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  • ULA launches ViaSat-3 mission after valve issue

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    CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION — United Launch Alliance successfully launched its Atlas V rocket that will carry a ViaSat communications satellite on Thursday night after a faulty oxygen valve issue scrubbed the first two attempts.

    What You Need To Know

    • According to ULA, the faulty liquid oxygen tank vent valve that scrubbed the first two launch attempts have been replaced

    According to ULA, crews on Wednesday and Thursday of last week faced an issue with the Atlas V booster’s liquid oxygen tank vent valve, which resulted in the two launch attempts being scrubbed.

    However, ULA stated the problem as been resolved.

    “Following the scrub last week due to a faulty booster liquid oxygen tank vent valve, the team at the Cape removed and replaced it with a new valve in preparation for this launch attempt,” stated the Colorado-based company.

    The ViaSat-3 Flight 2 mission was set to take off on the Atlas V 551 rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, stated ULA.

    A launch window for Thursday night was set for 10:04 p.m. ET. 

    The 45th Weather Squadron gave about a 95% chance of good launch conditions with no weather concerns reported.

    The Atlas V 551 rocket’s first-stage booster does not land on a droneship or landing zone, which is what the more familiar SpaceX rocket, the Falcon 9, does.

    Instead, it will separate and fall into the Atlantic Ocean, where it will be picked up.


    About the mission

    Global communications company ViaSat’s broadband communications ViaSat-3 Flight 2 satellite will be sent to a geostationary orbit.

    In fact, the California-based company stated that it will take a couple of months for it to travel to its destinated orbit. But once there at an orbital slot located at 79 degrees west longitude, the satellite will run a series of in-orbit testing before going into service.

    “The ViaSat-3 satellites are each designed to provide coverage over nearly one-third of the Earth and ViaSat-3 F2 is expected to provide services over the Americas to address increasing customer demand. Launched in 2023, the ViaSat-3 F1 satellite will also continue to provide coverage over North America to meet user demand,” ViaSat stated.

    The satellite will provide communications services like free Wi-Fi for commercial aircraft, home internet, and connectivity for government and defense mission operations.

    Watch the launch here

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    Anthony Leone

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  • Rep. Steube votes against shutdown deal; Bill bans hemp THC

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    The spending bill that ended the government shutdown has new restrictions on THC products, and the lone Republican representative to oppose the spending bill discusses what led to his vote.


    Shutdown resolution has impacts for THC products

    The longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history is officially over. The House passed a funding plan Wednesday, which was then quickly signed by President Donald Trump.

    Furloughed federal employees returned to work and are eagerly awaiting back pay from the multiple paychecks they missed, though it’s currently unclear when the money might hit their accounts.

    The bill Trump signed to reopen the government also includes a provision that significantly impacts THC products.

    It criminalizes most THC-infused products on the market today. That includes hemp or synthetic products like Delta-8.

    Any product containing more than .4 milligrams of total THC will be illegal.

    Some local hemp shop owners say this could have a significant impact on their business. Proponents of the legislation say it will help keep kids safe.

    It’s not the end of the road, though. There is a one-year delay in implementing the provisions, which means Congress could debate this further and come up with new regulations.

    The Florida legislature passed a bill in 2024 that would have closed the farm bill loophole but ultimately Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed the proposal.

    Lone GOP opponent to spending bill discusses his vote

    Speaker of the House Mike Johnson says his chamber will vote next week to repeal a provision in the shutdown deal that allows senators to sue the Department of Justice if they seize or subpoena data without notifying them.

    The bill is a unique advantage for eight Republican senators whose phone records were collected as part of former special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into the January 6 attack.

    When asked about the provision, which was tucked into the bill to reopen the government, Johnson said he knew nothing about it.

    “I found out about it last night. I was surprised. I was shocked by it, and I was angry about it, to be honest,” Johnson said.

    The bill entitles senators to $500,000 for each violation of the provision, and it prevents the government from invoking immunity in response to any claims.

    South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham told reporters yesterday he plans to sue.

    All Florida Democrats voted against the continuing resolution, and Rep. Greg Stuebe was the only Republican to vote against the proposal. He said that he voted that way because he is opposed to the late addition allowing senators to sue.

    He shares his reasoning with Political Connections.

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    Ybeth Bruzual, Holly Gregory, Phillip Stucky, Jason Delgado, Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Solar storms bring colorful northern lights to unexpected places in the U.S.

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    NEW YORK (AP) — Solar storms brought colorful auroras to unexpected places in the U.S. on Tuesday night, and there could be more to come.

    Space weather forecasters confirmed that storms reached severe levels on Tuesday, triggering vibrant northern lights as far south as Kansas, Colorado and Texas.

    What You Need To Know

    • A rare G4 geomagnetic storm occurred Tuesday night

    • The northern lights were seen as far south as Florida

    • Another powerful storm is likely tonight

    • Using your smartphone’s night mode is the best way to capture the lights



    There were some impacts to GPS communications and the power grid, Shawn Dahl with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in a video posted on X.

    Over the past few days, the sun has “burped” out several bursts of energy called coronal mass ejections or CMEs. Two have reached Earth, but at least one more is still on the way and could arrive sometime on Wednesday.

    Forecasters think this solar outburst could be the most energetic of the three and have issued a severe storm alert. How bright the auroras are and how far south they are visible will depend on when the burst gets here and how it interacts with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere.

    How northern lights happen

    The sun is at the maximum phase of its 11-year activity cycle, making the light displays more common and widespread. Colorful northern lights have decorated night skies in unexpected places and space weather experts say there are more auroras still to come.

