SPACEX CREW DRAGON SET TO DEPART ISS TODAY AUG. 1 WITH 2 NASA ASTRONAUTS: WATCH LIVE

Expedition 63 crewmembers aboard the International Space Station on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020. In front (from left) are, NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley. In back (from left) are, Roscosmos cosmonaut and Flight Engineer, Ivan Vagner, Commander Chris Cassidy, and Roscosmos cosmonaut and Flight Engineer, Anatoly Ivanishin. Screenshot Credit: NASA TV/Space UpClose

For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM

CAPE CANAVERAL, FL – After two action packed months in space the two-man veteran crew of NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley will depart the International Space Station (ISS) later today, Saturday, Aug. 1 inside their history-making SpaceX Demo-2 Crew Dragon Endeavour test vehicle and return to Earth tomorrow afternoon Aug. 2 for the 1st splashdown of Americans from space in 45 years.

https://www.spaceupclose.com/2020/08/spacex-dragon-set-to-depart-iss-today-aug-1-with-2-nasa-astronauts-watch-live/

NASA’s Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover Launches to the Red Planet in Search of Life: Photos

United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with NASA’s Mars 2020 Perseverance rover onboard launches from Space Launch Complex 41, at 7:50 a.m. ET July 30, 2020, at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Credit: Ken Kremer/kenkremer.com/spaceupclose.com

30 July 2020

Ken Kremer - - For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION/KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL –  NASA’s $2.7 Billion Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover launched today on a 300 million mile (500 million km) interplanetary journey atop a powerful United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket under picture perfect skies from the Florida Space Coast to the Red Planet where she will rove an ancient lake bed on a bold mission in search of signs of past microbial life and collect pristine samples to send back to Earth for the first time ever.   


https://www.spaceupclose.com/2020/07/nasas-mars-2020-perseverance-rover-launches-to-the-red-planet-in-search-of-life/

ULA Atlas V Rocket Poised for Liftoff July 30 with NASA’s Red Planet Rover Perseverance: Watch Live/Photos

Beautiful water reflections cast by United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket and NASA’s Mars Perseverance rover after torrential downpours on the Florida Space Coast as rocket stands vertical at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for liftoff targeting July 30, 2020. Credit: Ken Kremer/kenkremer.com/spaceupclose.com

29 July 2020

Ken Kremer - - For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION/KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL –  NASA’s $2.7 Billion Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover is poised for liftoff standing vertical for her Destination Mars interplanetary journey – after she rolled out to launch pad 41 yesterday morning bolted atop the powerful United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket that will propel her to space for the remainder of her 300 million mile (500 million kilometer) journey to the Red Planet where she will rove an ancient lake bed in search of signs of past microbial life.

https://www.spaceupclose.com/2020/07/ula-atlas-v-rocket-poised-for-liftoff-july-30-with-nasas-red-planet-rover-perseverance-watch-live-photos/

ULA Atlas V Rocket Rolls Out to Launch Complex 41 with NASA’s Red Planet Rover Perseverance

ULA Atlas V and NASA Mars Perseverance rover rollout from the Vertical Integration Facility (VIF) to Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on July 28, 2020. Credit: Ken Kremer/kenkremer.com/spaceupclose.com

28 July 2020

Ken Kremer - - For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION/KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL –  NASA’s $2.7 Billion Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover is now 1800 feet closer to Destination Mars after she was rolled out to launch pad 41 this morning bolted atop the powerful United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket that will propel her to space for the remainder of here 300 million mile (500 million kilometer) journey to the Red Planet where she will rove an ancient lake bed in search of signs of past microbial life.

https://www.spaceupclose.com/2020/07/ula-atlas-v-rocket-rolls-out-to-launch-complex-41-with-nasas-red-planet-rover-perseverance/

Nuclear Powered Dune Buggy Perseverance Rover Ready for Red Planet Blastoff July 30

ULA Atlas V rocket with NASA’s Mars Perseverance rover stands tall inside the Vertical Integration Facility (VIF) at Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL. The Atlas V 541 rocket will liftoff on Thursday, July 30. The two-hour window opens at 7:50 a.m. EDT. Credit: ULA

28 July 2020

Ken Kremer - - For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM

CAPE CANAVERAL, FL –  NASA and rocket partner United Launch Alliance (ULA) have given the GO to proceed with final launch preparations for the agency’s $2.7 Billion Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover following a successful conclusion to the Launch Readiness Review (LRR) held this morning at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida. The goal is to search for signs of past microbial life.

https://www.spaceupclose.com/2020/07/nuclear-powered-dune-buggy-perseverance-rover-ready-for-red-planet-blastoff-july-30/

NASA's Mars Perseverance Rover Gets Plutonium Power Source Installed for July 30 Liftoff

The electricity needed to operate NASA’s Mars 2020 Perseverance rover is provided by a power system called a Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator, or MMRTG. The MMRTG will be inserted into the aft end of the rover between the panels with gold tubing visible at the rear, which are called heat exchangers. Essentially a nuclear battery, an MMRTG uses the heat from the natural radioactive decay of plutonium-238 to generate about 110 watts of electricity at the start of a mission. Credit: NASA/JPL-CalTech

