S. in Florida.
With flight thirteen, a couple of items of note: SpaceX successfully deployed a series of functional Starlink V3 satellites and by all accounts were in communication with ground systems. It is being reported 20 satellites were deployed as well as the successful relighting test of a Raptor engine while in space.
While the Starship has nowhere near the cadence of Falcon 9 launches, flight eleven of Starship took place last year on October 14, 2025 when SpaceX launched the rocket from Boca Chica, Texas. At present, Starship launches about twice a year as development of this new rocket continues.
Successful on so many levels, SpaceX continues to develop and test the world’s most powerful rocket.
While they have not yet made a full Earth orbit attempt with the Starship portion of the rocket, progress continues to both the Starship and first stage booster with each launch. As with some other launches, the first stage booster did not make an attempt at a catch landing back at the launch site rather it landed in the Gulf of Mexico (America) East of the launch site. It appears that the booster did not light all the landing engines and made a hard landing while Starship continued its flight. Just over an hour later, the Starship made an incredible reentry and landing in the Indian Ocean. Video feeds of the flight show an amazing landing and the rocket floating perfectly on the ocean surface. Will flight fourteen attempt a full orbit of the Earth? With so much success of this flight, one wonders.
Article by: Graham Smith and Michael Howard – We Report Space
Image Credit: SpaceX
Northrup Grumman & SpaceX send a MacGyver satellite to space
CApe Canaveral Space Force Center, Fl.
Northrop Grumman’s MRV-1 “MacGyver” Spacecraft
Earlier this afternoon at 5:15 at the opening of the launch window, SpaceX yet again, did what they are so well known for in thye space industry. On time, no delays, no issues. Just 9 Merlin engines firing up and delivering the space cargo to it intended destination.
If one looks back over the history of space launches, only one notable “repair” in space of an orbiting satellite comes to memory, the mirror adjustment of the Hubble Telescope.
However there have been thousands of launches where fuel used for maneuvering has expired, or power batteries have died, solar panels have not expanded leaving countless numbers of multimillion dollar satellites inoperable.
Enter in SpaceLogisitics a subsidiary of Northrup Grumman headquartered in Sterling, Virginia working on a DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency). Think of DARPA as an agency where emerging technologies & dreams are justified and brought to life by qualified agencies or private companies.
Backed by its parent corporation, Northrup Grumman, SpaceLogistics has designed and built the MRV-1 (Mission Robotic Vehicle). In plain terms think of it as a recovery/repair satellite.
After a year’s trip in reaching a geosynchronous orbit, the MRV-1 will try and attach propulsion systems to failing or failed satellites, physically inspect them, allowing them to be brought back online into service, all while orbiting at about 36,000 kms.
The geosynchronous region is a hotly contested region of space with various types of GEO satellites, military, communications GPS to name a few, each one has the capability of “seeing” or covering roughly 1/3 of the earths surface.
SpaceLogistics has already posed success in tackling this issue of “space repair” with its MEV-1 & MEV-2 successfully docking in 2020 & again in 2021 with aging satellites. The downside is the MEV satellites were single use and expensive.
The MRV and earlier MEV are two different technologies. The MRV is equipped with a robotic arm (RAS-1) (Robotic Arm System-1) designed by the U.S> Naval Research Laboratory with the same dexterity of the human wrist and capable of turning 7 different ways.
Another noticeable difference is the MRV-1 is also capable of being refueled while in orbit and is expected to have a space life of 10 years and the capability to deliver new MEPS to various customers.
Article: Graham Smith/WRS
Images: Graham Smith/WRS … White Room Image: Courtesy of DARPA
#DARPA #usnrl #northrupgrumman #usspaceforce #intelsat #spacex #falcon9 #capecanaveralspaceforcestation #sldelta45 #canaveral.tours #spacecoastdaily #floridaspacecoast #launch @emrekelly
SpaceX completes 85th mission of 2026
SpaceX StarLink 10-45
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fl. ~
For the 39th time this year A Falcon 9 lifted off of SLC # 40 @ Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fl. Its cargo this time is another group of StarLink satellites which headed out on a NE trajectory.
The first stage booster (#B1080) completed its 28th flight, landing on A Shortfall of Gravitas (ASOG) the SpaceX ASDS (Autonomous Spaceport Drone Ship).
With the completion of this launch, SpaceX will have completed 85 mission launches in 2026.
