Acquisition of Orbital ATK approved, company renamed Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems
These two really are a perfect fit for each other. What a horrible name.
Episode T+84: The End of NASA Exploration Exclusivity
Last week, China opened up their future space station to other nations, and Blue Origin laid some hints about their lunar ambitions. Both of these stories are indicative of what I think the next era of exploration will look like, and it has interesting implications for NASA.
Off-Nominal Studios East
May was absolutely crazy—a bit of vacation, a new (first!) house, and a few more life events sprinkled in. But things are just about settled down, and Off-Nominal Studios East is complete.
Thanks to May Patrons
Very special thanks to the 203 of you out there supporting Main Engine Cut Off on Patreon for the month of May. Your support keeps this blog and podcast going, and most importantly, it keeps it independent.
Episode T+83: Falcon 9 Block 5, RL10 on Centaur V
Two events worth discussing happened while I was on vacation—the first Block 5 Falcon 9 took flight, and ULA selected RL10 for Centaur V.
Charges Against ARCA CEO Dumitru Popescu Dropped
Honestly, I still have no idea what to make of it, but Popescu defended himself in front of a grand jury for 14 hours and they agreed with his case. Let’s see where ARCA goes from here.
Episode 08 - God Save The Queen
While Anthony is away in Europe, Jake is joined by fellow space podcasters Matt and Jamie from the Interplanetary Podcast to discuss Jake's trip to California to see InSight and what's going on in the UK Space Industry.
Episode 08 - God Save The Queen
While Anthony is away in Europe, Jake is joined by fellow space podcasters Matt and Jamie from the Interplanetary Podcast to discuss Jake's trip to California to see InSight and what's going on in the UK Space Industry.
Episode 08 - God Save The Queen
While Anthony is away in Europe, Jake is joined by fellow space podcasters Matt and Jamie from the Interplanetary Podcast to discuss Jake's trip to California to see InSight and what's going on in the UK Space Industry.
Episode T+82: Jon Goff, Altius Space Machines
Jon Goff of Altius Space Machines joins me to talk about how he got to where he is today and what’s ahead for Altius—including satellite servicing with Bulldog, propellant depots, cryo couplers, and wet labs.
Episode T+81: Resource Prospector Cancellation
Last week, we heard news that the Resource Prospector mission has been cancelled. I spend some time thinking through my initial reactions to the news, and speculate about what the path ahead may hold for lunar development.
Thanks to April Patrons
Very special thanks to the 192 of you out there supporting Main Engine Cut Off on Patreon for the month of April. Your support keeps this blog and podcast going, and most importantly, it keeps it independent.
Strategic Forces Subcommittee Pushes for Air Force Program Focused on Next-Generation Upper Stages
This language is surely the byproduct of ULA lobbying for funding that can be used for Centaur V and ACES, but I would absolutely support a program focused on upper stages.
Episode T+80: DARPA Launch Challenge
The DARPA Launch Challenge has been officially unveiled, so I spent some time breaking down the competition and speculating about who will enter and what DARPA wants out of it.
Falcon 9 Turnaround
“At four-months 20 days between Zuma and Iridium NEXT-6/GRACE-FO, this will be the fastest Falcon 9 first stage turnaround between flights to date.”
BE-4 Updates
Alan Boyle, for GeekWire, with a handful of BE-4 updates, including some behind-the-scenes insight on ULA’s decision and the testing issue last year.
OA-9E Cygnus Might Reboost ISS
Chris Gebhardt, for NASASpaceflight, on a very cool aspect of the upcoming OA-9E mission.
Episode T+79: Orbital ATK’s OmegA, NASA’s Bridenstine
Orbital ATK unveiled the name and additional technical details of their new launch vehicle, OmegA. Jim Bridenstine was finally confirmed as the new NASA Administrator.
Taco Bell Space Station
The name “Taco Bell Space Station” would do a hell of a lot more to get public buy-in for a space program than “Lunar Orbiting Platform—Gateway,” that’s for sure.
OmegA
Awkward and clunky. The name isn’t great, either.