The Space Race Roundup - June 11th, 2024

Author

Juan Fernández
June 11, 2024

Hi, space fans! 

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Space Race Weekly Roundup, your ultimate source for the latest in space and astronomy. Get ready as we explore recent rocket launches, groundbreaking discoveries, and visionary projects that are expanding our understanding of the cosmos.

SpaceX’s Starship Soars in Fourth Flight Test

SpaceX has successfully launched and landed its Starship and Super Heavy booster on their fourth integrated flight test. The mission tested various flight phases, from liftoff and hot staging to reentry and splashdown. Despite some damage to the forward flap, Starship managed to achieve all test objectives, offering valuable data for future missions. Elon Musk hinted at a possible fifth flight by mid to late July, potentially including a catch attempt for the Super Heavy booster.

Chang’e-6: Lunar Samples Ready for Earth Return!

China’s Chang’e-6 ascent vehicle has successfully docked in lunar orbit and is set to return with samples from the Moon's far side. This mission marks only the second successful lunar orbit rendezvous and docking operation, mirroring the complexity of NASA’s Apollo missions. The samples, collected from deep within the Moon’s crust, promise to shed light on the differences between the Moon’s near and far sides, providing valuable insights into the history of the solar system.

First In-Space 3D Metal Printing on the ISS

A technological milestone has been achieved on the ISS with the successful operation of the first metal 3D printer in space. Developed by Airbus under ESA’s contract, the printer produced a test line made of stainless steel, marking the beginning of a new era in in-space manufacturing. This breakthrough could pave the way for producing tools and structural components directly in orbit, reducing the need for launches from Earth.

NASA Exploring Alternative Mars Sample Return Methods

NASA is advancing its Mars Sample Return mission by exploring faster and more affordable methods to bring Martian samples back to Earth. Ten studies have been commissioned to develop innovative solutions, with contributions from both industry leaders like Lockheed Martin and SpaceX and research institutions such as NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Virgin Galactic’s Final Flight of VSS Unity

On June 8, 2024, Virgin Galactic’s VSS Unity made its final flight, taking a six-member crew to suborbital space. This mission, which included various scientific experiments, marks the end of an era as Virgin Galactic shifts focus to its next-generation Delta Class spaceplanes. These new spacecraft promise higher flight cadence and lower operational costs, aiming for commercial service by 2026.

First Spacewalk for Shenzhou 18 Crew

The Shenzhou 18 crew conducted their first spacewalk outside the Tiangong space station, completing several critical tasks. Mission commander Senior Colonel Ye Guangfu and crew member Lieutenant Colonel Li Guangsu installed space debris shield devices and checked extravehicular equipment. This spacewalk, the 16th by Chinese astronauts, marks another step forward in China's expanding human spaceflight program.

📹 Our latest videos

In case you missed them, here are the latest videos we've published on our YouTube channel

🚀 Upcoming Rocket Launches

Mark your calendars!

Here are the upcoming rocket launches scheduled for this week:

  • Wednesday, June 12: Falcon 9 (SpaceX) - Starlink Group 10-2 mission

  • Friday, June 14: Falcon 9 (SpaceX) - Starlink Group 9-1 mission

  • Monday, June 17: Falcon 9 (SpaceX) - Astra 1P/SES-24 mission

  • Tuesday, June 18: Electron (Rocket Lab) - “No Time Toulouse” mission

And that’s all for this week! 

Stay tuned for more updates and keep looking up. If you enjoyed this roundup, feel free to share it with fellow space fans.

Juan from The Space Race team