    Aurora displays known as the northern and southern lights are commonly visible near the poles, where charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s atmosphere.

    Skygazers are spotting the lights deeper into the United States and Europe because the sun is going through a major face-lift. Every 11 years, its magnetic poles swap places, causing magnetic twists and tangles along the way.

    Last year, the strongest geomagnetic storm in two decades slammed Earth, producing light displays across the Northern Hemisphere. And soon afterward, a powerful solar storm dazzled skygazers far from the Arctic Circle when dancing lights appeared in unexpected places including Germany, the United Kingdom, New England and New York City.

    The sun’s active spurt is expected to last at least through the end of this year, although when solar activity will peak won’t be known until months after the fact, according to NASA and NOAA.

    How solar storms affect Earth

    Solar storms can bring more than colorful lights to Earth.

    When fast-moving particles and plasma slam into Earth’s magnetic field, they can temporarily disrupt the power grid. Space weather can also interfere with air traffic control radio and satellites in orbit. Severe storms are capable of scrambling other radio and GPS communications.

    In 1859, a severe solar storm triggered auroras as far south as Hawaii and set telegraph lines on fire in a rare event. And a 1972 solar storm may have detonated magnetic U.S. sea mines off the coast of Vietnam.

    Space weather experts aren’t able to predict a solar storm months in advance. Instead, they alert relevant parties to prepare in the days before a solar outburst hits Earth.

    How to see and capture the auroras

    For the latest northern lights forecasts, check NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center website or an aurora forecasting app.

    Make your best effort to get away from city lights and find somewhere dark. Experts recommend skygazing from a local or national park. And check the weather forecast because clouds can cover up the spectacle entirely.

    Visibility tonight could be reduced in places like the West, Plains, and Northeast due to clouds. The Southeast should have great visibility if the northern lights can make it that far south again.

    Many areas in northern latitudes should be able to see the northern lights with the naked eye. If you’re farther south, your smartphone cameras may also reveal hints of the aurora that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Long-exposure is your best bet to reveal all the colors in the night sky.

    When taking the photo, turn on “night mode” and place your phone on a steady surface. The longer the exposure, the better the photo will turn out!

    If you’ve taken any pictures of the northern lights, you can share your photos here.

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    Associated Press, Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Solar storms bring colorful northern lights to unexpected places in the U.S.

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    NEW YORK (AP) — Solar storms brought colorful auroras to unexpected places in the U.S. on Tuesday night, and there could be more to come.

    Space weather forecasters confirmed that storms reached severe levels on Tuesday, triggering vibrant northern lights as far south as Kansas, Colorado and Texas.

    What You Need To Know

    • A rare G4 geomagnetic storm occurred Tuesday night

    • The northern lights were seen as far south as Florida

    • Another powerful storm is likely tonight

    • Using your smartphone’s night mode is the best way to capture the lights



    There were some impacts to GPS communications and the power grid, Shawn Dahl with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in a video posted on X.

    Over the past few days, the sun has “burped” out several bursts of energy called coronal mass ejections or CMEs. Two have reached Earth, but at least one more is still on the way and could arrive sometime on Wednesday.

    Forecasters think this solar outburst could be the most energetic of the three and have issued a severe storm alert. How bright the auroras are and how far south they are visible will depend on when the burst gets here and how it interacts with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere.

    How northern lights happen

    The sun is at the maximum phase of its 11-year activity cycle, making the light displays more common and widespread. Colorful northern lights have decorated night skies in unexpected places and space weather experts say there are more auroras still to come.

    Aurora displays known as the northern and southern lights are commonly visible near the poles, where charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s atmosphere.

    Skygazers are spotting the lights deeper into the United States and Europe because the sun is going through a major face-lift. Every 11 years, its magnetic poles swap places, causing magnetic twists and tangles along the way.

    Last year, the strongest geomagnetic storm in two decades slammed Earth, producing light displays across the Northern Hemisphere. And soon afterward, a powerful solar storm dazzled skygazers far from the Arctic Circle when dancing lights appeared in unexpected places including Germany, the United Kingdom, New England and New York City.

    The sun’s active spurt is expected to last at least through the end of this year, although when solar activity will peak won’t be known until months after the fact, according to NASA and NOAA.

    How solar storms affect Earth

    Solar storms can bring more than colorful lights to Earth.

    When fast-moving particles and plasma slam into Earth’s magnetic field, they can temporarily disrupt the power grid. Space weather can also interfere with air traffic control radio and satellites in orbit. Severe storms are capable of scrambling other radio and GPS communications.

    In 1859, a severe solar storm triggered auroras as far south as Hawaii and set telegraph lines on fire in a rare event. And a 1972 solar storm may have detonated magnetic U.S. sea mines off the coast of Vietnam.

    Space weather experts aren’t able to predict a solar storm months in advance. Instead, they alert relevant parties to prepare in the days before a solar outburst hits Earth.

    How to see and capture the auroras

    For the latest northern lights forecasts, check NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center website or an aurora forecasting app.

    Make your best effort to get away from city lights and find somewhere dark. Experts recommend skygazing from a local or national park. And check the weather forecast because clouds can cover up the spectacle entirely.

    Visibility tonight could be reduced in places like the West, Plains, and Northeast due to clouds. The Southeast should have great visibility if the northern lights can make it that far south again.

    Many areas in northern latitudes should be able to see the northern lights with the naked eye. If you’re farther south, your smartphone cameras may also reveal hints of the aurora that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Long-exposure is your best bet to reveal all the colors in the night sky.

