Global Scans · SpaceX · Weekly Summary

• [New] SpinLaunch predicts that its future commercial launches could cost between $1,250 and $2,500 per kilogram launched into space, which is less than half the cost of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rockets, which cost around $6,000 per kilogram. Live Science
• [New] Space Force issues $13.5 billion in contracts to 3 launch firms: The U.S. Space Force announced more than $13.5 billion in launch contracts Friday to SpaceX, United Launch Alliance and Blue Origin for missions that will fly between fiscal years 2027 and 2032. The Verardo Group's Substack
• [New] About one hour into flight, the Starlink satellites will be released, after which each spacecraft will maneuver into a refined orbit amongst SpaceX's growing megaconstellation. Space
• [New] Valuing SpaceX is complex and involves considering factors such as its rocket technology, satellite internet business, potential for Mars colonization, competitive landscape, and the influence of Elon Musk. TinyGrab
• [New] A Starlink IPO could provide SpaceX with additional capital, allow investors to participate in a high-growth internet service provider, and provide SpaceX with experience navigating the public markets. TinyGrab
• [New] The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded a combined $13.7 billion in launch service contracts to SpaceX, United Launch Alliance (ULA), and Blue Origin, marking the first time three companies will share responsibility for launching high-priority military and intelligence payloads. SpaceNews
• [New] SpaceX's constellation currently uses over 7,000 satellites, so the Project Kuiper and Starlink fleet will use over 10,000 LEO satellites once Amazon's network is complete. Engadget
• [New] Amazon has been slower to start, but sees its dominant web services business and consumer product experience as an edge over SpaceX for attracting Kuiper customers and mass-manufacturing consumer terminals, the pizza box-sized antennas that will communicate with Kuiper satellites overhead. The Indian Express
• [New] Although SpaceX has already launched around 8,000 Starlink satellites and gained millions of users worldwide, Amazon believes its consumer product experience and large-scale manufacturing will help attract Kuiper customers. Channeliam / Channel I'M English
• [New] SpaceX plans to launch its Mars mission by the end of 2026. IASPOINT
• [New] A historic mission, piloted by cryptocurrency mogul Chun Wang, will be launched on a SpaceX capsule, becoming the first time humans will travel directly over Earth's poles. Times of India
• [New] Elon Musk announces SpaceX's Starship spacecraft could launch to Mars as early as 2026, with human missions possible by 2029 or 2031. Times of India
• The Pentagon has hired Musk's Space X to build it a new constellation of low-earth orbit satellites to spy on China, Russia and other threats. runner
• Musk has publicly stated enterprising goals for SpaceX, including launching an uncrewed Starship to Mars by the end of 2026 and sending the first humans there by 2029. archyde
• Just last month, NASA awarded SpaceX approximately $100 million to launch a space telescope designed to detect asteroids that could pose a threat to Earth. archyde
• Launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, Al Munther will operate in a sun-synchronous orbit at 550 km for an expected lifespan of two years. Middle East Space Monitor by AzurX
• Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, announced plans to send Tesla's humanoid robot Optimus aboard the Starship rocket to Mars, targeting a launch late 2026. Tech Times
• SpaceX plans to construct a new launch and landing infrastructure at NASA's Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, which is pending environmental approval. WPEC
• In the near term, SpaceX plans to use Starship to greatly expand its fleet of Starlink internet satellites. NPR
• Rather than having to build giant rockets with massive thrusters in order to completely escape Earth's gravity, as SpaceX's temperamental Starship rocket does, sunbirds will allow any spacecraft that makes it into LEO to escape our planet's pull. Live Science
• In a groundbreaking step toward interplanetary exploration, SpaceX has announced that its Starship rocket will carry Tesla's humanoid robot, Optimus, on a mission to Mars by the end of 2026. Learn New Everyday
• Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has announced a new milestone in space exploration: by the end of 2026, the robotic humanoid Optimus is to travel to Mars on a mission to prepare the ground for a future colony. Universe Space Tech

Last updated: 14 April 2025