Space X has made history with its arrival at the international space station. There are many firsts, it's the first commercially developed spacecraft to put Americans into the Earth's orbit, also, it's the first spaceflight of NASA astronauts in nearly a decade. Naturally, SpaceX founder Elon Musk is beaming with happiness.

SpaceX founder Elon Musk must have been a nervous man. He was at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.

US President Donald Trump was there too. The privately-built SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stood upright. Ready for launch after two delays due to bad weather.

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Come the time of reckoning, 3:22 eastern daylight time on May 30. The first commercially designed and built spacecraft took off in triumph and&nbsp;Elon Musk was overjoyed.&nbsp;

After a 19-hour journey, and a tense automatic docking sequence. The capsule attached itself to the international space station as&nbsp;the portal opened.

The two NASA astronauts, Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley were welcomed by the station's crew. This crewed mission has created history.

It's the first time a commercially developed spacecraft has put Americans in space. For all these years space was a hegemony of NASA in the US.

Now, Earth's orbit has welcomed a private player in SpaceX. Also, it's the first spaceflight with NASA astronauts that took-off from US soil in nine years.

Since 2011, NASA astronauts have had to hitch rides into orbit on Russia's Soyuz spacecraft.&nbsp;

Naturally, the US President was all praise&nbsp;for the successful all-American mission, he said: "We have created the envy of the world, and will soon be landing on mars and will soon have the greatest weapons ever imagined in history -- I've already seen designs, and even I can't believe it. The United States has regained our place of prestige as the world leader. As has often been stated, you can't be number one on earth if you are number two in space."

The last time NASA launched astronauts into space aboard a brand new vehicle was 40 years ago. That was at the start of the space shuttle program.

For Musk -- the launch represents another milestone. It is the first time a reusable rocket has been deployed for a space mission. This makes spaceflight less costly and more frequent.

This could pave the way for civilians -- to hop on a ride to space. &nbsp;For now, the two NASA astronauts have begun their month long stay in the orbital laboratory.

Space X has made history with its arrival at the international space station. There are many firsts, it's the first commercially developed spacecraft to put Americans into the Earth's orbit, also, it's the first spaceflight of NASA astronauts in nearly a decade.

Space X has made history with its arrival at the international space station. There are many firsts, it's the first commercially developed spacecraft to put Americans into the Earth's orbit, also, it's the first spaceflight of NASA astronauts in nearly a decade. Naturally, SpaceX founder Elon Musk is beaming with happiness. SpaceX founder Elon Musk must have been a nervous man. He was at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. US President Donald Trump was there too. The privately-built SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stood upright. Ready for launch after two delays due to bad weather. Come the time of reckoning, 3:22 eastern daylight time on May 30. The first commercially designed and built spacecraft took off in triumph and Elon Musk was overjoyed. After a 19-hour journey, and a tense automatic docking sequence. The capsule attached itself to the international space station as the portal opened. The two NASA astronauts, Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley were welcomed by the station's crew. This crewed mission has created history. It's the first time a commercially developed spacecraft has put Americans in space. For all these years space was a hegemony of NASA in the US. Now, Earth's orbit has welcomed a private player in SpaceX. Also, it's the first spaceflight with NASA astronauts that took-off from US soil in nine years. Since 2011, NASA astronauts have had to hitch rides into orbit on Russia's Soyuz spacecraft. Naturally, the US President was all praise for the successful all-American mission, he said: "We have created the envy of the world, and will soon be landing on mars and will soon have the greatest weapons ever imagined in history -- I've already seen designs, and even I can't believe it. The United States has regained our place of prestige as the world leader. As has often been stated, you can't be number one on earth if you are number two in space." The last time NASA launched astronauts into space aboard a brand new vehicle was 40 years ago. That was at the start of the space shuttle program. For Musk -- the launch represents another milestone. It is the first time a reusable rocket has been deployed for a space mission. This makes spaceflight less costly and more frequent. This could pave the way for civilians -- to hop on a ride to space. For now, the two NASA astronauts have begun their month long stay in the orbital laboratory.

SpaceX becomes first commercial company to launch NASA astronauts

After the launch of&nbsp;Crew Dragon, Donald Trump addressed the attendees in the room and said&nbsp;the United States had regained its place as the world’s leader in space, that US female astronauts will be the first to reach the moon, US&nbsp;astronauts would be the first ones to land on Mars soon. He also claimed that Washington would soon have “the greatest weapons ever imagined in history.”

As Donald Trump made the comment,&nbsp;Vladimir Ustimenko, spokesman for Roscosmos,&nbsp;Russia’s space agency, took to Twitter to describe Trump's comments as nothing but mere hysteria.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacexs-astronaut-riding-dragon-arrives-at-space-station-302203">Also read:&nbsp;SpaceX's astronaut-riding Dragon arrives at space station</a>

"The hysteria that arose after the successful launch of the Crew Dragon ship is not very clear. What happened was to happen a long time ago. Now, not only Russians will fly to the ISS, but also Americans. So that's great!,"&nbsp; he tweeted.

"It is very important to have at least two possibilities to reach the station. After all, it’s not enough ... Everything happened in space, and you must have at least two transport systems capable of ensuring the presence of crews of different countries on board the ISS," he added.

Roscosmos head Dmitry Rogozin also took to Twitter to congratulate&nbsp;NASA chief Jim Bridenstine for the success. “Bravo! I know how anxious you were for this major event to become a success,” he wrote.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trampoline-is-working-musk-taunts-russian-space-agency-chief-302172">Also read:&nbsp;'Trampoline is working': Musk taunts Russian space agency chief</a>

Rogozin, however, joked and said he appreciated the joke made by Elon Musk, as a reply to&nbsp;his joke that he made in 2014 that the United States should try using a trampoline to get to the ISS. Elon Musk had replied to the 2014 joke by saying, "the trampoline is working”.

Ustimenko said Russia is&nbsp;planning to test two new rockets this year and will be&nbsp;resuming its lunar programme next years.

"This year we will test two new missiles, and next year we will resume our Lunar program. It will be interesting!," he confirmed through his tweet.

After the launch of Crew Dragon, Donald Trump addressed the attendees in the room and said the United States had regained its place as the world’s leader in space, that US female astronauts will be the first to reach the moon, US astronauts would be the first ones to land on Mars soon.

After the launch of Crew Dragon, Donald Trump addressed the attendees in the room and said the United States had regained its place as the world’s leader in space, that US female astronauts will be the first to reach the moon, US astronauts would be the first ones to land on Mars soon. He also claimed that Washington would soon have “the greatest weapons ever imagined in history.” As Donald Trump made the comment, Vladimir Ustimenko, spokesman for Roscosmos, Russia’s space agency, took to Twitter to describe Trump's comments as nothing but mere hysteria. Also read: SpaceX's astronaut-riding Dragon arrives at space station "The hysteria that arose after the successful launch of the Crew Dragon ship is not very clear. What happened was to happen a long time ago. Now, not only Russians will fly to the ISS, but also Americans. So that's great!," he tweeted. "It is very important to have at least two possibilities to reach the station. After all, it’s not enough ... Everything happened in space, and you must have at least two transport systems capable of ensuring the presence of crews of different countries on board the ISS," he added. Roscosmos head Dmitry Rogozin also took to Twitter to congratulate NASA chief Jim Bridenstine for the success. “Bravo! I know how anxious you were for this major event to become a success,” he wrote. Also read: 'Trampoline is working': Musk taunts Russian space agency chief Rogozin, however, joked and said he appreciated the joke made by Elon Musk, as a reply to his joke that he made in 2014 that the United States should try using a trampoline to get to the ISS. Elon Musk had replied to the 2014 joke by saying, "the trampoline is working”. Ustimenko said Russia is planning to test two new rockets this year and will be resuming its lunar programme next years. "This year we will test two new missiles, and next year we will resume our Lunar program. It will be interesting!," he confirmed through his tweet.

Trampoline is working, hysteria is not; Russian space agency taunts Donald Trump

Elon Musk's private rocket company SpaceX is set for a repeat attempt at launching two Americans into orbit&nbsp;from Florida for a mission that would mark the first spaceflight of NASA astronauts from US soil in nine years.

The mission's first launch try on Wednesday was called off with less than 17 minutes remaining on the countdown clock due to stormy weather around the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral. The second try would be undertaken on Saturday (US time).

The forecast for Saturday is likewise precarious. Mission managers plan to make an earlier decision on weather hazards in a bid to avoid unnecessarily wearing out the crew with another suit-up and full day of launch preparations.

Barring weather or other unforeseen problems, the 24-storey-tall SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is due to lift off at 3:22 pm EDT, propelling astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken aloft on a 19-hour ride to the International Space Station.

They will be carried there inside the newly designed Crew Dragon capsule, making its first flight into orbit with humans aboard.

The launch pad is the same one used by NASA's final space shuttle flight, piloted by Hurley, in 2011. Since then, NASA astronauts have had to hitch rides into orbit aboard Russia's Soyuz spacecraft.

For Musk, the launch represents another milestone for the reusable rockets his company pioneered to make spaceflight less costly and frequent. And it would mark the first time that commercially developed space vehicles -- owned and operated by a private entity rather than NASA -- have carried Americans into orbit.

The last time NASA launched astronauts into space aboard a brand new vehicle was 40 years ago at the start of the shuttle programme.

President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence visited the Kennedy Space Center three days ago for the first launch attempt. Trump said he plans to return for Saturday's retry.

If the mission is scrubbed again, the next launch window would be Sunday afternoon, with weather forecasts appearing somewhat more favourable for that day.

(with inputs from Reuters)

Elon Musk's private rocket company SpaceX is set for a repeat attempt at launching two Americans into orbit from Florida for a mission that would mark the first spaceflight of NASA astronauts from US soil in nine years.

Elon Musk's private rocket company SpaceX is set for a repeat attempt at launching two Americans into orbit from Florida for a mission that would mark the first spaceflight of NASA astronauts from US soil in nine years. The mission's first launch try on Wednesday was called off with less than 17 minutes remaining on the countdown clock due to stormy weather around the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral. The second try would be undertaken on Saturday (US time). The forecast for Saturday is likewise precarious. Mission managers plan to make an earlier decision on weather hazards in a bid to avoid unnecessarily wearing out the crew with another suit-up and full day of launch preparations. Barring weather or other unforeseen problems, the 24-storey-tall SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is due to lift off at 3:22 pm EDT, propelling astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken aloft on a 19-hour ride to the International Space Station. They will be carried there inside the newly designed Crew Dragon capsule, making its first flight into orbit with humans aboard. The launch pad is the same one used by NASA's final space shuttle flight, piloted by Hurley, in 2011. Since then, NASA astronauts have had to hitch rides into orbit aboard Russia's Soyuz spacecraft. For Musk, the launch represents another milestone for the reusable rockets his company pioneered to make spaceflight less costly and frequent. And it would mark the first time that commercially developed space vehicles -- owned and operated by a private entity rather than NASA -- have carried Americans into orbit. The last time NASA launched astronauts into space aboard a brand new vehicle was 40 years ago at the start of the shuttle programme. President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence visited the Kennedy Space Center three days ago for the first launch attempt. Trump said he plans to return for Saturday's retry. If the mission is scrubbed again, the next launch window would be Sunday afternoon, with weather forecasts appearing somewhat more favourable for that day. (with inputs from Reuters)

NASA, SpaceX to try again for landmark launch of two astronauts from Florida

In 2014, Russian space agency chief Dmitry Rogozin took a dig at NASA for the lack of US manned flight programme and said, they will "deliver its astronauts to the ISS by using a trampoline".

After six years, Elon Musk and NASA launched two Americans into orbit from Florida on Saturday in a landmark mission. To which Musk responded, "The trampoline is working." SpaceX CEO made this statement alongside NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine. Both men laughed after that. "It's an inside joke," Musk added.

After this launch, Musk's SpaceX became the first private rocket company to send humans into orbit. &nbsp;

Netizens began trolling Dmitry Rogozin for his remarks he made years ago and they compared it to the situation after launch.&nbsp;

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Dmitry Rogozin in 2014: "US should use a trampoline to get into space" <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a> 2020: "The trampoline is working 🤣" <a href="https://t.co/OKu4JF5i0M">pic.twitter.com/OKu4JF5i0M</a>
— Pranay Pathole (@PPathole) <a href="https://twitter.com/PPathole/status/1267000614002683906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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“The trampoline is working” <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a> joking about a 2014 zing from Roscosmos’ Dmitry Rogozin, “After analyzing the sanctions against our space industry, I suggest to the USA to bring their astronauts to the International Space Station using a trampoline” 😂
— Everyday Astronaut (@Erdayastronaut) <a href="https://twitter.com/Erdayastronaut/status/1266866641704534021?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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How do you like it, Dmitry Rogozin?
— Донна Роза де Альвадорец (@deAlvadorec) <a href="https://twitter.com/deAlvadorec/status/1266653331080036352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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After the launch of Falcon 9, Rogozin remained conspicuously silent but his spokesman was forced to react.

"We don't really understand the hysteria sparked by the successful launch of a Crew Dragon spacecraft," spokesman Vladimir Ustimenko said on Twitter.&nbsp;

"What should have happened a long time ago happened," he added.