    When taking the photo, turn on “night mode” and place your phone on a steady surface. The longer the exposure, the better the photo will turn out!

    If you’ve taken any pictures of the northern lights, you can share your photos here.

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    Associated Press, Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

  • Weather looking good for Blue Origin launch of NASA’s Mars mission

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    CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION — On Wednesday afternoon, Blue Origin is attempting again to launch NASA’s ESCAPADE mission to Mars after having to scrub it due to poor weather on Sunday.

    NASA’s ESCAPADE mission will see two satellites head to Mars, which will benefit future astronauts when they go to the Red Planet.


    Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket will take off with the NG-2 mission from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Blue Origin stated.

    The launch window opens at 2:50 p.m. ET to 4:17 p.m. ET, which means Blue Origin has during that time frame to send its rocket up into the deep black.

    The 45th Weather Squadron is giving about a 95% good weather forecast, with no concerns.

    After the stage separation, the reusable first-stage booster called Never Tell Me The Odds will attempt to land on Blue Origin’s cargo ship Jacklyn.

    First launch attempt

    On Sunday, Blue Origin tried to launch the ESCAPADE mission a couple of times.

    It was supposed to go up at 2:45 p.m. ET and then it was pushed to 3:18 p.m. ET, and finally, it was given a launch attempt at 4:12 p.m. ET before being scrubbed.

    At 4 minutes and 33 seconds during the third and final launch attempt on Sunday, Blue Origin put a hold on the launch due to poor weather, specifically citing the cumulus clouds being the culprit.

    The launch window opened at 2:45 p.m. ET and closed at 4:13 p.m. ET, which means Blue Origin has during that time frame to launch the mission.

    On Friday, the 45th Weather Squadron gave a 65% chance of good liftoff conditions, with the concerns being the cumulus cloud and surface electric fields rules.

    However, the squadron on Saturday gave a different forecast of between 65% to 55% of good launch conditions, with the following concerns: Cumulus cloud, surface electric fields and anvil cloud rules.

    At one point, the weather was clear, however, Blue Origin stated that the launch team was looking at an issue with a ground-support equipment at the launch pad. No further information was provided.

    New Glenn’s maiden flight

    The first time the New Glenn launched was January of this year, when it sent up Blue Origin’s Blue Ring Pathfinder, which tested and collected data on its flight, ground systems, and operational capabilities.

    While it was a successful takeoff, the first-stage booster called So You’re Telling Me There’s a Chance failed to stick the landing on Jacklyn.

     

     

    Understanding the mission

    The New Glenn will be sending up two payloads: NASA’s Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (ESCAPADE) mission, which will study Mars’ magnetosphere and how solar winds impact the Red Planet.

    The mission’s principal investigator Dr. Rob Lillis shared a bit more about ESCAPADE and how it will help humans once they get to Mars.

    He said that two satellites — called Blue and Gold in honor of the University of California, Berkeley’s colors — will study Mars’ magnetosphere and space weather.

    “The two spacecraft … will be characterizing the magnetic and space weather (i.e. plasma, radiation) environment on their way to Mars, then after they achieve Mars orbit, they’ll be measuring this environment in the solar wind and within Mars’ upper atmosphere, including rates of atmospheric escape,” Lillis explained to Spectrum News.

    The second payload is from global communications company ViaSat. Called the Viasat HaloNet Technology Demonstrator, the satellite will help with better communications between Earth and space.

    “Whether supporting Earth observation, scientific payloads, defense missions, or launch operations, HaloNet helps close the space-to-ground connectivity gap through a modular set of capabilities designed for resilience, reach, and responsiveness,” stated Viasat.

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    Anthony Leone

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  • SpaceX launches Starlink 6-87 mission

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    CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION  — SpaceX launched nearly 30 Starlink satellites on Monday night, which the California-based company had to adjust its launch time of the mission in accordance with FAA’s new order.  

    What You Need To Know

    • Starlink 6-87 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
    • Because of the FAA’s new order, SpaceX adjusted its launch time for the Starlink 6-87 mission

    The Falcon 9 rocket sent up the Starlink 6-87 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 10:21 p.m. ET on Monday, stated SpaceX. 

    The launch window opened at 10:01 p.m. ET and was set to close at 1:59 a.m., ET, Tuesday, Nov. 11. That means SpaceX had that time frame to launch the mission.

    Originally, the launch was scheduled at 5:12 p.m. ET until 9:12 p.m. ET. However, the FAA announced that starting Monday, Nov. 10, all commercial launches must launch from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., citing safety and efficiency reasons.

    Because of the FAA’s new order, SpaceX adjusted its launch time for the Starlink 6-87 mission.

    The 45th Weather Squadron gave a 60% chance of good liftoff conditions, with the only concerns being liftoff winds.

    Find out more about the weather criteria for a Falcon 9 launch.

    Third time up

    This is the third mission for the Falcon 9’s first-stage booster B1096.

    After the stage separation, the first-stage rocket landed on the droneship Just Read the Instructions that will be in the Atlantic Ocean.

    About the mission

    The 29 satellites from the Starlink company, owned by SpaceX, will be heading to low-Earth orbit to join the thousands already there.

    Once deployed and in their orbit, they will provide internet service to many parts of Earth.

    Dr. Jonathan McDowell, of Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, has been recording Starlink satellites.

