#private space exploration

[vaguely-problematic]

Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lunar lander has successfully landed on the Moon 🌚

March 2, 2025

[political-us]

This is Elon Musk's daring $1bn plan to destroy the ISS - The International Space Station (ISS), which has been in orbit since 1998, won’t be around forever.

• Why the ISS Will End:

The ISS is aging and expensive to maintain. Instead of spending huge amounts to keep it running, space agencies have decided that it’s time to safely retire the station.

• What “Destroy the ISS” Means:

“Destroy” here doesn’t mean an explosion or uncontrolled crash. It means deorbiting the ISS in a controlled way so that it safely reenters Earth’s atmosphere. During reentry, most of the station will burn up, and any surviving pieces will fall into a remote part of the ocean where they won’t harm people or property.

• How It Will Happen:

A specially designed spacecraft—often called a deorbit or reentry vehicle—will be attached to the ISS. This vehicle will perform maneuvers (like a final “push”) to guide the ISS on a precise path. The goal is to have it break up and burn as much as possible during its descent, with any remaining debris landing in an uninhabited area, such as a remote region in the South Pacific.

• The Bigger Picture:

Besides safely ending the ISS’s mission, this plan is part of a transition to a new era of space exploration. NASA and its partners are looking to move from government-run platforms like the ISS to commercial space stations. These new platforms are expected to be more cost-effective and could offer greater opportunities for research and even commercial activities in low-Earth orbit.

In short, the article discusses the carefully planned process to “destroy” the ISS—not in a violent or uncontrolled way, but by deliberately sending it into Earth’s atmosphere so that it burns up safely, paving the way for future space stations run by private companies.

https://www.sciencefocus.com/space/destroy-the-iss

[definitelynotshouting]

In hunger au, are we ever going to get a “flashback” type scene to when grian got found out? It’s just such an interesting idea to me. Would love to see it explored. Also wanted to ask about what one of the other people meant when they mentioned about ex flower husbands being in this story. Thank you if you answer :)

-🪷

Im not sure if we'll get a proper, immersive flashback in-text for the initial confrontation scene when Grian was found out-- most likely we'll continue to get references to it both in the narration and dialogue between characters, although i wont rule the idea of a fully fleshed flashback scene out!!! That being said, the confrontation of Grian being responsible for the games is something that id love to explore in a separate oneshot :] there are several of those that i want to write for hunger au alongside the main fic, and that one has actually been among the first few on the list since i thought of it!! So you'll see more of that situation eventually, regardless of if its in a oneshot or the greater text :]]

As for flower husbands, theyre exes in hunger au, although they still talk to each other and are amicable. This is actually referenced in a transcript ficlet i wrote here on tumblr (that i should probably post to ao3 for the sake of keeping everything together...), which you can find here! I dont plan on this coming up overmuch in the main fic, but it is an element that adds an additional layer of complexity to why Scott has been helping the rescue crew. I hope this answered your questions anon!! Thanks for asking them :]

[greenerteacups]

Hi GT! Congratulations on the last chapter, as always! Lately my brain has been fixated on a detail that I find very interesting. I can't help but think that any adult in LH who is preparing for war has at least once thought while looking at Draco "ok, this could definitely help us in the future". And I find it almost hilarious because I love the way you characterize Artur and Molly and their protective instinct towards the kids... but let's be honest, Hermione, Ron and Harry have ensured the heir of the greatest house in the wizarding world to the cause.

One of the interesting parts about the Harry Potter series is that both sides of the conflict use child soldiers, and you get to see a realistic range of reactions to that from the adults around them. There's Molly, who's reasonably unconditionally opposed to it on the grounds that They're Children, and then Sirius, who unreasonably supports it on the grounds of being himself a stunted teenager, and then Mad-Eye, who reasonably supports it on the grounds of "they're going to have to fight anyway," and Dumbledore, who is some combination of these viewpoints depending on the situation — most protective of Harry when the danger is real, but perhaps necessarily the most realistic about Harry's role in ending the war. Lionheart has a slightly different cast of adults, because it's a different POV, but you still see a range of opinions from Narcissa ("you'll harm my son over my dead body, but also he needs to be able to defend myself") to Snape ("careful, Draco") to Moody (the same, arguably more so, because he's thinking of the long game) and Dumbledore (again, some situation-dependent combination of viewpoints). The kids are often so caught up in their own part of the conflict that it doesn't occur to them the strategic decisions that are happening over their heads — when you're a teen and an adult tells you you're too young for something, the kneejerk reaction is "fuck off" — but there are always conversations happening in other rooms, especially in Grimmauld Place.

