SpaceX and its CEO Elon Musk is facing a lawsuit filed by eight engineers who claim they were fired illegally for raising concerns about alleged sexual harassment and discrimination. Lawsuit describes the hostile work environment at SpaceX.

Elon Musk accused of workplace misconduct; workers report harassment and discrimination

Billionaire Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, reportedly had sexual relationships with several women employees at SpaceX during which he asked one to have his babies, and offered to buy a horse to another in exchange for sex acts.&nbsp;

The explosive claims were made in a report by the Wall Street Journal, which cited the accounts of four women, who claimed to have had relationships with the billionaire.&nbsp;

Several other former employees accusing Musk of using illegal drugs, claimed the report.&nbsp;

Musk has also created a culture at his companies which has made women employees uncomfortable, the WSJ report said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/elon-musk-drops-lawsuit-against-openai-and-ceo-sam-altman-730934">Elon Musk drops lawsuit against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman</a>

<h2>‘Had sex with former SpaceX intern’&nbsp;</h2>

As per the report, a college student approached Elon Musk with ideas for improving SpaceX. Her correspondence had led to a date, which led to a kiss, and eventually sex, she told friends. Musk was 20 years senior to her.&nbsp;

The year after her internship, the billionaire had the fresh college graduate flown out to a resort in Sicily and kept their relationship alive even after they officially broke up, as per the report.

The report further claimed that the woman received recurrent invitations from Musk to come to his house at night, as per a text exchange.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Have my babies’&nbsp;</h2>

Another woman who left the company in 2013 alleged in exit negotiations that the billionaire asked her several times to have his children. She refused to do so, which later resulted in denial of pay raise and complaints about her performance.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-drops-court-action-against-musks-x-over-sydney-church-stabbing-posts-728967">Australia drops court action against Musk’s X over Sydney church stabbing posts</a>&nbsp;

<h2>'Exposed himself, offered to buy horse'&nbsp;</h2>

Musk is also accused of exposing himself in 2016 to a SpaceX flight attendant on a private jet. He reportedly offered to buy her a horse in exchange for an erotic massage, the Wall Street Journal report claimed.&nbsp;

<h2>'Month-long sexual relationship'&nbsp;</h2>

A fourth woman claimed to have had a month-long sexual relationship with Musk in 2014 while she directly reported to him.&nbsp;

The relationship ended badly, forcing her to leave the company and sign an agreement prohibiting her from discussing her work for Elon Musk.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Apple introduces AI to its products, Elon Musk threatens ban over security fears&nbsp;

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<h2>Response from SpaceX&nbsp;</h2>

Refuting the serious allegations, Gwynne Shotwell, SpaceX’s president and chief operating officer, said the they paint a completely misleading narrative, calling Elon Musk 'one of the best humans' she has known.&nbsp;

It is worth noting that this isn’t the first time Elon Musk is facing such accusations.&nbsp;

In 2021, five former SpaceX employees claimed that the culture in SpaceX is 'Elon is SpaceX and SpaceX is Elon' and therefore he can act with impunity.&nbsp;

The report did not have any comment from Elon Musk but SpaceX said it investigates all complaints of harassment.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Billionaire Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, reportedly had sexual relationships with several women employees at SpaceX during which he asked one to have his babies, and offered to buy a horse to another in exchange for sex acts.

Billionaire Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, reportedly had sexual relationships with several women employees at SpaceX during which he asked one to have his babies, and offered to buy a horse to another in exchange for sex acts. The explosive claims were made in a report by the Wall Street Journal, which cited the accounts of four women, who claimed to have had relationships with the billionaire. Several other former employees accusing Musk of using illegal drugs, claimed the report. Musk has also created a culture at his companies which has made women employees uncomfortable, the WSJ report said. Also read: Elon Musk drops lawsuit against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman ‘Had sex with former SpaceX intern’ As per the report, a college student approached Elon Musk with ideas for improving SpaceX. Her correspondence had led to a date, which led to a kiss, and eventually sex, she told friends. Musk was 20 years senior to her. The year after her internship, the billionaire had the fresh college graduate flown out to a resort in Sicily and kept their relationship alive even after they officially broke up, as per the report. The report further claimed that the woman received recurrent invitations from Musk to come to his house at night, as per a text exchange. ‘Have my babies’ Another woman who left the company in 2013 alleged in exit negotiations that the billionaire asked her several times to have his children. She refused to do so, which later resulted in denial of pay raise and complaints about her performance. Also read: Australia drops court action against Musk’s X over Sydney church stabbing posts 'Exposed himself, offered to buy horse' Musk is also accused of exposing himself in 2016 to a SpaceX flight attendant on a private jet. He reportedly offered to buy her a horse in exchange for an erotic massage, the Wall Street Journal report claimed. 'Month-long sexual relationship' A fourth woman claimed to have had a month-long sexual relationship with Musk in 2014 while she directly reported to him. The relationship ended badly, forcing her to leave the company and sign an agreement prohibiting her from discussing her work for Elon Musk. Watch: Apple introduces AI to its products, Elon Musk threatens ban over security fears × Response from SpaceX Refuting the serious allegations, Gwynne Shotwell, SpaceX’s president and chief operating officer, said the they paint a completely misleading narrative, calling Elon Musk 'one of the best humans' she has known. It is worth noting that this isn’t the first time Elon Musk is facing such accusations. In 2021, five former SpaceX employees claimed that the culture in SpaceX is 'Elon is SpaceX and SpaceX is Elon' and therefore he can act with impunity. The report did not have any comment from Elon Musk but SpaceX said it investigates all complaints of harassment. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk had sex with former SpaceX intern, asked employee to have his babies: Report

With a splashdown in ocean, SpaceX successfully finished the test of its 5,000-tonne Starship, the world's most powerful launch vehicle,&nbsp;on Thursday (June 6)&nbsp;from a site in Boca Chica, Texas.&nbsp;

The fourth test mission carried out by SpaceX has proven to be the most effective compared to the previous ones.

Congratulating the team on this momentous occasion, SpaceX CEO, Elon Musk took to X and wrote, “Congratulations SpaceX team on an epic achievement!"

Standing 397 feet (121 metres) tall, Starship is intended to be completely reusable in the future.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://t.co/x6236wZWox">pic.twitter.com/x6236wZWox</a>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1725926274995028152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The launch video was shared online, where people could witness this magnificent launch in slow motion. SpaceX portrayed its dominance in advanced technology through the launch and restated its future endeavours for the Mars and Moon.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronaut-william-anders-who-showed-earthrise-from-moon-killed-in-plane-crash-729781">Astronaut William Anders, who showed 'Earthrise' from Moon, killed in plane crash</a>

The Super Heavy booster had 33 Raptor engines and generated over 16 million pounds of thrust to launch the Starship into space.

Proceeding with its ascension, the Starship burned its engines for over six minutes before coasting to an altitude of 214 kilometres above Earth.&nbsp;

Cameras were installed on the Spacecraft that captured the descent. Due to excessive heat, it was seen that the front fin of the craft was damaged. Despite the challenges faced the Starship completed its mission and secured a landing in the ocean.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-new-breathtaking-video-of-marss-scarred-canyons-offers-insight-into-its-eventful-past-729680">Watch: New breathtaking video of Mars’s scarred canyons offers insight into its eventful past</a>

The problems encountered during this launch are helpful for the engineers at SpaceX to come up with modifications to decrease the scope of errors for future missions.&nbsp;

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Despite loss of many tiles and a damaged flap, Starship made it all the way to a soft landing in the ocean! 
 
Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a> team on an epic achievement!! <a href="https://t.co/UnXbnmZ2pE">https://t.co/UnXbnmZ2pE</a>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1798718549307109867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

With a splashdown in ocean, SpaceX successfully finished the test of its 5,000-tonne Starship, the world's most powerful launch vehicle, on Thursday (June 6) from a site in Boca Chica, Texas.

With a splashdown in ocean, SpaceX successfully finished the test of its 5,000-tonne Starship, the world's most powerful launch vehicle, on Thursday (June 6) from a site in Boca Chica, Texas. The fourth test mission carried out by SpaceX has proven to be the most effective compared to the previous ones. Congratulating the team on this momentous occasion, SpaceX CEO, Elon Musk took to X and wrote, “Congratulations SpaceX team on an epic achievement!" Standing 397 feet (121 metres) tall, Starship is intended to be completely reusable in the future. pic.twitter.com/x6236wZWox — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 18, 2023 × The launch video was shared online, where people could witness this magnificent launch in slow motion. SpaceX portrayed its dominance in advanced technology through the launch and restated its future endeavours for the Mars and Moon. Also read | Astronaut William Anders, who showed 'Earthrise' from Moon, killed in plane crash The Super Heavy booster had 33 Raptor engines and generated over 16 million pounds of thrust to launch the Starship into space. Proceeding with its ascension, the Starship burned its engines for over six minutes before coasting to an altitude of 214 kilometres above Earth. Cameras were installed on the Spacecraft that captured the descent. Due to excessive heat, it was seen that the front fin of the craft was damaged. Despite the challenges faced the Starship completed its mission and secured a landing in the ocean. Also read | Watch: New breathtaking video of Mars’s scarred canyons offers insight into its eventful past The problems encountered during this launch are helpful for the engineers at SpaceX to come up with modifications to decrease the scope of errors for future missions. Despite loss of many tiles and a damaged flap, Starship made it all the way to a soft landing in the ocean! Congratulations @SpaceX team on an epic achievement!! https://t.co/UnXbnmZ2pE — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 6, 2024 × (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: SpaceX completes test of 5,000-tonne Starship, the most powerful launch vehicle

SpaceX's giant prototype rocket Starship on Thursday lifted off on its fourth test flight in an attempt to reach outer space and then back to Earth surviving the hot re-entry through the planet's atmosphere.

Notably, at the time of its previous attempt, the rocket broke apart during this crucial phase.

Starship, which is also the most powerful liftoff system ever built, embarked on its journey from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas at 7:50 am (1250 GMT).

"The payload for these flight tests is data," SpaceX posted on X. "Building upon what we achieved during Starship's third flight test, our primary goal today is to get through the extreme heat of reentry."

Starship, in its third test launch, burned up during its return trip to Earth. After a hiatus of seven months following its inaugural flight last April, SpaceX swiftly followed up with two more test flights in November and one in March.

