Launch Roundup: Starliner delays second launch attempt; Falcon 9 to launch first batch into new spy constellation
## A Week in Space: Delays, Record Launches, and New Spy Constellations
This week in space was a whirlwind of activity, with delays, record launches, and new spy constellations taking center stage. Here’s a breakdown of the key events:
**Starliner’s Second Attempt:** Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, poised for its first crewed flight test, encountered a delay due to a faulty valve on the launch vehicle. The mission is now scheduled for May 21, aiming to become the first crewed launch from Cape Canaveral since Apollo 7.
**Record Launch Pace:** Despite the Starliner delay, the overall launch tempo remains high, with 96 orbital attempts so far this year – a significant increase compared to previous years.
**SpaceX Dominance:** SpaceX continues its dominance, with three Falcon 9 launches planned for the week, including two Starlink missions and a classified payload for the National Reconnaissance Office. This marks the first of a new spy satellite constellation.
**Blue Origin’s Return to Flight:** Blue Origin is set to launch its first crewed New Shepard mission since December 2023, carrying six passengers, including former Air Force Captain Ed Dwight, who is poised to become the oldest person to fly in space.
**Solar Flare Disruptions:** A powerful X-class solar flare caused a level 5 geomagnetic storm, disrupting radio signals and briefly impacting some satellites. However, SpaceX reported that its Starlink constellation weathered the storm without significant issues.
**Soyuz Launch Mystery:** A Soyuz launch from Russia is scheduled for Thursday, with an unknown payload likely targeting a polar orbit.
**Starlink Expansion:** SpaceX launched another batch of Starlink satellites, including the Direct-to-Cell variant, which enables direct communication between cellphones and the satellites.
**Looking Ahead:** Next week marks the fifth anniversary of the first Starlink test satellites, with the network now boasting 2.7 million subscribers and aiming for .6 billion in revenue by year’s end.
This week’s events highlight the rapid advancements in space exploration, with commercial players like SpaceX leading the charge. The launch of the new spy satellite constellation and the upcoming Starliner mission are sure to keep space enthusiasts glued to their screens in the coming weeks.