While Sergey Krikalev,&nbsp;&nbsp;Roscosmos executive director for crewed space programmes, congratulated US for the launch.&nbsp;

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Roscosmos Executive Director on Crewed Space Programs Sergey Krikalev address on the successful Falcon 9 carrier rocket launch with Crew Dragon crewed spacecraft <a href="https://t.co/25pDIdIXLe">pic.twitter.com/25pDIdIXLe</a>
— РОСКОСМОС (@roscosmos) <a href="https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1266821703478411265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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In 2014, Russian space agency chief Dmitry Rogozin took a dig at NASA for the lack of US manned flight programme and said, they will "deliver its astronauts to the ISS by using a trampoline".

In 2014, Russian space agency chief Dmitry Rogozin took a dig at NASA for the lack of US manned flight programme and said, they will "deliver its astronauts to the ISS by using a trampoline". After six years, Elon Musk and NASA launched two Americans into orbit from Florida on Saturday in a landmark mission. To which Musk responded, "The trampoline is working." SpaceX CEO made this statement alongside NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine. Both men laughed after that. "It's an inside joke," Musk added. After this launch, Musk's SpaceX became the first private rocket company to send humans into orbit. Netizens began trolling Dmitry Rogozin for his remarks he made years ago and they compared it to the situation after launch. Dmitry Rogozin in 2014: "US should use a trampoline to get into space" @elonmusk 2020: "The trampoline is working 🤣" pic.twitter.com/OKu4JF5i0M — Pranay Pathole (@PPathole) May 31, 2020 × “The trampoline is working” @elonmusk joking about a 2014 zing from Roscosmos’ Dmitry Rogozin, “After analyzing the sanctions against our space industry, I suggest to the USA to bring their astronauts to the International Space Station using a trampoline” 😂 — Everyday Astronaut (@Erdayastronaut) May 30, 2020 × How do you like it, Dmitry Rogozin? — Донна Роза де Альвадорец (@deAlvadorec) May 30, 2020 × After the launch of Falcon 9, Rogozin remained conspicuously silent but his spokesman was forced to react. "We don't really understand the hysteria sparked by the successful launch of a Crew Dragon spacecraft," spokesman Vladimir Ustimenko said on Twitter. "What should have happened a long time ago happened," he added. While Sergey Krikalev, Roscosmos executive director for crewed space programmes, congratulated US for the launch. Roscosmos Executive Director on Crewed Space Programs Sergey Krikalev address on the successful Falcon 9 carrier rocket launch with Crew Dragon crewed spacecraft pic.twitter.com/25pDIdIXLe — РОСКОСМОС (@roscosmos) May 30, 2020 ×

'Trampoline is working': Musk taunts Russian space agency chief

A prototype of SpaceX’s upcoming heavy-lift rocket, Starship, exploded on Friday during ground tests in south&nbsp;Texas&nbsp;as Elon Musk’s space company pursued an aggressive development schedule to fly the launch vehicle for the first time.

The testing explosion was unrelated to SpaceX’s upcoming launch of two Nasa astronauts from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center using a different rocket system, the Falcon 9 with the Crew Dragon capsule fixed on top.

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A prototype of SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft is seen in Boca Chia, Texas, in September. (Image courtesy: Reuters)

A prototype vanished in an explosive fireball at SpaceX’s Boca Chica test site on Friday, as seen in a livestream recorded by the website Nasa Spaceflight. There was no immediate indication of injuries.&nbsp;SpaceX&nbsp;did not&nbsp;respond to a request for comment.

Previously,&nbsp;SpaceX's historic launch to International Space Station was postponed on May 28 due to the bad weather. The decision was taken 20 minutes before the launch. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacexs-crewed-mission-postponed-as-historic-launch-hit-by-bad-weather-301435">SpaceX's crewed mission postponed as historic launch hit by bad weather</a>

Starship, a rocket standing 394 feet tall, is designed to carry humans and 100 tons of cargo to the moon and Mars. It is the space company’s planned next-generation fully reusable launch vehicle, the center of Musk’s ambitions to make human space travel affordable.

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A Starship prototype just exploded in Boca Chica, Texas during static fire testing. SpaceX was granted an FAA license yesterday to conduct suborbital flights, not sure when those first test flights will happen. Video/live feed from <a href="https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASASpaceflight</a> <a href="https://t.co/dqnQv1lqBV">pic.twitter.com/dqnQv1lqBV</a>
— Joey Roulette (@joroulette) <a href="https://twitter.com/joroulette/status/1266444972573818881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The south Texas facility sits beside a small neighborhood that SpaceX has been trying to buy up for testing space, but some residents have pushed back on the company’s offers and have accused Musk’s attorneys of unrealistically low property appraisals.

SpaceX was among the three companies awarded a combined $1bn by Nasa last month to develop rocket systems capable of ferrying cargo and humans to the moon. SpaceX proposed Starship for the award.

The FAA granted the space company a license Thursday to begin Starship’s first suborbital flight tests, though it was unclear when those tests would occur.

A prototype of SpaceX’s upcoming heavy-lift rocket, Starship, exploded on Friday during ground tests in south Texas as Elon Musk’s space company pursued an aggressive development schedule to fly the launch vehicle for the first time.

A prototype of SpaceX’s upcoming heavy-lift rocket, Starship, exploded on Friday during ground tests in south Texas as Elon Musk’s space company pursued an aggressive development schedule to fly the launch vehicle for the first time. The testing explosion was unrelated to SpaceX’s upcoming launch of two Nasa astronauts from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center using a different rocket system, the Falcon 9 with the Crew Dragon capsule fixed on top. A prototype of SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft is seen in Boca Chia, Texas, in September. (Image courtesy: Reuters) A prototype vanished in an explosive fireball at SpaceX’s Boca Chica test site on Friday, as seen in a livestream recorded by the website Nasa Spaceflight. There was no immediate indication of injuries. SpaceX did not respond to a request for comment. Previously, SpaceX's historic launch to International Space Station was postponed on May 28 due to the bad weather. The decision was taken 20 minutes before the launch. Also read: SpaceX's crewed mission postponed as historic launch hit by bad weather Starship, a rocket standing 394 feet tall, is designed to carry humans and 100 tons of cargo to the moon and Mars. It is the space company’s planned next-generation fully reusable launch vehicle, the center of Musk’s ambitions to make human space travel affordable. A Starship prototype just exploded in Boca Chica, Texas during static fire testing. SpaceX was granted an FAA license yesterday to conduct suborbital flights, not sure when those first test flights will happen. Video/live feed from @NASASpaceflight pic.twitter.com/dqnQv1lqBV — Joey Roulette (@joroulette) May 29, 2020 × The south Texas facility sits beside a small neighborhood that SpaceX has been trying to buy up for testing space, but some residents have pushed back on the company’s offers and have accused Musk’s attorneys of unrealistically low property appraisals. SpaceX was among the three companies awarded a combined $1bn by Nasa last month to develop rocket systems capable of ferrying cargo and humans to the moon. SpaceX proposed Starship for the award. The FAA granted the space company a license Thursday to begin Starship’s first suborbital flight tests, though it was unclear when those tests would occur.

SpaceX's Starship rocket prototype explodes during test

SpaceX's historic launch to International Space Station was postponed due to the bad weather. The decision was taken 20 minutes before the launch. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-and-spacex-brace-themselves-for-a-historic-launch-301086">NASA and SpaceX brace themselves for a historic launch!</a>

The NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley were strapped in their Crew Dragon capsule and the launchpad platform retracted and rocket fueling underway when launch director Mike Taylor announced, "Unfortunately, we are not going to launch today."&nbsp;

According to officials, lightning and other factors were the reasons for the cancelled launch.&nbsp;

SpaceX will try to re-launch Falcon 9 on Saturday. If they get successful they not only launch the first crewed mission from US soil in almost a decade but also become the privately-owned company to achieve this feat.&nbsp;

Earlier, the manager of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, Kathy Lueders, mission team concluded the launch readiness review for the upcoming mission.

US President Donald Trump, who had come to witness the launch, had to head back to the White House after the launch was called off.&nbsp;

The rocket was set to be launched on &nbsp;4:33 pm (2033 GMT) from the Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A. Neil Armstrong and his Apollo 11 crewmates lifted off from the same spot on their historic journey to the Moon.

The mission is taking place amid coronavirus pandemic so the crew has been quarantined for the past two weeks.&nbsp;

SpaceX's historic launch to International Space Station was postponed due to the bad weather. The decision was taken 20 minutes before the launch. Also read: NASA and SpaceX brace themselves for a historic launch!

SpaceX's historic launch to International Space Station was postponed due to the bad weather. The decision was taken 20 minutes before the launch. Also read: NASA and SpaceX brace themselves for a historic launch! The NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley were strapped in their Crew Dragon capsule and the launchpad platform retracted and rocket fueling underway when launch director Mike Taylor announced, "Unfortunately, we are not going to launch today." According to officials, lightning and other factors were the reasons for the cancelled launch. SpaceX will try to re-launch Falcon 9 on Saturday. If they get successful they not only launch the first crewed mission from US soil in almost a decade but also become the privately-owned company to achieve this feat. Earlier, the manager of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, Kathy Lueders, mission team concluded the launch readiness review for the upcoming mission. US President Donald Trump, who had come to witness the launch, had to head back to the White House after the launch was called off. The rocket was set to be launched on 4:33 pm (2033 GMT) from the Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A. Neil Armstrong and his Apollo 11 crewmates lifted off from the same spot on their historic journey to the Moon. The mission is taking place amid coronavirus pandemic so the crew has been quarantined for the past two weeks.

SpaceX's crewed mission postponed as historic launch hit by bad weather

SpaceX on Wednesday is set to launch two American astronauts, Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken, to the International Space Station (ISS) in a mission called Demo-2.

This would be the first crewed space flight from US soil in nine years and a crucial step towards ending American dependence on Russian rockets.

ISS is currently housing two Russians and one other American.&nbsp;

The Takeoff:&nbsp;

SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule carrying astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken and its Falcon 9 rocket is due to lift off at 4:33 PM&nbsp;EDT (2033 GMT) on Wednesday from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Pad 39A is the same launchpad that was used by NASA’s last space shuttle mission in 2011. 
 
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NASA will have input throughout the countdown, but in the end, it will be SpaceX giving the final go&nbsp;with NASA's concurrence. NASA will stream the launch live on its website, YouTube and other platforms. 
 
Crew Dragon will catch up with the station on Thursday at an altitude of 400 kilometers.

What is SpaceX?

SpaceX is the private rocket company of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. The launch represents another milestone for the reusable rockets his company pioneered to make spaceflight less costly and frequent.&nbsp;

SpaceX made history in 2012 when it became the first private entity to dock a cargo capsule to the ISS. If Crew Dragon mission, baptized Demo-2, is successful SpaceX will be the first private company ever to deliver astronauts to the ISS.

Who are the Astronauts?

Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley are the astronauts who will be aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule when it launches on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Hurley, 53, and Behnken, 49, NASA employees under contract to fly with SpaceX, are expected to remain at the space station for several months, assisting a short-handed crew aboard the orbital laboratory.

Behnken and Hurley have been in strict quarantine since May 13 because of the coronavirus pandemic, but they said their actual isolation began as far back as mid-March. 
 
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Behnken and Hurley have been training for five years on the Crew Dragon capsule, which features touchscreens as opposed to the switches and buttons of the Apollo capsules of the 1960s.

At the end of the mission, Crew Dragon will splashdown in the ocean like the Apollo capsules did. 
 
President Trump&nbsp;to Attend the Launch

President Donald Trump will become&nbsp;the third US leader to watch the take-off of a human space flight in person, after Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton.&nbsp;

President Trump is&nbsp;trying to reaffirm American domination of space. He has ordered NASA to return to the moon by 2024 and to prepare missions to Mars,&nbsp;an unlikely timetable but one that has given the storied space agency a boost. 
 
Vice President Mike Pence, who is chairman of the National Space Council, also plans to attend Wednesday's launch.&nbsp;

Why Is The Mission Important to NASA and the US?

A successful mission would achieve NASA's&nbsp;top priority&nbsp;of resuming launches of “American astronauts on American rockets from American soil.”&nbsp; 
 
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Mission's success is a point of national pride for the United States, which has depended on Russian rockets to reach space since its last crewed flight in 2011. If all goes well, the Crew Dragon could then begin regular flights from the United States to the ISS. 
 
Public-Private Partnership

The mission would also mark the first time that commercially developed space vehicles, owned and operated by a private entity rather than NASA, have carried Americans into orbit.

NASA has awarded contracts worth 3.1 billion dollars to SpaceX and 4.9 billion dollars to Boeing in a bid to give the US independent access to space once again.

SpaceX and Boeing are being called upon to carry out six crewed voyages each to the ISS over the next few years. 
 
(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

SpaceX on Wednesday is set to launch two American astronauts, Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken, to the International Space Station (ISS) in a mission called Demo-2. This would be the first crewed space flight from US soil in nine years and a crucial step towards ending American dependence on Russian rockets.