Departing from Boca Chica, Texas, and traversing the Gulf of Mexico, the vessel's third flight completed a circumnavigation of our planet.

Unfortunately, communication was lost during the final phase of the test as it descended into the atmosphere.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/night-skies-to-get-a-new-star-soon-heres-how-you-can-see-blaze-star-with-naked-eyes-729376">Night skies to get a 'new star' soon. Here's how you can see Blaze Star with naked eyes</a>

The rocket this time is covered with several small black tiles that are specifically designed to safeguard the spacecraft from extensive heat encountered while making a re-entry into the earth's atmosphere at hypersonic speed.

"The main goal of this mission is to get much deeper into the atmosphere during reentry, ideally through max heating," Musk, CEO of SpaceX, wrote on social media on Saturday (Jun 1).

The company, led by entrepreneur and business magnate Elon Musk has been pushing the boundaries of space travel with its Starship project. Musk is aiming to revolutionise missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

SpaceX has also announced plans for lunar missions with its Starship vehicle, including the "Dear Moon" project, which intends to send artists and other private individuals on a lunar flyby mission.

(With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX's giant prototype rocket Starship on Thursday lifted off on its fourth test flight in an attempt to reach outer space and then back to Earth surviving the hot re-entry through the planet's atmosphere.

SpaceX's giant prototype rocket Starship on Thursday lifted off on its fourth test flight in an attempt to reach outer space and then back to Earth surviving the hot re-entry through the planet's atmosphere. Notably, at the time of its previous attempt, the rocket broke apart during this crucial phase. Starship, which is also the most powerful liftoff system ever built, embarked on its journey from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas at 7:50 am (1250 GMT). "The payload for these flight tests is data," SpaceX posted on X. "Building upon what we achieved during Starship's third flight test, our primary goal today is to get through the extreme heat of reentry." Starship, in its third test launch, burned up during its return trip to Earth. After a hiatus of seven months following its inaugural flight last April, SpaceX swiftly followed up with two more test flights in November and one in March. Departing from Boca Chica, Texas, and traversing the Gulf of Mexico, the vessel's third flight completed a circumnavigation of our planet. Unfortunately, communication was lost during the final phase of the test as it descended into the atmosphere. Also read: Night skies to get a 'new star' soon. Here's how you can see Blaze Star with naked eyes The rocket this time is covered with several small black tiles that are specifically designed to safeguard the spacecraft from extensive heat encountered while making a re-entry into the earth's atmosphere at hypersonic speed. "The main goal of this mission is to get much deeper into the atmosphere during reentry, ideally through max heating," Musk, CEO of SpaceX, wrote on social media on Saturday (Jun 1). The company, led by entrepreneur and business magnate Elon Musk has been pushing the boundaries of space travel with its Starship project. Musk is aiming to revolutionise missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. SpaceX has also announced plans for lunar missions with its Starship vehicle, including the "Dear Moon" project, which intends to send artists and other private individuals on a lunar flyby mission. (With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX launches Starship on fourth test flight

A groundskeeper in the North Carolina mountains has found a bizarre space object. The groundskeeper, identified as one Justin Clontz as well as his co-worker were reportedly handling maintenance around a luxury campsite when they reacted with shock after finding massive object covered in dense metal sheets held together by out-of-this-world looking bolts.&nbsp;

"It’s once in a lifetime you know, it don’t happen every day," Clontz told a local TV station.

The local TV station described the strange object covered in an inch-thick burnt carbon fiber that was nearly 4 feet tall.&nbsp;

"We don’t know what it is. We just know that it’s not from up here," Clontz said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/evidence-of-aliens-scientists-find-gas-only-produced-by-life-on-distant-exoplanet-twice-as-big-as-earth-716192">An Earth-like planet? Tantalising proof of life on THIS exoplanet has scientists in 'shock'</a>

The men reportedly lifted the heavy object by tying a lawn mower and rope.

"It’s a one in a million chance that it lands, especially if it landed somewhere off the trail in the woods you’d have never found it but it just happened to land on the trail," Clontz said.

According to reports, the object in itself appears to be burnt but the surrounding area showed no signs of damage. This raised even more questions about how the piece of metal ended up deep in the hiking site.&nbsp;

<h2>What does it mean?</h2>

There are speculations that the object could have fallen to earth from SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft, according to Space.com.

Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer and astrophysicist at the Harvard–Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics told a TV station that areas from Tennessee through Virginia and West Virginia have the highest chances of being impact zones for debris from the Crew Dragon.

Also watch |&nbsp;UFOs and aliens: What's the truth?

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North Carolina is not excluded from possibly being an area where the debris may have fallen.

In March, an airplane passenger claimed she spotted a possible UFO soaring above the Big Apple while on a commercial airline flight above LaGuardia Airport, New York Post reported.&nbsp;

A groundskeeper in the North Carolina mountains has found a bizarre space object. The groundskeeper, identified as one Justin Clontz as well as his co-worker were reportedly handling maintenance around a luxury campsite when they reacted with shock after finding massive object covered in dense metal sheets held together by out-of-this-world looking bolts.

A groundskeeper in the North Carolina mountains has found a bizarre space object. The groundskeeper, identified as one Justin Clontz as well as his co-worker were reportedly handling maintenance around a luxury campsite when they reacted with shock after finding massive object covered in dense metal sheets held together by out-of-this-world looking bolts. "It’s once in a lifetime you know, it don’t happen every day," Clontz told a local TV station. The local TV station described the strange object covered in an inch-thick burnt carbon fiber that was nearly 4 feet tall. "We don’t know what it is. We just know that it’s not from up here," Clontz said. Also read | An Earth-like planet? Tantalising proof of life on THIS exoplanet has scientists in 'shock' The men reportedly lifted the heavy object by tying a lawn mower and rope. "It’s a one in a million chance that it lands, especially if it landed somewhere off the trail in the woods you’d have never found it but it just happened to land on the trail," Clontz said. According to reports, the object in itself appears to be burnt but the surrounding area showed no signs of damage. This raised even more questions about how the piece of metal ended up deep in the hiking site. What does it mean? There are speculations that the object could have fallen to earth from SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft, according to Space.com. Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer and astrophysicist at the Harvard–Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics told a TV station that areas from Tennessee through Virginia and West Virginia have the highest chances of being impact zones for debris from the Crew Dragon. Also watch | UFOs and aliens: What's the truth? × North Carolina is not excluded from possibly being an area where the debris may have fallen. In March, an airplane passenger claimed she spotted a possible UFO soaring above the Big Apple while on a commercial airline flight above LaGuardia Airport, New York Post reported.

Alien object or SpaceX Dragon debris? Mysterious space object found in North Carolina

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, and Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin launched SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service on Sunday, intending to improve healthcare access in rural areas of the vast Indonesian archipelago.

Musk, who landed on the Indonesian resort island of Bali by private aircraft, attended the inauguration event at a community health centre in Denpasar, the province's capital. Musk, dressed in a green batik shirt, highlighted that Starlink would greatly improve internet connectivity for millions across Indonesia's more than 17,000 islands and three time zones.

"I'm very excited to bring connectivity to places that have low connectivity," Musk stated. "If you have access to the internet, you can learn anything."

On Sunday, the Starlink service was launched in three Indonesian health centres, two in Bali and one on the remote Maluku Island of Aru. A video presentation illustrated how high-speed internet may allow for real-time data input, assisting in the management of health conditions including stunting and malnutrition.

When asked about possible investments in Indonesia's electric vehicle business, Musk highlighted his current emphasis on Starlink. "We are focusing this event on Starlink and the benefits that connectivity brings to remote islands," he explained. "I think it's really to emphasise the importance of internet connectivity, how much of that can be a lifesaver."

Indonesia, which has over 270 million people, has been pursuing Musk's Tesla to help build its electric vehicle sector by utilising the country's enormous nickel resources. Musk is set to meet President Joko Widodo today&nbsp;and speak at the World Water Forum in Bali.

At the Bali inauguration, Communications Minister Budi Arie Setiadi revealed that Starlink is now commercially available, with a focus on outer and underdeveloped districts. Before the launch, Starlink was awarded a permit to operate as a retail internet service provider as well as a very small aperture terminal (VSAT) permit, according to Setiadi.

SpaceX's Starlink dominates the satellite internet business, with over 60 per cent of the 7,500 spacecraft orbiting Earth. Indonesia is the third Southeast Asian country that Starlink operates, after Malaysia and the Philippines. Malaysia licensed the service this year, while a Philippine company signed an agreement with SpaceX in 2022.

Starlink's global network includes a strong presence in Ukraine, where it serves military, healthcare, business, and humanitarian operations.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, and Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin launched SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service on Sunday, intending to improve healthcare access in rural areas of the vast Indonesian archipelago.

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, and Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin launched SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service on Sunday, intending to improve healthcare access in rural areas of the vast Indonesian archipelago. Musk, who landed on the Indonesian resort island of Bali by private aircraft, attended the inauguration event at a community health centre in Denpasar, the province's capital. Musk, dressed in a green batik shirt, highlighted that Starlink would greatly improve internet connectivity for millions across Indonesia's more than 17,000 islands and three time zones. "I'm very excited to bring connectivity to places that have low connectivity," Musk stated. "If you have access to the internet, you can learn anything." On Sunday, the Starlink service was launched in three Indonesian health centres, two in Bali and one on the remote Maluku Island of Aru. A video presentation illustrated how high-speed internet may allow for real-time data input, assisting in the management of health conditions including stunting and malnutrition. When asked about possible investments in Indonesia's electric vehicle business, Musk highlighted his current emphasis on Starlink. "We are focusing this event on Starlink and the benefits that connectivity brings to remote islands," he explained. "I think it's really to emphasise the importance of internet connectivity, how much of that can be a lifesaver." Indonesia, which has over 270 million people, has been pursuing Musk's Tesla to help build its electric vehicle sector by utilising the country's enormous nickel resources. Musk is set to meet President Joko Widodo today and speak at the World Water Forum in Bali. At the Bali inauguration, Communications Minister Budi Arie Setiadi revealed that Starlink is now commercially available, with a focus on outer and underdeveloped districts. Before the launch, Starlink was awarded a permit to operate as a retail internet service provider as well as a very small aperture terminal (VSAT) permit, according to Setiadi. SpaceX's Starlink dominates the satellite internet business, with over 60 per cent of the 7,500 spacecraft orbiting Earth. Indonesia is the third Southeast Asian country that Starlink operates, after Malaysia and the Philippines. Malaysia licensed the service this year, while a Philippine company signed an agreement with SpaceX in 2022. Starlink's global network includes a strong presence in Ukraine, where it serves military, healthcare, business, and humanitarian operations. (With inputs from Reuters)

Elon Musk and Indonesian Health Minister launch SpaceX's Starlink Internet for remote health access

The existence of aliens has always been a hot topic of discussion among humans. While some believe in their presence, others deny it. Elon Musk too isn't convinced that aliens have ever visited our planet Earth.

