NASA marks 20 years since space shuttle Columbia disaster
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — (AP) — NASA marked the 20th anniversary of the space shuttle Columbia tragedy with somber ceremonies and remembrances during its annual tribute to fallen astronauts on Thursday. NASA’s two shuttle accidents account for more than half of the names carved into the black granite of the Space Mirror Memorial; plane crashes are to blame for the rest. Like NASA’s earlier tragedies, Columbia’s loss was avoidable, said former shuttle commander Bob Cabana, now NASA's associate administrator. “I don’t ever want to have to go through another Columbia.”Besides Ramon, Columbia's last crew included commander Rick Husband, pilot Willie McCool, Michael Anderson, Kalpana Chawla, David Brown and Laurel Clark. “There's been a de-emphasis on space because people say, 'Let's worry about problems on Earth as opposed to the future.'
wftv.comSpaceX set for Falcon 9 rocket launch from Florida early Thursday
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — SpaceX is planning to launch another Falcon 9 rocket from Florida early Thursday. SpaceX aims to launch another batch of Starlink satellites at 4:22 a.m. from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. SpaceX will attempt to land the rocket booster on its “Just Read the Instructions” droneship in the Atlantic Ocean. Watch: SpaceX successfully launches Falcon Heavy rocket carrying communication satellitesChannel 9 will have live coverage of the launch on Eyewitness News. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comNASA collects data from mannequins to study impact of solar radiation on future astronauts
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — NASA researchers are continuing to take an in-depth look at two mannequins, who went to space during the Artemis I mission. NASA is hoping the two mannequins can share some secrets about space travel. Photos: NASA collects data from mannequins to study impact of solar radiation on future astronautsExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 9 NASA collects data from mannequins to study impact of solar radiation on future astronautsScientists at Kennedy Space Center have been analyzing data from the mannequins since the return of NASA’s Orion spacecraft from its lunar mission. Read: NASA sets date for SpaceX Crew-6 launch to International Space StationThey spent 25 days in space, aboard the Orion spacecraft, equipped with radiation detectors. Watch: NASA shares new images of winter landscapes high above MarsScientists will use the information they collected to determine what level of radiation risk astronauts could face on future missions.
wftv.comNASA sets date for SpaceX Crew-6 launch to International Space Station
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — NASA has set a date for its next crewed launch to the International Space Station. Four astronauts are set to lift off from the Kennedy Space Center on Feb. 26. This mission will be the first time SpaceX will send a United Arab Emirates astronaut to space. Watch: Space Florida working to bring more aerospace jobs to the stateRussian cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev will serve as the fourth member of Crew-6. Channel 9 will have continuing coverage on of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 mission on Eyewitness News.
wftv.comSpaceX to launch Falcon Heavy rocket carrying communication satellites after delay
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — SpaceX plans to launch the USSF-67 mission using the Falcon Heavy rocket Sunday evening. The launch is scheduled for liftoff at 5:56 p.m. from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A. According to a release, this will be the fifth SpaceX Falcon Heavy mission. WATCH: SpaceX launches 1st rocket of 2023, lands booster at Florida’s Space CoastThe rocket will carry two communication satellites for military data and other experimental equipment for the U.S. Space Force. After booster separation, two side boosters from the Falcon Heavy will land on landing zones 1 and 2.
wftv.comSpaceX set to launch Falcon Heavy rocket from Florida’s Space Coast this weekend
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — SpaceX is planning to launch a Falcon Heavy rocket this weekend. The Kennedy Space Center is preparing for its next rocket launch on Saturday. Watch: SpaceX Dragon seen burning through the sky over Central Florida before splashdownSpaceX is set to launch around 5 p.m. from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Watch: SpaceX launches Falcon Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force StationPeople in the area will hear two sonic booms after the launch as two of the rocket’s boosters are set to land near Cape Canaveral Space Force station. WATCH: SpaceX successfully launches OneWeb Launch 16 mission aboard Falcon 9 rocket WATCH: SpaceX successfully launches OneWeb Launch 16 mission aboard Falcon 9 rocketChannel 9 will have live coverage of the launch on Eyewitness News.
wftv.comSpaceX Dragon spacecraft to splashdown off Florida’s coast after undocking from ISS
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — An uncrewed SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is on its way back to Earth. The capsule was undocked from the International Space Station on Monday following a resupply mission. Watch: SpaceX successfully launches OneWeb Launch 16 mission aboard Falcon 9 rocketThe spacecraft left Florida’s coast in November on board a Falcon 9 rocket. Watch: SpaceX launches 1st rocket of 2023, lands booster at Florida’s Space CoastIt was stuffed with 4,400 pounds of scientific tests and supplies for the station. Read: Here are 9 space stories that made history in 2022The spacecraft will use parachutes to land off the coast of Florida on Wednesday.