    Before this launch, McDowell recorded the following:

    • 8,917 are in orbit
    • 7,559 are in operational orbit

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    Anthony Leone

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  • Fireball seen across Florida likely from old Chinese rocket

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — Early Saturday morning, residents in Central Florida witnessed a streak of light across the sky, which was visible from Tampa to Jacksonville and even South Georgia.

    There was speculation initially since it wasn’t from a planned space launch, which was halted just seconds before it was set to occur.

    According to Spectrum News 13 Meteorologist Zach Covey, a review of trajectory maps determined that the fireball likely came from China’s third stage rocket launched in December 2019.

    “We knew today that rocket was losing altitude, coming very close to Earth’s atmosphere,” Covey said. “We’re fairly confident. I’m not going to say 100% until we can verify this, but based off of all the information that I know, I would suspect that this was China’s third stage rocket from a launch back in December of 2019.”


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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Blue Origin to launch New Glenn rocket for the 2nd time for Mars mission

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    CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION — On Sunday afternoon, Blue Origin will be launching its New Glenn rocket for the second time. This time, it will send up NASA’s ESCAPADE mission that will see two satellites head to Mars.


    Called the NG-2 mission, the New Glenn will take off from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Blue Origin stated.

    The launch time is no earlier than 2:45 p.m. ET, stated the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

    The 45th Weather Squadron is giving a 65% chance of good liftoff conditions, with the concerns being the cumulus cloud and surface electric fields rules.

    If there is a scrub, the next attempt will be Monday, Nov. 10, from 2:40 p.m. ET to 4:08 p.m. ET, stated Blue Origin.

    After the stage separation, the reusable first-stage booster called Never Tell Me The Odds will attempt to land on Blue Origin’s cargo ship Jacklyn.

    New Glenn’s maiden flight

    The first time the New Glenn launched was January of this year, when it sent up Blue Origin’s Blue Ring Pathfinder, which tested and collected data on its flight, ground systems, and operational capabilities.

    While it was a successful takeoff, the first-stage booster called So You’re Telling Me There’s a Chance failed to stick the landing on Jacklyn.

     

     

    Understanding the mission

    The New Glenn will be sending up two payloads: NASA’s Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (ESCAPADE) mission, which will study Mars’ magnetosphere and how solar winds impact the Red Planet.

    The mission’s principal investigator Dr. Rob Lillis shared a bit more about ESCAPADE and how it will help humans once they get to Mars.

    He said that two satellites — called Blue and Gold in honor of the University of California, Berkeley’s colors — will study Mars’ magnetosphere and space weather.

    “The two spacecraft … will be characterizing the magnetic and space weather (i.e. plasma, radiation) environment on their way to Mars, then after they achieve Mars orbit, they’ll be measuring this environment in the solar wind and within Mars’ upper atmosphere, including rates of atmospheric escape,” Lillis explained to Spectrum News.

    The second payload is from global communications company ViaSat. Called the Viasat HaloNet Technology Demonstrator, the satellite will help with better communications between Earth and space.

    “Whether supporting Earth observation, scientific payloads, defense missions, or launch operations, HaloNet helps close the space-to-ground connectivity gap through a modular set of capabilities designed for resilience, reach, and responsiveness,” stated Viasat.

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    Anthony Leone

    Source link

  • Blue Origin to launch New Glenn rocket for the 2nd time for Mars mission

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    CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION — On Sunday afternoon, Blue Origin will be launching its New Glenn rocket for the second time. This time, it will send up NASA’s ESCAPADE mission that will see two satellites head to Mars.


    Called the NG-2 mission, the New Glenn will take off from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Blue Origin stated.

    The launch time is no earlier than 2:45 p.m. ET, stated the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

    The 45th Weather Squadron is giving a 65% chance of good liftoff conditions, with the concerns being the cumulus cloud and surface electric fields rules.

    If there is a scrub, the next attempt will be Monday, Nov. 10, from 2:40 p.m. ET to 4:08 p.m. ET, stated Blue Origin.

    After the stage separation, the reusable first-stage booster called Never Tell Me The Odds will attempt to land on Blue Origin’s cargo ship Jacklyn.

    New Glenn’s maiden flight

    The first time the New Glenn launched was January of this year, when it sent up Blue Origin’s Blue Ring Pathfinder, which tested and collected data on its flight, ground systems, and operational capabilities.

    While it was a successful takeoff, the first-stage booster called So You’re Telling Me There’s a Chance failed to stick the landing on Jacklyn.

     

     

    Understanding the mission

    The New Glenn will be sending up two payloads: NASA’s Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (ESCAPADE) mission, which will study Mars’ magnetosphere and how solar winds impact the Red Planet.

    The mission’s principal investigator Dr. Rob Lillis shared a bit more about ESCAPADE and how it will help humans once they get to Mars.

    He said that two satellites — called Blue and Gold in honor of the University of California, Berkeley’s colors — will study Mars’ magnetosphere and space weather.

    “The two spacecraft … will be characterizing the magnetic and space weather (i.e. plasma, radiation) environment on their way to Mars, then after they achieve Mars orbit, they’ll be measuring this environment in the solar wind and within Mars’ upper atmosphere, including rates of atmospheric escape,” Lillis explained to Spectrum News.

    The second payload is from global communications company ViaSat. Called the Viasat HaloNet Technology Demonstrator, the satellite will help with better communications between Earth and space.

    “Whether supporting Earth observation, scientific payloads, defense missions, or launch operations, HaloNet helps close the space-to-ground connectivity gap through a modular set of capabilities designed for resilience, reach, and responsiveness,” stated Viasat.