Elon Musk claims aliens have never visited Earth, shares proof

SpaceX has just unveiled its latest futuristic innovation: astronaut gear. The new Extravehicular Activity (EVA) suits are set to potentially debut in low-Earth orbit by the end of this summer.

<h2>An evolution in spacesuits</h2>

As per Popular Science, the spacesuits are described as an evolution of the current outfits used by astronauts on Dragon missions, which are only suitable for use inside a pressurised environment.

The new EVA suits, however, are designed for versatility, allowing astronauts to operate both inside and outside their spacecraft.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/from-countdown-to-letdown-boeings-starliner-launch-postponed-what-went-wrong-718703">From countdown to letdown: Sunita Williams' third trip to space delayed as Starliner launch is scrubbed</a>

On its website, the Polaris Programme wrote, "At ~700 km above Earth, the SpaceX EVA suit will support the Polaris Dawn crew in the vacuum of space during the first-ever commercial astronaut spacewalk."

"Evolved from the Intravehicular Activity (IVA) suit, the EVA suit provides greater mobility, a state-of-the-art helmet heads-up display (HUD) and camera, new thermal management textiles, and materials borrowed from Falcon's interstage and Dragon’s trunk," it adds.

These suits are part of SpaceX's broader effort to enhance human spaceflight capabilities under the banner of the Polaris Program.

"Building a base on the Moon and a city on Mars will require millions of spacesuits. The development of this suit and the execution of the spacewalk will be important steps toward a scalable design for spacesuits on future long-duration missions as life becomes multi-planetary," says Polaris.

<h2>Creating history: Polaris Dawn&nbsp;</h2>

The EVA suits will be worn by Polaris Dawn's four crewmembers of the Polaris Program's first mission, Polaris Dawn.

Polaris Dawn, which is set to launch no earlier than summer 2024, will be a historic venture. It will feature the first commercial spacewalk and the first spacewalk to include four astronauts venturing outside together.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-to-run-a-train-to-mars-space-agency-funds-ambitious-lunar-rail-system-718346">NASA working on building rail tracks on Moon, sending humans and cargo to Mars</a>

This mission will also serve as a trial run for SpaceX's Starlink laser-based communications systems, which Elon Musk's SpaceX believes are crucial for future missions to the Moon and Mars.

<h2>Inclusive spacesuits</h2>

The spacesuits, as per the report, have been designed for maximum mobility while keeping in mind inclusivity.&nbsp;

They incorporate thermal materials and semi-rigid joints that facilitate movement in both pressurised and unpressurised conditions. Furthermore, the boots are made from the same heat-resistant materials used in the Falcon 9 rocket.

Moreover, the Polaris Dawn crew will wear 3D-printed helmets with visors coated with a blend of copper and indium tin oxide, providing anti-glare and anti-fog properties.

During their spacewalk, roughly 435 miles (700.06 kilometres) above Earth, these helmets' built-in heads up display (HUD) will also provide astronauts with vital environmental data — pressure, temperature, and relative humidity — in real-time.

SpaceX's EVA suits are also tailored for inclusivity and are designed to allow customisation to fit "different body types as SpaceX seeks to create greater accessibility to space for all of humanity".

While the immediate goal is to produce these suits for the Polaris Dawn crew, SpaceX envisions scaling up production to support future multiplanetary life, aiming to eventually manufacture "millions" of these suits.

(With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX has just unveiled its latest futuristic innovation: astronaut gear. The new Extravehicular Activity (EVA) suits are set to potentially debut in low-Earth orbit by the end of this summer.

SpaceX has just unveiled its latest futuristic innovation: astronaut gear. The new Extravehicular Activity (EVA) suits are set to potentially debut in low-Earth orbit by the end of this summer. An evolution in spacesuits As per Popular Science, the spacesuits are described as an evolution of the current outfits used by astronauts on Dragon missions, which are only suitable for use inside a pressurised environment. The new EVA suits, however, are designed for versatility, allowing astronauts to operate both inside and outside their spacecraft. Also read | From countdown to letdown: Sunita Williams' third trip to space delayed as Starliner launch is scrubbed On its website, the Polaris Programme wrote, "At ~700 km above Earth, the SpaceX EVA suit will support the Polaris Dawn crew in the vacuum of space during the first-ever commercial astronaut spacewalk." "Evolved from the Intravehicular Activity (IVA) suit, the EVA suit provides greater mobility, a state-of-the-art helmet heads-up display (HUD) and camera, new thermal management textiles, and materials borrowed from Falcon's interstage and Dragon’s trunk," it adds. These suits are part of SpaceX's broader effort to enhance human spaceflight capabilities under the banner of the Polaris Program. "Building a base on the Moon and a city on Mars will require millions of spacesuits. The development of this suit and the execution of the spacewalk will be important steps toward a scalable design for spacesuits on future long-duration missions as life becomes multi-planetary," says Polaris. Creating history: Polaris Dawn The EVA suits will be worn by Polaris Dawn's four crewmembers of the Polaris Program's first mission, Polaris Dawn. Polaris Dawn, which is set to launch no earlier than summer 2024, will be a historic venture. It will feature the first commercial spacewalk and the first spacewalk to include four astronauts venturing outside together. Also read | NASA working on building rail tracks on Moon, sending humans and cargo to Mars This mission will also serve as a trial run for SpaceX's Starlink laser-based communications systems, which Elon Musk's SpaceX believes are crucial for future missions to the Moon and Mars. Inclusive spacesuits The spacesuits, as per the report, have been designed for maximum mobility while keeping in mind inclusivity. They incorporate thermal materials and semi-rigid joints that facilitate movement in both pressurised and unpressurised conditions. Furthermore, the boots are made from the same heat-resistant materials used in the Falcon 9 rocket. Moreover, the Polaris Dawn crew will wear 3D-printed helmets with visors coated with a blend of copper and indium tin oxide, providing anti-glare and anti-fog properties. During their spacewalk, roughly 435 miles (700.06 kilometres) above Earth, these helmets' built-in heads up display (HUD) will also provide astronauts with vital environmental data — pressure, temperature, and relative humidity — in real-time. SpaceX's EVA suits are also tailored for inclusivity and are designed to allow customisation to fit "different body types as SpaceX seeks to create greater accessibility to space for all of humanity". While the immediate goal is to produce these suits for the Polaris Dawn crew, SpaceX envisions scaling up production to support future multiplanetary life, aiming to eventually manufacture "millions" of these suits. (With inputs from agencies)

With an eye on Moon and Mars, SpaceX unveils futuristic spacesuits for Polaris Dawn mission

Safety concerns are escalating as injury rates at SpaceX facilities continue to surpass the industry average for the second consecutive year, a recent analysis by Reuters revealed.<o:p></o:p>

According to data reported to US regulators by the space venture led by entrepreneur Elon Musk, injury rates remained persistently high in 2023, with some facilities witnessing a deterioration compared to the previous year. <o:p></o:p>

Particularly alarming was the manufacturing-and-launch facility located in Brownsville, Texas, where SpaceX reported 5.9 injuries per 100 workers, exceeding both its own 2022 rate of 4.8 injuries and the industry average of 0.8 injuries. <o:p></o:p>

These findings are indicative of the challenges faced by the rocket and satellite company, with at least 600 previously unreported worker injuries documented, including cases of crushed limbs, amputations, serious head injuries, and one fatality. <o:p></o:p>

The newly disclosed safety data by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) highlights a major issue within SpaceX's operations. <o:p></o:p>

Despite repeated requests, the company has not provided comments on the latest injury figures. <o:p></o:p>

Safety experts, however, are raising concerns regarding the implications of these high injury rates, particularly for SpaceX's clients, such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). <o:p></o:p>

Given NASA's heavy reliance on SpaceX, with contracts coming to about at least $11.8 billion as of 2022, the quality of work delivered by the space venture is under scrutiny. <o:p></o:p>

Reuters cited David Michaels, a former OSHA administrator and current professor at The George Washington University, who noted that elevated injury rates could signify underlying issues with production quality, necessitating attention from NASA. <o:p></o:p>

However, NASA has not issued any statements in response to inquiries regarding SpaceX's safety record.<o:p></o:p>

The analysis conducted by Reuters cited data published by OSHA, which revealed a detailed overview of injury rates across SpaceX facilities. <o:p></o:p>

In 2023, SpaceX reported injuries from eight major facilities, three more than in the previous year, providing a more extensive dataset for evaluation. <o:p></o:p>

Of particular concern was the unit responsible for retrieving rocket boosters in the Pacific Ocean, where the reported injury rate stood at 7.6 injuries per 100 workers, surpassing the industry standard. <o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

Safety concerns are escalating as injury rates at SpaceX facilities continue to surpass the industry average for the second consecutive year, a recent analysis by Reuters revealed.