Article: Graham Smith/WRS
Image: Graham Smith/WRS
#spacex #falcon9 #starlink #sldelta45 #capecanaveralspaceforcestation #launch #canaveral.tours @emrykelly
Nancy Grace Roman Air conditioning heros
When the Pegasus barge arrived from NASA Goddard in Greenbelt, Maryland, Neil Patel the lead mechanical engineer on the Roman project spoke with media and mentioned a temperature issue that had been encountered enroute.
Temperatures inside the enclosure had come dangerously close to 72F. The air-conditioning and back up air-conditioning system were failing at maintaining the temperatures below 72. What was not mentioned was why this was a critical issue. Research into this has yielded the following:
The NGR satellite has numerous (18) mercury cadmium telluride infrared detectors (HgCdTe) installed in various locations. For those unfamiliar with mercury cadmium telluride technology, it is what is used in night vision systems currently used by the U.S. Military.
The main downside to HgCdTe is its sensitivity to external heat (the trip to Florida encountered much higher than normal temperatures and humidity than expected after leaving NASA Goddard.)
The buildup of external heat could cause issues of calibration integrity. All instruments are calibrated for normal operation in extreme cold temperatures.; thermal damage to material used in the build with bonding to electronics. Lastly contamination risks that could be presented with condensation seen with high humidity.
Mr. Patel accompanied the NGR satellite while it was on the barge and had to find emergency contacts to acquire temporary emergency mobile air conditioning on the fly that were capable of dropping the temperature as well as decreasing the humidity. more importantly, coordinating the arrival and installation e the equipment and crews for the installation in a very short time period.
While the names of the portable & temporary personnel are unknown, Patel likened the fix and crew as a “MacGyver Team approach” Highly probable, Patel had more than a few sleepless nights on the barge.
#romanspacetelescope #nasa #nasakennedy #nasagoddard #portcanaveral #spacecoastdaily #floridaspacecoast #spacex
Starlink 10-42 Amazes the Space Coast
Starlink 10-42 streaks into the early morning. - Image Credit: Eric Moore - We Report Space
Streaking into the Dawns Early Light - Image Credit: Michael Seeley - We Report Space
Cape Canaveral S.F.S., FL – In the moments before dawn of July 9, 2026, a SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted off from LC-40 sending 29 more Starlink satellites into orbit. Liftoff came at 5:25 AM EDT about an hour prior to sunrise.
The “Space Jellyfish” Image Credit: Michael Seeley - We Report Space
The magical launch time created the “space jellyfish” that was seen for hundreds of miles along the flight path. We Report Space photographer caught the flight north of Orlando. Shortly after launch this 36 time flown booster made a landing on the recovery ship “A Shortfall of Gravitas”.
“Space Jellyfish” as seen North of Orlando, FL. - Image Credit: Eric Moore - We Report Space
Image Credits: Michael Seeley and Eric Moore – We Report Space
When the I.S.S. needs 911
When the ISS needs 911 - Image Credit: NASA
Kennedy Space Center, FL. – Prior to the orbiting space stations of today, it was impossible to have the opportunity to call “911” on orbit. Today, after stations like Skylab or that of Mir, astronauts now have even more emergency medical equipment than ever before on hand in the unlikely event a medical situation should arise. However, back in January of 2026, an astronaut did have that 911 event. The call was placed to ground support and the medical training of the astronauts went into action.
We Report Space team member Dr. Eric Moore presents:
The Emergency Room in Orbit: How the International Space Station Practices Medicine 250 Miles Above Earth
Dr. Eric Moore, We Report Space
As a physician who periodically covers rocket launches from Florida’s Space Coast as part of the media corps, I have often found myself staring at a Falcon 9 disappearing into the sky and wondering about something that receives far less attention than engines, trajectories, and docking procedures:
What happens when somebody gets sick up there?
The International Space Station is, after all, a permanently occupied outpost orbiting Earth at 17,500 miles per hour, roughly 250 miles overhead. It is not a hospital. There is no emergency department, no CT scanner, no operating room, and certainly no trauma surgeon waiting behind swinging doors.
Yet astronauts are human beings, and human beings develop sore throats, kidney stones, migraines, arrhythmias, and abdominal pain regardless of altitude.
Space medicine has quietly become one of the most fascinating areas of modern medical planning.
Image Credit: NASA
The ISS Sick Call
Routine medical complaints aboard the ISS are surprisingly mundane.