SpaceX on Wednesday is set to launch two American astronauts, Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken, to the International Space Station (ISS) in a mission called Demo-2. This would be the first crewed space flight from US soil in nine years and a crucial step towards ending American dependence on Russian rockets. ISS is currently housing two Russians and one other American. The Takeoff: SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule carrying astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken and its Falcon 9 rocket is due to lift off at 4:33 PM EDT (2033 GMT) on Wednesday from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Pad 39A is the same launchpad that was used by NASA’s last space shuttle mission in 2011. NASA will have input throughout the countdown, but in the end, it will be SpaceX giving the final go with NASA's concurrence. NASA will stream the launch live on its website, YouTube and other platforms. Crew Dragon will catch up with the station on Thursday at an altitude of 400 kilometers. What is SpaceX? SpaceX is the private rocket company of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. The launch represents another milestone for the reusable rockets his company pioneered to make spaceflight less costly and frequent. SpaceX made history in 2012 when it became the first private entity to dock a cargo capsule to the ISS. If Crew Dragon mission, baptized Demo-2, is successful SpaceX will be the first private company ever to deliver astronauts to the ISS. Who are the Astronauts? Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley are the astronauts who will be aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule when it launches on Wednesday. Hurley, 53, and Behnken, 49, NASA employees under contract to fly with SpaceX, are expected to remain at the space station for several months, assisting a short-handed crew aboard the orbital laboratory. Behnken and Hurley have been in strict quarantine since May 13 because of the coronavirus pandemic, but they said their actual isolation began as far back as mid-March. Behnken and Hurley have been training for five years on the Crew Dragon capsule, which features touchscreens as opposed to the switches and buttons of the Apollo capsules of the 1960s. At the end of the mission, Crew Dragon will splashdown in the ocean like the Apollo capsules did. President Trump to Attend the Launch President Donald Trump will become the third US leader to watch the take-off of a human space flight in person, after Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton. President Trump is trying to reaffirm American domination of space. He has ordered NASA to return to the moon by 2024 and to prepare missions to Mars, an unlikely timetable but one that has given the storied space agency a boost. Vice President Mike Pence, who is chairman of the National Space Council, also plans to attend Wednesday's launch. Why Is The Mission Important to NASA and the US? A successful mission would achieve NASA's top priority of resuming launches of “American astronauts on American rockets from American soil.” Mission's success is a point of national pride for the United States, which has depended on Russian rockets to reach space since its last crewed flight in 2011. If all goes well, the Crew Dragon could then begin regular flights from the United States to the ISS. Public-Private Partnership The mission would also mark the first time that commercially developed space vehicles, owned and operated by a private entity rather than NASA, have carried Americans into orbit. NASA has awarded contracts worth 3.1 billion dollars to SpaceX and 4.9 billion dollars to Boeing in a bid to give the US independent access to space once again. SpaceX and Boeing are being called upon to carry out six crewed voyages each to the ISS over the next few years. (With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

SpaceX set for historic launch with NASA's astronauts on board: All you need to know

Space X's Crew Dragon spacecraft is set to launch on Wednesday and will hover its course to the International Space Station (ISS). The rocket will host two NASA astronauts.&nbsp;

It will be the first since 2011 that the American astronauts on an American rocket will launch on American soil. The mission will be called Demo-2.&nbsp;

According to the manager of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, Kathy Lueders, mission team concluded the launch readiness review for the upcoming mission.&nbsp;

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SpaceX and <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA</a> completed a full rehearsal of launch day activities with <a href="https://twitter.com/AstroBehnken?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AstroBehnken</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Astro_Doug?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Astro_Doug</a> ahead of Crew Demo-2 <a href="https://t.co/n3B2BBBmnq">pic.twitter.com/n3B2BBBmnq</a>
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Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon will lift off from Launch Complex 39A – the same place Saturn V launched humanity to the Moon and from where the first and final Space Shuttle missions lifted off <a href="https://t.co/wOSsbCRqi7">pic.twitter.com/wOSsbCRqi7</a>
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Both NASA and SpaceX have shown a green signal for the launch.&nbsp;

Launch of SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft will take place on Wednesday from the Kennedy Space Center.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump will watch American astronauts blast into orbit from the Kennedy Space Center for the first time in more than a decade, next week.

This means he would be on the Florida coast on Wednesday to watch the event unfold. The USP of this event, however, is that Elon Musk's SpaceX is the conductor and NASA the customer as businesses begin chauffeuring astronauts to the International Space Station.

Vice President Mike Pence, who is chairman of the National Space Council, also plans to attend Wednesday's launch.&nbsp;

NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley will arrive at the ISS, 24 hours after the launch.&nbsp;

Pictures of them in the spacesuit was posted by SpaceX on Instagram. Suit's sleek design left the netizens in awe.&nbsp;

Space X's Crew Dragon spacecraft is set to launch on Wednesday and will hover its course to the International Space Station (ISS). The rocket will host two NASA astronauts.

Space X's Crew Dragon spacecraft is set to launch on Wednesday and will hover its course to the International Space Station (ISS). The rocket will host two NASA astronauts. It will be the first since 2011 that the American astronauts on an American rocket will launch on American soil. The mission will be called Demo-2. According to the manager of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, Kathy Lueders, mission team concluded the launch readiness review for the upcoming mission. SpaceX and @NASA completed a full rehearsal of launch day activities with @AstroBehnken and @Astro_Doug ahead of Crew Demo-2 pic.twitter.com/n3B2BBBmnq — SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 23, 2020 × Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon will lift off from Launch Complex 39A – the same place Saturn V launched humanity to the Moon and from where the first and final Space Shuttle missions lifted off pic.twitter.com/wOSsbCRqi7 — SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 25, 2020 × Both NASA and SpaceX have shown a green signal for the launch. Launch of SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft will take place on Wednesday from the Kennedy Space Center. President Donald Trump will watch American astronauts blast into orbit from the Kennedy Space Center for the first time in more than a decade, next week. This means he would be on the Florida coast on Wednesday to watch the event unfold. The USP of this event, however, is that Elon Musk's SpaceX is the conductor and NASA the customer as businesses begin chauffeuring astronauts to the International Space Station. Vice President Mike Pence, who is chairman of the National Space Council, also plans to attend Wednesday's launch. NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley will arrive at the ISS, 24 hours after the launch. Pictures of them in the spacesuit was posted by SpaceX on Instagram. Suit's sleek design left the netizens in awe.

NASA and SpaceX brace themselves for a historic launch!

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and his girlfriend singer and musician Grimes have changed their baby's name.

Earlier this month, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Musk announced the birth of the baby boy in a post on Twitter, revealing his son was called "X Æ A-12 Musk."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/name-of-elon-musks-newborn-baby-not-acceptable-in-california-297415">Name of Elon Musk's newborn baby not 'acceptable' in California</a>

However, speculation arose that the unusual moniker might fall foul of the law in California, where the couple live, as names can only use the 26 alphabetical characters of the English language, according to the state constitution.

The slight variation in the name was revealed by&nbsp;Grimes on her Instagram page on Sunday when a user asked her if she had changed her baby’s name because of California laws and what the new name was.

"X Æ A-Xii" wrote the singer in response, without confirming the reason for the change.

The singer also responded to another comment, saying: "Roman numerals. Looks better tbh."

Musk, who already has five sons from his previous marriage to author Justine Wilson, said that it was girlfriend and Canadian singer Grimes who had come up with the name for their son.

She&nbsp;had explained the meaning of each character of her baby's name in a Tweet.

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•X, the unknown variable ⚔️ 
•Æ, my elven spelling of Ai (love &amp;/or Artificial intelligence) 
•A-12 = precursor to SR-17 (our favorite aircraft). No weapons, no defenses, just speed. Great in battle, but non-violent 🤍 
+ 
(A=Archangel, my favorite song) 
(⚔️🐁 metal rat)
— ꧁ ༒ Gℜiꪔ⃕es ༒꧂ 🍓🐉🎀 小仙女 (@Grimezsz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Grimezsz/status/1257836061520101377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and his girlfriend singer and musician Grimes have changed their baby's name. Earlier this month, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Musk announced the birth of the baby boy in a post on Twitter, revealing his son was called "X Æ A-12 Musk.

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and his girlfriend singer and musician Grimes have changed their baby's name. Earlier this month, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Musk announced the birth of the baby boy in a post on Twitter, revealing his son was called "X Æ A-12 Musk." Also read: Name of Elon Musk's newborn baby not 'acceptable' in California However, speculation arose that the unusual moniker might fall foul of the law in California, where the couple live, as names can only use the 26 alphabetical characters of the English language, according to the state constitution. The slight variation in the name was revealed by Grimes on her Instagram page on Sunday when a user asked her if she had changed her baby’s name because of California laws and what the new name was. "X Æ A-Xii" wrote the singer in response, without confirming the reason for the change. The singer also responded to another comment, saying: "Roman numerals. Looks better tbh." Musk, who already has five sons from his previous marriage to author Justine Wilson, said that it was girlfriend and Canadian singer Grimes who had come up with the name for their son. She had explained the meaning of each character of her baby's name in a Tweet. •X, the unknown variable ⚔️ •Æ, my elven spelling of Ai (love &/or Artificial intelligence) •A-12 = precursor to SR-17 (our favorite aircraft). No weapons, no defenses, just speed. Great in battle, but non-violent 🤍 + (A=Archangel, my favorite song) (⚔️🐁 metal rat) — ꧁ ༒ Gℜiꪔ⃕es ༒꧂ 🍓🐉🎀 小仙女 (@Grimezsz) May 6, 2020 ×

Elon Musk and Grimes change their newborn baby's name

The head of&nbsp;NASA's human space flight resigned a week before the first manned launch on US soil in almost a decade, citing a "mistake" reported to be over the rush to land on the Moon by 2024.

Saying he took risks for which he must now bear the consequences, Douglas Loverro announced his resignation just six months after joining the space agency to lead the Trump administration's&nbsp;Artemis&nbsp;programme.

Loverro began serving in his role as the head of NASA's human spaceflight programs in December, replacing William Gerstenmaier, who served in the role for more than a decade. In his nearly 700-word note, Loverro told NASA workers only that leaders are "called on to take risks" and added that, "I took such a risk earlier in the year because I judged it necessary to fulfill our mission."

"Now, over the balance of time, it is clear that I made a mistake in that choice for which I alone must bear the consequences," Loverro wrote. "And therefore, it is with a very, very heavy heart that I write to you today to let you know that I have resigned from NASA effective May 18th, 2020."

Nasa indicated on Tuesday the launch would proceed according to that schedule.&nbsp;A vital launch readiness review is planned for later this week.

According to statement released by the space agency, ''Next week will mark the beginning of a new era in human spaceflight with the launch of Nasa astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the International&nbsp;Space&nbsp;Station.''

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Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley

''This test flight will be a historic and momentous occasion that will see the return of human spaceflight to our country, and the incredible dedication by the men and women of Nasa is what has made this mission possible.''

NASA's deputy associate administrator and a former astronaut, will&nbsp;take Loverro's place until a permanent replacement is found.

Next week,&nbsp;Elon Musk’s&nbsp;SpaceX&nbsp;is due to put two US astronauts on a much-anticipated test&nbsp;flight&nbsp;of the company’s Dragon capsule to the International Space Station from Florida.

The head of NASA's human space flight resigned a week before the first manned launch on US soil in almost a decade, citing a "mistake" reported to be over the rush to land on the Moon by 2024.

The head of NASA's human space flight resigned a week before the first manned launch on US soil in almost a decade, citing a "mistake" reported to be over the rush to land on the Moon by 2024. Saying he took risks for which he must now bear the consequences, Douglas Loverro announced his resignation just six months after joining the space agency to lead the Trump administration's Artemis programme. Loverro began serving in his role as the head of NASA's human spaceflight programs in December, replacing William Gerstenmaier, who served in the role for more than a decade. In his nearly 700-word note, Loverro told NASA workers only that leaders are "called on to take risks" and added that, "I took such a risk earlier in the year because I judged it necessary to fulfill our mission." "Now, over the balance of time, it is clear that I made a mistake in that choice for which I alone must bear the consequences," Loverro wrote. "And therefore, it is with a very, very heavy heart that I write to you today to let you know that I have resigned from NASA effective May 18th, 2020." Nasa indicated on Tuesday the launch would proceed according to that schedule. A vital launch readiness review is planned for later this week. According to statement released by the space agency, ''Next week will mark the beginning of a new era in human spaceflight with the launch of Nasa astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the International Space Station.'' Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley ''This test flight will be a historic and momentous occasion that will see the return of human spaceflight to our country, and the incredible dedication by the men and women of Nasa is what has made this mission possible.'' NASA's deputy associate administrator and a former astronaut, will take Loverro's place until a permanent replacement is found. Next week, Elon Musk’s SpaceX is due to put two US astronauts on a much-anticipated test flight of the company’s Dragon capsule to the International Space Station from Florida.

NASA human spaceflight chief resigns ahead of launch due to 'mistake'

NASA has selected three private space companies to develop human landers for Artemis moon missions.

The three companies include Amazon’s CEO, Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin, Elon Musk’s SpaceX; and Dynetics, based in Huntsville, Alabama.

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The contract of the three companies is collectively worth $967 million.&nbsp;Out of this $579 million has been allocated to Blue Origin, $135 million to&nbsp;SpaceX&nbsp;and $253 million to Dynetics respectively.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moon-rock-for-sale-one-of-the-largest-lunar-meteorite-to-be-auctioned-for-25-million-295819">Moon rock for sale!: One of the largest lunar meteorite to be auctioned for $2.5 million</a>

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SpaceX has been selected to develop a lunar optimized Starship to transport crew between lunar orbit and the surface of the Moon as part of <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA</a>’s Artemis program! <a href="https://t.co/FRmwWisKfH">https://t.co/FRmwWisKfH</a> <a href="https://t.co/z1bkUrQMK8">pic.twitter.com/z1bkUrQMK8</a>
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Two other companies that put in bids, Boeing and Vivace, were edged out.