Safety concerns are escalating as injury rates at SpaceX facilities continue to surpass the industry average for the second consecutive year, a recent analysis by Reuters revealed. According to data reported to US regulators by the space venture led by entrepreneur Elon Musk, injury rates remained persistently high in 2023, with some facilities witnessing a deterioration compared to the previous year. Particularly alarming was the manufacturing-and-launch facility located in Brownsville, Texas, where SpaceX reported 5.9 injuries per 100 workers, exceeding both its own 2022 rate of 4.8 injuries and the industry average of 0.8 injuries. These findings are indicative of the challenges faced by the rocket and satellite company, with at least 600 previously unreported worker injuries documented, including cases of crushed limbs, amputations, serious head injuries, and one fatality. The newly disclosed safety data by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) highlights a major issue within SpaceX's operations. Despite repeated requests, the company has not provided comments on the latest injury figures. Safety experts, however, are raising concerns regarding the implications of these high injury rates, particularly for SpaceX's clients, such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Given NASA's heavy reliance on SpaceX, with contracts coming to about at least $11.8 billion as of 2022, the quality of work delivered by the space venture is under scrutiny. Reuters cited David Michaels, a former OSHA administrator and current professor at The George Washington University, who noted that elevated injury rates could signify underlying issues with production quality, necessitating attention from NASA. However, NASA has not issued any statements in response to inquiries regarding SpaceX's safety record. The analysis conducted by Reuters cited data published by OSHA, which revealed a detailed overview of injury rates across SpaceX facilities. In 2023, SpaceX reported injuries from eight major facilities, three more than in the previous year, providing a more extensive dataset for evaluation. Of particular concern was the unit responsible for retrieving rocket boosters in the Pacific Ocean, where the reported injury rate stood at 7.6 injuries per 100 workers, surpassing the industry standard. (With inputs from Reuters)

SpaceX faces safety concerns as injury rates surpass industry average for 2nd consecutive year

The official newspaper of the Chinese military, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), on Friday (Apr 19) accused the United States of “militarising space” by building a spy satellite network with Elon Musk’s SpaceX. This comes after a&nbsp;report by news agency Reuters said that SpaceX was building hundreds of spy satellites for a US intelligence agency.

<h2>About the Starshield satellite network</h2>

A report by Reuters, last month, citing five sources familiar with the programme said SpaceX’s Starshield business unit is building a network of hundreds of spy satellites under a $1.8 billion classified contract signed in 2021 with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), an American intelligence agency which manages spy satellites.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-says-us-not-involved-in-any-offensive-operation-713037">US says ‘not involved in any offensive operation’ after Israel carries out retaliatory attacks against Iran</a>

Days after the report was published, PLA’s newspaper on the Chinese social media platform Weibo said that the reported programme exposed Washington’s “shamelessness and double standards” as the US has previously accused Chinese tech companies of threatening United States security.&nbsp;

It added, “We urge U.S. companies to not help a villain do evil.” The post on Chinese social media also warned all countries to be “vigilant and protect against new and even bigger security threats created by the U.S. government.”&nbsp;

Sources told Reuters that if successful, it would significantly advance the ability of the US government and military to spot potential targets “almost anywhere on the globe.”

“No one can hide,” said&nbsp;one of the sources speaking about the network’s capabilities. As per the reported plan, SpaceX would set up a “powerful new spy system with hundreds of satellites bearing Earth-imaging capabilities that can operate as a swarm in low orbits.”&nbsp;

<h2>What did the PLA say?</h2>

PLA Daily said that the Starshield could potentially “warn and intercept missiles and control unmanned combat platforms remotely,” and could play “an extremely important role on the battlefield,” as quoted by the South China Morning Post (SCMP).&nbsp;

The official newspaper of the Chinese military in its commentary criticises the US for “militarising the transformation and development of low-orbit satellites” and said by doing so Washington has highlighted its ambition to “seize orbital resources and pursue space hegemony”.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-countries-to-give-more-air-defence-systems-to-ukraine-says-stoltenberg-713126">NATO countries to give more air defence systems to Ukraine, says Stoltenberg</a>

The paper&nbsp;noted that such a system posed “huge challenges to information and space asset security to other countries”.&nbsp;

The PLA Daily also said that in recent conflicts the US has relied on its “space military capabilities” to intervene and help other countries by providing them with information.&nbsp;

This could be a reference to how Musk provided the Starlink internet service to Ukraine in the early stages of the Russian invasion, but since last year the US government has been covering the costs for it.&nbsp;

More recently, as per SCMP, Starlink was also given a licence to operate in Israel and parts of the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The official newspaper of the Chinese military, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), on Friday (Apr 19) accused the United States of “militarising space” by building a spy satellite network with Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

The official newspaper of the Chinese military, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), on Friday (Apr 19) accused the United States of “militarising space” by building a spy satellite network with Elon Musk’s SpaceX. This comes after a report by news agency Reuters said that SpaceX was building hundreds of spy satellites for a US intelligence agency. About the Starshield satellite network A report by Reuters, last month, citing five sources familiar with the programme said SpaceX’s Starshield business unit is building a network of hundreds of spy satellites under a $1.8 billion classified contract signed in 2021 with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), an American intelligence agency which manages spy satellites. Also Read | US says ‘not involved in any offensive operation’ after Israel carries out retaliatory attacks against Iran Days after the report was published, PLA’s newspaper on the Chinese social media platform Weibo said that the reported programme exposed Washington’s “shamelessness and double standards” as the US has previously accused Chinese tech companies of threatening United States security. It added, “We urge U.S. companies to not help a villain do evil.” The post on Chinese social media also warned all countries to be “vigilant and protect against new and even bigger security threats created by the U.S. government.” Sources told Reuters that if successful, it would significantly advance the ability of the US government and military to spot potential targets “almost anywhere on the globe.” “No one can hide,” said one of the sources speaking about the network’s capabilities. As per the reported plan, SpaceX would set up a “powerful new spy system with hundreds of satellites bearing Earth-imaging capabilities that can operate as a swarm in low orbits.” What did the PLA say? PLA Daily said that the Starshield could potentially “warn and intercept missiles and control unmanned combat platforms remotely,” and could play “an extremely important role on the battlefield,” as quoted by the South China Morning Post (SCMP). The official newspaper of the Chinese military in its commentary criticises the US for “militarising the transformation and development of low-orbit satellites” and said by doing so Washington has highlighted its ambition to “seize orbital resources and pursue space hegemony”. Also Read | NATO countries to give more air defence systems to Ukraine, says Stoltenberg The paper noted that such a system posed “huge challenges to information and space asset security to other countries”. The PLA Daily also said that in recent conflicts the US has relied on its “space military capabilities” to intervene and help other countries by providing them with information. This could be a reference to how Musk provided the Starlink internet service to Ukraine in the early stages of the Russian invasion, but since last year the US government has been covering the costs for it. More recently, as per SCMP, Starlink was also given a licence to operate in Israel and parts of the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. (With inputs from agencies)

China accuses US of ‘militarising space’ using Musk’s satellite network

The chief of US space agency NASA has told lawmakers in Washington that China is using civilian programmes to hide military objectives in space. Watch to know more.

US militarising space with Elon Musk's Starshield satellite network: China

Elon Musk's Starlink has been given tentative approval by the Department of Telecommunications, headed by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Watch to know more.

India grants tentative approval to Elon Musk's Starlink satellite project

Satellites can be affected by space weather - the various conditions and phenomena in space that can impact satellite operations. It could be geomagnetic storms, caused by fluctuations in the solar wind, which is a stream of charged particles emitted by the Sun, or it could be atmospheric drag. Notably, increased atmospheric density at satellite altitudes can cause additional drag on satellites and can change their orbits.&nbsp;

This happens even as satellites are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of space. In one such incident in February 2022, a spectacular display of fiery trails in the sky puzzled observers worldwide. It was initially mistaken for a meteor shower. However, it turned out to be a fleet of 38 SpaceX satellites, part of the Starlink constellation which met a fiery end days after its launch.

The cause behind this dramatic downfall was explored in a recent study published in the journal Space Weather by the American Geophysical Union. Led by researchers from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata, in collaboration with NASA and Predictive Sciences Inc, the study explored the impact of space weather on satellite operations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/close-call-russian-spacecraft-narrowly-dodges-collision-with-us-satellite-710186">Close call! Russian spacecraft narrowly dodges collision with US satellite by a mere 10 metres</a>

While the crash of the Starlink satellites now appears to be linked to space weather.&nbsp;

<h2>New investigation into crash&nbsp;</h2>

This led the research team to conduct a probe. They made use of&nbsp;observations surrounding near-Earth environmental conditions, solar magnetic storms, and advanced computer simulations.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/meteorites-hiding-in-ice-sheets-of-antarctic-may-disappear-amid-climate-warming-study-710110">Meteorites, hiding in ice sheets of Antarctic, may disappear amid climate warming: study</a>

Their analysis uncovered a web of factors contributing to the satellite crash. This included the space weather conditions at the time, the satellites' insertion into a high-density LEO, and the potential increase in drag. The changes in the orientation of the satellites due to drag was exacerbated by a high drag-to-inertia ratio.

<section>
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The dependence of humanity on satellite technology continues to soar. With this, it becomes important to unravel such mysteries to ensure the reliability of crucial infrastructure in space.
</section>

(With inputs from agencies)

Satellites can be affected by space weather - the various conditions and phenomena in space that can impact satellite operations. It could be geomagnetic storms, caused by fluctuations in the solar wind, which is a stream of charged particles emitted by the Sun, or it could be atmospheric drag.

Satellites can be affected by space weather - the various conditions and phenomena in space that can impact satellite operations. It could be geomagnetic storms, caused by fluctuations in the solar wind, which is a stream of charged particles emitted by the Sun, or it could be atmospheric drag. Notably, increased atmospheric density at satellite altitudes can cause additional drag on satellites and can change their orbits. This happens even as satellites are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of space. In one such incident in February 2022, a spectacular display of fiery trails in the sky puzzled observers worldwide. It was initially mistaken for a meteor shower. However, it turned out to be a fleet of 38 SpaceX satellites, part of the Starlink constellation which met a fiery end days after its launch. The cause behind this dramatic downfall was explored in a recent study published in the journal Space Weather by the American Geophysical Union. Led by researchers from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata, in collaboration with NASA and Predictive Sciences Inc, the study explored the impact of space weather on satellite operations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Also Read | Close call! Russian spacecraft narrowly dodges collision with US satellite by a mere 10 metres While the crash of the Starlink satellites now appears to be linked to space weather. New investigation into crash This led the research team to conduct a probe. They made use of observations surrounding near-Earth environmental conditions, solar magnetic storms, and advanced computer simulations. Also Read | Meteorites, hiding in ice sheets of Antarctic, may disappear amid climate warming: study Their analysis uncovered a web of factors contributing to the satellite crash. This included the space weather conditions at the time, the satellites' insertion into a high-density LEO, and the potential increase in drag. The changes in the orientation of the satellites due to drag was exacerbated by a high drag-to-inertia ratio. Watch | Researchers find high quantities of cancer causing 'forever chemicals' in New Mexico water × The dependence of humanity on satellite technology continues to soar. With this, it becomes important to unravel such mysteries to ensure the reliability of crucial infrastructure in space. (With inputs from agencies)

Do you know why 38 SpaceX satellites crashed in 2022? Indian scientists say...