Astronauts experience headaches, nasal congestion, skin rashes, minor injuries, sleep disturbances, back pain, and gastrointestinal illnesses much as we do on Earth.
The most common early complaint is congestion.
In microgravity, body fluids redistribute toward the head, producing the characteristic “puffy face and bird legs” appearance seen in astronauts during their first days in orbit. The sensation resembles a persistent head cold, and many astronauts report feeling as though they have sinusitis or allergies.
For genuine upper respiratory infections or sore throats, the treatment is familiar to any family physician:
· Acetaminophen and NSAIDs for fever and discomfort
· Decongestants
· Cough suppressants
· Hydration
· Rest
· Antibiotics when clinically indicated
The station maintains a substantial medical inventory that includes analgesics, antiemetics, antibiotics, IV supplies, emergency medications, splints, wound care supplies, and dental equipment.
There is even capability for intravenous fluid administration if needed.
Image Credit: NASA
Every Astronaut Is Part Medic
NASA does not send physicians on every mission.
Instead, one crew member receives extensive medical officer training prior to flight and serves as the Crew Medical Officer. Depending on the mission, that individual may be an engineer, pilot, scientist, or occasionally a physician.
Crew members train extensively in:
· Ultrasound examinations
· Intravenous access
· Airway management
· Cardiac monitoring
· Trauma care
· Medication administration
· Emergency procedures
When necessary, the crew can perform ultrasound studies while specialists on Earth watch in real time and guide probe placement from Mission Control.
In many ways, the model resembles telemedicine practiced in the most remote regions of Earth — except the patient is traveling around the planet every ninety minutes.
What Is Actually on Board?
The ISS carries an impressive amount of medical equipment considering the severe mass and volume constraints of launch.
Available capabilities include:
· Defibrillator and cardiac monitor
· Portable ultrasound
· Pulse oximetry
· Emergency airway equipment
· IV fluids and infusion supplies
· Laboratory sampling capability
· Minor surgical instruments
· Dental emergency kits
There is, however, one conspicuous absence.
There is no operating room.
No anesthesia machine.
No sterile surgical suite.
No capability for abdominal surgery.
This is by design.
The Question Every Physician Eventually Asks
What if an astronaut develops appendicitis?
As physicians, this is often the first hypothetical scenario that comes to mind.
The answer is straightforward:
They come home.
An astronaut developing acute appendicitis aboard the ISS would likely receive antibiotics, intravenous fluids, analgesia, antiemetics, and serial examinations while NASA flight surgeons coordinated an expedited return to Earth.
Modern management of uncomplicated appendicitis increasingly includes antibiotic treatment, which buys valuable time. The objective in orbit would not be definitive treatment but stabilization and evacuation.
Fortunately, unlike future missions to Mars, astronauts aboard the ISS are never truly stranded.
At virtually all times there is a docked spacecraft capable of returning crews to Earth on relatively short notice.
For the ISS, evacuation is the surgical suite. If an Astronaut developed an acute appendicitis this morning, they could be on a surgical table on earth in a few hours.
Mike Fincke arrives at KSC for the Crew-11 Launch to the ISS in 2025: PHOTO CREDIT ERIC MOORE
A Recent Reminder
Earlier this year NASA conducted its first medical evacuation from the International Space Station after astronaut Mike Fincke developed a sudden neurological event while in orbit.
According to Fincke, he abruptly lost the ability to speak for approximately twenty minutes while preparing for an upcoming spacewalk. His crewmates immediately initiated emergency protocols while NASA flight surgeons on the ground became involved in real time.
The symptoms resolved, but NASA ultimately ended the mission early and returned him to Earth for evaluation.
Even months later, physicians still do not know exactly what happened.
The episode served as a reminder that despite decades of operational experience, medicine in space remains an exercise in managing uncertainty.
The station has telemetry.
It has telemedicine.
It has highly trained personnel.
What it does not have is a hospital.
Mars Changes Everything
The ISS sits only a few hours from definitive medical care.
Mars is different.
A medical evacuation from Mars would take months.
The physician on a Mars expedition may eventually need to perform surgery in partial gravity using autonomous diagnostic systems and robotic assistance while communicating with Earth under delays approaching twenty minutes each way.
In other words, the medical future of deep-space exploration may look less like Houston Methodist and more like Antarctic expedition medicine crossed with naval submarine medicine and battlefield surgery.
The first appendectomy in deep space may someday become as historic as the first moonwalk.