[pergaminaa]

Modern au:

When Dorian started dating Manon, he was able to see a few things in her that made him suspect something was off. At that point, he was able to see the pressure her grandmother put her under and he felt helpless in the face of that kind of thing.

Manon was really going out of her way to make sure everything is perfect and yet her grandmother kept scrutinizing her.

At formal events, he got to see that first hand. Manon would be super stressed, it would get worse about 2-3 days prior where her anxiety is at it’s peak; she won’t be able to sleep, and can’t keep anything down.

Dorian can see all of her effort and yet her grandmother’s responses are a variety of

“Don’t embarrass me,”

“What a disgrace,”

“This is worthless,”

And it really angers him.

But that was nothing compared to what he saw when they moved in together.

Prior to that, Manon was able to maintain her mask of aloofness and perfection. It was only when they lived together than Dorian saw how she struggles with insecurity and abandonment issues.

He learned of the long months she’d spend at boarding school, her grandmother wouldn’t allow her to return home if her grades are anything below a 100%. She’d call her an embarrassment and let her spend the holidays studying and making up for those grades.

He also saw how she struggles with boundaries sometimes. Moreover, he noticed that she instantly panics whenever she thinks that she made a mistake. Like forgetting her jacket on the counter, or leaving some of her work behind on the coffee table.

Dorian hates hates hates how her grandmother turned her into this person. She honestly believes that as soon as she commits the tiniest mistake, Dorian is going to leave and find someone better. He told her time and again that he doesn’t want anyone else, better or worse. He wants only her and nothing will ever change that.

But of course, his reassurance does nothing to elevate those issues that have been there for two decades. All he can is promise to always be there, that no matter what happens he isn’t going to leave or find someone else.

Now another issue is their families. They attend the same social circles and their families no each other. Chaol is against their relationship because he wants someone other than a Blackbeak to be with his friend. Aelin doesn’t care much, she tries to get along with Manon but the two of them don’t spend any time together to have any sort of relationship.

Then there are his parents; Georgina wants to pick her son’s lifelong partner. The fact that he’s with the Blackbeak heir infuriates her to no end.

Now normally he would ignore everyone and does as he pleases. However, now that he lives with Manon and knows exactly how vulnerable she is, he had a meeting with his parents and Chaol.

He sat them all down, and told them in no certain terms that if he brings Manon over for a visit, if any one of them make her feel unwanted, he’d get her out of there immediately and never return back there.

Dorian is serious, she’s been though enough and he sees how she struggles. That the perfectly put up woman is hiding a lot of things underneath and he hates how he can’t shoulder some of those things. All he can do is love her through it all and hope that one day it will be enough.

[weirdraccoon]

Slytherin MC *after sneaking into the Ravenclaw common room*: WHAT! They got they're own bathroom! And a private roof? And is that a telescope? And why does it feel bigger than our common room? Maybe I should've told the hat to put me with the nerds when it asked.

Ominis: The fact that you'd pretend to be a Ravenclaw only because of the benefits of their common room proves that you're in the right house.

[aceteling]

I miss my flat... Missing that tiny not functional patch of freedom...

[dyanamic]

 History is made as the first privately owned spacecraft successfully lands on the Moon, marking a major milestone in commercial space exploration.

[dmdarius]

Let's Play The Outer Worlds |89| To Tartarus And Back | FINALE

We have but one more thing to do, and that’s freeing a certain mad scientist from the max security prison. Sounds like a bad idea, but the worse one would be letting the Board continue their strangle hold on the people. It’s time to save our friend and tear the Board a new one!

[youthchronical]

NASA Astronauts Set to Return to Earth on SpaceX Capsule: Live Updates

Updated  March 17, 2025, 9:01 p.m. ET When the NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore arrived at the International Space Station in June, they expected to stay for maybe a few weeks. Instead, they’ve been up there for nine months. In a few hours, they will head home. Ms. Williams, Mr. Wilmore and two other astronauts will board a SpaceX capsule on Monday night for a journey back to…

[vaguely-problematic]

Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 just landed on the Moon, and it’s already making history! From testing lunar dust shields to tracking GNSS signals on the Moon, this mission is a major step toward future Moon bases, lunar mining, and long-term space exploration.

Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lunar lander has successfully landed on the Moon 🌚

March 2, 2025

[latestnews-now]

Discover the incredible journey of Jared Isaacman, billionaire entrepreneur, private astronaut, and now President Trump's pick to lead NASA. From founding Shift4 Payments at 16 to leading groundbreaking space missions with SpaceX, Isaacman's life is a testament to innovation and adventure. Learn how his leadership could transform NASA and redefine America's role in space exploration. Don't miss this fascinating story of ambition and achievement! Watch now for insights on Isaacman's remarkable career and what his appointment means for NASA's future.

[brokendreamscreation]

does your muse think fondly about the place where they were born, or do they dislike it? why?

IN-DEPTH HEADCANON QUESTIONS

“Where I was born? Um…I cannot say I think fondly of it, but I don’t have much dislike for the place I was created I guess?” Is he fond of having been created at all? Thats entirely a different question and thankfully not what is being asked of him. “It was somewhere else, I do not think it was Heaven. It was dark, but Father was there radiating beautifully. I was not afraid, I did not know what fear was or if I should even be afraid wherever the place of my creation was. How long we were there, I suppose only Father knows. It did not feel like time was moving and the space simply existed outside of the world we reside in Heaven. Overall I feel indifferent to where I was “born” I guess.”

[africa-space-com]

The role of private companies in Mars exploration

Mars has always fascinated humanity. From ancient mythologies to modern science fiction, the Red Planet has sparked our imagination and curiosity. Today, the dream of exploring Mars is closer than ever, thanks in large part to private companies. Let's dive into how these companies are shaping the future of space exploration and our journey to Mars.

Innovation at its best

Private companies bring a fresh wave of innovation to Mars exploration. Unlike government agencies, which often have to navigate through layers of bureaucracy, private firms can move faster and take more risks. This agility allows them to develop cutting-edge technology and explore new approaches to space travel.

For example, SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, has revolutionized rocket technology. Their Falcon Heavy and Starship rockets are designed to be reusable, drastically reducing the cost of space travel. This innovation is crucial for making Mars exploration more affordable and sustainable.

Collaboration with government agencies

Private companies are not working in isolation. They are partnering with government agencies like NASA to pool resources and expertise. This collaboration ensures that the missions are well-planned and executed efficiently.

NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and eventually Mars, is a prime example of such a partnership. Private companies like Blue Origin and SpaceX are providing the technology and infrastructure needed to make these missions a success. This synergy between public and private sectors accelerates progress and helps achieve ambitious goals.

Economic opportunities

Mars exploration is not just about science; it's also about creating new economic opportunities. Private companies see the potential for developing new markets and industries related to space travel. From mining Martian resources to developing habitats for future colonists, the economic possibilities are vast.

Investors are increasingly interested in space exploration, pouring funds into startups and established companies alike. This influx of capital drives further innovation and makes Mars exploration a viable business venture.

Inspiring future generations

One of the most significant impacts of private companies in Mars exploration is the inspiration they provide. Companies like SpaceX capture the public's imagination with their bold plans and dramatic launches. This excitement motivates young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Educational programs and outreach efforts by these companies also play a crucial role in inspiring the next generation of explorers. By making space exploration more accessible and relatable, private firms are ensuring that the dream of exploring Mars continues to thrive.

Challenges and the road ahead

While private companies are making significant strides, Mars exploration is not without its challenges. Technical, financial, and logistical hurdles remain. The harsh environment of Mars poses risks that require robust solutions.

However, with continued collaboration between private companies and government agencies, these challenges are being addressed. The combined efforts and shared vision will likely lead to successful missions to Mars in the coming decades.

The role of private companies in Mars exploration is transformative. They bring innovation, collaboration, economic opportunities, and inspiration to the forefront. As we look to the future, it's clear that these companies will continue to play a pivotal role in making the dream of exploring Mars a reality. With their help, humanity's journey to the Red Planet is not just a possibility but an impending reality.

[techtoio]

Breakthroughs in Space Technology: What’s on the Horizon?

Introduction

Space technology has always captured our imagination, pushing the boundaries of what is possible. As we venture further into the cosmos, remarkable breakthroughs are paving the way for new discoveries and advancements. In this article, TechtoIO delves into the exciting world of space technology, highlighting the latest innovations and what’s on the horizon for space exploration. Read to continue link