Ukraine claimed in February that the Russian forces in occupied regions have been using Starlink terminals produced by Elon Musk's SpaceX for satellite internet. Kyiv's main military intelligence agency had also claimed that it appeared to look like the start of their "systemic" application.&nbsp;

In addition to the previous claims, a report by The Wall Street Journal highlighted how Starlink is being misused by middlemen and agents in sensitive regions through the black market.&nbsp;

When the Russia-Ukraine war started in February 2022, the terminals were sent to aid Ukraine. It emerged to be a vital system that helped Kyiv in battlefield communications.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-airstrikes-hit-ukraines-kharkiv-region-killing-3-709881">Russian airstrikes hit Ukraine's Kharkiv region, killing 3</a>&nbsp;

But Ukraine has claimed that the terminals were being used by units like Russia's 83rd Air Assault Brigade, which remained active in several ravaged regions.&nbsp;

Starlink maintained that it does not provide service to Russia's government or military. The Kremlin also once said that Russia never certified the usage of terminals, hence they weren't being used. But the easy and illegitimate access to its service might put Musk in a difficult spot.&nbsp;

Starlink had also posted a statement on social media platform X, stating: "If SpaceX obtains knowledge that a Starlink terminal is being used by a sanctioned or unauthorised party, we investigate the claim and take actions to deactivate the terminal if confirmed."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/teslas-elon-musk-to-meet-pm-modi-in-india-may-announce-investment-plans-report-709862">Tesla's Elon Musk to meet PM Modi in India, may announce investment plans: Report</a>&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Russia blames West and Kyiv for attack&nbsp;

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Ukraine had claimed without evidence that Russian forces obtained Starlink satellite terminals illicitly from third countries.&nbsp;

But the WSJ report mentioned that a Russian online retailer told the newspaper that his business saw a boost by selling dozens of Starlink internet terminals.&nbsp;

As reported, the Moscow-based salesman told the paper that he received orders from a region recently annexed by Russia, the man who was interviewed identified himself only as Oleg and referred to the region as the "new territories". He claimed that the terminals were for "use by the military" and he said volunteers delivered the equipment to Russian soldiers in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Not just Ukraine, Starlink terminals are also being bought and sold on the black market in Sudan. The report claimed that the Sudanese dealers resell units to the Rapid Support Forces, which is a paramilitary group.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Ukraine claimed in February that the Russian forces in occupied regions have been using Starlink terminals produced by Elon Musk's SpaceX for satellite internet.

Ukraine claimed in February that the Russian forces in occupied regions have been using Starlink terminals produced by Elon Musk's SpaceX for satellite internet. Kyiv's main military intelligence agency had also claimed that it appeared to look like the start of their "systemic" application. In addition to the previous claims, a report by The Wall Street Journal highlighted how Starlink is being misused by middlemen and agents in sensitive regions through the black market. When the Russia-Ukraine war started in February 2022, the terminals were sent to aid Ukraine. It emerged to be a vital system that helped Kyiv in battlefield communications. Also read: Russian airstrikes hit Ukraine's Kharkiv region, killing 3 But Ukraine has claimed that the terminals were being used by units like Russia's 83rd Air Assault Brigade, which remained active in several ravaged regions. Starlink maintained that it does not provide service to Russia's government or military. The Kremlin also once said that Russia never certified the usage of terminals, hence they weren't being used. But the easy and illegitimate access to its service might put Musk in a difficult spot. Starlink had also posted a statement on social media platform X, stating: "If SpaceX obtains knowledge that a Starlink terminal is being used by a sanctioned or unauthorised party, we investigate the claim and take actions to deactivate the terminal if confirmed." Also read: Tesla's Elon Musk to meet PM Modi in India, may announce investment plans: Report Watch: Russia blames West and Kyiv for attack × Ukraine had claimed without evidence that Russian forces obtained Starlink satellite terminals illicitly from third countries. But the WSJ report mentioned that a Russian online retailer told the newspaper that his business saw a boost by selling dozens of Starlink internet terminals. As reported, the Moscow-based salesman told the paper that he received orders from a region recently annexed by Russia, the man who was interviewed identified himself only as Oleg and referred to the region as the "new territories". He claimed that the terminals were for "use by the military" and he said volunteers delivered the equipment to Russian soldiers in Ukraine. Not just Ukraine, Starlink terminals are also being bought and sold on the black market in Sudan. The report claimed that the Sudanese dealers resell units to the Rapid Support Forces, which is a paramilitary group. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos (With inputs from agencies)

Are Elon Musk’s Starlink terminals helping Russia in war against Ukraine?

Elon Musk has been vocal about his aim to colonise Mars one day. The CEO of SpaceX and Tesla Motors has delivered another speech about his off-world fantasy. He gave a "tangible" roadmap to inhabiting the Red Planet.

Elon Musk has been vocal about his aim to colonise Mars one day. The CEO of SpaceX and Tesla Motors has delivered another speech about his off-world fantasy. He gave a "tangible" roadmap to inhabiting the Red Planet. Musk provided the "overall path to making life multi-planetary" in a presentation to SpaceX employees at the company's Starbase facility in Texas. During the presentation, he said that although Falcon 9 is the primary launch vehicle for Earth's orbit, Starship will ultimately bring life to other worlds. Starship is the aeronautics company's largest and most powerful rocket. However, it hasn't managed to launch into orbit and then, land without destroying it. According to Musk, Starship will be capable of ferrying the massive payloads to orbit necessary to carry out large-scale Mars missions. "We need enough people and enough tonnage on Mars such that Mars can survive and continue consciousness even if something were to happen to Earth," he said. In the past, Starship has suffered many failures, like exploding during several test flights. It had its most successful run in the third and most recent launch last month and reached space for the second time. However, it didn't survive re-entry and crashed into the ocean. ALSO READ | Feeling furious? Write it down and throw away the paper, a Japanese way of ‘eliminating’ anger While the fourth test will require landing the Starship booster on a "virtual tower" in the ocean, the fifth would be to catch the booster with an actual launch tower in Starbase. "My guess is probably next year is when we will be able to reuse Starship," Musk said. So far, SpaceX has successfully conducted 327 Falcon launches. Musk plans on making a reusable "Starship 2," which will supposedly carry 100 tons of cargo to orbit. "Starship 3 will carry upward of 200 tonnes and cost less per flight than Falcon 1," Musk claimed. To send millions of tonnes of cargo to Mars, SpaceX estimates that it will need to build several thousand vehicles per year and conduct ten launches every day. "I think this is pretty doable," Musk said. "We're going to do this." Some experts have cast doubt on Musk's Martian ambitions. Starship must prove capable of carrying out its role in NASA's mission, Artemis 3, to land on the Moon. (With inputs from agencies)

‘I think this is pretty doable,’ says Elon Musk on Mars settlement plans

In a step forward for the Indian private space sector, SpaceX has launched an Earth-Imaging satellite assembled and tested in India, by a Tata Group firm. The ‘TSAT-1A’ satellite was launched on the Bandwagon-1 mission, which SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, United States, at 23:16 UTC on April 7.

A collaborative effort between India’s Tata Advanced System Limited (TASL) and foreign firm Satellogic, the TSAT-1A has been assembled at the Tata group’s Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT) facility at Vemagal, Karnataka. In November 2023, TASL and Satellogic had inked a pact to develop and integrate an advanced earth observation satellite.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-successfully-launches-second-military-spy-satellite-amid-race-with-north-korea-709008">South Korea successfully launches second military spy satellite amid race with North Korea</a>

TSAT-1A is a sub-metre resolution satellite, which means that it produces images where it is possible to clearly distinguish between objects that are less than one metre apart. Satellites that are used for defence and strategic purposes have resolutions in the range of one metre to even 30 centimetres or lower. This helps in clearly distinguishing even the smallest of objects and deriving maximum information from the image.&nbsp;

“This milestone shows TASL’s commitment to the space sector. This is a first step. We are grateful for the support we have received from various Indian Government authorities for required permissions," said Sukaran Singh, CEO and MD, TASL.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-receives-fresh-batch-of-igla-s-hand-held-anti-aircraft-missiles-from-russia-report-708996">Indian Army receives fresh batch of Igla-S hand-held anti-aircraft missiles from Russia: Report</a>

In the year 2020, the Indian government rolled out reforms in the government-only space sector and permitted private firms to undertake end-to-end space activities. This is a step aimed at increasing India’s overall share in the lucrative global space economy. As part of the reforms, private firms are allowed to design, build and launch their own satellites, rockets, and offer space-based services.

Prior to the reforms, only the Indian government-run space agency was permitted to perform end-to-end space activities, whereas private firms could only supply hardware and provide services to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).&nbsp;

Aimed at boosting the homegrown industry, startups, and opening it up to foreign entities, the Indian government also recently permitted Foreign Direct Investment in the country’s space sector.

In a step forward for the Indian private space sector, SpaceX has launched an Earth-Imaging satellite assembled and tested in India, by a Tata Group firm. The ‘TSAT-1A’ satellite was launched on the Bandwagon-1 mission, which SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, United States, at 23:16 UTC on April 7.