For now, however, if an astronaut develops acute appendicitis aboard the International Space Station, the treatment plan remains refreshingly terrestrial:
Stabilize the patient.
Light the engines.
Come home.
Story By: Dr. Eric Moore
Image Credits: NASA - Onboard ISS
Image Credit: Astronaut - Mike Fincke: Dr. Eric Moore
StarLink 10-50 & Besxar
Cape Canaveral Space Force Center, Fl
Brevard County residents were treated to another glorious sunrise and SpaceX launch shortly after sunrise. SpaceX launched their latest batch of 29 StarLink satellites from SLC#40. This launch slightly differed in that SpaceX had 2 reusable manufacturing pods built by Besxar. These pods were testing their capability to withstand the harsh environments of launch and reentry.
Article: Graham Smith/WRS
Image: Michael Seeley/WRS
#spacex #falcon9 #starlink #launch #sldelta45 #usspaceforce @emrekelly
Swift flies on the Wings of Pegasus
Artist Rendering: Katalyst Space
Kwajalein Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands – Today July 3, 2026 a Lockheed L-1011 Tri-Star aircraft named “Stargazer” took off with a Northrop Grumman Pegasus XL rocket and the Katalyst Space payload satellite robot named LINK. LINK was designed to rendezvous and rescue the Swift Observatory that is losing orbital altitude and without aid will de-orbit and burn up on reentry. The Pegasus XL rocket was launched over the Pacific Ocean in the Marshall Islands after a long distance travel from the Wallops Island facility in Virginia earlier in June. Pegasus XL was dropped from the Stargazer aircraft at 4:36 AM EDT from an altitude of about 40,000 feet.
Image Credit: NASA - Ron Beard (Clean Room)
The Pegasus XL rocket is seeing its final flight after 36 years of service and 46 missions that started in 1990 so this flight is historic for its unique capabilities and orbital delivery services.
Image Credit: NASA - Jamie Adkins (Wallops Island, VA. Takeoff)
NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory launched on a Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral in 2004, the observatory has been in orbit for 22 years and was never designed or intended for orbital servicing which makes the rescue mission even more challenging. How to rendezvous with an orbiting satellite, grapple it using robotic arms and then fire its engines to take it to a desired higher orbit.
Artist Rendering By: Katalyst Space
In a statement from Katalyst Space Founder and CEO Ghonhee Lee prior to launch: “It (Swift) doesn’t have any interfaces or grapple fixtures or USB port you can plug into, it was never envisioned we would service this satellite," said Lee. "So, we have to bring all of that equipment ourselves.” Continuing - “This is one of the most technically complex missions you can do in space right now," explained Lee. "To autonomously dock to a satellite that was never designed for servicing.”
Of note, this will be the first time a commercial satellite will have been designed and flown to an orbiting government satellite that was never intended to be serviced or rescued.
Story By: Michael Howard – We Report Space
Images By: NASA - Ron Beard (Clean Room)
NASA - Jamie Adkins (Wallops Island, VA. Takeoff)
Artist Rendering By: Katalyst Space
U.L.A. Lights the Night With the LEO-8 Mission
U.L.A. light the Space Coast
Cape Canaveral S.F.S. FL. – In the very early hours of July 2, 2026, a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 551 came to life sending the next installment of Amazon LEO satellites to orbit. This morning’s flight came at 12:30 AM EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Force Center in Florida is rapidly bringing an end to a storied history of Atlas V Centaur rockets. The mission lifted off on a NE trajectory from SLC -41. The 5 SRBs (Solid Rocket Boosters) roared to life with the Atlas’s 2 RD-180 engines clearing the tower in a few seconds, lighting Brevard County’s skies for miles.
Liftoff of LEO-8 Image Credit: Graham Smith - We Report Space
Remote Images taken @ SLC # 41 Image Credit: Dr. Eric Moore/We Report Space
After this launch there are now 5 Atlas V Centaur rockets remaining before it is permanently retired into history.
This morning’s launch also marked the last of 9 Atlas V Kuiper/Amazon Leo launches. Another “last” is it was the final flight of an Atlas V with a 5-meter fairing and the final flight of Single Engine Centaur. Additionally, the Atlas V will no longer be used to launch satellites.
