Max Q - Space starts to feel the impact of coronavirus

Sunday, March 15, 2020 • By Darrell Etherington

Space, like everything else, is feeling the impact of the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic this week. NASA has implemented measures including what they term a ‘Stage 2’ policy across all agency sites, which means working from home is encouraged for anyone able to do so.

Meanwhile, some things are still proceeding as normal, including a SpaceX Starlink launch – though that attempt was scrubbed on Sunday due to circumstances unrelated to COVID-19.

SpaceX aborts Starlink launch at the last second

SpaceX had scheduled a Starlink satellite launch for Sunday morning, and while everything appeared to be going smoothly leading up to launch time, the system auto-aborted at T-0 in the countdown due to irregular readings from the launch vehicle’s engine power monitoring equipment.

SpaceX is currently evaluating when it’ll reset for another attempt, but the launch vehicle and payload look to be in good shape at least.

SpaceX aborts Starlink launch at the last second image

Orion spacecraft completes testing

NASA’s Orion spacecraft, which will be used during the first ever Artemis mission, has wrapped up testing at the agency’s facility in Ohio and will soon make its way to Florida for final integration into its SLS launch vehicle. Artemis 1, set to launch next year, will be an uncrewed flight to prepare for flying astronauts on board Orion and ultimately returning to the Moon.

NASA details added steps to protect astronauts

Keeping astronauts healthy ahead of any mission they are undertaking to space is always a crucial concern for NASA, but it becomes especially so in light of coronavirus. As mentioned above, the agency implemented Stage 2 conditions for all its facilities on Friday, but it’s also taking extra precautions to protect the health of Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley, the two astronauts set to fly aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule for the first time this spring.

NASA details added steps to protect astronauts image

SLS rocket is behind schedule and over budget

An internal NASA report details how the SLS rocket that will be used to take the Orion spacecraft to the Moon is at least two years behind schedule and $2 billion over budget. The report, prepared by the Office of the Inspector General of NASA, says these shortfalls apply to each component of the program, and though these are arguably already built in to the current working timelines, it does put the agency’s goal of a 2024 Moon landing in doubt.

Space Force and why it's a key shift for U.S. defense

Experts weigh in on the formation of Space Force, and why this is a huge – and necessary – new evolution of the U.S. defense landscape. Jon Shieber summarizes a discussion from a panel of specialists that examines why there’s a threat to space-based resources that merits more organized and dedicated armed defense. Extra Crunch subscription required.

Space Force and why it's a key shift for U.S. defense image

Momentus buys SpaceX rideshare slots

Momentus, a company that provides in-space tug service for small satellite payloads looking for specialized orbit insertions, has booked six berths aboard SpaceX’s new rideshare rocket offerings. Expect more of this as Momentus looks to use more affordable launch services from Earth to space to support its own ‘last-mile’ space-based delivery services.

Rocket Lab's Peter Beck will be speaking at TC Sessions: Space

Our upcoming Space event in LA will host Rocket Lab’s Peter Beck, who runs arguably the most successful private launch startup outside of SpaceX. He’ll be able to discuss his company’s focus on growth, which includes expanding its launch operations with two new launch pads, and ramping up its rocket production time, plus seeking to introduce re-use to its launch system.

Of course, we’re mindful of the current COVID-19 situation and its impact on live events, and any updates that may result to our programming as the situation develops can be tracked here.