In a step forward for the Indian private space sector, SpaceX has launched an Earth-Imaging satellite assembled and tested in India, by a Tata Group firm. The ‘TSAT-1A’ satellite was launched on the Bandwagon-1 mission, which SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, United States, at 23:16 UTC on April 7. A collaborative effort between India’s Tata Advanced System Limited (TASL) and foreign firm Satellogic, the TSAT-1A has been assembled at the Tata group’s Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT) facility at Vemagal, Karnataka. In November 2023, TASL and Satellogic had inked a pact to develop and integrate an advanced earth observation satellite. Also Read | South Korea successfully launches second military spy satellite amid race with North Korea TSAT-1A is a sub-metre resolution satellite, which means that it produces images where it is possible to clearly distinguish between objects that are less than one metre apart. Satellites that are used for defence and strategic purposes have resolutions in the range of one metre to even 30 centimetres or lower. This helps in clearly distinguishing even the smallest of objects and deriving maximum information from the image. “This milestone shows TASL’s commitment to the space sector. This is a first step. We are grateful for the support we have received from various Indian Government authorities for required permissions," said Sukaran Singh, CEO and MD, TASL. Also Read | Indian Army receives fresh batch of Igla-S hand-held anti-aircraft missiles from Russia: Report In the year 2020, the Indian government rolled out reforms in the government-only space sector and permitted private firms to undertake end-to-end space activities. This is a step aimed at increasing India’s overall share in the lucrative global space economy. As part of the reforms, private firms are allowed to design, build and launch their own satellites, rockets, and offer space-based services. Prior to the reforms, only the Indian government-run space agency was permitted to perform end-to-end space activities, whereas private firms could only supply hardware and provide services to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Aimed at boosting the homegrown industry, startups, and opening it up to foreign entities, the Indian government also recently permitted Foreign Direct Investment in the country’s space sector.

SpaceX launches TATA Group satellite assembled and tested in India

Elon Musk’s SpaceX is on a rocket launching spree with dozens of rockets being launched in the past week over the skies of the United States. In one such occurrence, a fascinating&nbsp;photo of a rocket’s trail while falling back to Earth was captured in the night sky over Arizona.&nbsp;

With some clever photo tricks, the rocket’s trail in the sky looked like a perfect dashed line of luminous streak, a treat to the eyes.

On Saturday (Mar 30), SpaceX launched two of their Falcon 9 rockets in less than four hours, as reported by Space.com. Both the rockets were carrying Starlink satellites. The first rocket was launched at 5:52 EDT from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and another took off at 9:30 pm EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Force Center.

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After the launch, rockets deploy their payloads and start for their second phase, in which the main part of the rocket separates from its reusable boosters. During this stage, the rockets went in a controlled deorbit burn, which caused them to fall back toward Earth and burn up in the planet’s upper atmosphere.

It was at this moment that photographer Jeremy Perez was ready with his camera to capture the deorbit burns. Though he missed the fall of the first rocket as it was heavily clouded in Arizona at that time, he managed to capture the second rocket. As the second rocket started its manoeuvre, Perez captured this stunning image of the deorbiting debris (as sent to Spaceweather.com).
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<h2>Dashed lines of a luminous streak captured in the sky</h2>

In the image, as you can see, a dashed continuous line of luminous streak can be seen. This was not how the rocket looked in reality, but Perez’s multiple long-exposure shots of the ignited second stage made them look like this. The breaks seen in the luminous streak are the points where the camera’s shutter was closed.

In real-time, the appearance was somewhat different. "It looked like a delicate, cometary dandelion poof drifting overhead," Perez told Spaceweather.com. The light also appeared white in real-time instead of the bright blues seen in the photos, he added.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/james-webb-captures-creation-of-third-world-and-birth-of-moons-400-light-years-away-707585">James Webb captures creation of 'third world' and birth of moons 400 light-years away</a>

If you zoom in close enough, you can also see a second simmer line alongside the falling space junk. This streak is made up of light from the satellites developed by the rocket, which were drifting alongside it before it started its final manoeuvre.

With SpaceX’s back-to-back launches in the recent past, these visuals are becoming a common sight for people in the States. Some people have also spotted SpaceX spirals, which are swirls of light created by the frozen rocket fuel ejected from one of the deorbiting Falcon 9 boosters.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk’s SpaceX is on a rocket launching spree with dozens of rockets being launched in the past week over the skies of the United States. In one such occurrence, a fascinating photo of a rocket’s trail while falling back to Earth was captured in the night sky over Arizona.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX is on a rocket launching spree with dozens of rockets being launched in the past week over the skies of the United States. In one such occurrence, a fascinating photo of a rocket’s trail while falling back to Earth was captured in the night sky over Arizona. With some clever photo tricks, the rocket’s trail in the sky looked like a perfect dashed line of luminous streak, a treat to the eyes. On Saturday (Mar 30), SpaceX launched two of their Falcon 9 rockets in less than four hours, as reported by Space.com. Both the rockets were carrying Starlink satellites. The first rocket was launched at 5:52 EDT from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and another took off at 9:30 pm EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Force Center. Also Read | Universe to pose for humans? World's biggest 3.2bn pixels camera will capture cosmic marvels After the launch, rockets deploy their payloads and start for their second phase, in which the main part of the rocket separates from its reusable boosters. During this stage, the rockets went in a controlled deorbit burn, which caused them to fall back toward Earth and burn up in the planet’s upper atmosphere. It was at this moment that photographer Jeremy Perez was ready with his camera to capture the deorbit burns. Though he missed the fall of the first rocket as it was heavily clouded in Arizona at that time, he managed to capture the second rocket. As the second rocket started its manoeuvre, Perez captured this stunning image of the deorbiting debris (as sent to Spaceweather.com). Dashed lines of a luminous streak captured in the sky In the image, as you can see, a dashed continuous line of luminous streak can be seen. This was not how the rocket looked in reality, but Perez’s multiple long-exposure shots of the ignited second stage made them look like this. The breaks seen in the luminous streak are the points where the camera’s shutter was closed. In real-time, the appearance was somewhat different. "It looked like a delicate, cometary dandelion poof drifting overhead," Perez told Spaceweather.com. The light also appeared white in real-time instead of the bright blues seen in the photos, he added. Also Read | James Webb captures creation of 'third world' and birth of moons 400 light-years away If you zoom in close enough, you can also see a second simmer line alongside the falling space junk. This streak is made up of light from the satellites developed by the rocket, which were drifting alongside it before it started its final manoeuvre. With SpaceX’s back-to-back launches in the recent past, these visuals are becoming a common sight for people in the States. Some people have also spotted SpaceX spirals, which are swirls of light created by the frozen rocket fuel ejected from one of the deorbiting Falcon 9 boosters. (With inputs from agencies)

Captured in style! SpaceX's dying Falcon 9 rocket appeared as 'dashed' line of a luminous streak

Elon Musk's SpaceX is deepening its ties with the U.S. Intelligence and military agencies. It's even developing espionage technology for American intelligence. Find out more in this report.

SpaceX deepens ties with U.S. Military

Russia has warned the US regarding the use of SpaceX satellites are Force spying. The Elon Musk's spacecraft company recently signed a $1.8 billion defense contract with the Pentagon. Watch in for more details!

Russia: Use of SpaceX for spying makes US satellites a target

Russia: SpaceX deepens ties with US military; Russia military warns, 'could target US satellites'

Starship, in its third test launch, burned up during its return trip to Earth earlier last week. After a hiatus of seven months following its inaugural flight last April, SpaceX swiftly followed up with two more test flights in November and earlier this month.

Now, the team is gearing up for the fourth launch of its powerful Starship rocket. As per reports, it is slated for launch&nbsp;as early as May this year.

Departing from Boca Chica, Texas, and traversing the Gulf of Mexico, the vessel's third flight completed a circumnavigation of our planet Earth.

Unfortunately, communication was lost during the final phase of the test as it descended into the atmosphere. The fate of the craft remains uncertain. However, there is speculation that it either disintegrated or burned up upon re-entry.

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Now, SpaceX has set its sights on a May launch for its next Starship mission.

The company, led by entrepreneur and business magnate Elon Musk has been pushing the boundaries of space travel with its Starship project. Musk is aiming to revolutionise missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

However, it is noteworthy that while SpaceX engineers ponder over the data from the latest flight, they will also have to await clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) before proceeding with the upcoming mission.

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President and COO of SpaceX Gwynne Shotwell, speaking at the Satellite 2024 conference in Washington, revealed that the team is eyeing a launch in about six weeks.

In conversation with one of the media outlets, Shotwell also expressed confidence in the recent achievements and noted that the third test flight was "incredibly successful". "We hit exactly where we wanted to go," COO said in regards to the recent test flight.&nbsp;

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Once the Starship project fully clears all the tests and gets full certification, it will be an important transporter for cargo and crew missions to the Moon, with potential applications for manned missions to Mars.

However, the earlier flights did encounter challenges during the latter stages of the mission, including the explosion of the Super Heavy booster and subsequent disintegration of the Starship over the Indian Ocean.&nbsp;

SpaceX has also announced plans for lunar missions with its Starship vehicle, including the "Dear Moon" project, which intends to send artists and other private individuals on a lunar flyby mission.

(With inputs from agencies)

Starship, in its third test launch, burned up during its return trip to Earth earlier last week. After a hiatus of seven months following its inaugural flight last April, SpaceX swiftly followed up with two more test flights in November and earlier this month.

Starship, in its third test launch, burned up during its return trip to Earth earlier last week. After a hiatus of seven months following its inaugural flight last April, SpaceX swiftly followed up with two more test flights in November and earlier this month. Now, the team is gearing up for the fourth launch of its powerful Starship rocket. As per reports, it is slated for launch as early as May this year. Departing from Boca Chica, Texas, and traversing the Gulf of Mexico, the vessel's third flight completed a circumnavigation of our planet Earth. Unfortunately, communication was lost during the final phase of the test as it descended into the atmosphere. The fate of the craft remains uncertain. However, there is speculation that it either disintegrated or burned up upon re-entry. Also Read | How to watch the upcoming total solar eclipse in North America safely Now, SpaceX has set its sights on a May launch for its next Starship mission. The company, led by entrepreneur and business magnate Elon Musk has been pushing the boundaries of space travel with its Starship project. Musk is aiming to revolutionise missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. However, it is noteworthy that while SpaceX engineers ponder over the data from the latest flight, they will also have to await clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) before proceeding with the upcoming mission. Also Read | Ticketless passenger found in flight's lavatory, arrested President and COO of SpaceX Gwynne Shotwell, speaking at the Satellite 2024 conference in Washington, revealed that the team is eyeing a launch in about six weeks. In conversation with one of the media outlets, Shotwell also expressed confidence in the recent achievements and noted that the third test flight was "incredibly successful". "We hit exactly where we wanted to go," COO said in regards to the recent test flight. Watch | Neuralink shows first brain-chip patient playing online chess × Once the Starship project fully clears all the tests and gets full certification, it will be an important transporter for cargo and crew missions to the Moon, with potential applications for manned missions to Mars. However, the earlier flights did encounter challenges during the latter stages of the mission, including the explosion of the Super Heavy booster and subsequent disintegration of the Starship over the Indian Ocean. SpaceX has also announced plans for lunar missions with its Starship vehicle, including the "Dear Moon" project, which intends to send artists and other private individuals on a lunar flyby mission. (With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX eyes launch of next Starship flight in May this year

India has privatised space launches and is aiming for a five-fold increase in its share of the global launch market, which some expect to be worth $47.3 billion by 2032. India currently accounts for about 2% of the space economy.