In a statement from United Launch Alliance:
“ULA has been a trusted launch partner since the beginning of the Amazon Leo program,” said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Atlas and Vulcan programs. “Each launch advances Amazon’s vision for worldwide connectivity, and we’re proud to help build the backbone of their commercial architecture.” Continuing:
“Atlas V has played a critical role in the early deployment phase for Amazon Leo, launching 224 satellites with a 100% success rate across all eight missions, and we're excited to build on that foundation with ULA as we transition to Vulcan," said Melissa Wuerl, Amazon Leo Director of Launch Systems. "With hundreds of flight-ready satellites standing by at the Cape and a new, dedicated vertical integration facility ready to support Leo Vulcan 1 and subsequent missions, we have a clear path to increase launch and deployment cadence, helping us quickly expand network coverage following an initial service rollout later this year."
Roaring thru the Night Sky - Image Credit: Graham Smith - We Report Space
Closeup of Atlas V -551 Amazon Leo8 engines at liftoff. Image Credit: Dr. Eric Moore/We Report Space
Amazon Leo now has close to over 300 satellites in orbit compared to the 10,200 StarLink satellites (April, 2026).
Long term plans call for a deployment of over 3200 Leo satellites. Overall, the Amazon satellites are more expensive to launch compared to SpaceX which builds and maintains their own rockets, where as Amazon is left to contract with various launch providers including SpaceX.
One difference many do not recognize is the Amazon satellites are launched to a higher orbit 590–630 km versus Starlink's 340–550 km. Being higher up lets Leo cover more area with fewer satellites.
Ready for Launch - Image Credit: Graham Smith - We Report Space
Article: Graham Smith/WRS
Images: Graham Smith/WRS
#amazonleo_ #ulalaunch #sldelta45 #hkpmedianews #launch #canaveral.tours #unitedspaceforce #ussf_ssc #floridaspacecoast @northrupgrumman #orbitaltoday @emrekelly
ULA Atlas V Amazon Leo 8
Ready for Launch
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fl.
ULA (United Launch Alliance) is in the final hours of preparation before launching one of its few remaining Atlas V-551 Centaur rockets carrying the latest group of Amazon Leo (8) internet satellites. Launch is scheduled for 2 July, 2026 at 24 minutes past midnight
Antonov-124 at the Space Coast
The Antonov AN-124 which is the worlds largest operating cargo aircraft at Melbourne Orlando International Airport.
The Antonov AN-124 which is the worlds largest operating cargo aircraft at Melbourne Orlando International Airport on Sunday and the SXM-11 satellite streaks overhead. Image Credit: Michael Seeley - We Report Space
The Antonov AN-124 which is the worlds largest operating cargo aircraft landed @ Melbourne Orlando International Airport on Sunday. It had flown in from Germany to load over 50,000 pounds of aerospace cargo before it heads out to the Pacific Northwest,
This was not the first visit for the AN-124. It landed on the tarmac back in 2024. All fueling & ground operations were handled by ground operation crews with Sheltair the same FBO (Fixed Base Operations) that had handled the previous appearance.
While the massive 24 wheel jet sat on the tarmac Sunday evening, SpaceX launched a Falcon9 carrying the SXM-11 digital communications satellite built by Lanteris (Palo Alto, Ca).
Article: Graham Smith/WRS
Image: Michael Seeley/WRS
#spacex #falcon9 #sheltairaviation #lanterisspacesystems @emrekelly
Axiom Space Makes Texas Its Legal Home
Axiom Space Makes Texas Its Legal Home
Axiom Space has officially redomiciled from Delaware to Texas, aligning its legal address with its operational headquarters in Houston, where the company has been based since its founding in 2016.
The move is largely administrative but carries strategic weight. Texas has aggressively positioned itself as the center of the commercial space economy, with the state legislature committing $450 million through various funds since 2023, including a $300 million grant package approved in 2025. Axiom Space is among the direct beneficiaries, having received a $5.5 million grant through the state's Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund to advance its orbital computing capabilities.
Axiom Space's CEO and President Dr. Jonathan Cirtain and Texas Governor Greg Abbott Source: Axiom Space
Axiom employs approximately 700 people, most of them in Texas. The company's Houston footprint includes an Assembly Integration and Test Facility at Ellington Airport's Houston Spaceport, where modules for Axiom Station will undergo final processing before launch, a Space Station Development Facility, and the spacesuit lab producing the AxEMU suit that will return astronauts to the lunar surface.
The announcement follows Axiom's recent unveiling of the Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment for the AxEMU suit, developed in partnership with Prada.