The lunar landers will carry the astronauts from lunar orbit to the Moon’s surface and back again.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstone said&nbsp;"this is the first time since the Apollo era that NASA has direct funding for a human landing system, and now we have companies on contract to do the work for the Artemis program."

The three companies are now in competition with each other to see who can develop their proposals into workable landers.&nbsp;

With Artemis, NASA has promised that the first woman will step foot on the lunar surface and there's&nbsp;already speculation&nbsp;on which of the space agency's veteran female astronauts might be the one.

The landings will be the first time astronauts have walked on the moon since the Apollo moon landings of the late 60s and early 70s.

NASA has selected three private space companies to develop human landers for Artemis moon missions. The three companies include Amazon’s CEO, Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin, Elon Musk’s SpaceX; and Dynetics, based in Huntsville, Alabama.

NASA has selected three private space companies to develop human landers for Artemis moon missions. The three companies include Amazon’s CEO, Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin, Elon Musk’s SpaceX; and Dynetics, based in Huntsville, Alabama. The contract of the three companies is collectively worth $967 million. Out of this $579 million has been allocated to Blue Origin, $135 million to SpaceX and $253 million to Dynetics respectively. Also read: Moon rock for sale!: One of the largest lunar meteorite to be auctioned for $2.5 million SpaceX has been selected to develop a lunar optimized Starship to transport crew between lunar orbit and the surface of the Moon as part of @NASA’s Artemis program! https://t.co/FRmwWisKfH pic.twitter.com/z1bkUrQMK8 — SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 30, 2020 × Two other companies that put in bids, Boeing and Vivace, were edged out. The lunar landers will carry the astronauts from lunar orbit to the Moon’s surface and back again. NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstone said "this is the first time since the Apollo era that NASA has direct funding for a human landing system, and now we have companies on contract to do the work for the Artemis program." The three companies are now in competition with each other to see who can develop their proposals into workable landers. With Artemis, NASA has promised that the first woman will step foot on the lunar surface and there's already speculation on which of the space agency's veteran female astronauts might be the one. The landings will be the first time astronauts have walked on the moon since the Apollo moon landings of the late 60s and early 70s.

Bezos's Blue Origin and Musk's SpaceX to collaborate in building NASA's lunar lander

NASA announced on Friday that a SpaceX rocket will send two US astronauts to the International Space Station on May 27, which will be America's first crewed spaceflight in almost a decade.&nbsp;

"On May 27, @NASA will once again launch American astronauts on American rockets from American soil!," Jim Bridenstine, head of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, in a tweet, said.&nbsp;

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BREAKING: On May 27, <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA</a> will once again launch American astronauts on American rockets from American soil! With our <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a> partners, <a href="https://twitter.com/Astro_Doug?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Astro_Doug</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/AstroBehnken?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AstroBehnken</a> will launch to the <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a> on the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CrewDragon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CrewDragon</a> spacecraft atop a Falcon 9 rocket. Let's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LaunchAmerica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LaunchAmerica</a> 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/RINb3mfRWI">pic.twitter.com/RINb3mfRWI</a>
— Jim Bridenstine (@JimBridenstine) <a href="https://twitter.com/JimBridenstine/status/1251178705633841167?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The US has been using Russian Soyuz rockets to send astronauts to the ISS since July 2011.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/nasa-picks-masten-space-systems-to-deliver-cargo-to-moons-south-pole-in-2022-291531">NASA picks Masten Space Systems to deliver cargo to Moon's South Pole in 2022</a>

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the US space agency is sticking to its original plan to launch the crewed mission in May.&nbsp;

SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk has built the Falcon 9 rocket that will be used for the mission. The organisation's Crew Dragon spacecraft will also be used by Astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley, who are training for years for this mission, to fly to the ISS.&nbsp;

They will lift off at 4:32 pm (2032 GMT) on May 27 from historic launch pad 39A, the one used for the Apollo and space shuttle missions, at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA said.

The success of this mission will move the US's reliance on Russia for crewed flights.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

NASA announced on Friday that a SpaceX rocket will send two US astronauts to the International Space Station on May 27, which will be America's first crewed spaceflight in almost a decade.

NASA announced on Friday that a SpaceX rocket will send two US astronauts to the International Space Station on May 27, which will be America's first crewed spaceflight in almost a decade. "On May 27, @NASA will once again launch American astronauts on American rockets from American soil!," Jim Bridenstine, head of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, in a tweet, said. BREAKING: On May 27, @NASA will once again launch American astronauts on American rockets from American soil! With our @SpaceX partners, @Astro_Doug and @AstroBehnken will launch to the @Space_Station on the #CrewDragon spacecraft atop a Falcon 9 rocket. Let's #LaunchAmerica 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/RINb3mfRWI — Jim Bridenstine (@JimBridenstine) April 17, 2020 × The US has been using Russian Soyuz rockets to send astronauts to the ISS since July 2011. Also read | NASA picks Masten Space Systems to deliver cargo to Moon's South Pole in 2022 Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the US space agency is sticking to its original plan to launch the crewed mission in May. SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk has built the Falcon 9 rocket that will be used for the mission. The organisation's Crew Dragon spacecraft will also be used by Astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley, who are training for years for this mission, to fly to the ISS. They will lift off at 4:32 pm (2032 GMT) on May 27 from historic launch pad 39A, the one used for the Apollo and space shuttle missions, at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA said. The success of this mission will move the US's reliance on Russia for crewed flights. (With AFP inputs)

NASA to launch US's first crewed spaceflight in almost a decade on May 27

SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk reportedly brought shares of Tesla Inc worth as much as $10 million on February 14.

As per a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Musk's purchase of Tesla shared raised his holding to around 18 per cent, roughly 34 million.

The shares were purchased roughly at an average of $767 each.&nbsp;On Wednesday, Tesla's shared closed at a record high of $917.42.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-calls-facebook-lame-and-urges-people-to-delete-it-279969">Elon Musk calls Facebook 'lame' and urges people to 'delete' it</a>

Last Thursday, Tesla Inc announced plans to raise $2 billion in a stock offering as the electric-car maker taps into an astronomical jump in its share price in the past few months.

Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk has repeatedly assured investors that the company will not need to raise more money. As recently as last month, Musk said, "It doesn't make sense to raise money. Diluting the company to pay down debt doesn't sound like a wise move."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/elon-musk-just-dropped-his-edm-track-dont-doubt-ur-vibe-278151">Elon Musk just dropped his EDM track 'Don't Doubt Ur Vibe'&nbsp;</a>

The company said it would offer 2.65 million shares, of which Musk himself will buy up to $10 million in shares. Board member and Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison will purchase $1 million Tesla shares, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk reportedly brought shares of Tesla Inc worth as much as $10 million on February 14. As per a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Musk's purchase of Tesla shared raised his holding to around 18 per cent, roughly 34 million.

SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk reportedly brought shares of Tesla Inc worth as much as $10 million on February 14. As per a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Musk's purchase of Tesla shared raised his holding to around 18 per cent, roughly 34 million. The shares were purchased roughly at an average of $767 each. On Wednesday, Tesla's shared closed at a record high of $917.42. Also read: Elon Musk calls Facebook 'lame' and urges people to 'delete' it Last Thursday, Tesla Inc announced plans to raise $2 billion in a stock offering as the electric-car maker taps into an astronomical jump in its share price in the past few months. Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk has repeatedly assured investors that the company will not need to raise more money. As recently as last month, Musk said, "It doesn't make sense to raise money. Diluting the company to pay down debt doesn't sound like a wise move." Also read: Elon Musk just dropped his EDM track 'Don't Doubt Ur Vibe' The company said it would offer 2.65 million shares, of which Musk himself will buy up to $10 million in shares. Board member and Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison will purchase $1 million Tesla shares, news agency Reuters reported.

On Valentine's day, Musk brought $10 million of Tesla shares

SpaceX announced its intention to send four people deeper into orbit than any private citizen before them, in a mission that could cost more than $100 million and take place by 2022.

SpaceX announced its intention to send four people deeper into orbit than any private citizen before them, in a mission that could cost more than $100 million and take place by 2022. A new partnership with Space Adventures precedes this announcement and the new business partner of SpaceX is based in Washington, serving as an intermediary to send eight space tourists to the International Space Station (ISS) via Russian Soyuz rockets. The first person to have paid for this service was Dennis Tito who spent eight hours on the ISS in 2001 for $20 million. 2009 was the year Guy Laliberte, the founder of Cirque du Soleil Space Adventures' last customer, decided to book a trip to the ISS. See: After a successful rocket abort system test, SpaceX to carry humans into orbit this year Future customers will be transported to their destination on SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule, which was developed to transport NASA astronauts and is due to make its first crewed flight in the coming months. President of Space Adventures, Tom Shelley stated that at its earliest, the mission could take place by late 2021, though "probably more likely is sometime in 2022." The duration of the mission will depend on the demands of the customers, stated Shelley. The capsule designed to take astronauts from the surface to the ISS is nine square meters in volume with no private areas to sleep, shower or use the bathroom. Weeks of training [ SpaceX chief Elon Musk speaks during a press conference (Courtesy: AFP) ] The cost of launching a Falcon 9 rocket is $62 million, according to publicly available figures, then there will be the cost of building a fresh Dragon capsule. Could it exceed $100 million? The funding required to launch a Falcon 9 rocket is $62 million as per publicly available data. Adding to that is the cost of building a fresh Dragon capsule, which has made many suspect the cost for the trip would exceed $100 million. Shelley had this to say when asked about the cost, "It's not cheap. Your assessment is correct, I can't comment specifically on the numbers, but yeah those are the cost components." "We have a pretty good network of high net worth individuals around the world, many of whom we know are interested in spaceflight," he added. See: SpaceX shows off upcoming missions The company announced in 2005 plans to send tourists around the Moon - but that mission has now been abandoned, confirmed Shelley. Other companies involved in space tourism are Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin and Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic. The offer from SpaceX is far more ambitious and utilises the same reusable Falcon 9 rocket that puts satellites into space and sends astronauts to the ISS. Much like SpaceX and other companies, Boeing also has plans to send passengers into space, but the development of their program has been marred by major glitches that resulted in the early termination of an uncrewed test flight in December.

SpaceX announces partnership to send four people into deep orbit

After a successful rocket abort system test, SpaceX to carry humans into orbit this year

Ever wonder what life would be like on the Red Planet? An ongoing exhibition in London gives a taste of how integral design will be in humanity's journey to Mars.

'Moving to Mars' design exhibition is running till February 23 at the Design Museum in London and has more than 200 exhibits on display from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasas-trip-to-mars-begins-in-california-clean-room-270678">NASA</a>, SpaceX, the European Space Agency and many others.&nbsp;

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I went to the moving to mars exhibition today at the London Design Museum &amp; it was awesome! I highly recommend it, they have good amount of history on spaceflight, as well as the tech being developed for future missions to Mars. It's really reinforced my eagerness to get to Mars! <a href="https://t.co/qT8vUqzc4n">pic.twitter.com/qT8vUqzc4n</a>
— Dr Maggie Lieu (@Space_Mog) <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Mog/status/1198352326945394696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The exhibition is about all things Mars and what will it take for the mankind to reach and start a life on the Red Planet.

From Mars-inspired fashion collection, Mars city design, the first spacesuit designed for Mars surface to the first sustainable urban design for the planet - a lot more is on the display for the visitors and space enthusiasts at the exhibition.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unique-salt-formations-found-in-utah-can-provide-insights-regarding-life-on-mars-274462">Unique salt formations found in Utah provide insights regarding life on Mars</a>

Not just this, visitors will also get a delightful experience of gazing at the high-resolution imagery from Mars which has never been seen in public before, People can also visit a full-scale Mars home, learn about the evolution of space suits and meet the Mars rovers.&nbsp;

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Moving to Mars @ The Design Museum is definitely worth checking out too, London has the best exhibitions during winter <a href="https://t.co/3rSzojv6Zl">pic.twitter.com/3rSzojv6Zl</a>
— DARNELL TEMENU (@DarnellTemenu) <a href="https://twitter.com/DarnellTemenu/status/1199384476272484352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Àlso read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-indian-software-analyst-writes-national-anthem-for-mars-271894">Former Indian software analyst writes ‘national’ anthem for Mars</a>

Designers have also installed their vision on what farming will look like on the Red Planet and how transporting food for the journey to Mars will be made possible.&nbsp;

Ever wonder what life would be like on the Red Planet? An ongoing exhibition in London gives a taste of how integral design will be in humanity's journey to Mars.

Ever wonder what life would be like on the Red Planet? An ongoing exhibition in London gives a taste of how integral design will be in humanity's journey to Mars. 'Moving to Mars' design exhibition is running till February 23 at the Design Museum in London and has more than 200 exhibits on display from NASA, SpaceX, the European Space Agency and many others. I went to the moving to mars exhibition today at the London Design Museum & it was awesome! I highly recommend it, they have good amount of history on spaceflight, as well as the tech being developed for future missions to Mars. It's really reinforced my eagerness to get to Mars! pic.twitter.com/qT8vUqzc4n — Dr Maggie Lieu (@Space_Mog) November 23, 2019 × The exhibition is about all things Mars and what will it take for the mankind to reach and start a life on the Red Planet. From Mars-inspired fashion collection, Mars city design, the first spacesuit designed for Mars surface to the first sustainable urban design for the planet - a lot more is on the display for the visitors and space enthusiasts at the exhibition. Also read: Unique salt formations found in Utah provide insights regarding life on Mars Not just this, visitors will also get a delightful experience of gazing at the high-resolution imagery from Mars which has never been seen in public before, People can also visit a full-scale Mars home, learn about the evolution of space suits and meet the Mars rovers. Moving to Mars @ The Design Museum is definitely worth checking out too, London has the best exhibitions during winter pic.twitter.com/3rSzojv6Zl — DARNELL TEMENU (@DarnellTemenu) November 26, 2019 × Àlso read: Former Indian software analyst writes ‘national’ anthem for Mars Designers have also installed their vision on what farming will look like on the Red Planet and how transporting food for the journey to Mars will be made possible.