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    Anthony Leone

    Source link

  • FAA orders stop of commercial space launches during certain hours

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    CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION — Effective on Monday, commercial space launches and re-entries are only allowed during certain hours, according to the FAA.


    The FAA issued an order to restrict commercial space launches and re-entries to 10 p.m. through 6 a.m., starting Monday, Nov. 10, until the order is canceled.

    The order is to “ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficiency of the National Airspace System.”

    Spectrum News has reached out to various commercial space companies and U.S. agencies to see how this will impact specific launches.

    No one has yet commented on the FAA’s order.

    According to the Space Launch Delta 45, Florida has seen 92 launches for 2025. In 2024, the Sunshine State saw 93 launches.

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    Anthony Leone

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  • ULA pushes communications satellite launch to Thursday

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    CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION — United Launch Alliance stood down on an attempt to send up its Atlas V rocket that will carry a ViaSat communications satellite on Wednesday.

    The company stated it will try again on Thursday with a 44-minute launch window beginning at 10:16 p.m. ET.

    What You Need To Know

    • The ViaSat-3 Flight 2 mission was scrubbed Wednesday and ULA will try again Thursday night to launch the Atlas V 551 rocket from Space Launch Complex-41
    • The scrub did not allow for a rare double launch, as SpaceX sent up the Starlink 6-81 mission Wednesday evening

    According to ULA, crews encountered an issue while “cycling the booster liquid oxygen tank vent valve during final checkouts” around 10 minutes before a planned 10:24 p.m. liftoff. The launch was put into an unplanned hold state until a scrub was officially announced around 10:50 p.m. ET.


    The launch window for Wednesday night’s launch attempt opened at 10:24 p.m. ET and was set to close at 11:08 p.m. ET.

    A launch window is when the 205-foot-tall (62.5-meter) rocket needs to take off during that time frame.

    The ViaSat-3 Flight 2 mission will take off on the Atlas V 551 rocket, which stands at 205-feet-tall, from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, stated ULA.

    On Thursday, the 45th Weather Squadron is giving a favorable launch forecast at 80%, with the only concerns being the cumulus cloud and the thick cloud layers rules..

    The Atlas V 551 rocket’s first-stage booster does not land on a droneship or landing zone, which is what the more familiar SpaceX rocket, the Falcon 9, does. Instead, it will separate and fall into the Atlantic Ocean, where it will be picked up.

    In what was supposed to be a rare double launch on Wednesday, SpaceX successfully sent up the Starlink 6-81 mission that same night.

    About the mission

    Global communications company ViaSat’s broadband communications ViaSat-3 Flight 2 satellite will be sent to a geostationary orbit.

    In fact, the California-based company stated that it will take a couple of months for it to travel to its destinated orbit. But once there at an orbital slot located at 79 degrees west longitude, the satellite will run a series of in-orbit testing before going into service.

    “The ViaSat-3 satellites are each designed to provide coverage over nearly one-third of the Earth and ViaSat-3 F2 is expected to provide services over the Americas to address increasing customer demand. Launched in 2023, the ViaSat-3 F1 satellite will also continue to provide coverage over North America to meet user demand,” ViaSat stated.

    The satellite will provide communications services like free Wi-Fi for commercial aircraft, home internet, and connectivity for government and defense mission operations.

    Watch the launch here

     

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    Anthony Leone

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  • This November’s ‘Beaver Moon’ will be the biggest seen in several years

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    The second supermoon of the year will appear in the skies this Wednesday. The Beaver Moon, which is always the name of November’s full moon will be the second of three supermoons in 2025.

    The Beaver Moon will reach peak illumination around 8:19 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 5th.

    What You Need To Know

    • November’s full moon is known as the Beaver Moon

    • This is the second and biggest of three supermoons that will occur this year

    • The next supermoon will appear on December 4, 2025

    The Beaver Moon is named for the time of the year when beavers are preparing to take shelter in their dams for the winter months. An earlier sunset will allow many on the east coast to see the full moon for a longer period of time.

    What’s a supermoon?

    A supermoon is when the moon’s orbit is at its closest to Earth. The moon will appear brighter and larger than normal. This year’s Beaver Moon will be the biggest supermoon since 2019. It’s the second of three supermoons that round out 2025.

    Alternative names

    According to the farmer’s almanac, names of moons corresponded with entire lunar months and were derived from Native American, Colonial American and European sources.

    The month is a transitional month as we move away from summer toward fall and the alternative names reflect this. 

    • Digging (or Scratching) Moon (Tlingit)
    • Deer Rutting Moon (Dakota and Lakota)
    • Whitefish Moon (Algonquin)

    Check your local forecast here to see how clouds may affect your viewing.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • This November’s ‘Beaver Moon’ will be the biggest seen in several years

    [ad_1]

    The second supermoon of the year will appear in the skies this Wednesday. The Beaver Moon, which is always the name of November’s full moon will be the second of three supermoons in 2025.

    The Beaver Moon will reach peak illumination around 8:19 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 5th.

    What You Need To Know

    • November’s full moon is known as the Beaver Moon

    • This is the second and biggest of three supermoons that will occur this year

    • The next supermoon will appear on December 4, 2025

    The Beaver Moon is named for the time of the year when beavers are preparing to take shelter in their dams for the winter months. An earlier sunset will allow many on the east coast to see the full moon for a longer period of time.

    What’s a supermoon?

    A supermoon is when the moon’s orbit is at its closest to Earth. The moon will appear brighter and larger than normal. This year’s Beaver Moon will be the biggest supermoon since 2019. It’s the second of three supermoons that round out 2025.