Source: Axiom Space
Starfall Demo Flies After the Sun Rises
Starfall Flies
Cape Canaveral S.F.S. FL. – Just minutes after a hazy and partly cloudy sunrise this morning, 6/23/2026 a Falcon 9 rocket on its 29th flight took to the skies with the Starfall Demo payload. Liftoff came at 6:53 AM EDT from LC-40 and minutes later, the booster made a successful landing near the Bahamas on the recovery ship, “A Shortfall of Gravitas”.
The Starfall Demo mission is to test a new concept in recoverable “disks” that look generally like a large hockey puck. Slightly less than 1 x 10 feet, these disks can contain science and other payloads up to an estimated 2,000 pounds for micro gravity research and then can de-orbit at a predetermined location and then parachute to a touchdown for recovery.
It is believed that this new system is first being tested on the Falcon 9 before testing begins on the SpaceX Starship.
Story By: Michael Howard – We Report Space
Launch Image By: Michael Seeley – We Report Space
NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman satellite arrival @ KSC
After an eight-day trip from the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland via the Atlantic Ocean with an urgent stop along the way to add additional air conditioning units to maintain a temperature of no more than 72-degree F, the Pegasus Barge carrying the Nancy Grace Roman satellite in its special container.
After the typical “It’s Florida” weather pattern of heavy rains, lightning, humidity topped with no see um’s & mosquitos, the satellite carrier was coupled to a semi rig and escorted to the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF).
Engineers will prep the satellite with a top to bottom inspection of all systems and components, and load about 290 gallons of hydrazine fuel before coupling the satellite to a SpaceX Falcon Heavy for launch from SLC 39A in late August or early September.
Article: Graham Smith
Images: Graham Smith, NASA (Clean Room Images)
#nasa #nasakennedy #spacex #falconheavy @emrekelly
ISS CanadArm II Immediate Repairs Needed
ISS CanadArm II Immediate Repairs Needed
In late May, 2026, the iconic robotic arm CanadaArm II aboard the International Space Station, malfunctioned & failed to continue operating.
NASA publicly confirmed the issue on June 10, describing it as "elevated motor current in a wrist joint" — an anomaly that forced the agency to halt the arm's operations until repairs could be completed. While the cause is known (elevated current), the repair time is still in the planning stages and subject to change
In 2001 a similar “wrist joint” was replaced by astronauts in orbit during a spacewalk.
Canadarm2 weighs approximately 1,500 kilograms (3300 lbs. and stretches 18 meters (60 feet) in length, featuring numerous joints that give it a full range of motion comparable to a human arm.
Repairing Canadarm2 is considered critical for ISS operations, as the arm is used to grab space capsules full of food and supplies from various countries. In addition, the arm is tasked with routine ISS station maintenance. Without the arm, no supplies can be brought aboard.
June 30 is checked off as repair day by crew members who will wear pressurized EVA space suits in a spacewalk. The astronauts will perform the repair with a spare wrist joint already stored on the ISS for just such emergencies.
Article: Graham Smith
Image: Courtesy NASA
#canadianspaceagency #nasa #nasakennedy @emrekelly
Area 51? Well Maybe LC-51
Possible Area of LC-51
Cape Canaveral S.F.S. FL- UPDATE to a previous story.
Aerial Stock Image By: Michael Howard - We Report Space
Is Cape Canaveral getting a new launch pad? Well, maybe……
Several outlets have been reporting that the military is looking at the idea of placing a new launch complex a couple of miles south of the current LC-46. The area in question might possibly be an undeveloped area near the historic pads of LC-25, LC-29 and LC-17.
We Report Space reached out to Space Launch Delta 45 (SLD45) and they were gracious to respond to our inquiry.
Aerial Stock Image By: Michael Howard - We Report Space
In the press release from SLD-45:
“The Department of the Air Force is preparing an assessment to evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with the relocation of military launch operations from Space Launch Complex 46 to another location within the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Space Launch Delta 45 is the proponent of this action.”
Continuing in the release from SLD-45:
“The purpose of the proposed action is for SLD 45 to relocate the Department of the Navy and the Department of the Army launch operations from SLC-46 to a location outside all commercial space launch providers’ explosive clear zones on CCSFS. Currently, SLC-36 and SLC-46 cannot operate simultaneously without disruption, as SLC-46 is within the explosive clear zone for SLC-36. This relocation would ensure safe and efficient use of launch infrastructure, reduce scheduling conflicts, and support both military and commercial space activities while safeguarding national security missions and enhancing overall launch capacity. The need for the proposed action is to deconflict operations and preserve national security requirements while assuring access to the Eastern Range and enabling the Department of War, NASA, and other federal and commercial partners to conduct operations safely, with minimal disruptions, and with greater operational flexibility.”