wftv.comFormer NASA, Apollo astronaut Walter Cunningham passes away at 90
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — NASA is honoring the life and accomplishments of one of its pioneering astronauts. Walter Cunningham was a part of NASA’s historic Apollo 7 mission. Watch: NASA shares new images of winter landscapes high above MarsCunningham spent nearly a dozen days in low-Earth orbit, in what was the first ever crewed Apollo flight. Watch: NASA cancels spacewalk after leak discovered from docked Russian spacecraftThe mission, and Cunningham’s work with NASA, paved the way for the Unites State to land astronauts on the moon. Read: Here are 9 space stories that made history in 2022Cunningham was 90 years old.
wftv.comNASA shares new images of winter landscapes high above Mars
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — After most of the U.S. got an incredibly cold Christmas, NASA is now sharing what winter is like on Mars. NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter capture photos that show the changing landscape from the planet’s winter. Photos: NASA shares new images of winter landscapes high above MarsExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 4 NASA shares new images of winter landscapes high above MarsThe images show mega-dunes with carbon dioxide frost and ice on them, which makes parts of the planet look darker. Watch: NASA cancels spacewalk after leak discovered from docked Russian spacecraftAccording to NASA, Mars experiences cube-shaped snow, and temperatures as low as negative 190 degrees. Read: NASA Mars lander InSight falls silent after 4 yearsA single year on Mars is around two years on Earth, making winter longer on the Red Planet.
wftv.comSpaceX set for early Wednesday morning Falcon 9 rocket launch from Florida Space Coast
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — SpaceX is aiming to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from Florida’s Space Coast early Wednesday morning. SpaceX officials said a launch window will open at 4:30 a.m. from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Watch: Crew announced for private moon mission aboard SpaceX’s StarshipThe launch will be in support of SpaceX’s Starlink program. Watch: SpaceX launches Falcon Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force StationOfficials said the weather conditions are better than 90% in favor of the launch. Watch: ‘Magnifique’: SpaceX launches rocket carrying French satellite from Florida’s Space CoastClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comSpaceX set to launch Falcon 9 with satellites on Saturday afternoon
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — SpaceX is scheduled to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from Florida’s Space Coast on Saturday. They are targeting to send off 54 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit. The first stage will land on the Just Read the Instructions droneship in the Atlantic Ocean. The launch window is at 4:32 p.m.Watch: NASA cancels spacewalk after leak discovered from docked Russian spacecraftIf the launches begin on time, Channel 9 will have live coverage of both launches on Eyewitness News. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comSpaceX set for Falcon 9 launch Friday, 2nd launch moved to Saturday
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — After originally scheduling two rocket launches only minutes apart on Friday, SpaceX has moved one of its planned launches to Saturday. SpaceX’s first launch is set for Friday at 4:21 p.m. from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Watch: SpaceX successfully launches private mission to the moon Sunday morningThe company had initially planned a second rocket launch just minutes later from a different launchpad at Cape Canaveral. Late on Thursday night, SpaceX announced it was moving the second launch to Saturday so crews could focus on the O3b mPOWER launch. Read: Crew announced for private moon mission aboard SpaceX’s StarshipThe Starlink launch has been moved to Saturday afternoon, but SpaceX has not confirmed the launch time.
wftv.comSpaceX set for back-to-back rocket launches Friday from Florida’s Space Coast
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — SpaceX has scheduled two back-to-back rocket launches from Florida’s Space Coast on Friday. Officials said the two Falcon 9 rocket launches will possibly only be minutes apart. The second launch will be just 18 minutes later and will fly another batch of Starlink satellites into orbit. Watch: SpaceX launches Falcon Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force StationBoth launches will lift off from separate launch pads at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. If the launches begin on time, Channel 9 will have live coverage of both launches on Eyewitness News.
wftv.comNASA cancels spacewalk after leak discovered from docked Russian spacecraft
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — NASA is investigating after a leak was detected on a spacecraft docket at the International Space Station. Video released by NASA shows a coolant leak coming from a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. Astronauts had to cancel a spacewalk after noticing this leak. Read: NASA Orion capsule safely blazes back from moon, aces testThe Soyuz is only one of six spacecraft parked at the station. Read: The Geminids: How to watch the strongest meteor shower this yearNo one aboard the space station was in any danger due to the leak.