    Alternative names

    According to the farmer’s almanac, names of moons corresponded with entire lunar months and were derived from Native American, Colonial American and European sources.

    The month is a transitional month as we move away from summer toward fall and the alternative names reflect this. 

    • Digging (or Scratching) Moon (Tlingit)
    • Deer Rutting Moon (Dakota and Lakota)
    • Whitefish Moon (Algonquin)

    Check your local forecast here to see how clouds may affect your viewing.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • This November’s ‘Beaver Moon’ will be the biggest seen in several years

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    The second supermoon of the year will appear in the skies this week. The Beaver Moon, which is always the name of November’s full moon, will be the second of three supermoons in 2025.

    The Beaver Moon will reach peak illumination around 8:19 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Nov. 5. Even though its peak is Wednesday morning, it will appear full on both Tuesday and Wednesday evening.

    What You Need To Know

    • November’s full moon is known as the Beaver Moon

    • This is the second and biggest of the three supermoons that will occur this year

    • The next supermoon will appear on Dec. 4, 2025

    The Beaver Moon is named for the time of the year when beavers are preparing to take shelter in their dams for the winter months. An earlier sunset will allow many on the east coast to see the full moon for a longer period of time.

    What’s a supermoon?

    A supermoon is when the moon’s orbit is at its closest to Earth. The moon will appear brighter and larger than normal. This year’s Beaver Moon will be the biggest supermoon since 2019. It’s the second of three supermoons that round out 2025.

    Alternative names

    According to the farmer’s almanac, names of moons corresponded with entire lunar months and were derived from Native American, Colonial American and European sources.

    The month is a transitional month as we move away from summer toward fall, and the alternative names reflect this. 

    • Digging (or Scratching) Moon (Tlingit)
    • Deer Rutting Moon (Dakota and Lakota)
    • Whitefish Moon (Algonquin)

    Check your local forecast here to see how clouds may affect your viewing.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • This November’s ‘Beaver Moon’ will be the biggest seen in several years

    [ad_1]

    The second supermoon of the year will appear in the skies this week. The Beaver Moon, which is always the name of November’s full moon, will be the second of three supermoons in 2025.

    The Beaver Moon will reach peak illumination around 8:19 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Nov. 5. Even though its peak is Wednesday morning, it will appear full on both Tuesday and Wednesday evening.

    What You Need To Know

    • November’s full moon is known as the Beaver Moon

    • This is the second and biggest of the three supermoons that will occur this year

    • The next supermoon will appear on Dec. 4, 2025

    The Beaver Moon is named for the time of the year when beavers are preparing to take shelter in their dams for the winter months. An earlier sunset will allow many on the east coast to see the full moon for a longer period of time.

    What’s a supermoon?

    A supermoon is when the moon’s orbit is at its closest to Earth. The moon will appear brighter and larger than normal. This year’s Beaver Moon will be the biggest supermoon since 2019. It’s the second of three supermoons that round out 2025.

    Alternative names

    According to the farmer’s almanac, names of moons corresponded with entire lunar months and were derived from Native American, Colonial American and European sources.

    The month is a transitional month as we move away from summer toward fall, and the alternative names reflect this. 

    • Digging (or Scratching) Moon (Tlingit)
    • Deer Rutting Moon (Dakota and Lakota)
    • Whitefish Moon (Algonquin)

    Check your local forecast here to see how clouds may affect your viewing.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • DOUBLE LAUNCH: SpaceX to launch 29 Starlink satellites

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    CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION — On a rare double launch night, SpaceX will launch 29 Starlink satellites on Wednesday. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The Falcon 9 rocket will send up the Starlink 6-81 mission from Space Launch Complex 40
    • ULA is scheduled to launch the ViaSat-3 Flight 2 mission around the same time

    The Falcon 9 rocket will send up the Starlink 6-81 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, stated SpaceX. 

    The launch window will open at 6:08 p.m. ET and it will close at 10:08 pm. ET. This means that SpaceX must launch during that time frame.  

    The 45th Weather Squadron gave a 95% chance of good liftoff conditions with no launch concerns. 

    Find out more about the weather criteria for a Falcon 9 launch.

    ULA is scheduled to launch the ViaSat-3 Flight 2 mission around the same time.

    Going up

    The Falcon 9’s first-stage booster for this mission, called B1094, is still pretty new.

    It has only had four launches so far.

    After the stage separation, the first-stage rocket is set to land on the droneship Just Read the Instructions that will be in the Atlantic Ocean.

    About the mission

    SpaceX owns the Starlink company, which will see its 29 satellites go to low-Earth orbit.

    Once deployed and in their orbit with the thousands of other Starlinks, they will provide internet service to many parts of Earth.

    Dr. Jonathan McDowell, of Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, has been documenting Starlink satellites.

    Before this launch, McDowell recorded the following:

    • 8,837 are in orbit
    • 7,559 are in operational orbit

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    Anthony Leone

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  • DOUBLE LAUNCH: ULA gets ready to launch global communications satellite

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    CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION — In a rare double launch night, United Launch Alliance is going to send up its Atlas V rocket that will carry a ViaSat communications satellite on Wednesday.

    What You Need To Know

    • The ViaSat-3 Flight 2 mission will take off from the Atlas V 551 rocket from Space Launch Complex-41
    • SpaceX is scheduled to launch the Starlink 6-81 mission around the same time on Wednesday

    The ViaSat-3 Flight 2 mission will take off on the Atlas V 551 rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, stated ULA.

    The launch window opens at 10:24 p.m. ET and closes at 11:08 p.m. ET, which means the 205-foot-tall (62.5-meter) rocket needs to take off during that time frame.

    The 45th Weather Squadron is giving a good launch forecast at 95%, with the only concerns being the cumulus cloud rule.

    The Atlas V 551 rocket’s first-stage booster does not land on a droneship or landing zone, which is what the more familiar SpaceX rocket, the Falcon 9, does. Instead, it will separate and fall into the Atlantic Ocean, where it will be picked up.

    About the mission

    Global communications company ViaSat’s broadband communications ViaSat-3 Flight 2 satellite will be sent to a geostationary orbit.

    In fact, the California-based company stated that it will take a couple of months for it to travel to its destinated orbit. But once there at an orbital slot located at 79 degrees west longitude, the satellite will run a series of in-orbit testing before going into service.

    “The ViaSat-3 satellites are each designed to provide coverage over nearly one-third of the Earth and ViaSat-3 F2 is expected to provide services over the Americas to address increasing customer demand. Launched in 2023, the ViaSat-3 F1 satellite will also continue to provide coverage over North America to meet user demand,” ViaSat stated.

    The satellite will provide communications services like free Wi-Fi for commercial aircraft, home internet, and connectivity for government and defense mission operations.

    Watch the launch here

     

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    Anthony Leone

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  • NASA’s next Mars mission will help future astronauts on the Red Planet

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    CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION — NASA and Blue Origin are planning to launch the ESCAPADE mission, where a pair of satellites will study Mars’ magnetosphere. ESCAPADE will eventually help future astronauts, the mission’s lead scientist shared. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket will launch the Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (ESCAPADE) mission
    • The two satellites called Blue and Gold will study the Martian Magnetosphere and how solar winds impact Mars
    • The mission’s principal investigator Dr. Rob Lillis shares a bit more about ESCAPADE with Spectrum News

    Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket will launch the Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (ESCAPADE) mission sometime next week.

    Before that happens, the mission’s principal investigator Dr. Rob Lillis shared a bit more about ESCAPADE and how it will help humans once they get to Mars.

    Taking us on an ESCAPADE

    This NASA mission is managed by the Space Sciences Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley, along with Rocket Lab, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Florida’s Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Advanced Space LLC, and Blue Origin, explained Lillis.

    The two satellites — called Blue and Gold in honor of the University of California, Berkeley’s colors, said Lillis — will be used to study Mars’ magnetic and space weather.

    “The two spacecraft … will be characterizing the magnetic and space weather (i.e. plasma, radiation) environment on their way to Mars, then after they achieve Mars orbit, they’ll be measuring this environment in the solar wind and within Mars’ upper atmosphere, including rates of atmospheric escape,” Lillis explained to Spectrum News in an email interview.

    There are many benefits to having two satellites for a mission like this, as it will be easier to measure solar winds and other conditions, he stated.

    “With a single orbiter (satellite), we could measure conditions in the upstream solar wind, but then have to wait a couple of hours before the spacecraft orbit brought us into the upper atmosphere to measure the rates of atmospheric escape. That’s too long: we know the space weather propagates through the system in only one or two minutes. With ESCAPADE, we can measure cause and effect at the same time, i.e. the solar wind and upper atmosphere simultaneously.  To start to understand this highly dynamic system, we need that cause-and-effect perspective,” according to Lillis.

    How the Martian magnetosphere can tell a story

    Mars’ magnetosphere is distinct and complex due to the magnetic and plasma environment that surrounds the planet, which is caused by the strong magnetized rocks in the planet’s crust and the electric currents in the upper atmosphere created by solar and atmospheric winds, Lillis commented.

    And it is why the magnetosphere is so different from other planets in our little solar system.

    “Unlike Earth, Mars’ relatively weak and patchy magnetosphere means it provides less of a protective barrier from the solar wind, which continuously eats away at Mars’ atmosphere. Studying this process helps scientists understand how Mars’ atmosphere has changed over time and what conditions might have been like in the past. For instance, a stronger ancient magnetosphere probably protected Mars’ atmosphere and surface from harsh solar radiation, possibly creating conditions more favorable for life,” Lillis shared.

    But also understanding Mars’ magnetosphere can help with future human missions to the Red Planet, noted Lillis.

    “Knowing how Mars’ hybrid magnetosphere interacts with potentially dangerous space weather helps us better forecast its effects and design better protection for both spacecraft and astronauts, both on the surface and in orbit.  In addition, variability in Mars’ ionosphere can distort radio signals, causing difficulties for human communication and navigation on the surface,” he wrote.

    Lillis added that when humans travel to Mars, they will need to rely on accurate space weather to stay safe from solar radiation storms, and understanding the magnetosphere and upper atmosphere will help with that.

    If the mission does launch at the end of this year and if the long commute goes well, it will still be a nail-biting experience, Lillis shared.

    “We will be biting our nails on September 1, 2027, as we await confirmation that Mars Orbit Insertion (MOI) has gone smoothly. This is what we call a ‘do or die’ maneuver: if the engines fail to fire at just the right time and for just the right duration, the spacecraft could be stranded in their own orbits around the sun, never to come back to Mars. If we are successful, we’ll be celebrating at our Mission Ops Center in the hills above the UC Berkeley campus, with a couple of cheeky beverages I’m sure,” he stated.

