#Billionaires plan to launch tens of thousands of new satellites. Experts are working hard to ensure this doesn't lead to a disaster that ends human access to orbit.
by Dave Mosher, Dec 27, 2019
"#SpaceX, #Amazon, #OneWeb, and reportedly even #Apple plan to collectively launch tens of thousands of internet-beaming #satellites over the next decade.
"SpaceX, founded by #ElonMusk, has the most ambitious plans with approval from the US government to launch nearly 12,000 of its #Starlink satellites — though it's seeking permission to launch a total of 42,000.
"Though Musk said Starlink satellites have collision-avoidance systems, one came relatively close to smashing into a European satellite in September [2019].
"The likelihood of satellite collisions and dangerous space debris will go up as more spacecraft are launched. Militaries that destroy satellites during tests or wars will make the problem even worse.
"Experts worry that debris orbiting Earth could lead to a '#KesslerSyndrome' domino effect that cuts off human access to #space for hundreds or even thousands of years."
As #NASA#SpaceX#Crew6 pilot (2nd in command) Woody Hoburg @Astro_Woody sat down, the CapCom astronaut in Mission Control told him he was wearing a shirt they had talked about. Good time to mention I wore a SpaceX Dragon t-shirt for the launch. #Falcon9#NewSpace#CommercialCrew
TEA-TEB (triethylaluminum-triethylborane) is a chemical used for Falcon 9 rocket ignition. An issue loading it was the cause of the scrub. Now off-loading propellants to safe the vehicle. / #Crew6#NASA#SpaceX#Falcon9#CrewDragon#Endeavour#NewSpace
Until propellants are offloaded, with 30min remaining, the astronauts stay seated in case the escape rockets activate to launch the #CrewDragon a few miles off-shore. They have practiced this. Next launch opportunity 24 hours. / #Crew6#NASA#SpaceX#Falcon9#Endeavour#NewSpace
I've been at #NASA Kennedy Space Center for launch scrubs on Space Shuttle (STS-134 Endeavour) & Falcon 9 (CRS-3 cargo). I've heard some complaints. Remember launches are not for spectators. A safe launch is priority. / #Crew6#SpaceX#Falcon9#CrewDragon#Endeavour#NewSpace
The next launch opportunity is a 24-hour turnaround. But don't expect #NASA to announce the next #Crew6 launch attempt until crews have time to determine what caused tonight's scrub and what it will take to fix. Stay tuned.👀 / #SpaceX#Falcon9#CrewDragon#Endeavour#NewSpace
#SpaceX launch commentator reiterated an old #aviation saying, "It's better to be on the ground wishing you were flying, than flying and wishing you were on the ground." Outward appearance indicates healthy risk management. / #Crew5#NASA#Falcon9#CrewDragon#Endurance#NewSpace