The sun just did something weird, and 3 other space stories you may have missed this week
Here’s what you may have missed this week. Testing, 1, 2, 3Starting off, this week saw some big tests for the future of spaceflight. The planet, Wolf 1069b, is just a little larger and about 25% heavier than Earth and appears to have a rocky surface. Wolf 1069b is tidally locked to its sun, so one side of the planet is always day, and the other half is always night. Still, the evidence to suggest that Wolf 1069b could sustain life is there, even if it may not be a great place to visit.
wftv.comSpaceX ignites giant Starship rocket in crucial pad test
SpaceX is a big step closer to sending its giant Starship spacecraft into orbit, completing an engine-firing test at the launch pad on Thursday. Thirty-one of the 33 first-stage booster engines ignited simultaneously for about 10 seconds in south Texas. Musk estimates Starship’s first orbital test flight could occur as soon as March, if the test analyses and remaining preparations go well. SpaceX fired up to 14 Starship engines last fall and completed a fueling test at the pad last month. Flocks of birds scattered as Starship's engines came alive and sent thick dark plumes of smoke across the Starship launch complex, dubbed Starbase.
wftv.comSpaceX completes successful static fire test of 33-engine Starship booster
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — SpaceX reached a major milestone in the development of its Starship and Super Heavy rocket on Thursday. That made for a successful static fire test that will help clear the way for an orbital launch attempt. The company also completed a wet dress rehearsal with its Starship prototype last month. SpaceX is hoping to launch its prototype as soon as next month. WATCH: SpaceX successfully launches Falcon 9 rocket carrying Spanish communications satelliteResearch and development is happening in Texas, but, eventually, Starship is expected to lift off from the Space Coast.
wftv.comWorld's 1st space tourist signs up for flight around moon
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — (AP) — The world's first space tourist wants to go back — only this time, he’s signed up for a spin around the moon aboard Elon Musk’s Starship. He isn't interested in hopping on a 10-minute flight to the edge of space or repeating what he did 21 years ago. Tito won’t say how much he’s paying; his Russian station flight cost $20 million. The two men both flew to the space station, from Kazakhstan atop Russian rockets, 20 years apart. Tito expects he’ll also shatter preconceived notions about age, much as John Glenn’s space shuttle flight did in 1998.
wftv.comWorld’s largest rocket could launch in November, Musk says
BROWNSVILLE — SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said that Starship, the tallest and most powerful rocket ever developed, could launch from Texas in November. Musk responded on Twitter Wednesday when asked about an update on the launch. While designed to land vertically, the Super Heavy Booster stage is expected to splash down in the Gulf of Mexico. Here are some things to know about the spacecraft and Super Heavy Booster, collectively referred to as Starship:What makes this rocket different? Not only will it be the world’s most powerful rocket ever developed, but it will also be the tallest, standing nearly 400 feet tall.
wftv.comNASA: SpaceX human moon lander work on ‘pause’ until Blue Origin lawsuit is resolved
A week after Blue Origin filed a lawsuit against NASA over its decision to award SpaceX a nearly $3 billion moon contract the space agency says it is voluntarily pausing work on the human lunar landing system until the legal matter is resolved.
SpaceX Starship sticks landing after high-flying test flight in Texas
SpaceX sent its gleaming Starship spaceship on a high-flying test above Texas Wednesday evening and unlike the previous flights this one remained in one piece after landing, a big milestone for the private company hoping to send people to the moon for NASA.
Another SpaceX spaceship prototype explodes, joining Starship graveyard in Texas after ‘exciting’ test
SpaceX launched another Starship spaceship prototype Tuesday morning into a foggy, dark Texas sky but like three other test vehicles, it did not survive the landing. AdJust after 9 a.m. EDT, SpaceX conducted its fourth high-altitude test flight from Boca Chica, Texas, using a new Starship spaceship test vehicle. Musk and his teams are building more test vehicles in Texas and will no doubt try again soon. In December, SpaceX conducted its first high-altitude test flight of the Starship prototype called Serial No. The Starship prototype launched and successfully landed but then exploded a few minutes later.
