SpaceX

Crew-12 Launches as Colleagues Prepare to Explore the Moon

By Bob Granath | February 13, 2026

NASA is beginning a new era of space exploration as four astronauts were launched to the International Space Station for a long-duration science expedition. At the same time, a quartet of their colleagues are preparing for a mission to the Moon. On Feb. 11, 2026, Crew-12 launched atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as a Space Launch System rocket is being prepared for the Artemis II mission for humanity’s first trip to the lunar region in more than 50 years.

Another Record Number of Rockets Launched During 2025

By Bob Granath | January 15, 2026

Early on the morning of Dec. 17, 2025, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center with a group of Starlink satellites to provide internet to underserved areas. It was the 109th launch of the year breaking the record of 93 launches during the previous 12 months. As 2026 dawned, NASA also stands at the cusp of a new era of exploration as the agency prepares to renew human exploration of the Moon.

Crew-11 Mission ‘Embodies Teamwork Across Nations’

By Bob Granath | August 1, 2025

On Aug. 1, 2025, a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft launched with four astronauts representing space agencies from three nations. They plan a six-month stay aboard the International Space Station continuing research aboard the orbital laboratory. What is learned in orbit also will benefit humans living on and off the Earth and help NASA prepare for operations on and around the Moon and, eventually, Mars.

Crew-10 Launches for Science Research Aboard Space Station

By Bob Granath | March 14, 2025

A SpaceX Crew Dragon lifted off at 7:03 p.m. EDT on March 14, 2025, from Launch Complex 39A at NASA Kennedy Space Center for the Crew-10 mission. NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, along with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Takuya Onishi and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov of Russia plan a six-month stay aboard the International Space Station. Ongoing research aboard the orbiting laboratory is designed to benefit humans living on and off the Earth.

Premier Multi-user Spaceport Concludes Record-Breaking Year

By Bob Granath | January 16, 2025

As 2024 came to a close, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket streaked into the pre-dawn skies over Florida’s Space Coast on Dec. 31 marking the 93rd liftoff of the year. It broke the record of 72 set the year before and shattered the mark of 57 in 2022. During the peak of NASA’s Gemini Program, the previous record was 33 launched in 1966 during the lead up to the Apollo lunar landing effort.

Crew-9 Demonstrates Flexibility of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program

By Bob Granath | September 29, 2024

On Sept. 28, 2024, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station with NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov of Russia. Launching the Crew Dragon with two unoccupied seats is part of the agency’s decision to return the Boeing Crew Flight Test Starliner spacecraft uncrewed demonstrating the flexibility of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

Crew Flight Test a ‘Tremendously Historical Marker’ for NASA

By Bob Granath | June 5, 2024

In a crucial milestone for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, the first crewed flight of Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner launched into the Florida Space Coast skies at 10:52 a.m. EDT on June 5, 2024. The agency now has a second vehicle to send astronauts from American soil to and from the International Space Station. With two agency astronauts aboard, the Crew Flight Test (CFT) lifted off atop a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket from Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Crew-8 Launched for Six-Months of Research Aboard the Space Station

By Bob Granath | March 5, 2024

A SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft lifted off on March 3, 2024, with three Americans and one Russian for a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Ongoing research aboard the orbital laboratory is designed to benefit humans living on and off the Earth. What is learned in orbit also will help NASA prepare for long-term operations on and around the Moon and eventual exploration of Mars.

Premier, Multi-User Spaceport Sets Record for Launches During 2023

By Bob Granath | December 26, 2023

During 2023, 72 rockets launched into the skies regularly rumbling windows along Florida’s Space Coast proving, again, that NASA’s Kennedy Space Center with Cape Canaveral Space Force Station have been established as America’s premier multi-user spaceport. The new record shattered the previous number set only last year during which 57 rockets lifted off.

Dragon Re-entry Creates Rare Spectacle for Earthbound Viewers

By Bob Granath | September 18, 2023

A rocket thundering into space is a familiar sight for residents of Florida’s Space Coast. In the past two years, more than once a week windows rattle as launch vehicles send satellites to orbit and spacecraft on missions beyond Earth. However, those who were outside on a recent evening witnessed a rare spectacle. A spacecraft streaked across the night sky as four astronauts aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere.

Tag: SpaceX