Cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev has been replaced by Andrey Fedyaev on SpaceX’s Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station, due to allegations of photographing confidential SpaceX materials in California, potentially violating US export control rules. Artemyev reportedly took pictures of SpaceX engines and internal materials on his phone and removed them from the site, leading to his removal from training. Roscosmos officially cited a job transfer as the reason for the change, while the Crew-12 mission, using a Crew Dragon spacecraft, is scheduled for launch on February 15, 2026. SpaceX and NASA have not commented publicly on the reported investigation, which carries significant legal and diplomatic implications.
Read More
SpaceX and Cards Against Humanity reached a settlement in a lawsuit concerning land owned by the party game company in Texas. The lawsuit alleged that SpaceX trespassed on the property by placing construction materials and debris there without permission. While the terms of the settlement remain undisclosed, Cards Against Humanity confirmed that SpaceX admitted to trespassing and has since removed its equipment. The company had hoped to use settlement funds to pay back donors who contributed to the land purchase.
Read More
Newly unsealed testimony from a SpaceX insider reveals that the company has accepted direct investments from Chinese investors, marking the first disclosure of such investments in the U.S. military contractor. This revelation raises significant national security concerns, as the U.S. government views Chinese investment in sensitive industries as a potential espionage risk. While the scope and identities of these Chinese investors remain undisclosed, experts suggest that if Chinese investors gained access to nonpublic information, it could pose substantial national security consequences. This information came to light through court records related to a legal dispute between SpaceX investors, which ProPublica successfully moved to make public.
Read More
An Australian pilot died after his plane crashed in Brazil, reportedly carrying around 200kg of cocaine disguised in fake SpaceX packaging. The plane, which was registered to Zambia, crashed in a sugarcane field, scattering debris and drugs. Authorities are investigating the international drug trafficking, seeking to determine the origin and destination of the flight, as well as identifying the owner of the illicit material. This seizure of cocaine adds to the already high amounts seized by the Federal Police in 2024.
Read More
A Victorian man has been identified as the pilot in a fatal plane crash in Brazil. The single-engine plane crashed in a sugarcane field on September 14th, reportedly carrying approximately 180kg of cocaine. Photos from the scene depict packages bearing SpaceX branding, and the plane was registered in Zambia. A Victorian driver’s license belonging to a 46-year-old from eastern Melbourne was recovered from the wreckage, according to local reports.
Read More
A recent report by the U.S. Office of Inspector General reveals that nearly half of the Starlink terminals supplied to Ukraine, primarily by USAID and SpaceX, ended up in Russian-occupied territories, raising concerns about potential misuse. The report highlights that USAID failed to implement adequate safeguards for the distributed terminals, which were essential for restoring internet access and power during the conflict. The lack of tracking and usage restrictions, coupled with the omission of military-use prohibitions in the transfer agreements, increased the risk of the terminals being used for military or intelligence operations. USAID has agreed to work with Ukrainian authorities and SpaceX to address the issue, but only for the terminals it directly financed, despite the larger number provided by various international partners.
Read More
NASA is experiencing a significant workforce reduction, with nearly 4,000 employees opting to leave the agency through a deferred resignation program, representing an estimated 20% of its workforce. These departures stem from the Trump administration’s plan to decrease the federal workforce, aligning with recommendations from the Department of Government Efficiency. While the administration has proposed budget cuts for NASA, potentially impacting the agency, the agency has also received additional funding through 2032 for Mars missions and lunar plans. This has led to criticism and letters of dissent from scientists, space organizations, and current and former NASA employees.
Read More
US Air Force suspends SpaceX rocket project on Pacific atoll, report says. The news initially sparked reactions of surprise, disappointment, or even schadenfreude. Some saw it as a clear sign of political retribution, especially considering the volatile relationship between SpaceX’s leadership and certain political figures. The immediate assumption was that this was a Biden administration move, a form of payback for actions or statements made by the company’s head honcho. It’s almost a given in this type of situation.
The anticipation and excitement surrounding the potential clash between SpaceX and the government created a buzz. There was talk of personal vendettas, imagined battles, and the possibility of a public, dramatic fallout.… Continue reading
A SpaceX Starship exploded at Starbase, Texas, during a pre-flight static fire test around 11 p.m. CT on Wednesday, June 18th. The catastrophic failure of Starship 36 resulted in a large explosion, though no injuries were reported. Emergency protocols were immediately implemented, and SpaceX confirmed that all personnel are safe. An investigation into the cause of the explosion is underway.
Read More
Honda’s surprise reusable rocket test marks a bold entry into the space race, aiming for full-fledged spaceflight capabilities by 2029. This unexpected move has ignited considerable excitement, particularly given Honda’s reputation for reliable and innovative engineering across various sectors, from motorcycles and automobiles to even the HondaJet. The company’s proven track record suggests that a Honda rocket might indeed offer a level of dependability that surpasses expectations.
The announcement has generated a wave of enthusiastic support, fueled by Honda’s long-standing reputation for durable products. Many people point to the longevity and consistent performance of Honda’s lawnmowers and cars as evidence of the company’s engineering prowess, suggesting that a Honda rocket could similarly defy typical aerospace reliability issues.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood