Private spaceflight

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closeup of a silver rocket booster held above ground by the mechanical arms of its launch tower, with the ocean in the background

SpaceX practices for epic Starship booster catch attempt (photos)

By Mike Wall published

The next test flight of SpaceX's Starship megarocket will feature an attempt to catch the vehicle's first stage with the launch tower — and the company is practicing for the big moment.

Private Spaceflight
A white and black SpaceX rocket launches into the twilight sky.

SpaceX blasts proposed FAA fines in complaint letter to Congress

By Mike Wall published

SpaceX has sent a letter to high-ranking Senate and House committee members contesting the $630,000 fine proposed by the FAA for alleged launch violations.

Private Spaceflight
SpaceX conducts a static fire test with the Starship upper stage that will perform the vehicle's sixth test flight. The test occurred on Sept. 18, 2024.

SpaceX fires up 6th Starship to prep for test flight (video, photo)

By Mike Wall published

SpaceX fired up the engines of its sixth Starship vehicle on Wednesday (Sept. 18) to gear up for a test flight that's probably still several months away.

Private Spaceflight
White and black rocket launching into a blue sky with white clouds

FAA plans to fine SpaceX $630,000 for alleged launch violations

By Mike Wall published

The FAA has proposed fining SpaceX more than $630,000 for allegedly failing to comply with regulations on two launches in 2023.

Private Spaceflight
The Polaris Dawn crew of Anna Menon (at left), Scott Poteet, Jared Isaacman and Sarah Gillis seen aboard Dragon "Resilience" after their splashdown and recovery, Sept. 15, 2024.

9 firsts in 5 days: Polaris Dawn crew lands from history-making SpaceX mission

By Robert Z. Pearlman published

Four private astronauts are back on Earth after a five-day mission that set firsts and broke records in an effort to advance human spaceflight.

Private Spaceflight
polaris dawn crew members in black jumpsuits pose in front of spacex starship hardware

Polaris Dawn: Everything you need to know about the 1st mission of the Polaris Program

By Elizabeth Howell last updated

Reference Polaris Dawn was the first of three missions of the Polaris Program. The mission flew on a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft and was commanded by Jared Isaacman.

Reference
The four private Polaris Dawn astronauts wave during a video downlink from their SpaceX Dragon capsule on Sept. 13, 2024.

SpaceX's private Polaris Dawn astronauts will return to Earth early Sunday. Here's how to watch live online

By Josh Dinner published

After five days in space aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon, the crew of Polaris Dawn will return to Earth early TKday, and you can watch the landing live.

Private Spaceflight
a woman plays violin while floating in zero gravity inside a white spacecraft cabin

SpaceX Polaris Dawn astronaut plays 'Star Wars' song in music video beamed from space (video)

By Brett Tingley published

Polaris Dawn astronaut Sarah Gillis released a new music video from space while playing violin inside the mission's Crew Dragon spacecraft.

Private Spaceflight
drone's-eye view of a giant rocket launching from a seaside pad, generating a huge plume of dust and exhaust

SpaceX's Starship won't be licensed to fly again until late November, FAA says

By Mike Wall published

SpaceX's Starship likely won't be able to fly again until late November at the earliest, because the FAA and partner agencies need more time for licensing reviews.

Private Spaceflight
A spaceman pops out of a spacecraft above earth

SpaceX Polaris Dawn astronauts perform historic 1st private spacewalk in orbit (video)

By Brett Tingley published

Two Polaris Dawn astronauts completed the world's first all-private spacewalk in their new SpaceX extravehicular activity suits, on Day 3 of the groundbreaking mission.

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