November 6th, 2024

Starship's Sixth Flight Test

SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft successfully docked with the International Space Station after launching aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, performing critical system checks and maneuvers to align with the station.

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Starship's Sixth Flight Test

SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft successfully executed a series of maneuvers during its flight to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission began with the Falcon 9 rocket lifting Dragon into orbit, where the two stages of the rocket separated. Following this, Dragon activated its systems and performed initial checks on propulsion, life support, and thermal control. The spacecraft then conducted phasing burns to adjust its orbit and catch up with the ISS. Once in proximity, Dragon established a communication link with the station and completed its final orbit-raising burn. The spacecraft autonomously approached the ISS, docking successfully, which was followed by pressurization of the vestibule, opening of the hatch, and crew ingress. This mission highlights SpaceX's ongoing efforts in human spaceflight and its capabilities in supporting ISS operations.

- SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft performed a successful mission to the International Space Station.

- The Falcon 9 rocket was used to launch Dragon into orbit.

- Dragon executed multiple maneuvers to align and dock with the ISS.

- The mission included checks on critical systems such as propulsion and life support.

- Successful docking allows for crew ingress and further collaboration with the ISS.

Link Icon 21 comments
By @modeless - 2 months
SpaceX just posted this video of the last test. It's one of the most inspiring things I've ever seen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hI9HQfCAw64

By @montagg - 2 months
I'm just going to choose peace today and say: the SpaceX engineers who've been at this forever and have shown that crazy stuff is actually possible are seriously amazing humans, and I do hope they are successful.
By @jmward01 - 2 months
I am a fan of space. I love the things that have happened with SpaceX and breaking the space industry out of a multi-decade rut, but is it possible to dsiconect the political ambitions of Musk from the technical achievements? Or, to put it more clearly, should the discussion be less about 'look how cool this tech is!' and more about 'This tech will be the gateway to space and Mars, shouldn't we be talking about the gatekeeper?'
By @chairmanwow1 - 2 months
Well, I started planning a road trip down Austin as soon as I saw this post. Crew of friends is coming together to watch! Thanks for posting. I'm so excited to witness this in person.
By @waltbosz - 2 months
> the 30-minute launch window will open at 4:00 p.m. CT

Is that correct? They're launching in the afternoon this time?

By @anticrymactic - 2 months
Last times catch was incredible, anything groundbreaking being attempted this time?
By @lupusreal - 2 months
Note that there will not be an official livestream on Youtube. Every time there are some people who fall for scammers pretending to be one and end up listening to an AI impersonation of Elon Musk try to sell them cryptocoins, missing the real launch.

If you must watch on youtube, NSF or Everyday Astronaut typically have good (unofficial) livestreams.

By @pomian - 2 months
App recommendation, there is a web site and an excellent app, (Apple and Google), I learned about on hn, called: next spaceflight. It lists all the upcoming space flights, launches, etc around the world, with times locations and links to watch. The app is very noninvasive, and for once has a useful notification system you can set to remind you, that a launch is imminent. Of course has other tabs, such as historical flights, etc.
By @WalterBright - 2 months
Science fiction becomes reality!

Love the diamonds in the exhaust!

By @mise_en_place - 2 months
Does anyone know how to witness these launch events live? Is it open to the public or only SpaceX employees + friends & family?
By @jimnotgym - 2 months
I imagine SpaceX is on for some pretty juicy government contracts now!
By @silexia - 2 months
We all recognize Elon Musk is brilliant and big hearted person putting humanity first in many areas of life: business, programming, science, etc. Why is it so hard to recognize his brilliance and good heartedness in politics just because he is across the aisle?
By @adamm255 - 2 months
Can someone give me sources for how to debunk this? https://youtu.be/75a49S4RTRU?si=dcGFgcIWNz3nDwxw

For me, it’s compelling but I’m no expert. Anyone got any background that can prove this guy is wrong?

By @486sx33 - 2 months
Completely amazing.
By @MrSkelter - 2 months
There is so much hype here from people who don’t seem to understand that Space X is years behind schedule and over budget.

Saturn V went to the moon with crew on its sixth flight. Space X have yet to complete a flight without an accident or lift any payload at all, putting aside their claimed capability.

People seem so dazzled by the hype that they fail to see this system isn’t working.

Each rocket costs the taxpayer billions and this far they are being destroyed. Even worse the cost per seat with Space X in Falcon is not cheaper than Soyuz in real terms despite the reusability.

Wonder why the cost of refurbishing these rockets isn’t shared?

This will be downvoted but it doesn’t make any of it untrue. Space X is failing in front of cheering crowds who think they are inventing what they have copied.

By @bnastic - 2 months
Thread devolved into petty politics quicker than expected.
By @unaut - 2 months
Seriously, who cares! There are far more interesting stuff in space exploration than this flight tests of a giant boiler that's been going on for years now.