Private spaceflight

Latest about Private spaceflight

a black-and-white spacex falcon 9 rocket launches into a blue sky.

SpaceX wins $113 million contract to launch advanced NOAA climate satellite

By Mike Wall published

SpaceX has won a $113 million contract to launch NOAA's JPSS-4 climate and weather satellite. Liftoff is targeted for 2027.

Private Spaceflight
artist's impression of a cone-shaped spacecraft, powered by solar arrays, firing its engines while docked to the international space station. the curve of earth and black of space is visible behind

SpaceX has dreamed up a Dragon ship on steroids to drag the ISS out of space

By Elizabeth Howell published

SpaceX's Dragon series now has a new entrant: a larger, tougher variant that will send the ISS to its doom sometime in the 2030s.

Private Spaceflight
a rocket launches at night, leaving a streak of light through the sky

Firefly Aerospace CEO leaves company amid misconduct investigation

By Andrew Jones published

Rocket maker Firefly announced on July 17 that Bill Weber will no longer serve as CEO of the company, effective immediately.

Private Spaceflight
a figure in a clean white spacesuit sits strapped into a black bucket seat, as the image looks upward from his blurry knee on the left in the foreground. Above on the left, a gloved hand with black-tipped fingers holds a component against the dark wall of a spacecraft. The full face visor on the helmet near the top center right reflects a copper shine. Behind, white walls and piping.

Polaris Dawn crew shows off new SpaceX spacesuits for 1st private spacewalk (photos)

By Josh Dinner published

SpaceX's new spacesuits look gorgeous in these photos from the Polaris Dawn crew's recent acceptance testing and training. The mission will include the 1st-ever all-civilian spacewalk.

Private Spaceflight
a large complex consisting of several large white buildings, seen from high in the air

Virgin Galactic completes new Delta space plane manufacturing facility in Arizona

By Meredith Garofalo published

Virgin Galactic has completed its new multi-use manufacturing facility in Arizona, where it plans to begin assembly on its new Delta space plane fleet in 2025.

Private Spaceflight
a space station shaped like a wheel in orbit above earth with a streamlined silver rocket approaching it

Looking ahead to the next 25 years of private space stations

By Andrew Jones published

On Space.com's 25th anniversary, here's a look at the next 25 years of commercial space stations that are set to replace the International Space Station in low Earth orbit and beyond.

Private Spaceflight
a white frost-like substance builds up around the base of a metal cone glowing bright orange. the curvature of earth can be seen in the background

SpaceX wants to resume Falcon 9 rocket launches while FAA completes investigation

By Elizabeth Howell published

SpaceX is seeking a rapid return to Falcon 9 launches following a rare failure of its workhorse rocket during a satellite launch last week.

Private Spaceflight
A tall chrome rocket booster stands next to a launch tower as huge explosions of fire burst from its engines below. Smoke billows in all directions.

SpaceX test-fires Super Heavy Starship booster ahead of 5th flight (video)

By Josh Dinner published

SpaceX ignited the engines on the Super Heavy first stage booster of its Starship rocket, completing a critical test ahead of the megarocket's next flight.

Private Spaceflight
aerial view of a huge rocket launching from a seaside pad, creating a giant cloud of exhaust and dust

SpaceX's Starship to fly again 'in 4 weeks,' Elon Musk says

By Mike Wall published

SpaceX aims to launch the fifth test flight of its huge Starship rocket just four weeks from now, Elon Musk said.

Private Spaceflight
Still from an animation showing a SpaceX Starship Super Heavy booster being caught by the "chopstick" arms of its launch tower after a liftoff.

SpaceX teases catching Super Heavy booster with 'chopsticks' on upcoming Starship test flight (video)

By Brett Tingley published

SpaceX released a highlight reel from the fourth flight test of the Starship megarocket, which includes a tease of a new capability the company may test on an upcoming flight.

Private Spaceflight
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