Florida’s ‘anti-riot’ bill faces uncertain fate in Senate
With the number of weeks left before the Legislature’s scheduled adjournment in the final week of April, lawmakers also are beginning to tackle the state budget with more urgency. But proposals like the anti-riot bill are consuming much of the air in the Florida statehouse this session. The measure could spawn an interesting dynamic in the state Senate, where it has yet to get a hearing. The House passed the measure Friday, with the Republican majority arguing that the measure was needed to preserve law and order. Another House committee is taking up a proposal that would abolish the state’s Constitution Revision Commission.
12-year-old boy abducted, sexually assaulted and shot in Miami-Dade, police say
Police officers surround a 12-year-old boy after they said he was abducted, sexually assaulted and shot. MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Police are searching for the person they say sexually assaulted a 12-year-old boy before shooting him, reports News 6 sister station WPLG. Police said the boy was walking on the street around 2 a.m. or 3 a.m. Saturday in the Brownsville neighborhood of Northwest Miami-Dade County. That’s when a man pulled up, forced the boy into a vehicle, sexually assaulted him, shot him and then forced him out of the vehicle, police said. That’s the general area where the boy was sexually assaulted and shot, police said.
Palm Bay vaccination event draws hundreds from Hispanic, Caribbean communities
Nancy Ramirez of Palm Bay, FL gets her COVID-19 vaccination from Kathy Chaine of Hamilton Staffing Solutions Saturday, March 27, 2021 at Church of Our Savior in Palm Bay. News 6 partner Florida Today reports a community-organized event through the Brevard Hispanic Center, the Brevard Caribbean American Cultural Association and the Episcopal Church brought out hundreds Saturday for vaccines by going into the community and helping them secure appointments. Sign-ups were conducted at Bravo and Thrifty supermarkets in Palm Bay leading up to Saturday. Although the event was open to everyone in the community, it was designed with a focus on helping those in the Hispanic and Caribbean communities who may have not yet been able to get a vaccine, Molinares said. AdPalm Bay Mayor Rob Medina was among those who stopped by the event Saturday to show his support.
Crime and adorable punishment: Unicorn-thieving pup steals hearts, gets new home
Animal Control responded after the fifth incident where the brown-and-white pup stole the unicorn from the Duplin County store, according to CNN. The responding Animal Control officer decided to purchase the toy for the 1-year-old shoplifter before taking him to Duplin County Animal Services on March 21. Sisu and his purple Unicorn at Duplin County Animal Services in North Carolina. Before leaving the shelter in Kenansville, North Carolina Sisu got a photo-shoot with his unicorn pal. Box 950 Kenansville, North Carolina 28349.
Marion County crash leaves 1 dead, 1 in serious condition
MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A 63-year-old Ocala man was killed Saturday evening in a two-vehicle crash, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash happened at Southwest 80th Avenue and Southwest 90th Street around 7:50 p.m., the crash report shows. When the 63-year-old attempted to turn left onto 90th Street the right side of his car collided with the front of the other sedan, according to the crash report. AdThe sedan driven by the 63-year-old collided with a concrete utility pole, troopers said. Both drivers were wearing their seatbelts, according to troopers.
Rep. Val Demings weighs in on renewed calls for gun control, southern border policy
WASHINGTON – The recent mass shootings in Atlanta and Boulder have renewed calls for Congress to act on gun control. U.S. Representative Val Demings joined anchor News 6 Justin Warmoth on “The Weekly on ClickOrlando.com” to discuss legislation she believes will reduce gun violence in America and whether President Joe Biden should take action. Watch the full interview on “The Weekly on ClickOrlando.com” with Justin Warmoth in the video player at the top of this story. Watch “The Weekly” on Sundays at 7:30 a.m. on News 6. Click or tap here to see other interviews and discussions.
70-year-old man hit and killed by car while crossing US 192 in Osceola County
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – A 70-year-old Kissimmee man was hit and killed by a car while crossing U.S. 192 in Osceola County around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. FHP said a 31-year-old Naples man was heading westbound U.S. 192 in the center lane in the area of Simpson Road. Investigators said the 70-year-old man was attempting to cross U.S. 192. [TRENDING: Video shows SpaceX Starship exploding after landing | All Fla. teachers can get vaccine at CVS | Man gets 20 years for cutting off wife’s lover’s penis]AdTroopers said the Naples man was unable to avoid the pedestrian and hit him. The Kissimmee man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Will it rain this weekend in Central Florida?