Aerial Stock Image By: Michael Howard - We Report Space
This new complex (if built) would then be the closest launch complex to the very active entrance to Port Canaveral. Now confirmed as a possibility, this new launch site would possibly be called LC-51. Should this pad be developed and become a reality, it could very possibly disrupt the dozens of cruise and cargo ships that come and go daily from Port Canaveral.
Article by: Michael Howard – We Report Space
Aerial Stock Images By: Michael Howard – We Report Space
CRS-34 Returns Home
CRS-34 Heads to the I.S.S.
Launch of CRS-34 Image Credit: Michael Seeley - We Report Space
Houston TX. – On the early afternoon of June 16, 2026, a SpaceX Cargo Dragon undocked from the International Space Station (I.S.S.). Located on the forward section of the Harmony Module, the Dragon capsule undocked at 12:25 PM EDT after a stay of a month on orbit. The departure was originally scheduled for noon; however teams wanted to make certain that Dragon and all required systems were ready for undocking. At the time of undocking, the I.S.S. were over the North Pacific.
This mission for NASA was the Crew Resupply Mission 34 or CRS-34.
CRS-34 was launched back on May 15, 2026 from LC-40 and arrived at the I.S.S. hours later on May 17, 2026. CRS-34 carried multiple experiments as well as food and supplies to the astronauts currently aboard the station.
Like no other supply craft to the I.S.S., Cargo Dragon has the ability bring back to Earth experiments and other needed articles safely back to Earth.
Cargo Dragon made a splashdown off the California coast on the early morning of June 17, 2026. The official splashdown time was 8:11 AM EDT.
Article By: Michael Howard – We Report Space
Image Credit: Michael Seeley – We Report Space
Three Blue Birds Fly
Three Blue Birds Take Flight
Three Blue Birds Take Flight - Image Credit: Michael Seeley - We Report Space
Cape Canaveral S.F.S. FL. – In the very early morning hours of June 17, 2026, SpaceX sent to space the next installment of the AST Space Mobile satellites. The payloads for this mission were the Blue Bird 8-10 direct to cell communication satellites. The launch came at 2:39 AM EDT from Launch Complex 40. Shortly after launch the first stage booster made a successful landing down range on the recovery ship “A Shortfall of Gravitas”.
Image Credit: Michael Seeley – We Report Space
The We Report Rewind For the week of June 14, 2026
The We Report Space Rewind for the week of June 14, 2026
Cape Canaveral S.F.S. FL-
In a recently seen press release from Space Florida, it is being reported about a new launch provider that is looking to bring floating launch platforms to our Space Coast.
Seagate Space, a company based in the St. Petersburg Florida area has partnered with Space Florida to bring “Project Manta” to our Space Coast.
A mobile floating launch system, the Seagate Space system is not that dissimilar to those of other tested floating launch systems like that of Sea Launch that operated in the Pacific Ocean a couple of decades ago or the Chinese that have launched the Gravity-1 rocket from an ocean going ship back in 2024. While these platforms or modified ships have been used, Seagate Space is bringing a new idea and concept to the Space Coast.
While many of us have seen rocket boosters from SpaceX and Blue Origin return their first stages back on autonomous recovery ships, this might be a unique experience to see one leave port on its way to an offshore launch site.
In a statement from a press release from Space Florida:
“Our partnership with Seagate Space is a great example of how Florida is cultivating an innovation ecosystem that leverages everything the state has to offer, while empowering companies to stay and build here,” said Rob Long, Col. (Ret.), President and CEO of Space Florida. “Space Florida’s role is to be a force multiplier, and our engagement consistently helps unlock bigger outcomes, more capital, and stronger companies choosing Florida time and time again. Seagate Space represents the future we’re investing in.”
Image Credit: Seagate Space
In this same Space Florida press release, Seagate Space made the following comment:
"We are ecstatic to receive meaningful support from Space Florida that accelerates the next stage of our development," said Michael Anderson, co-founder and CEO of Seagate Space. "The opportunity to supplement early-stage private investment with public capital shows our state's commitment to fostering homegrown innovation. As we grow, we see a bright future in Florida with the people, capital, and partners that startups need across phases."
Florida’s Space Coast truly is the busiest launch area of the world and is bringing in new and inventive ideas along with the companies that want to develop new solutions and alternative launch services to our area.
Story by: Michael Howard with quotes from Space Florida press release
Seagate Space Image Credit: Seagate Space
Cape Canaveral S.F.S. FL-
Is Cape Canaveral getting a new launch pad? There are several outlets reporting that the military is looking at the idea of placing a new launch complex a couple of miles south of the current LC-46. The area would be possibly be an undeveloped area near the historic pads of LC-25, LC-29 and LC-17. This new complex (if built) would then be the closest launch complex to the very active entrance to Port Canaveral. Again, not confirmed, but this might possible be called LC-51. Should this pad be developed, it could disrupt the dozens of cruise and cargo ships that come and go daily from the port. We Report Space will monitor developments and report as new information arrives.
Article by: Michael Howard – We Report Space
Hawthorn CA. –
In one of the most anticipated IPO’s (Initial Public Offering) in history, SpaceX became a publicly offered company just before noon on June 12, 2026. Millions of shares were traded in a few short hours before the close of the market. Opening at a share price of $150, the stock closed at $160.95. The stock symbol for SpaceX is SPCX. With this offering, it is being said that Elon Musk became the world’s first trillionaire.
Article By: Michael Howard – We Report Space
Starlink 10-54 from LC-40 Image Credit: Graham Smith - We Report Space
Cape Canaveral S. F. S., Fl. -
With sporadic ominously dark clouds descending on the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, SpaceX decided to have 2 special events for Friday June, 12.
The long awaited IPO for SpaceX stock is set to occur, and the second event a bit more routine. Rumbling away from SLC # 40, SpaceX ignited the 9 Merlin engines on the Falcon 9 First Stage Core (B1080) which carried its payload of 29 StarLink v2-mini communications satellites in a NE trajectory.
With the return of the first stage core (27th time) and successful landing SpaceX completed their 70th successful mission of 2026.
Article: Graham Smith – We Report Space
Image: Graham Smith – We Report Space
A Day After Looking Back, ULA Takes a Step Forward: First Vulcan Stacks for Amazon's Constellation
ULA's first Vulcan rocket for Amazon's Leo constellation is stacking at Cape Canaveral, debuting a new Centaur stage. Plus, Atlas V Leo 8 launches July 3.
Project Kuiper Atlas V by United Launch Alliance by Michael Seeley
An Atlas V climbs away from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral, carrying the latest batch of Amazon Leo satellites into orbit. It's a scene that's become familiar on the Space Coast, and one that's about to change.
Yesterday we looked back at the Delta IV Heavy and the uncertain road Vulcan Centaur has traveled to take its place. Today, ULA has news that shows exactly where that road is heading next.
According to ULA's latest status report, the team has begun stacking and processing the first Vulcan rocket inside a brand new Vertical Integration Facility built specifically for Amazon's Leo constellation missions. Designated VC6L, this Vulcan will carry the ninth batch of operational broadband satellites for Amazon Leo, the first time an Amazon Leo payload has flown on Vulcan rather than Atlas V.
The vehicle is also debuting new hardware. ULA has integrated a LEO-optimized version of the Centaur upper stage atop this Vulcan, a variant designed specifically for low Earth orbit constellation deployments like Amazon's. Stacking this new stage configuration for the first time lets the team validate ground support equipment and stage interfaces that haven't been used in this combination before.
In the meantime, Atlas V continues carrying the load. ULA's next launch is Atlas V Leo 8, targeting July 3 at 12:03 a.m. Eastern from SLC-41 at Cape Canaveral, carrying the eighth batch of Amazon Leo satellites. The booster has already been hoisted into the Vertical Integration Facility, the five solid rocket boosters are mated, and the Centaur upper stage has been stacked.
Taken together, it's a snapshot of a launch provider in transition. Atlas V keeps a reliable cadence going for Amazon's constellation buildout while Vulcan works through the first-time procedures that will eventually make it the workhorse for these missions. The Leo 7 mission, which flew on Atlas V from SLC-41 on May 29, already pushed the constellation closer to commercial service. Leo 8 keeps that momentum going this summer, and Leo 1 on Vulcan will be the one to watch after that.
Source: ULA Status Report, June 12, 2026