wftv.comNASA’s Artemis I mission returns from the moon, Orion capsule splashes down
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA’s Orion capsule is back from the moon. The capsule made a blisteringly fast return Sunday, parachuting into the Pacific Ocean off Mexico to conclude a dramatic 25-day test flight. Read: SpaceX successfully launches private mission to the moon Sunday morningThe mission should clear the way for astronauts on the program’s next lunar flyby, set for 2024. Read: SpaceX launches Falcon 9 rocket launch from Kennedy Space CenterA Navy ship quickly moved in to recover the spacecraft and its silent occupants: three test dummies. Read: NASA’s Artemis I moon mission begins journey home to EarthIt launched on NASA’s new mega moon rocket from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the first flight of NASA’s new Artemis moon program.
wftv.comHappening soon: SpaceX to launch Falcon 9 rocket launch from Kennedy Space Center
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — SpaceX will launch a Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center on Thursday afternoon. The rocket is set to blast off at 5:27 p.m. Thursday from Launch Complex 39A. Read: Musk’s company aims to soon test brain implant in peopleAfter the launch, part of the rocket will land at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Read: SpaceX breaks record with 3 launches in 36 hoursExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 52 NASA Moon Rocket NASA's new moon rocket lifts off from Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022. This launch is the first flight test of the Artemis program.
wftv.comSpaceX moves Falcon 9 rocket launch to Thursday at Kennedy Space Center
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — SpaceX is waiting a little longer for a launch from Florida’s Space Coast. The company had planned to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center on Tuesday evening. Watch: SpaceX launches Falcon Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force StationThe rocket is now set to launch at 5:27 p.m. on Thursday. Read: Musk’s company aims to soon test brain implant in peopleThe rocket will carry 40 satellites into orbit for the communications company OneWeb. Read: SpaceX breaks record with 3 launches in 36 hoursChannel 9 will have live coverage of the rocket launch if it happens and will provide updates on Eyewitness News.
wftv.comWhat’s next for Artemis I? NASA’s Orion spacecraft performs moon slingshot en route to Earth
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — NASA’s Orion spacecraft is making its way back to Earth after a final orbital maneuver around the moon. Orion completed its last lunar flyby at 11:43 a.m.Read: Artemis I: 9 things to know about NASA’s mission to return humans to the moonThe spacecraft flew about 79 miles above the moon’s surface just before its rocket burn to head back to Earth. Watch: NASA leaders confirm discovery of artifact from space shuttle ChallengerThis is all part of the Artemis moon mission paving the way for NASA to send astronauts back to the moon. Read: NASA cancels greenhouse gas monitoring satellite due to costOrion is expected to land back on Earth Sunday at 12:40 p.m.Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. ©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comOrion spacecraft to leave moon’s orbit and begin journey back to Earth
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — The Orion spacecraft is getting ready to head back to Earth. NASA’s Artemis I mission management team gave the “Go” Wednesday for the spacecraft to leave its distant retrograde orbit on the moon starting Thursday afternoon. Read: NASA cancels greenhouse gas monitoring satellite due to costIt has been traveling around the moon since last Friday. NASA flight director Zebulon Scoville said Orion is being pushed to its limits. Orion’s moon flyby with astronauts is set for 2024, with a lunar landing planned for a year later.
wftv.comSpaceX set to launch and land Falcon 9 rocket Wednesday for Japanese moon mission
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — SpaceX is planning an early morning Falcon 9 launch on Wednesday. SpaceX also plans to land the rocket’s first-stage booster back on the ground at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Watch: SpaceX launches Falcon Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force StationThe rocket landing on the Space Coast will mean a sonic boom may be heard by people in the area. The Falcon 9 rocket will launch the Hakuto-R mission. Watch: Satellite manufacturer scrubs plans for Florida expansion; see where they’re heading insteadIt’s the first privately-led Japanese mission to land on the moon.
wftv.comNASA’s Artemis I moon mission begins journey home to Earth
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — NASA has shared amazing photos and videos of the Earth and the moon from its ongoing Artemis I mission. The Orion spacecraft reached its farthest distance from the Earth on Monday, setting a spectacular record of almost 270,000 miles. Watch: NASA’s Artemis I mission reaches moon for first powered flyby maneuverIt’s only a matter of days now until Orion returns to Earth. NASA engineers have been receiving data from Orion throughout its journey around the moon, but retrieving the spacecraft after splashdown will help the agency prepare for future missions with astronauts. Read: Space diversity: Europe’s space agency gets 1st parastronautSee more in the video above.