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Central Floridians saw a great couple of March weather days this week. Wednesday had a high of 75 degrees, Thursday afternoon Central Florida hit 74 degrees. Central Florida will end the day with high of 78 degrees and lots of sunshine. During the day Saturday, Central Floridians will watch the showers overrun Central Florida. The early arrival of the rain will make for a daytime high of only 64 degrees on Saturday afternoon.
Man killed in hit-and-run on Orange Avenue in Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. – A pedestrian was struck and killed Thursday morning in Orlando, prompting police to close Orange Avenue. The fatal wreck happened near Orange and Pineloch avenues, south of Michigan Street. Investigators say Holmes was crossing South Orange Avenue from west to east when a vehicle, traveling southbound struck the pedestrian and left the scene. Southbound Orange Avenue was closed at Michigan Street, and Orange Avenue was closed in both directions at Pineloch and Southgate Commerce Boulevard. Orange Avenue was reopened around 10:30 a.m., police said.
Downed power lines cause noon-time traffic mess on SR-417, SR-408
ORLANDO, Fla. – Downed power lines forced authorities to close two major toll roads Thursday in Orange County, but they were later reopened. State Road 408 was shut down in both directions from Dean to Goldenrod roads. State Road 417 was closed in both directions from Curry Ford Road to Colonial Drive. ALERT: Due to several downed power lines, the 408 (East/West Expwy) is shut down in both directions between Dean & Goldenrod roads, and the 417 is shut down in both directions between Curry Ford Rd and Colonial Dr. pic.twitter.com/N7XWpKcAjV — Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) March 4, 2021**TRAFFIC ALERT **NB SR-417 x SR-408- NB CLOSED- waiting on @FHPOrlando for further details- Traffic exiting at Curry Ford pic.twitter.com/IEyWsmxiDq — Trooper Steve (@TrooperSteve_) March 4, 2021Use the form below to sign up for the ClickOrlando.com 4pm Trending newsletter, sent every weekday.
VIDEO: SpaceX Starship sticks landing after 3rd test flight in Texas but still explodes
Elon Musk’s company is churning out Starship test vehicles in Boca Chica, Texas at the company’s facility and most recently began testing the launch and landing capabilities in daring flights. After two previous high-altitude flights of Starship prototypes ended in fiery explosions, it was Serial No. Musk tweeted in celebration of the landing but added, “RIP SN10, honorable discharge.”Starship SN10 landed in one piece! One day, the true measure of success will be that Starship flights are commonplace,” the CEO wrote. AdThese high-altitude flights and now landings are part of the plan to test SpaceX’s interplanetary transportation system.
WATCH: SpaceX launches 60 more Starlink satellites
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – SpaceX launched 60 more Starlink satellites Thursday morning from the Kennedy Space Center. The launch marked the 20th Starlink mission for SpaceX, which now as more than 1,200 satellites in the Starlink project. SpaceX officials said Starlink will deliver high-speed internet to locations where access is not reliable. AdMeanwhile, SpaceX’s third test flight of its Starship rocket in Texas was a success until the spacecraft exploded after landing. Use the form below to sign up for the ClickOrlando.com space newsletter, sent every Wednesday afternoon.
SpaceX Starship lands upright, then explodes in latest test
In this image from video made available by SpaceX, one of the company's Starship prototypes fires its thrusters as it lands during a test in Boca Chica, Texas, on Wednesday, March 3, 2021. Two previous test flights crash-landed in fireballs. The shiny bullet-shaped rocketship remained intact this time at touchdown, prompting SpaceX commentator John Insprucker to declare, “third time’s a charm as the saying goes” before SpaceX ended its webcast of the test. One day, the true measure of success will be that Starship flights are commonplace.”Musk plans to use Starships to send people to the moon and Mars. Each of these last three test flights lasted 6 1/2 minutes.