Beyond Earth: Designers give a peek into what life could look like on Mars

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/musk-to-testify-in-own-defense-in-defamation-trial-his-lawyer-says-264544">Elon Musk's</a> SpaceX<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/spacex-launches-first-batch-of-2020-starlink-satellites-272730"> </a>will try again on Sunday to destroy one of its own rockets in a test of a crucial emergency abort system, a day after bad weather forced the company to delay its final milestone test before flying NASA astronauts from U.S. soil.

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Latest weather data suggests sustained winds and rough seas in the recovery area during the top of tomorrow’s four-hour launch escape test window; now targeting toward the end of the window. Will continue to monitor weather and update the T-0 accordingly in the morning
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1218326923316617216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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If the test goes ahead, SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule, an acorn-shaped pod that can seat seven astronauts, will fire thrusters to detach itself from a Falcon 9 rocket less than two minutes after liftoff, simulating an emergency abort scenario to prove it can return astronauts to safety.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacex-to-destroy-rocket-in-mock-failure-before-manned-missions-with-nasa-275010">SpaceX to destroy rocket in 'mock-failure' before manned missions with NASA</a>

<img alt="SpaceX Rocket" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="036c0d6c-a1eb-4986-8682-5eb82c47b891" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%286%29_18.jpg" /> 
[ SpaceX Rocket (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

The test is crucial to qualify the capsule to fly humans to the International Space Station, a feat the National Aeronautics and Space Administration expects to come as soon as mid-2020. It follows years of development and delays as the United States has sought to revive its human spaceflight program through private partnerships.

NASA awarded $4.2 billion to Boeing and $2.5 billion to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/spacex-launches-first-batch-of-2020-starlink-satellites-272730">SpaceX</a> in 2014 to develop separate capsule systems capable of ferrying astronauts to the space station from U.S. soil for the first time since NASA's space shuttle program ended in 2011. The space agency has since relied on Russian spacecraft for rides to the space station.

During the test the Falcon 9 rocket's boosters will shut down roughly 12 miles (19 km) above the ocean, a mock failure that will trigger Crew Dragon's so-called SuperDraco thrusters to jet itself away at supersonic speeds of up to 1,500 miles per hour (2,400 kph).

The capsule will deploy three parachutes to slow its descent to the water, and will carry aboard two human-shaped test dummies fitted with motion sensors to collect data on the immense g-force — the effect of acceleration on the body — astronauts would be subjected to during abort.

The test was originally scheduled for mid-2019 but was delayed after a Crew Dragon capsule exploded in April on a test stand just before firing its launch abort thrusters, triggering a lengthy investigation.

SpaceX-led investigators in July zeroed in on a previously unknown explosive reaction between a titanium valve and a propellant used to ignite the thrusters. A SpaceX official said the company completed the investigation within the last week.

&nbsp;

Elon Musk's SpaceX will try again on Sunday to destroy one of its own rockets in a test of a crucial emergency abort system, a day after bad weather forced the company to delay its final milestone test before flying NASA astronauts from U.

Elon Musk's SpaceX will try again on Sunday to destroy one of its own rockets in a test of a crucial emergency abort system, a day after bad weather forced the company to delay its final milestone test before flying NASA astronauts from U.S. soil. Latest weather data suggests sustained winds and rough seas in the recovery area during the top of tomorrow’s four-hour launch escape test window; now targeting toward the end of the window. Will continue to monitor weather and update the T-0 accordingly in the morning — SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 18, 2020 × If the test goes ahead, SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule, an acorn-shaped pod that can seat seven astronauts, will fire thrusters to detach itself from a Falcon 9 rocket less than two minutes after liftoff, simulating an emergency abort scenario to prove it can return astronauts to safety. Also Read: SpaceX to destroy rocket in 'mock-failure' before manned missions with NASA [ SpaceX Rocket (Courtesy: Reuters) ] The test is crucial to qualify the capsule to fly humans to the International Space Station, a feat the National Aeronautics and Space Administration expects to come as soon as mid-2020. It follows years of development and delays as the United States has sought to revive its human spaceflight program through private partnerships. NASA awarded $4.2 billion to Boeing and $2.5 billion to SpaceX in 2014 to develop separate capsule systems capable of ferrying astronauts to the space station from U.S. soil for the first time since NASA's space shuttle program ended in 2011. The space agency has since relied on Russian spacecraft for rides to the space station. During the test the Falcon 9 rocket's boosters will shut down roughly 12 miles (19 km) above the ocean, a mock failure that will trigger Crew Dragon's so-called SuperDraco thrusters to jet itself away at supersonic speeds of up to 1,500 miles per hour (2,400 kph). The capsule will deploy three parachutes to slow its descent to the water, and will carry aboard two human-shaped test dummies fitted with motion sensors to collect data on the immense g-force — the effect of acceleration on the body — astronauts would be subjected to during abort. The test was originally scheduled for mid-2019 but was delayed after a Crew Dragon capsule exploded in April on a test stand just before firing its launch abort thrusters, triggering a lengthy investigation. SpaceX-led investigators in July zeroed in on a previously unknown explosive reaction between a titanium valve and a propellant used to ignite the thrusters. A SpaceX official said the company completed the investigation within the last week.

SpaceX to try rocket failure test again after bad weather delay

Elon Musk's SpaceX is set to destroy one of its own rockets today in a bid to test an emergency abort system on an unmanned capsule. This test will the company's last milestone before carrying NASA astronauts from US soil.&nbsp;

As Reuters reported, two minutes after the rocket takes off from a launchpad in Florida, the ''Crew Dragon'' capsule will eject itself from the rocket mid-air, which would replicate an emergency abort scenario. In essence, this is SpaceX's proof of their ability to return astronauts back to earth in case of emergencies.&nbsp;

"I will tell you tomorrow will be an exciting day," Kathy Lueders, NASA's commercial crew programme manager, said on Friday.

<h6><img alt="SpaceX" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0f81be7c-a692-485e-be3a-fdb45fc49084" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%287%29_13.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;The SpaceX Crew Dragon sits atop a Falcon 9 booster rocket on Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center before a scheduled in-flight abort test at Cape Canaveral, Florida January 17, 2020 | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

SpaceX has been trying to fly humans for a long time. If all goes well, they may be able to fly humans to the International Space Station soon. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), this could happen as soon as mid-2020.&nbsp;

After human spaceflight programmes faced setbacks, the US decided to partner with private companies like SpaceX to accelerate the pace of development.&nbsp;

Following this, NASA awarded Boeing and SpaceX $4.2 billion and $2.5 billion in 2014 respectively. NASA expects them to make capsules capable of carrying humans. NASA's space shuttle programme ended in 2011, after which, if achieved, this will usher in the first take-off with humans since then. To access the space station, NASA now relies on Russia.

<img alt="sapce" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="85b84207-1dae-40f9-9ae8-b2086579b575" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%286%29_15.jpg" />

<h6>Image: The SpaceX Crew Dragon sits atop a Falcon 9 booster rocket on Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center before a scheduled in-flight abort test at Cape Canaveral, Florida January 17, 2020 | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

The ''mock failure'' will involve considerable steps: The Falcon 9 rocket's boosters will shut down roughly 19 km above the ocean. This will trigger Crew Dragon's so-called SuperDraco thrusters to jet itself away at supersonic speeds of up to 2,400 kph.

As it nears water, the capsule would deploy three parachutes for a slow descent. In fact, two human-shaped test dummies laden in motion censors will be on-board. The data will then be used to understand the impact of G-force imposed during the abortion of the mission.

The test was originally scheduled for mid-2019 but faced delays&nbsp;after one of the capsules exploded in April before launch. After this, an investigation was launched and the organisation found an explosive reaction between a titanium valve and the capsule's rocket fuel.

SpaceX's Crew Mission Management director Benji Reed had said, "At some point, we expect that the Falcon will start to break up."

"Our Falcon 9 recovery forces will be standing by ready to go and recover as much of the Falcon as we can as safely as possible," Reed said.&nbsp;

<h6><img alt="spacex" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f9f6a919-00e2-457f-9827-52f0d8d6153a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%288%29_12.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;Remote cameras line a field near Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center where the SpaceX Crew Dragon sits atop a Falcon 9 booster rocket the evening before a scheduled in-flight abort test at Cape Canaveral, Florida January 17, 2020 | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacex-launches-third-batch-of-mini-satellites-into-orbit-272623">SpaceX launches third batch of mini-satellites into orbit</a>

&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

Elon Musk's SpaceX is set to destroy one of its own rockets today in a bid to test an emergency abort system on an unmanned capsule. This test will the company's last milestone before carrying NASA astronauts from US soil.

Elon Musk's SpaceX is set to destroy one of its own rockets today in a bid to test an emergency abort system on an unmanned capsule. This test will the company's last milestone before carrying NASA astronauts from US soil. As Reuters reported, two minutes after the rocket takes off from a launchpad in Florida, the ''Crew Dragon'' capsule will eject itself from the rocket mid-air, which would replicate an emergency abort scenario. In essence, this is SpaceX's proof of their ability to return astronauts back to earth in case of emergencies. "I will tell you tomorrow will be an exciting day," Kathy Lueders, NASA's commercial crew programme manager, said on Friday. Image: The SpaceX Crew Dragon sits atop a Falcon 9 booster rocket on Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center before a scheduled in-flight abort test at Cape Canaveral, Florida January 17, 2020 | AFP SpaceX has been trying to fly humans for a long time. If all goes well, they may be able to fly humans to the International Space Station soon. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), this could happen as soon as mid-2020. After human spaceflight programmes faced setbacks, the US decided to partner with private companies like SpaceX to accelerate the pace of development. Following this, NASA awarded Boeing and SpaceX $4.2 billion and $2.5 billion in 2014 respectively. NASA expects them to make capsules capable of carrying humans. NASA's space shuttle programme ended in 2011, after which, if achieved, this will usher in the first take-off with humans since then. To access the space station, NASA now relies on Russia. Image: The SpaceX Crew Dragon sits atop a Falcon 9 booster rocket on Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center before a scheduled in-flight abort test at Cape Canaveral, Florida January 17, 2020 | Reuters The ''mock failure'' will involve considerable steps: The Falcon 9 rocket's boosters will shut down roughly 19 km above the ocean. This will trigger Crew Dragon's so-called SuperDraco thrusters to jet itself away at supersonic speeds of up to 2,400 kph. As it nears water, the capsule would deploy three parachutes for a slow descent. In fact, two human-shaped test dummies laden in motion censors will be on-board. The data will then be used to understand the impact of G-force imposed during the abortion of the mission. The test was originally scheduled for mid-2019 but faced delays after one of the capsules exploded in April before launch. After this, an investigation was launched and the organisation found an explosive reaction between a titanium valve and the capsule's rocket fuel. SpaceX's Crew Mission Management director Benji Reed had said, "At some point, we expect that the Falcon will start to break up." "Our Falcon 9 recovery forces will be standing by ready to go and recover as much of the Falcon as we can as safely as possible," Reed said. Image: Remote cameras line a field near Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center where the SpaceX Crew Dragon sits atop a Falcon 9 booster rocket the evening before a scheduled in-flight abort test at Cape Canaveral, Florida January 17, 2020 | Reuters Also read: SpaceX launches third batch of mini-satellites into orbit (With inputs from Reuters)

SpaceX to destroy rocket in 'mock-failure' before manned missions with NASA

Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa grabbed eyeballs when a few days ago he gave an advertisement&nbsp;that said he was in search of a girlfriend to accompany him on a voyage around moon in a SpaceX rocket.

As per the advertisement, the entrepreneur is looking for a "single woman aged 20 or over". The matchmaking exercise will also be streamed on the internet.&nbsp;

But who is Maezawa? Here's an article to declutter all your questions related to this flamboyant entrepreneur.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/billionaire-maezawa-seeks-for-a-life-partner-for-moon-spacex-voyage-273811">Fly me to the moon: Japanese billionaire Maezawa seeks girlfriend for SpaceX voyage</a>

Who is Yusaku Maezawa?&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Maezawa, is a former chief of online fashion company Zozo, Japan's largest fashion retailer. He sold the company last year to Yahoo! for purchasing pricey art. Maezawa came to fore in 2018 when it was announced that he would be the first private passenger to fly around the moon by 
Elon Musk's SpaceX. The entrepreneur is also known for his flamboyant purchases.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wanted-girlfriend-to-travel-to-the-moon-with-japanese-billionaire-274011/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">How did he become so rich?&nbsp;</div>

As per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Maezawa has a net worth of $3.6 billion. Zozotown, an e-commerce website for Japanese and Western brands largely contributed to Maezawa's wealth. Zozotown is the largest mall in Japan and features nearly 7,300 brands.&nbsp;

Maezawa sold his 30 per cent stake from the company last year in September to Yahoo Japan, which is owned by SoftBank, for $2.3 billion.&nbsp;

Why did he want to take a girlfriend for a moon voyage?