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    Anthony Leone

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  • NASA’s next Mars mission will help future astronauts on the Red Planet

    [ad_1]

    CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION — NASA and Blue Origin are planning to launch the ESCAPADE mission, where a pair of satellites will study Mars’ magnetosphere. ESCAPADE will eventually help future astronauts, the mission’s lead scientist shared. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket will launch the Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (ESCAPADE) mission
    • The two satellites called Blue and Gold will study the Martian Magnetosphere and how solar winds impact Mars
    • The mission’s principal investigator Dr. Rob Lillis shares a bit more about ESCAPADE with Spectrum News

    Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket will launch the Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (ESCAPADE) mission sometime next week.

    Before that happens, the mission’s principal investigator Dr. Rob Lillis shared a bit more about ESCAPADE and how it will help humans once they get to Mars.

    Taking us on an ESCAPADE

    This NASA mission is managed by the Space Sciences Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley, along with Rocket Lab, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Florida’s Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Advanced Space LLC, and Blue Origin, explained Lillis.

    The two satellites — called Blue and Gold in honor of the University of California, Berkeley’s colors, said Lillis — will be used to study Mars’ magnetic and space weather.

    “The two spacecraft … will be characterizing the magnetic and space weather (i.e. plasma, radiation) environment on their way to Mars, then after they achieve Mars orbit, they’ll be measuring this environment in the solar wind and within Mars’ upper atmosphere, including rates of atmospheric escape,” Lillis explained to Spectrum News in an email interview.

    There are many benefits to having two satellites for a mission like this, as it will be easier to measure solar winds and other conditions, he stated.

    “With a single orbiter (satellite), we could measure conditions in the upstream solar wind, but then have to wait a couple of hours before the spacecraft orbit brought us into the upper atmosphere to measure the rates of atmospheric escape. That’s too long: we know the space weather propagates through the system in only one or two minutes. With ESCAPADE, we can measure cause and effect at the same time, i.e. the solar wind and upper atmosphere simultaneously.  To start to understand this highly dynamic system, we need that cause-and-effect perspective,” according to Lillis.

    How the Martian magnetosphere can tell a story

    Mars’ magnetosphere is distinct and complex due to the magnetic and plasma environment that surrounds the planet, which is caused by the strong magnetized rocks in the planet’s crust and the electric currents in the upper atmosphere created by solar and atmospheric winds, Lillis commented.

    And it is why the magnetosphere is so different from other planets in our little solar system.

    “Unlike Earth, Mars’ relatively weak and patchy magnetosphere means it provides less of a protective barrier from the solar wind, which continuously eats away at Mars’ atmosphere. Studying this process helps scientists understand how Mars’ atmosphere has changed over time and what conditions might have been like in the past. For instance, a stronger ancient magnetosphere probably protected Mars’ atmosphere and surface from harsh solar radiation, possibly creating conditions more favorable for life,” Lillis shared.

    But also understanding Mars’ magnetosphere can help with future human missions to the Red Planet, noted Lillis.

    “Knowing how Mars’ hybrid magnetosphere interacts with potentially dangerous space weather helps us better forecast its effects and design better protection for both spacecraft and astronauts, both on the surface and in orbit.  In addition, variability in Mars’ ionosphere can distort radio signals, causing difficulties for human communication and navigation on the surface,” he wrote.

    Lillis added that when humans travel to Mars, they will need to rely on accurate space weather to stay safe from solar radiation storms, and understanding the magnetosphere and upper atmosphere will help with that.

    If the mission does launch at the end of this year and if the long commute goes well, it will still be a nail-biting experience, Lillis shared.

    “We will be biting our nails on September 1, 2027, as we await confirmation that Mars Orbit Insertion (MOI) has gone smoothly. This is what we call a ‘do or die’ maneuver: if the engines fail to fire at just the right time and for just the right duration, the spacecraft could be stranded in their own orbits around the sun, never to come back to Mars. If we are successful, we’ll be celebrating at our Mission Ops Center in the hills above the UC Berkeley campus, with a couple of cheeky beverages I’m sure,” he stated.

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    Anthony Leone

    Source link

  • How to reuse your pumpkins after Halloween

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    Halloween was a few days ago, but don’t throw out those pumpkins. There are lots ways to reuse your pumpkins or jack-o’-lanterns now that the trick-or-treating is done. 

    What You Need To Know

    • There are several ways to recycle your pumpkins

    • Leftover pumpkins can make tasty dishes

    • Pumpkin scraps are also an excellent fertilizer for your garden.

    Turn pumpkins into food

    If you didn’t carve the pumpkins yet, consider using it for food. You can scoop out the guts of the pumpkin and turn it into a puree.

    To make a puree, you need to cut up the pumpkin and roast the halves. After they’ve roasted, scoop out the flesh and blend it to turn into a puree.

    The puree could then be used to make pies, soups and sauces.

    (Pexels)

    You can also the roast the pumpkin seeds too after taking out the guts and rinsing them. One cup of pumpkin seeds is equivalent to approximately 12 grams of protein. 

    Pumpkin for animals

    Leftover pumpkins can also become bird feeders.

    You just have to cut off the top third of the pumpkin, empty the cavity, fill it with bird seeds and hang it in the yard for the birds.

    Check with your local zoo. Some will take donated pumpkin scraps and use them as feed for animals. Polar bears enjoy them as a snack.

    Composting pumpkins

    Pumpkins are also good for composting. You can use the pumpkin scraps to help fertilize your garden.

    You can even make it a game for kids to smash leftover pumpkins and use it as compost.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Meteorologist Keith Bryant

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