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As I noted in July, the support of my readers through the years has given me the freedom and ability to analyze objectively the ongoing renaissance in space, as well as the cultural changes -- for good or ill -- that are happening across America. Fourteen years ago I wrote that SLS and Orion were a bad ideas, a waste of money, would be years behind schedule, and better replaced by commercial private enterprise. Only now does it appear that Washington might finally recognize this reality.

 

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FCC extends SpaceX’s communications license for Starship/Superheavy launch

The FCC tonight extended SpaceX’s communications license for Starship/Superheavy launch from December 1, 2023 to February 23, 2024.

Though there are a lot of rumors that Fish and Wildlife is about to approve the launch, which will allow the FAA to issue the actual launch license, this extension suggests SpaceX is covering its bets in case the approvals are further delayed, or if they are approved in November weather issues force a delay into December.

I remain pessimistic about a November launch, not because I don’t want it to happen (I do), but because I have no faith in the federal government’s desire to allow it to happen. The bureaucracy has now delayed this launch more than two months (SpaceX was ready to launch in September) and the politics continue to sugges the delays will continue.

Hat tip to BtB’s stringer Jay for the link.

Genesis cover

On Christmas Eve 1968 three Americans became the first humans to visit another world. What they did to celebrate was unexpected and profound, and will be remembered throughout all human history. Genesis: the Story of Apollo 8, Robert Zimmerman's classic history of humanity's first journey to another world, tells that story, and it is now available as both an ebook and an audiobook, both with a foreword by Valerie Anders and a new introduction by Robert Zimmerman.

 

The print edition can be purchased at Amazon. from any other book seller, or direct from my ebook publisher, ebookit. The ebook is available everywhere for $5.99 (before discount) at amazon, or direct from my ebook publisher, ebookit. If you buy it from ebookit you don't support the big tech companies and the author gets a bigger cut much sooner.


The audiobook is also available at all these vendors, and is also free with a 30-day trial membership to Audible.
 

"Not simply about one mission, [Genesis] is also the history of America's quest for the moon... Zimmerman has done a masterful job of tying disparate events together into a solid account of one of America's greatest human triumphs."--San Antonio Express-News

4 comments

  • Jeff Wright

    Here is where you can put the doom-&-gloomers together…. Deepwater Horizon already made a mess of the Gulf….and if they are worried about space debris—getting a fully reusable chomper up there is the best way to clear debris from orbit….in that Starship will limit expendable Falcon upper stages.

    I think they felt they had to move.

  • With all of the resistance to launching at Boca Chica, I wonder what will be done to slow/stop Starship launches in Florida? I suspect that SpaceX’s competitors are behind some of the push on Federal Agencies and probably launder funds to the environmental groups who oppose SpaceX.

  • Trent Castanaveras

    SpaceX has now posted links on X and their website “upcoming launches” page showing Starship’s second orbital flight test for November 17th…

    With the caveat statement “pending final regulatory approval”

    https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=starship-flight-2

    Has FAA has issued a license?

    Just got free supercharging for a few months. Road trip anyone?

  • pzatchok

    Jeff the Deepwater horizon has been cleaned up by nature.
    The Gulf has a huge amount of petroleum eating bacteria because the Gulf has naturally occurring oil and methane seeps all over it

    Odd that you never hear about environmentalists trying to clean up and stop those problems.

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