Space Race: India and China reach for the stars

SpaceX is working on a top-secret project to build a network of spy satellites for the US, Reuters has reported, citing sources familiar with the program. Watch the video to know more.

Elon Musk's SpaceX is building a network of spy satellites for US intelligence: Report

SpaceX is building a network of hundreds of spy satellites under a classified contract with a US&nbsp;intelligence agency, five sources familiar with the programme said, demonstrating deepening ties between billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk's space company and national security agencies.

The network is being built by SpaceX's Starshield business unit under a $1.8 billion contract signed in 2021 with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), an intelligence agency that manages spy satellites, the sources said.

The plans show the extent of SpaceX's involvement in US&nbsp;intelligence and military projects and illustrate a deeper Pentagon investment into vast, low-Earth orbiting satellite systems aimed at supporting ground forces.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/science/spacexs-starship-super-heavy-targeting-moon-missions-in-future-launches-in-3rd-test-flight-700132" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/science/spacexs-starship-super-heavy-targeting-moon-missions-in-future-launches-in-3rd-test-flight-700132&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjF8L_IjfmEAxV7zzgGHe_RBnoQFnoECAEQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2cMmTE8YXP8ikaEDifaWn-&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/spacexs-starship-super-heavy-targeting-moon-missions-in-future-launches-in-3rd-test-flight-700132" target="_blank">SpaceX's&nbsp;Starship, targeting moon missions in future</a>

If successful, the sources said the programme would significantly advance the ability of the US&nbsp;government and military to quickly spot potential targets almost anywhere on the globe.

The contract signals growing trust by the intelligence establishment of a company whose owner has clashed with the Biden administration and sparked controversy over the use of Starlink satellite connectivity in the Ukraine war, the sources said.

The Wall Street Journal reported in February the existence of a $1.8 billion classified Starshield contract with an unknown intelligence agency without detailing the purposes of the programme.

Reuters reporting discloses for the first time that the SpaceX contract is for a powerful new spy system with hundreds of satellites bearing Earth-imaging capabilities that can operate as a swarm in low orbits, and that the spy agency that Musk's company is working with is the NRO.

Reuters was unable to determine when the new network of satellites would come online and could not establish what other companies are part of the program with their own contracts.

SpaceX, the world's largest satellite operator, did not respond to several requests for comment about the contract, its role in it and details on satellite launches. The Pentagon referred a request for comment to the NRO and SpaceX.

In a statement the NRO acknowledged its mission to develop a sophisticated satellite system and its partnerships with other government agencies, companies, research institutions and nations, but declined to comment on Reuters' findings about the extent of SpaceX’s involvement in the effort.

"The National Reconnaissance Office is developing the most capable, diverse, and resilient space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance system the world has ever seen," a spokesperson said.

The satellites can track targets on the ground and share that data with U.S. intelligence and military officials, the sources said. In principle, that would enable the US&nbsp;government to quickly capture continuous imagery of activities on the ground nearly anywhere on the globe, aiding intelligence and military operations, they added.

Roughly a dozen prototypes have been launched since 2020, among other satellites on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rockets, three of the sources said.

A US&nbsp;government database of objects in orbit shows several SpaceX missions having deployed satellites that neither the company nor the government have ever acknowledged. Two sources confirmed those to be prototypes for the Starshield network.

All the sources asked to remain anonymous because they were not authorized to discuss the US&nbsp;government program.

The Pentagon is already a big SpaceX customer, using its Falcon 9 rockets to launch military payloads into space. Starshield's first prototype satellite, launched in 2020, was part of a separate, roughly $200 million contract that helped position SpaceX for the subsequent $1.8 billion award, one of the sources said.

The planned Starshield network is separate from Starlink, SpaceX's growing commercial broadband constellation that has about 5,500 satellites in space to provide near-global internet to consumers, companies and government agencies.

The classified constellation of spy satellites represents one of the US&nbsp;government’s most sought-after capabilities in space because it is designed to offer the most persistent, pervasive and rapid coverage of activities on Earth.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-why-is-india-paying-elon-musks-spacex-to-launch-gsat-20-676608" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-why-is-india-paying-elon-musks-spacex-to-launch-gsat-20-676608&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjF8L_IjfmEAxV7zzgGHe_RBnoQFnoECAcQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1SWYx1z2zFbbCpov4RORnY&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-why-is-india-paying-elon-musks-spacex-to-launch-gsat-20-676608" target="_blank">Explained: Why is India paying Elon Musk's&nbsp;SpaceX&nbsp;to launch GSAT</a>

"No one can hide," one of the sources said of the system’s potential capability, when describing the network's reach.

Musk, also the founder and CEO of Tesla and owner of social media company X, has driven innovation in space but has caused frustration among some officials in the Biden administration because of his past control of Starlink in Ukraine, where Kyiv’s military uses it for secure communications in the conflict with Russia. That authority over Starlink in a war zone by Musk, and not the US&nbsp;military, created tension between him and the US government.

A series of Reuters’ stories has detailed how Musk's manufacturing operations, including at SpaceX, have harmed consumers and workers.

The Starshield network is part of intensifying competition between the U.S. and its rivals to become the dominant military power in space, in part by expanding spy satellite systems away from bulky, expensive spacecraft at higher orbits. Instead a vast, low-orbiting network can provide quicker and near-constant imaging of the Earth.

China also plans to start building its own satellite constellations, and the Pentagon has warned of space weapon threats from Russia, which could be capable of disabling entire satellite networks.

Starshield aims to be more resilient to attacks from sophisticated space powers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/science-technology/5-amazing-facts-about-spacexs-starship-rocket-1681731585636" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/science-technology/5-amazing-facts-about-spacexs-starship-rocket-1681731585636&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjF8L_IjfmEAxV7zzgGHe_RBnoQFnoECAgQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0RPQ17ojCJXw_-JRZtER01&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/science-technology/5-amazing-facts-about-spacexs-starship-rocket-1681731585636" target="_blank">5 Amazing Facts about&nbsp;SpaceX's&nbsp;Starship Rocket</a>

The network is also intended to greatly expand the U.S. government's remote-sensing capabilities and will consist of large satellites with imaging sensors, as well as a greater number of relay satellites that pass the imaging data and other communications across the network using inter-satellite lasers, two of the sources said.

The NRO includes personnel from the US&nbsp;Space Force and CIA and provides classified satellite imagery for the Pentagon and other intelligence agencies.

The spy satellites will house sensors provided by another company, three of the sources said.

SpaceX is building a network of hundreds of spy satellites under a classified contract with a US intelligence agency, five sources familiar with the programme said, demonstrating deepening ties between billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk's space company and national security agencies.

SpaceX is building a network of hundreds of spy satellites under a classified contract with a US intelligence agency, five sources familiar with the programme said, demonstrating deepening ties between billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk's space company and national security agencies. The network is being built by SpaceX's Starshield business unit under a $1.8 billion contract signed in 2021 with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), an intelligence agency that manages spy satellites, the sources said. The plans show the extent of SpaceX's involvement in US intelligence and military projects and illustrate a deeper Pentagon investment into vast, low-Earth orbiting satellite systems aimed at supporting ground forces. Also read: SpaceX's Starship, targeting moon missions in future If successful, the sources said the programme would significantly advance the ability of the US government and military to quickly spot potential targets almost anywhere on the globe. The contract signals growing trust by the intelligence establishment of a company whose owner has clashed with the Biden administration and sparked controversy over the use of Starlink satellite connectivity in the Ukraine war, the sources said. The Wall Street Journal reported in February the existence of a $1.8 billion classified Starshield contract with an unknown intelligence agency without detailing the purposes of the programme. Reuters reporting discloses for the first time that the SpaceX contract is for a powerful new spy system with hundreds of satellites bearing Earth-imaging capabilities that can operate as a swarm in low orbits, and that the spy agency that Musk's company is working with is the NRO. Reuters was unable to determine when the new network of satellites would come online and could not establish what other companies are part of the program with their own contracts. SpaceX, the world's largest satellite operator, did not respond to several requests for comment about the contract, its role in it and details on satellite launches. The Pentagon referred a request for comment to the NRO and SpaceX. In a statement the NRO acknowledged its mission to develop a sophisticated satellite system and its partnerships with other government agencies, companies, research institutions and nations, but declined to comment on Reuters' findings about the extent of SpaceX’s involvement in the effort. "The National Reconnaissance Office is developing the most capable, diverse, and resilient space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance system the world has ever seen," a spokesperson said. The satellites can track targets on the ground and share that data with U.S. intelligence and military officials, the sources said. In principle, that would enable the US government to quickly capture continuous imagery of activities on the ground nearly anywhere on the globe, aiding intelligence and military operations, they added. Roughly a dozen prototypes have been launched since 2020, among other satellites on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rockets, three of the sources said. A US government database of objects in orbit shows several SpaceX missions having deployed satellites that neither the company nor the government have ever acknowledged. Two sources confirmed those to be prototypes for the Starshield network. All the sources asked to remain anonymous because they were not authorized to discuss the US government program. The Pentagon is already a big SpaceX customer, using its Falcon 9 rockets to launch military payloads into space. Starshield's first prototype satellite, launched in 2020, was part of a separate, roughly $200 million contract that helped position SpaceX for the subsequent $1.8 billion award, one of the sources said. The planned Starshield network is separate from Starlink, SpaceX's growing commercial broadband constellation that has about 5,500 satellites in space to provide near-global internet to consumers, companies and government agencies. The classified constellation of spy satellites represents one of the US government’s most sought-after capabilities in space because it is designed to offer the most persistent, pervasive and rapid coverage of activities on Earth. Also read: Explained: Why is India paying Elon Musk's SpaceX to launch GSAT "No one can hide," one of the sources said of the system’s potential capability, when describing the network's reach. Musk, also the founder and CEO of Tesla and owner of social media company X, has driven innovation in space but has caused frustration among some officials in the Biden administration because of his past control of Starlink in Ukraine, where Kyiv’s military uses it for secure communications in the conflict with Russia. That authority over Starlink in a war zone by Musk, and not the US military, created tension between him and the US government. A series of Reuters’ stories has detailed how Musk's manufacturing operations, including at SpaceX, have harmed consumers and workers. The Starshield network is part of intensifying competition between the U.S. and its rivals to become the dominant military power in space, in part by expanding spy satellite systems away from bulky, expensive spacecraft at higher orbits. Instead a vast, low-orbiting network can provide quicker and near-constant imaging of the Earth. China also plans to start building its own satellite constellations, and the Pentagon has warned of space weapon threats from Russia, which could be capable of disabling entire satellite networks. Starshield aims to be more resilient to attacks from sophisticated space powers. Also read: 5 Amazing Facts about SpaceX's Starship Rocket The network is also intended to greatly expand the U.S. government's remote-sensing capabilities and will consist of large satellites with imaging sensors, as well as a greater number of relay satellites that pass the imaging data and other communications across the network using inter-satellite lasers, two of the sources said. The NRO includes personnel from the US Space Force and CIA and provides classified satellite imagery for the Pentagon and other intelligence agencies. The spy satellites will house sensors provided by another company, three of the sources said.