Maezawa recently split up with actress girlfriend Ayame Goriki. He said that "as feelings of loneliness and emptiness slowly begin to surge upon me", he wants to continue "love one woman". "I want to find a 'life partner'. "With that future partner of mine, I want to shout our love and world 
peace from outer space."&nbsp;

How will Maezawa select his girlfriend?

The billionaire will feature in the documentary titled "Full Moon Lovers", which will stream on AbemaTV. Applicants must "be interested in going into space and able to participate in the preparation for it" and "be someone who wishes for world peace", as per the website inviting applications.&nbsp;

The girlfriend-hunt exercise will be shown in this documentary.

Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa grabbed eyeballs when a few days ago he gave an advertisement that said he was in search of a girlfriend to accompany him on a voyage around moon in a SpaceX rocket.

Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa grabbed eyeballs when a few days ago he gave an advertisement that said he was in search of a girlfriend to accompany him on a voyage around moon in a SpaceX rocket. As per the advertisement, the entrepreneur is looking for a "single woman aged 20 or over". The matchmaking exercise will also be streamed on the internet. But who is Maezawa? Here's an article to declutter all your questions related to this flamboyant entrepreneur. Also read: Fly me to the moon: Japanese billionaire Maezawa seeks girlfriend for SpaceX voyage Who is Yusaku Maezawa? Maezawa, is a former chief of online fashion company Zozo, Japan's largest fashion retailer. He sold the company last year to Yahoo! for purchasing pricey art. Maezawa came to fore in 2018 when it was announced that he would be the first private passenger to fly around the moon by Elon Musk's SpaceX. The entrepreneur is also known for his flamboyant purchases. Watch: How did he become so rich? As per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Maezawa has a net worth of $3.6 billion. Zozotown, an e-commerce website for Japanese and Western brands largely contributed to Maezawa's wealth. Zozotown is the largest mall in Japan and features nearly 7,300 brands. Maezawa sold his 30 per cent stake from the company last year in September to Yahoo Japan, which is owned by SoftBank, for $2.3 billion. Why did he want to take a girlfriend for a moon voyage? Maezawa recently split up with actress girlfriend Ayame Goriki. He said that "as feelings of loneliness and emptiness slowly begin to surge upon me", he wants to continue "love one woman". "I want to find a 'life partner'. "With that future partner of mine, I want to shout our love and world peace from outer space." How will Maezawa select his girlfriend? The billionaire will feature in the documentary titled "Full Moon Lovers", which will stream on AbemaTV. Applicants must "be interested in going into space and able to participate in the preparation for it" and "be someone who wishes for world peace", as per the website inviting applications. The girlfriend-hunt exercise will be shown in this documentary.

Who is Japanese billionaire Maezawa seeking girlfriend for Moon voyage

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-spacex-hope-for-manned-mission-to-international-space-station-in-early-2020-255078">SpaceX</a> today launched 60 mini-satellites into orbit, the third batch to do so, in the company's bid to build a constellation of spacecraft to facilitate the creation of a global internet system.

The satellites were launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida at 02.19 GMT. The separation from a Falcon 9 rocket was successful on the stretch between Australia and Antarctica.&nbsp;

<img alt="SpaceX" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ec59621b-e6b5-4315-8936-3e2bc08a5531" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_27.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;This NASA photo obtained December 17, 2019 shows the SpaceX Dragon resupply ship as it approaches the International Space Station as both spacecraft orbited 257 miles above the Sahara on December 8, 2019. Courtesy: AFP

The launch was filmed by a camera on the rocket. The total number of satellites part of American company Starlink's network now stands at 180.&nbsp;

However, this figure could eventually shoot up to 42,000, which will result in more crowded skies.

According to the Satellite Industry Association, 21,000 satellites currently orbit the planet.

SpaceX was created by Elon Musk, the Chief Executive of Tesla. The company intends to control the internet market from space.

Other companies are also attempting to break into this new market, including OneWeb, a London-based start-up along with interest from US retailer Amazon, with ''Project Kuiper'' in the works.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-spacex-hope-for-manned-mission-to-international-space-station-in-early-2020-255078">NASA,&nbsp;SpaceX hope for manned mission to International Space Station in early 2020</a>

Earlier, Musk asserted his will to control three to five per cent of the global internet market. This will be valued at $30 billion a year, which is roughly ten times what SpaceX earns from space launches. According to the company, this money will be renavigated into rocket and spaceship development.

Musk had also shown interest in colonising Mars.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacexs-mars-rocket-prototype-rattles-nerves-of-nearby-residents-in-texas-flight-test-246144">SpaceX</a>, so far, has received authorisation to launch 12,000 satellites from the US, with plans to launch 30,000 more. 
 
(With inputs from AFP)

SpaceX today launched 60 mini-satellites into orbit, the third batch to do so, in the company's bid to build a constellation of spacecraft to facilitate the creation of a global internet system.

SpaceX today launched 60 mini-satellites into orbit, the third batch to do so, in the company's bid to build a constellation of spacecraft to facilitate the creation of a global internet system. The satellites were launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida at 02.19 GMT. The separation from a Falcon 9 rocket was successful on the stretch between Australia and Antarctica. Image: This NASA photo obtained December 17, 2019 shows the SpaceX Dragon resupply ship as it approaches the International Space Station as both spacecraft orbited 257 miles above the Sahara on December 8, 2019. Courtesy: AFP The launch was filmed by a camera on the rocket. The total number of satellites part of American company Starlink's network now stands at 180. However, this figure could eventually shoot up to 42,000, which will result in more crowded skies. According to the Satellite Industry Association, 21,000 satellites currently orbit the planet. SpaceX was created by Elon Musk, the Chief Executive of Tesla. The company intends to control the internet market from space. Other companies are also attempting to break into this new market, including OneWeb, a London-based start-up along with interest from US retailer Amazon, with ''Project Kuiper'' in the works. Also read: NASA, SpaceX hope for manned mission to International Space Station in early 2020 Earlier, Musk asserted his will to control three to five per cent of the global internet market. This will be valued at $30 billion a year, which is roughly ten times what SpaceX earns from space launches. According to the company, this money will be renavigated into rocket and spaceship development. Musk had also shown interest in colonising Mars. SpaceX, so far, has received authorisation to launch 12,000 satellites from the US, with plans to launch 30,000 more. (With inputs from AFP)

SpaceX launches third batch of mini-satellites into orbit

SpaceX launched its third batch of 60 Starlink satellites on Monday (January 6), the first of its 2020 push to get 1.5k satellites into space to become operational before year's end.

SpaceX launches first batch of 2020 Starlink satellites

Tesla Inc boss Elon Musk emerged victorious on Friday from a closely watched defamation trial as a federal court jury swiftly rejected the $190 million claim brought against him by a British cave explorer who Musk had branded a "pedo guy" on Twitter.

The unanimous verdict by a panel of five women and three men was returned after roughly 45 minutes of deliberation on the fourth day of Musk's trial. Legal experts believe it was the first major defamation lawsuit brought by a private individual over remarks on Twitter to be decided by a jury.

The outcome was a triumph for Musk, whose mercurial behaviour in a number of instances last year came under close scrutiny from federal regulators and shareholders of Tesla, his Silicon Valley-based electric car manufacturer.

The jury's decision signals a higher legal threshold for challenging potentially libellous Twitter comments, said L. Lin Wood, the high-profile trial lawyer who led the legal team for the plaintiff, Vernon Unsworth.

Watch:&nbsp;Elon Musk wins case over 'Pedo Guy' tweet

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"This verdict puts everyone's reputation at risk," Wood told reporters after the verdict was announced.

Other lawyers specializing in defamation agreed the verdict reflects how the freewheeling nature of social media has altered understandings of what distinguishes libel punishable in court from casual rhetoric and hyperbole protected as free speech.

Musk, 48, who had testified during the first two days of the trial in his own defence and returned to court on Friday to hear closing arguments, exited the courtroom after the verdict and said: "My faith in humanity is restored."

'Take it on the chin'

Outside the courthouse, Unsworth, 64, said he was resigned to his defeat. "I accept the jury's verdict, take it on the chin and get on with my life."

Wood said his client went "toe to toe with a billionaire bully," echoing a phrase from his summation earlier in court, and indicated to reporters that an appeal was doubtful.

"It's not the verdict we wanted. But it's the end of the road and we now close this chapter," Wood said.

He said he nevertheless saw the lawsuit as meaningful in helping erase the stain he said Unsworth's reputation suffered.

During the course of the trial, Musk testified under oath that his use of the term "pedo guy" - slang for paedophile - was never meant to be taken literally, and he apologised to Unsworth for the comment from the witness stand.

The case stems from a public quarrel between Musk and Unsworth, a British diver who lives part-time in Thailand and gained fame for his leading role in coordinating the successful rescue of 12 boys and their soccer coach from a flooded cave in that country in July 2018.

Unsworth had chided Musk in a CNN interview for delivering a mini-submarine, which was never used, to the site of the Tham Luang Nang Non-cave system. Unsworth called Musk's intervention a "PR" stunt and said the high-tech entrepreneur should "stick his submarine where it hurts."

Three tweets

Musk responded two days later on Twitter with three posts that became the basis of the defamation case. The first questioned Unsworth's role in the rescue, while the second said, "Sorry pedo guy, you really did ask for it."

The third tweet, in reply to a follower who asked Musk about the second tweet, said, "Bet ya a signed dollar it's true."

Wood said during his summation that Musk's tweets were akin to a "nuclear bomb" that would overshadow Unsworth's relationships and job prospects for years to come and urged jurors to teach the Tesla chief executive and SpaceX founder a lesson by awarding Unsworth $190 million, including $150 million in punitive damages.

Two days earlier, under questioning on the witness stand, Musk had estimated his net worth at $20 billion.

But the jury was apparently swayed by the arguments put forth by Musk's attorney, Alex Spiro, who said the tweets in question amounted to an off-hand insult in the midst of an argument, which no one could be expected to take seriously.

"In arguments you insult people," he said. "No bomb went off."

The defence also said Unsworth failed to demonstrate any harm from the Twitter comments and even tried to profit from his role in the rescue, which won him plaudits from the Thai and British governments.

US District Judge Stephen Wilson had said the case hinged on whether a reasonable person would take Musk's Twitter statements to mean he was actually calling Unsworth a paedophile.

To win, Unsworth needed to show that Musk was negligent in publishing a falsehood that clearly identified the plaintiff and caused him harm. "Actual malice" on Musk's part, a high standard in defamation cases, did not need to be proven since the judge deemed Unsworth a private individual, not a public figure.

The trial revived discussion of Musk’s erratic behaviour in 2018, when he used Twitter to float a leveraged buyout proposal for Tesla that was scuttled, ultimately paying $20 million to settle a Securities and Exchange Commission complaint.

For most of 2019, Musk, who has nearly 30 million Twitter followers, has largely kept his public comments focused on Tesla’s new models and improved profitability and on the technical progress of his aerospace company, SpaceX.

Tesla Inc boss Elon Musk emerged victorious on Friday from a closely watched defamation trial as a federal court jury swiftly rejected the $190 million claim brought against him by a British cave explorer who Musk had branded a "pedo guy" on Twitter.

Tesla Inc boss Elon Musk emerged victorious on Friday from a closely watched defamation trial as a federal court jury swiftly rejected the $190 million claim brought against him by a British cave explorer who Musk had branded a "pedo guy" on Twitter. The unanimous verdict by a panel of five women and three men was returned after roughly 45 minutes of deliberation on the fourth day of Musk's trial. Legal experts believe it was the first major defamation lawsuit brought by a private individual over remarks on Twitter to be decided by a jury. The outcome was a triumph for Musk, whose mercurial behaviour in a number of instances last year came under close scrutiny from federal regulators and shareholders of Tesla, his Silicon Valley-based electric car manufacturer. The jury's decision signals a higher legal threshold for challenging potentially libellous Twitter comments, said L. Lin Wood, the high-profile trial lawyer who led the legal team for the plaintiff, Vernon Unsworth. Watch: Elon Musk wins case over 'Pedo Guy' tweet × "This verdict puts everyone's reputation at risk," Wood told reporters after the verdict was announced. Other lawyers specializing in defamation agreed the verdict reflects how the freewheeling nature of social media has altered understandings of what distinguishes libel punishable in court from casual rhetoric and hyperbole protected as free speech. Musk, 48, who had testified during the first two days of the trial in his own defence and returned to court on Friday to hear closing arguments, exited the courtroom after the verdict and said: "My faith in humanity is restored." 'Take it on the chin' Outside the courthouse, Unsworth, 64, said he was resigned to his defeat. "I accept the jury's verdict, take it on the chin and get on with my life." Wood said his client went "toe to toe with a billionaire bully," echoing a phrase from his summation earlier in court, and indicated to reporters that an appeal was doubtful. "It's not the verdict we wanted. But it's the end of the road and we now close this chapter," Wood said. He said he nevertheless saw the lawsuit as meaningful in helping erase the stain he said Unsworth's reputation suffered. During the course of the trial, Musk testified under oath that his use of the term "pedo guy" - slang for paedophile - was never meant to be taken literally, and he apologised to Unsworth for the comment from the witness stand. The case stems from a public quarrel between Musk and Unsworth, a British diver who lives part-time in Thailand and gained fame for his leading role in coordinating the successful rescue of 12 boys and their soccer coach from a flooded cave in that country in July 2018. Unsworth had chided Musk in a CNN interview for delivering a mini-submarine, which was never used, to the site of the Tham Luang Nang Non-cave system. Unsworth called Musk's intervention a "PR" stunt and said the high-tech entrepreneur should "stick his submarine where it hurts." Three tweets Musk responded two days later on Twitter with three posts that became the basis of the defamation case. The first questioned Unsworth's role in the rescue, while the second said, "Sorry pedo guy, you really did ask for it." The third tweet, in reply to a follower who asked Musk about the second tweet, said, "Bet ya a signed dollar it's true." Wood said during his summation that Musk's tweets were akin to a "nuclear bomb" that would overshadow Unsworth's relationships and job prospects for years to come and urged jurors to teach the Tesla chief executive and SpaceX founder a lesson by awarding Unsworth $190 million, including $150 million in punitive damages. Two days earlier, under questioning on the witness stand, Musk had estimated his net worth at $20 billion. But the jury was apparently swayed by the arguments put forth by Musk's attorney, Alex Spiro, who said the tweets in question amounted to an off-hand insult in the midst of an argument, which no one could be expected to take seriously. "In arguments you insult people," he said. "No bomb went off." The defence also said Unsworth failed to demonstrate any harm from the Twitter comments and even tried to profit from his role in the rescue, which won him plaudits from the Thai and British governments. US District Judge Stephen Wilson had said the case hinged on whether a reasonable person would take Musk's Twitter statements to mean he was actually calling Unsworth a paedophile. To win, Unsworth needed to show that Musk was negligent in publishing a falsehood that clearly identified the plaintiff and caused him harm. "Actual malice" on Musk's part, a high standard in defamation cases, did not need to be proven since the judge deemed Unsworth a private individual, not a public figure. The trial revived discussion of Musk’s erratic behaviour in 2018, when he used Twitter to float a leveraged buyout proposal for Tesla that was scuttled, ultimately paying $20 million to settle a Securities and Exchange Commission complaint. For most of 2019, Musk, who has nearly 30 million Twitter followers, has largely kept his public comments focused on Tesla’s new models and improved profitability and on the technical progress of his aerospace company, SpaceX.

Tesla boss Elon Musk wins defamation trial over his 'pedo guy' tweet

The&nbsp;British&nbsp;cave explorer suing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-due-back-on-witness-stand-in-defamation-trial-stemming-from-tweets-266207">Elon&nbsp;Musk</a>&nbsp;for calling him a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pedo-guy-tweet-not-meant-to-be-taken-literally-elon-musk-266052">"pedo guy"</a> on Twitter testified on Thursday that his criticism of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/musk-suggests-tesla-has-200000-orders-for-cybertruck-264354">Tesla Inc</a> chief executive that led to the tweet was not a personal attack.

In the&nbsp;defamation&nbsp;trial's third day, Vernon Unsworth also refused to apologize for a July 13, 2018, CNN interview in which he said that&nbsp;Musk's offer of a mini-submarine to help rescue a boys' soccer team&nbsp;from&nbsp;a flooded Thailand cave was a "PR stunt" and&nbsp;Musk&nbsp;could "stick his submarine where it hurts."

"My insult was to the tube and not to Mr.&nbsp;Musk&nbsp;personally," Unsworth said while being cross-examined by Bill Price, one of&nbsp;Musk's lawyers. "I'm not sure how I need to apologize. It was my opinion at the time and I stand by that opinion."

Unsworth's lawsuit focuses on three&nbsp;Musk&nbsp;tweets on July 15, 2018, five days after the&nbsp;diver&nbsp;helped complete the rescue of 12 boys and their soccer coach&nbsp;from&nbsp;the cave.

Musk's first tweet questioned Unsworth's role in the rescue, while the second said, "Sorry pedo guy, you really did ask for it." The third tweet, in response to a follower who asked&nbsp;Musk&nbsp;about the second tweet, said: "Bet ya a signed dollar it's true."

Unsworth, 64, said the tweets harmed his reputation by branding him a pedophile and a liar and said on Wednesday they left him "humiliated, ashamed, dirtied."

His lawsuit seeks unspecified damages&nbsp;from&nbsp;Musk, who told the court this week his net worth is around $20 billion.

Legal experts are closely watching the case because it is believed to be the first major&nbsp;defamation&nbsp;lawsuit brought by a private individual to go to&nbsp;trial&nbsp;over a tweet.

Musk, 48, who was questioned throughout the afternoon on Tuesday by Unsworth's lawyer, has maintained his composure. He apologized to Unsworth and suggested to jurors the stress of working 80 to 100 hours a week during a challenging period for Tesla contributed to the outburst.

Jurors are expected to begin deliberations Friday after Judge Stephen Wilson formally instructs them before the two sides give closing arguments. Wilson rejected a motion&nbsp;from&nbsp;Musk's lawyers to dismiss the case.

The Unsworth&nbsp;trial&nbsp;has revived discussion of&nbsp;Musk’s erratic behavior during 2018 when he also used Twitter to float a leveraged buyout proposal for Tesla that was scuttled and ultimately led to&nbsp;Musk&nbsp;paying $20 million to settle a Securities and Exchange Commission complaint.

For most of this year, however,&nbsp;Musk, who has nearly 30 million Twitter followers, has largely kept his public comments focused on Tesla’s new models and improved profitability and on the technical progress of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/spacex-hails-revolution-after-recycled-rocket-launch-landing-14001">SpaceX</a>.

Musk's lawyers on Thursday tried to weaken the&nbsp;defamation&nbsp;argument, suggesting Unsworth's reputation was unsullied and that he even tried to profit&nbsp;from&nbsp;his role in the rescue, which won him plaudits&nbsp;from&nbsp;the Thai and&nbsp;British&nbsp;governments.

Asked if there was talk of his being a pedophile at a 10 Downing Street event where he stood next to Theresa May, then Britain's prime minister, Unsworth said: "Not that I recall."

Unsworth's legal team called expert witness Jim Jansen who said the&nbsp;Musk&nbsp;tweets were disseminated widely in the news media - 490 English language articles in 33 countries.

They also called Unsworth's estranged wife who gave him a character endorsement, despite the fact that Unsworth is living with his girlfriend part of the time in Thailand.

The "pedo-guy" tweet was "totally false", she said.

In his own testimony,&nbsp;Musk&nbsp;dismissed his tweets as an "off the cuff" response to watching a replay of Unsworth's CNN interview, at a time he felt overworked&nbsp;from&nbsp;running Tesla, which makes electric cars, and SpaceX, a rocket company that offered the mini-submarine.

To win his lawsuit, Unsworth needs to show&nbsp;Musk&nbsp;was negligent in publishing a falsehood that clearly identified him and caused him harm. He does not need to show that&nbsp;Musk&nbsp;acted with "actual malice," which is much tougher to prove.

The British cave explorer suing Elon Musk for calling him a "pedo guy" on Twitter testified on Thursday that his criticism of the Tesla Inc chief executive that led to the tweet was not a personal attack.

The British cave explorer suing Elon Musk for calling him a "pedo guy" on Twitter testified on Thursday that his criticism of the Tesla Inc chief executive that led to the tweet was not a personal attack. In the defamation trial's third day, Vernon Unsworth also refused to apologize for a July 13, 2018, CNN interview in which he said that Musk's offer of a mini-submarine to help rescue a boys' soccer team from a flooded Thailand cave was a "PR stunt" and Musk could "stick his submarine where it hurts." "My insult was to the tube and not to Mr. Musk personally," Unsworth said while being cross-examined by Bill Price, one of Musk's lawyers. "I'm not sure how I need to apologize. It was my opinion at the time and I stand by that opinion." Unsworth's lawsuit focuses on three Musk tweets on July 15, 2018, five days after the diver helped complete the rescue of 12 boys and their soccer coach from the cave. Musk's first tweet questioned Unsworth's role in the rescue, while the second said, "Sorry pedo guy, you really did ask for it." The third tweet, in response to a follower who asked Musk about the second tweet, said: "Bet ya a signed dollar it's true." Unsworth, 64, said the tweets harmed his reputation by branding him a pedophile and a liar and said on Wednesday they left him "humiliated, ashamed, dirtied." His lawsuit seeks unspecified damages from Musk, who told the court this week his net worth is around $20 billion. Legal experts are closely watching the case because it is believed to be the first major defamation lawsuit brought by a private individual to go to trial over a tweet. Musk, 48, who was questioned throughout the afternoon on Tuesday by Unsworth's lawyer, has maintained his composure. He apologized to Unsworth and suggested to jurors the stress of working 80 to 100 hours a week during a challenging period for Tesla contributed to the outburst. Jurors are expected to begin deliberations Friday after Judge Stephen Wilson formally instructs them before the two sides give closing arguments. Wilson rejected a motion from Musk's lawyers to dismiss the case. The Unsworth trial has revived discussion of Musk’s erratic behavior during 2018 when he also used Twitter to float a leveraged buyout proposal for Tesla that was scuttled and ultimately led to Musk paying $20 million to settle a Securities and Exchange Commission complaint. For most of this year, however, Musk, who has nearly 30 million Twitter followers, has largely kept his public comments focused on Tesla’s new models and improved profitability and on the technical progress of SpaceX. Musk's lawyers on Thursday tried to weaken the defamation argument, suggesting Unsworth's reputation was unsullied and that he even tried to profit from his role in the rescue, which won him plaudits from the Thai and British governments. Asked if there was talk of his being a pedophile at a 10 Downing Street event where he stood next to Theresa May, then Britain's prime minister, Unsworth said: "Not that I recall." Unsworth's legal team called expert witness Jim Jansen who said the Musk tweets were disseminated widely in the news media - 490 English language articles in 33 countries. They also called Unsworth's estranged wife who gave him a character endorsement, despite the fact that Unsworth is living with his girlfriend part of the time in Thailand. The "pedo-guy" tweet was "totally false", she said. In his own testimony, Musk dismissed his tweets as an "off the cuff" response to watching a replay of Unsworth's CNN interview, at a time he felt overworked from running Tesla, which makes electric cars, and SpaceX, a rocket company that offered the mini-submarine. To win his lawsuit, Unsworth needs to show Musk was negligent in publishing a falsehood that clearly identified him and caused him harm. He does not need to show that Musk acted with "actual malice," which is much tougher to prove.

No apology to Elon Musk from British diver at 'pedo guy' defamation trial

SpaceX could launch US astronauts to the International Space Station as early as next year if tests on the company's long-delayed Crew Dragon capsule prove conclusive, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-in-megadeal-with-lockheed-for-moon-missions-251628">NASA</a> Administrator Jim Bridenstine said Thursday.

Bridenstine made the announcement as he toured the California headquarters of billionaire <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacexs-mars-rocket-prototype-rattles-nerves-of-nearby-residents-in-texas-flight-test-246144">Elon Musk's SpaceX</a>, a major contractor for NASA.

The visit came as Bridenstine and Musk have been engaged in a public spat over the much-delayed building of the Crew Dragon spacecraft.

The capsule would provide the transportation for astronauts to the space station for the first time since America's space shuttle program ended in 2011.

Musk, who appeared at a news conference alongside Bridenstine and the two astronauts who are set to fly onboard the spacecraft, said he hoped to have the capsule delivered to NASA by the end of the year.

He stressed, however, that safety was paramount and the launch would be delayed without hesitation if any problems arise.

"If everything goes according to plan, it would be in the first quarter of next year," Bridenstine said of the launch. "But remember -- and this is the important thing that we have to get right on messaging -- there are still things that we can learn or could learn that could be challenging that we have to resolve.

"I'm not saying that's going to happen, I don't know. That's why we test."

Some of the technical challenges SpaceX is working on include concerns about the parachutes and the propulsion system.

"It's a pretty arduous engineering job to get the parachutes right," Musk said.

"Parachutes, they look easy but they are definitely not easy," he added. "We want to get at least something on the order of 10 successful tests in a row before launching astronauts."

Since retiring its space shuttle program, NASA has had to rely on Russia to ferry astronauts to and from the space station at a cost of $85 million a seat. It is now counting on SpaceX and Boeing to carry out that task.

SpaceX was founded in 2002 by Musk to help reduce space transportation costs -- and with an ultimate goal of helping colonize Mars. &nbsp;

The first manned flight to the space station was due to take place last year but SpaceX suffered a major setback in April when its Crew Dragon spacecraft exploded during testing, prompting delays and renewed tests.

"You know, honestly, if there's a test program and nothing happens in that test program, I would say that test program is insufficiently rigorous," Musk said Thursday.&nbsp;

"Space is hard," he added.

SpaceX could launch US astronauts to the International Space Station as early as next year if tests on the company's long-delayed Crew Dragon capsule prove conclusive, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said Thursday.