Landing evades SpaceX Starship during test flight in Texas
SpaceX Starship prototype SN9 performs an aerial flip after Raptor engine shutdown over Boca Chica, Texas on Feb. 2, 2021. The first half of the test flight went well but the spacecraft prototype exploded upon landing. (Image: SpaceX)Following a mostly successful test flight of SpaceX’s Starship over Texas Tuesday the spaceship prototype came back down for a crash landing, similar to another test the company completed last month. Previously, SpaceX performed a Starship flight or hop test on Dec. 9 with a prototype called SN8. The goal was to reach around 50,000 feet, the highest yet for any Starship test flight.
SpaceX preparing for another Starship flight from Texas
In this screen grab from video posted by SpaceX, the company's Starship launches for a test flight, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020, in a remote area of Texas. (SpaceX via AP)Following a mostly successful test flight of SpaceX’s Starship, the company plans to continue ramping up testing of its interplanetary spaceship into the new year. SpaceX performed its most recent Starship flight or hop test on Dec. 9 with a prototype called SN8. The goal was to reach around 50,000 feet, the highest yet for any Starship test flight. !”Ahead of the test flight, Musk said there was “probably 1/3 chance of completing all mission objectives.”Another prototype, SN9, is next up for a test flight.
‘He had a good heart:’ Mentor remembers teen who was shot and killed in Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. – Victor “Gotti” Cherry told News 6 he used to mentor Antwan Roberts Jr. and his friends. [RELATED: UPDATE: Police release name of teen shot and killed in Orlando]Cherry said when he heard what happened he immediately reached out to Roberts’ friends. He said in the interactions he had with Roberts, he could tell Roberts loved his friends. On Wednesday, balloons, stuffed animals, and candles line the sidewalk at the intersection where family and friends said Roberts was shot. Cherry said Roberts’ friends tell him they are hurting with the loss of their friend.
‘Mars, here we come!’ SpaceX wows with Starship’s most daring (and explosive) test flight yet
The goal was to reach around 50,000 feet, the highest yet for any Starship test flight. SpaceX's Starship SN8 explodes while landing after a high-altitude test flight in Boca Chica, Texas, on Dec. 9, 2020. After the test, Musk celebrated, tweeting “Mars, here we come! This year, SpaceX completed two low-altitude flight tests with two other Starship prototypes at its site in Boca Chica, Texas. Re-watch the SpaceX test flight below:Want more space?
Central Florida malls pivot to motivate shoppers amid COVID-19 pandemic
ORLANDO, Fla. – The coronavirus pandemic has caused almost every business and organization to pivot the way they operate, this includes shopping malls. Officials with the Oviedo Jall in Seminole County are trying to keep business booming with different events. “When you shop here at Oviedo mall, you’re shopping local and you’re supporting local.”The Mall at Millenia and Orlando International Premium Outlets have been offering online shopping and curbside pickup for shoppers who prefer to maintain a distance. “Something we’ve observed throughout the pandemic is people care about celebrations, especially because of what’s going on,” Cullen said. “We know the holidays, regardless of what’s going on in people’s lives, has an emotional meaning that is carried out in how they’re spending.”
Test flight of SpaceX's Starship aborted at last second
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first high-altitude test flight of SpaceX’s futuristic Starship was aborted at the last second in Texas on Tuesday. SpaceX came close to launching a prototype of the rocketship that company chief Elon Musk is designing to carry people to Mars. SpaceX already has conducted five Starship test flights, but these earlier, simpler models have gone no higher than 490 feet (150 meters.) SpaceX has taken over Boca Chica in the far southeastern corner of Texas, near the Mexican border, to build and test its Starships. ___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education.
SCRUB: SpaceX high-altitude test flight of Starship SN8 delayed
With 1 second left in the countdown, SpaceX scrubbed the test flight of its latest Starship prototype spaceship from the company’s South Texas location. Around noon, SpaceX said teams were still making final preparations for the test and liftoff time was to be determined. The private space company hopes Starship can take people to distant destinations, such as the moon and Mars. The vehicle will launch up to 50,000 feet, then perform a landing flip maneuver and finally come back down to land on the spaceship prototype’s legs. This year, SpaceX completed two low-altitude flight tests with two other Starship prototypes at its site in Boca Chica, Texas.