Musk's SpaceX is building spy satellite network for US intelligence agency: Reports

With SpaceX next Generation Starship Mega rocket that successfully launched on a stunning, third test flight.

SpaceX loses contact with starship on re-entry

SpaceX's Starship, during its return journey to Earth, was destroyed. Taking off from Boca Chica, Texas over the Gulf of Mexico, the spacecraft circumnavigated the globe. However, communication was severed in the final stages of the test as it descended back into the atmosphere. It is presumed that the craft either disintegrated or burned up during re-entry.&nbsp;

SpaceX's Dan Huot confirmed, "The ship has been lost. So no splashdown today. But again, it's incredible to see how much further we got this time around." Elon Musk also shared on his social media platform, X, "SpaceX has come a long way."

SpaceX launched its third test flight of its Starship Super Heavy rocket from its Texas base, in a leap forward in space exploration. Starship by SpaceX is a fully reusable spacecraft designed to carry humans and cargo to destinations such as the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

This latest test flight follows meticulous upgrades implemented by SpaceX after two previous unsuccessful launches.

"Starship’s Raptor engine burn is complete and Starship has entered a coast phase," SpaceX had said while providing an update on the rocket. Notably, the&nbsp;spacecraft was loaded with over 4,500 metric tonnes of propellant.&nbsp;

These enhancements, informed by invaluable insights gained from previous attempts, have resulted in substantial improvements to both the spacecraft and its ground support systems.

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The launch was scheduled for 9:25 EDT on March 14. SpaceX had vied for a splashdown in the Indian Ocean, while&nbsp;the earlier attempts included a splashdown near Hawaii.

In this launch, SpaceX had introduced a plethora of enhancements, including modifications to the booster and ship, along with a revised flight path. The mission aimed to showcase several pivotal features such as the payload dispenser door, the capability to relight a Raptor in Space, and the ability to conduct in-space cryogenic propellant transfer.&nbsp;

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NASA is gearing up to use the Starship for its upcoming Artemis 3 lunar mission.&nbsp;As part of NASA's Artemis initiative aimed at establishing sustainable scientific exploration on the Moon, astronauts will need to transition between various spacecraft for lunar landings.

Recently, NASA and SpaceX conducted qualification testing for the docking system crucial for enabling this capability.

In the Artemis III mission scenario, astronauts will travel from Earth to lunar orbit aboard the Orion spacecraft.

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Upon docking with the lunar lander, the Starship Human Landing System (HLS),&nbsp;will transfer to it for descent to the lunar surface. Following completion of surface activities, Starship will transport the astronauts back to Orion, awaiting them in lunar orbit.

Subsequent missions will involve astronauts transitioning between Orion and Starship via the Gateway lunar space station. Drawing upon SpaceX's proven Dragon 2 docking system used&nbsp;in missions to the International Space Station, the Starship docking system is adaptable to connect the lander either to Orion or to the Gateway.

(With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX's Starship, during its return journey to Earth, was destroyed. Taking off from Boca Chica, Texas over the Gulf of Mexico, the spacecraft circumnavigated the globe.

SpaceX's Starship, during its return journey to Earth, was destroyed. Taking off from Boca Chica, Texas over the Gulf of Mexico, the spacecraft circumnavigated the globe. However, communication was severed in the final stages of the test as it descended back into the atmosphere. It is presumed that the craft either disintegrated or burned up during re-entry. SpaceX's Dan Huot confirmed, "The ship has been lost. So no splashdown today. But again, it's incredible to see how much further we got this time around." Elon Musk also shared on his social media platform, X, "SpaceX has come a long way." SpaceX launched its third test flight of its Starship Super Heavy rocket from its Texas base, in a leap forward in space exploration. Starship by SpaceX is a fully reusable spacecraft designed to carry humans and cargo to destinations such as the Moon, Mars, and beyond. This latest test flight follows meticulous upgrades implemented by SpaceX after two previous unsuccessful launches. "Starship’s Raptor engine burn is complete and Starship has entered a coast phase," SpaceX had said while providing an update on the rocket. Notably, the spacecraft was loaded with over 4,500 metric tonnes of propellant. These enhancements, informed by invaluable insights gained from previous attempts, have resulted in substantial improvements to both the spacecraft and its ground support systems. Also Read | NASA's Webb Telescope finds icy compounds with life ingredients in space near these protostars The launch was scheduled for 9:25 EDT on March 14. SpaceX had vied for a splashdown in the Indian Ocean, while the earlier attempts included a splashdown near Hawaii. In this launch, SpaceX had introduced a plethora of enhancements, including modifications to the booster and ship, along with a revised flight path. The mission aimed to showcase several pivotal features such as the payload dispenser door, the capability to relight a Raptor in Space, and the ability to conduct in-space cryogenic propellant transfer. Also Read | Scientists spot black hole devouring star at close proximity to Earth NASA is gearing up to use the Starship for its upcoming Artemis 3 lunar mission. As part of NASA's Artemis initiative aimed at establishing sustainable scientific exploration on the Moon, astronauts will need to transition between various spacecraft for lunar landings. Recently, NASA and SpaceX conducted qualification testing for the docking system crucial for enabling this capability. In the Artemis III mission scenario, astronauts will travel from Earth to lunar orbit aboard the Orion spacecraft. Watch | Over 300,000 Americans' job at risk, TikTok CEO reacts to US House vote on app × Upon docking with the lunar lander, the Starship Human Landing System (HLS), will transfer to it for descent to the lunar surface. Following completion of surface activities, Starship will transport the astronauts back to Orion, awaiting them in lunar orbit. Subsequent missions will involve astronauts transitioning between Orion and Starship via the Gateway lunar space station. Drawing upon SpaceX's proven Dragon 2 docking system used in missions to the International Space Station, the Starship docking system is adaptable to connect the lander either to Orion or to the Gateway. (With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX's Starship, targeting moon missions in future, burns up after 3rd test flight

SpaceX's loses contact with starship on re-entry over Indian Ocean

A SpaceX rocket lifted off from Florida night carrying a crew of three U.S. astronauts & a Russian cosmonaut on their way to the ISS. The crew began a six-month science mission in Earth's orbit,

SpaceX launches eighth long-duration crew to ISS, webcast captures spectacular nightime launch

A SpaceX rocket lifted off from Florida night carrying a crew of three U.S. astronauts & a Russian cosmonaut on their way to the ISS. The crew began a six-month science mission in Earth's orbit.

SpaceX launches its eighth long-duration crew to the International Space Station

SpaceX successfully launched the Crew-8 mission in collaboration with NASA on Sunday from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA and SpaceX launched a crew of four to the International Space Station in the Dragon spacecraft, marking the third attempt after they cancelled it twice due to poor weather conditions.

SpaceX successfully launched the Crew-8 mission in collaboration with NASA on Sunday from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA and SpaceX launched a crew of four to the International Space Station in the Dragon spacecraft, marking the third attempt after they cancelled it twice due to poor weather conditions. The launch marked SpaceX's eighth crew rotation mission in the ISS with NASA's Commercial Crew Program. NASA astronauts involved in the mission are Commander Mattew Dominick, Pilot Michael Barratt, and Mission Specialists Jeanette Epps and Alexander Grebenkin, a Russian Roscosmos cosmonaut. Barratt would be making his third visit to the ISS with this mission. The four-member crew will return to Earth in the fall. They will spend six months at the ISS. SpaceX used their "reusable, two-stage rocket" Falcon 9 to launch the Dragon spacecraft. After detaching from Dragon, the Falcon 9 will land at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. ALSO READ | 'Devil Comet' likely to make an appearance during total solar eclipse in April A few days ahead of the launch, the administrators discovered a small air leak at the space station. ISS Program Manager Joel Montalbano stated at a Crew-8 mission briefing, "It's not an impact to Crew-8, but I didn't want anybody to be surprised." At 10:53 pm on Sunday, the mission lifted off after the engineers concluded that a small crack on the hatch seal wouldn't be an issue in launching the mission. The mission crew members cheered on the ground as the first-stage booster separated from Dragon and the spacecraft moved towards space. The crew will perform over 200 science experiments at the ISS, often referred to as a "floating laboratory." These experiments are a part of the long-term mission to prepare humanity for long-term stays in space. One such experiment is taking stem cells to space to study their effects on degenerative disease. Another involves observing the cellular impact of microgravity and ultraviolet radiation on plants. Furthermore, the crew will test pressure cuffs on legs to check whether they help relieve health problems. Astronauts will also see whether microalgae can help remove carbon dioxide from the air, providing food and oxygen for them. In the last year, SpaceX undertook almost a hundred launches. Their next launch is the Transporter-10 mission. SpaceX's official website says, "Transporter-10 is SpaceX's 10th dedicated smallsat rideshare mission. There will be 53 payloads on this flight, including CubeSats, MicroSats, and a hosted payload." (With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX, NASA launch Crew-8 astronaut mission to International Space Station

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