SpaceX could launch US astronauts to the International Space Station as early as next year if tests on the company's long-delayed Crew Dragon capsule prove conclusive, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said Thursday. Bridenstine made the announcement as he toured the California headquarters of billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX, a major contractor for NASA. The visit came as Bridenstine and Musk have been engaged in a public spat over the much-delayed building of the Crew Dragon spacecraft. The capsule would provide the transportation for astronauts to the space station for the first time since America's space shuttle program ended in 2011. Musk, who appeared at a news conference alongside Bridenstine and the two astronauts who are set to fly onboard the spacecraft, said he hoped to have the capsule delivered to NASA by the end of the year. He stressed, however, that safety was paramount and the launch would be delayed without hesitation if any problems arise. "If everything goes according to plan, it would be in the first quarter of next year," Bridenstine said of the launch. "But remember -- and this is the important thing that we have to get right on messaging -- there are still things that we can learn or could learn that could be challenging that we have to resolve. "I'm not saying that's going to happen, I don't know. That's why we test." Some of the technical challenges SpaceX is working on include concerns about the parachutes and the propulsion system. "It's a pretty arduous engineering job to get the parachutes right," Musk said. "Parachutes, they look easy but they are definitely not easy," he added. "We want to get at least something on the order of 10 successful tests in a row before launching astronauts." Since retiring its space shuttle program, NASA has had to rely on Russia to ferry astronauts to and from the space station at a cost of $85 million a seat. It is now counting on SpaceX and Boeing to carry out that task. SpaceX was founded in 2002 by Musk to help reduce space transportation costs -- and with an ultimate goal of helping colonize Mars. The first manned flight to the space station was due to take place last year but SpaceX suffered a major setback in April when its Crew Dragon spacecraft exploded during testing, prompting delays and renewed tests. "You know, honestly, if there's a test program and nothing happens in that test program, I would say that test program is insufficiently rigorous," Musk said Thursday. "Space is hard," he added.

NASA, SpaceX hope for manned mission to International Space Station in early 2020

SpaceX shows off upcoming missions

SpaceX test-launched an early prototype of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moving-fast-elon-musks-spacex-eyes-florida-for-launch-site-for-mars-rocket-240489">company's Mars rocket</a> on Tuesday, rattling the nerves of people living near the Texas site and clearing another key hurdle in billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk's interplanetary ambitions.

The prototype, dubbed Starhopper, slowly rose about 500 feet (152m) off its launch pad in Brownsville, Texas, and propelled itself some 650 feet (198m) eastward onto an adjacent landing platform, completing a seemingly successful low-altitude test of SpaceX’s next-generation Raptor engine.

The Raptor is designed to power Musk’s forthcoming heavy-lift Starship rocket, a reusable two-stage booster taller than the Statue of Liberty that is expected to play a central role in Musk’s interplanetary space travel objectives, including missions to Mars.

The prototype "hopper" vehicle, resembling a chrome water tower with four landing legs, was originally slated for its test liftoff on Monday. But a “rather embarrassing” wiring issue with the single Raptor engine halted the countdown less than a second before ignition, Musk, the SpaceX founder and chief executive, said on Twitter.

About a dozen people living in the adjacent village of Boca Chica, just over a mile from the test site, had been urged in advance by local authorities to vacate their homes as a precaution at the sound of police sirens that blared minutes before launch.

“It almost looked like a cartoon or something,” nearby resident Cheryl Stevens told Reuters just after Starhopper’s flight. “After all the buildup, it was kind of nice to actually see it happen.”

The notices, circulated by sheriff's deputies three days in advance, warned of a possible "overpressure event" that could shatter windows and endanger anyone remaining inside their homes in the event of an explosive malfunction.

Maria Pointer, another resident, set up cameras and invited photographers to her home. She said excitement surrounding the launch reminded her of "feeling like you’re going on a Ferris wheel.”

Other residents bemoaned SpaceX’s presence on the Texas coast, frustrated with road closures and confusing public notices worrisome to those unaccustomed to the trials of spaceflight experimentation.

“It’s kind of like a double-edged sword,” said resident Terry Heaton, adding that access to the nearby beach was blocked off every time SpaceX attempted an engine test.

The next step for Raptor will be to carry out additional ground-based firings of the engine bolted to a stationary test stand, Musk said.

SpaceX test-launched an early prototype of the company's Mars rocket on Tuesday, rattling the nerves of people living near the Texas site and clearing another key hurdle in billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk's interplanetary ambitions.

SpaceX test-launched an early prototype of the company's Mars rocket on Tuesday, rattling the nerves of people living near the Texas site and clearing another key hurdle in billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk's interplanetary ambitions. The prototype, dubbed Starhopper, slowly rose about 500 feet (152m) off its launch pad in Brownsville, Texas, and propelled itself some 650 feet (198m) eastward onto an adjacent landing platform, completing a seemingly successful low-altitude test of SpaceX’s next-generation Raptor engine. The Raptor is designed to power Musk’s forthcoming heavy-lift Starship rocket, a reusable two-stage booster taller than the Statue of Liberty that is expected to play a central role in Musk’s interplanetary space travel objectives, including missions to Mars. The prototype "hopper" vehicle, resembling a chrome water tower with four landing legs, was originally slated for its test liftoff on Monday. But a “rather embarrassing” wiring issue with the single Raptor engine halted the countdown less than a second before ignition, Musk, the SpaceX founder and chief executive, said on Twitter. About a dozen people living in the adjacent village of Boca Chica, just over a mile from the test site, had been urged in advance by local authorities to vacate their homes as a precaution at the sound of police sirens that blared minutes before launch. “It almost looked like a cartoon or something,” nearby resident Cheryl Stevens told Reuters just after Starhopper’s flight. “After all the buildup, it was kind of nice to actually see it happen.” The notices, circulated by sheriff's deputies three days in advance, warned of a possible "overpressure event" that could shatter windows and endanger anyone remaining inside their homes in the event of an explosive malfunction. Maria Pointer, another resident, set up cameras and invited photographers to her home. She said excitement surrounding the launch reminded her of "feeling like you’re going on a Ferris wheel.” Other residents bemoaned SpaceX’s presence on the Texas coast, frustrated with road closures and confusing public notices worrisome to those unaccustomed to the trials of spaceflight experimentation. “It’s kind of like a double-edged sword,” said resident Terry Heaton, adding that access to the nearby beach was blocked off every time SpaceX attempted an engine test. The next step for Raptor will be to carry out additional ground-based firings of the engine bolted to a stationary test stand, Musk said.

SpaceX's Mars rocket prototype rattles nerves of nearby residents in Texas flight test

Elon Musk's<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacex-launches-falcon-heavy-rocket-with-24-satellites-230260"> SpaceX</a> is expanding its facilities in Florida to make room for the space company's forthcoming super heavy-lift launch vehicle dubbed Starship, according to a draft of the plans seen by Reuters on Friday.

Starship, a 384-foot (117-meter) reusable two-stage rocket taller than the Statue of Liberty, is a central piece of Musk's interplanetary space travel ambitions as well as US space agency NASA's goal to send humans to the moon again by 2024.

The Starship rocket is expected to launch up to 24 times a year from SpaceX's current flagship launchpad 39A, the draft of the company's environmental assessment said. SpaceX did not specify in the report when it would reach that cadence, but Musk said in September 2018 he wanted to be conducting orbital flights with Starship in two to three years.

SpaceX's launchpad 39A would support NASA's future moon missions from the same Kennedy Space Centre site used for the Apollo lunar missions a half-century ago.

"They're moving very fast," said Dale Ketcham, vice president of government relations at Space Florida, the state's commercial space development agency. "This is actually getting closer to what Elon got into this business for, to begin with. This is a fundamental infrastructure to get to Mars, the early stages of it."

SpaceX has also suffered a number of programme delays and mishaps over the years on its various space endeavours. In April, one of the company's Crew Dragon capsules exploded on a test stand, raising fresh scheduling doubts over a flagship NASA astronaut taxi programme.

Dozens of US-based space companies have been scrambling to heed NASA's goal of sending humans back to the lunar surface by 2024, an accelerated timeline set by Vice President Mike Pence in March.

Separately, Boeing Co is developing NASA's colossal Space Launch System to anchor the agency's moon-to-Mars Artemis programme, though it is years behind schedule.

SpaceX said in its draft environmental assessment that Starship will make return landings on the Air Force landing pad currently used for the company's Falcon 9 boosters.

The company is also considering a plan to install another landing site at the 39A pad. The first booster stage will land on SpaceX's unmanned barge some 300 miles (482.8 km) off Florida's coast, the draft said.

This week, NASA said it plans to work with SpaceX to figure out how to land rockets on the lunar surface and develop a refuelling station for deeper space exploration.

"Orbital refilling is vital to humanity's future in space," Musk tweeted on Thursday. "More likely spacecraft to spacecraft (as aircraft do aerial refuelling), than a dedicated depot, at least at first.

Elon Musk's SpaceX is expanding its facilities in Florida to make room for the space company's forthcoming super heavy-lift launch vehicle dubbed Starship, according to a draft of the plans seen by Reuters on Friday.

Elon Musk's SpaceX is expanding its facilities in Florida to make room for the space company's forthcoming super heavy-lift launch vehicle dubbed Starship, according to a draft of the plans seen by Reuters on Friday. Starship, a 384-foot (117-meter) reusable two-stage rocket taller than the Statue of Liberty, is a central piece of Musk's interplanetary space travel ambitions as well as US space agency NASA's goal to send humans to the moon again by 2024. The Starship rocket is expected to launch up to 24 times a year from SpaceX's current flagship launchpad 39A, the draft of the company's environmental assessment said. SpaceX did not specify in the report when it would reach that cadence, but Musk said in September 2018 he wanted to be conducting orbital flights with Starship in two to three years. SpaceX's launchpad 39A would support NASA's future moon missions from the same Kennedy Space Centre site used for the Apollo lunar missions a half-century ago. "They're moving very fast," said Dale Ketcham, vice president of government relations at Space Florida, the state's commercial space development agency. "This is actually getting closer to what Elon got into this business for, to begin with. This is a fundamental infrastructure to get to Mars, the early stages of it." SpaceX has also suffered a number of programme delays and mishaps over the years on its various space endeavours. In April, one of the company's Crew Dragon capsules exploded on a test stand, raising fresh scheduling doubts over a flagship NASA astronaut taxi programme. Dozens of US-based space companies have been scrambling to heed NASA's goal of sending humans back to the lunar surface by 2024, an accelerated timeline set by Vice President Mike Pence in March. Separately, Boeing Co is developing NASA's colossal Space Launch System to anchor the agency's moon-to-Mars Artemis programme, though it is years behind schedule. SpaceX said in its draft environmental assessment that Starship will make return landings on the Air Force landing pad currently used for the company's Falcon 9 boosters. The company is also considering a plan to install another landing site at the 39A pad. The first booster stage will land on SpaceX's unmanned barge some 300 miles (482.8 km) off Florida's coast, the draft said. This week, NASA said it plans to work with SpaceX to figure out how to land rockets on the lunar surface and develop a refuelling station for deeper space exploration. "Orbital refilling is vital to humanity's future in space," Musk tweeted on Thursday. "More likely spacecraft to spacecraft (as aircraft do aerial refuelling), than a dedicated depot, at least at first.

'Moving fast': Elon Musk's SpaceX eyes Florida for launch site for Mars rocket

Elon Musk's Boring Co raised about $117 million in its latest round of funding from 20 unnamed investors after offering to sell about $120 million in equity, the company disclosed in a regulatory filing on Friday.

The company had raised $112.5 million in equity in April last year, with Musk investing 90% of the amount, as the company seeks to build underground tunnels for a hyperloop transportation project.&nbsp;

Boring Co did not provide details on the funding.

Musk, who also leads electric-car maker Tesla Inc and rocket company SpaceX, has been seeking to revolutionize transportation by sending passengers packed into pods through an intercity system of giant, underground vacuum tubes known as the hyperloop.&nbsp;

In the past, Musk has sold Boring Co's hats and flamethrowers to raise funds.&nbsp;

The company has completed its project Test Tunnel, located in Hawthorne, California, and other ongoing projects include the Chicago Express Loop and the Las Vegas Convention Center Loop.&nbsp;

Elon Musk's Boring Co raised about $117 million in its latest round of funding from 20 unnamed investors after offering to sell about $120 million in equity, the company disclosed in a regulatory filing on Friday.

Elon Musk's Boring Co raised about $117 million in its latest round of funding from 20 unnamed investors after offering to sell about $120 million in equity, the company disclosed in a regulatory filing on Friday. The company had raised $112.5 million in equity in April last year, with Musk investing 90% of the amount, as the company seeks to build underground tunnels for a hyperloop transportation project. Boring Co did not provide details on the funding. Musk, who also leads electric-car maker Tesla Inc and rocket company SpaceX, has been seeking to revolutionize transportation by sending passengers packed into pods through an intercity system of giant, underground vacuum tubes known as the hyperloop. In the past, Musk has sold Boring Co's hats and flamethrowers to raise funds. The company has completed its project Test Tunnel, located in Hawthorne, California, and other ongoing projects include the Chicago Express Loop and the Las Vegas Convention Center Loop.

Elon Musk's Boring Co raises about $117 million in latest funding round

A SpaceX rocket successfully launched on Thursday (July 25) en route to the International Space Station with the company's Dragon spacecraft. According to NASA, it was a "great launch" with clear weather. The Dragon will dock at the International Space Station to deliver supplies. The docking is expected on Saturday (July 27). The supplies include scientific equipment and a new docking adapter.

Successful launch for SpaceX rocket en route to International Space Station for resupply mission

SpaceX had two successful launches in the last 24 hrs. In this video of WION playlist, we will tell you about both of them.

SpaceX launches cargo mission to International space station

SpaceX launched its largest rocket with 24 research satellites Tuesday, middle-of-the-night rideshare featuring a deep space atomic clock, solar sail, a 'clean and green' rocket fuel testbed, and even human ashes. It was the third flight of a Falcon Heavy rocket, but the first ordered by the military.

SpaceX launches hefty rocket with 24 satellites

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