wftv.comSalvation Army kicks off Red Kettle season at Orlando’s ICON Park
ORLANDO, Fla. — Red Kettle season is here. ICON Park joined the Salvation Army for its annual kickoff event on Saturday, as the holiday season begins. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Salvation Army kicks off Red Kettle season at Orlando’s ICON Park Red Kettle season is here. ICON Park also donated a dollar from every ticket sold for the ride to the Salvation Army. The money that is put in the red kettle goes toward supporting community initiatives.
wftv.comSpaceX to launch Falcon 9 rocket carrying Dragon cargo from Kennedy Space Center
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — After some delays, you might be able to catch a launch this weekend. SpaceX plans to launch a Falcon 9 rocket on Saturday, carrying a Dragon cargo capsule from Kennedy Space Center. Read: ‘Magnifique’: SpaceX launches rocket carrying French satellite from Florida’s Space CoastThe rocket is set to blast off from Launch Complex 39A at 2:20 p.m.Read: Brevard Public Schools superintendent to leave position, search for new leader starts soonThis cargo will help deliver science equipment and supplies to the crew at the International Space Station, including a study to grow dwarf tomatoes in space. Read: Brevard Zoo to release 2 rescued sea turtles Wednesday in Cocoa BeachChannel 9 will stream the launch live here. Watch this video of the Artemis mission below:VIDEO: NASA’s Artemis I rocket begins journey to moon NASA and others around the world are celebrating another historic moment on Florida’s Space Coast.
wftv.comNASA’s Artemis I mission reaches moon for first powered flyby maneuver
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — NASA’s Artemis I mission has reached the moon. The Orion spacecraft will perform its first powered lunar flyby maneuver Monday morning. Video: Artemis I spacecraft reaches moon for first powered flyby maneuver NASA’s Artemis I mission has reached the moon. Watch: NASA leaders confirm discovery of artifact from space shuttle ChallengerThe mission is a vital test in NASA’s efforts to get astronauts back on the moon in the next few years. Channel 9 will continue to monitor the Artemis I mission and will provide updates on Eyewitness News.
wftv.comNASA’s Artemis I rocket begins journey to moon after launching from Florida’s Space Coast
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — NASA and others around the world are celebrating another historic moment on Florida’s Space Coast. Several setbacks overnight didn’t hold NASA back from finally launching its new Space Launch System rocket for the Artemis I mission. Photos: NASA launches Artemis 1 moon rocket from Florida’s Space CoastExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 27 NASA launches Artemis I moon rocket from Florida’s Space Coast After multiple delays, the Artemis I successfully launched from Kennedy Space Center early Wednesday. Despite the early morning liftoff at 1:47 a.m., thousands packed into the coast near Kennedy Space Center to see the historic launch. pic.twitter.com/9dBSBzQ6wI — NASA Artemis (@NASAArtemis) November 16, 2022Thousands cheered as they watched the mega rocket blast off into space.
wftv.com‘All hands on deck’ for Titusville restaurant open for overnight Artemis I launch
At Pier 220 under the A. Max Brewer Bridge, Pier 220 General Manager Samantha Ablan said even though Wednesday’s Artemis I launch attempt is at 1:04 a.m., the restaurant with a direct view of Kennedy Space Center and launch pad 39B expects to stay open late.
Space plane landing at Kennedy Space Center likely source for mysterious sonic boom
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — We now know what likely caused the “sonic boom” that was heard by many Saturday morning at Florida’s Space Coast. Boeing confirmed its X-37B autonomous orbital test vehicle landed at the Kennedy Space Center. Watch: Winter Garden Challenge 22 Walk supports veterans with post-traumatic stressIt spent a record 908 days in orbit, after being launched for a sixth mission in May 2020. Read: Orlando to host 2024 U.S. Olympic Team TrialsIn total, the reusable space plane has flown over 1.3 billion miles. ©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comNASA crews to assess damage to Artemis moon rocket from Hurricane Nicole
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — NASA crews need to inspect the Artemis 1 rocket for any serious storm damage. The agency did not roll back the Orion spacecraft and SLS rocket ahead of Hurricane Nicole. Watch: NASA leaders confirm discovery of artifact from space shuttle ChallengerThe new rocket can withstand 85 mph winds. Read: NASA launch of moon rocket delayed again by tropical weatherSo far, crews have only found minor damage. Read: Two NASA spacecraft detect biggest meteor strikes at MarsIf the rocket goes up, Channel 9 will provide live coverage on Eyewitness News.
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