25 July 2020

Ken Kremer - - For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM

CAPE CANAVERAL, FL –  NASA’s next mission to the Red Planet the $2.7 Billion Mars 2020 Perseverance rover now has the nuclear power it needs to explore for many years to come – and the liftoff is targeted for July 30 from the Florida Space Coast is now just days away.

https://www.spaceupclose.com/2020/07/nasas-mars-perseverance-rover-gets-plutonium-power-source-installed-for-july-30-liftoff/

Mars 2020 Exploration Mission Guide from RocketSTEM and Space UpClose: Free Download

Mars 2020 Exploration Mission Guide from RocketSTEM magazine and Space UpClose space news website

29 July 2020

Ken Kremer - - For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL – Enjoy our “Mars 2020 Exploration Mission Guide” about NASA’s  Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover and Ingenuity Helicopter brought to you by the journalists at RocketSTEM magazine and Space UpClose space news website.

https://www.spaceupclose.com/2020/07/mars-2020-exploration-mission-guide-from-rocketstem-and-space-upclose-free-download/

China Launches Ambitious Tianwen-1 Robotic Mission to Orbit, Land and Rove the Red Planet

A Chinese Long March 5 rocket lifts off July 23, 2020 from the Wenchang Space Launch Center on Hainan Island with the Tianwen-1 Mars mission from the China National Space Administration (CNSA). Credit: Xinhua

24 July 2020

Ken Kremer - - For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM

CAPE CANAVERAL, FL – China has successfully launched its first fully indigenous mission to Mars - the extremely ambitious Tianwen-1 robotic mission designed to orbit, land and rove on the Red Planet - aimed at comprehensively investigating its climate, atmosphere and geology and search for signatures of water as well as snapping numerous images.

https://www.spaceupclose.com/2020/07/china-launches-ambitious-tianwen-1-robotic-mission-to-orbit-land-and-rove-the-red-planet/

2x Recycled SpaceX Booster from Korean Milsat Launch Triumphant Return to Port Canaveral with NASA Worm Intact from 1st Human Launch: Photos

Glorious sunrise arrival of 2x launched/landed SpaceX Falcon 9 1st stage booster atop the JRTI droneship towed by tug Lauren Foss and SpaceX fleet past Jetty Park Pier into Port Canaveral channel at 7 a.m. ET on July 24, 2020. From Falcon 9 Anasis-II launch for South Korean military on July 20, 2020 from Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL. Credit: Ken Kremer/kenkremer.com/spaceupclose.com

24 July 2020

Ken Kremer - - For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM

PORT CANAVERAL, FL – Continuing a string of complete successes the 2x launched and landed SpaceX Falcon 9 booster from Mondays Falcon 9 rocket launch of South Korea’s first dedicated military satellite July 20, 3.5 days ago, triumphantly returned to Port Canaveral during a glorious sunrise this morning, Friday, July 24, atop the JRTI droneship to a wonderful welcome from the Sunshine State on Florida’s Space Coast.

https://www.spaceupclose.com/2020/07/2x-recycled-spacex-booster-from-korean-milsat-launch-returns-to-port-canaveral-with-nasa-worm-intact-from-1st-human-launch-photos/

SpaceX Duo of Payload Fairings Caught by Boats from Korean Satellite Launch Return to Port Canaveral: Photos

One of dual mid-air caught payload fairing halves from same nose cone hoisted at 8:45 a.m. ET July 22, 2020 off SpaceX GO Ms.Tree ship and placed onto cradled transporter just hours after overnight arrival into Port Canaveral. From Falcon 9 lift off carrying Anasis-II for the South Korean military on July 20, 2020 from Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL.  Credit: Ken Kremer/kenkremer.com/spaceupclose.com

22 July 2020

Ken Kremer - - For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM

PORT CANAVERAL, FL –  The first ever dual payload fairings  halves caught by SpaceX boats from the same launched nose cone – originating from Mondays Falcon 9 rocket launch of South Korea’s first dedicated military satellite July 20 - returned to Port Canaveral overnight in darkness and were subsequently hoisted off mere hours later this morning Wednesday, July 22, onto cradled transporters after daylight dawned and driven away in rapid succession - presumably for eventual reuse.

https://www.spaceupclose.com/2020/07/spacex-duo-of-payload-fairings-caught-by-boats-from-korean-satellite-launch-return-to-port-canaveral-video-photos/

SpaceX Launches South Korea’s 1st Dedicated Military Satellite, Catches Both Fairings: Photos

SpaceX Falcon 9 lifts off carrying Anasis-II for the South Korean military at 5:30 p.m. ET on July 20, 2020 from Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL. Credit: Ken Kremer/kenkremer.com/spaceupclose.com

20 July 2020

Ken Kremer - - For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM

CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION, FL –  SpaceX successfully delivered South Korea’s first dedicated military satellite dubbed Anasis-II to orbit Monday afternoon aboard a historic recycled Falcon 9 rocket - and then landed the 1^st stage booster and captured both payload fairings thereby concluding a totally successful mission on a picture perfect day on the Florida Space Coast.

https://www.spaceupclose.com/2020/07/spacex-launches-south-koreas-1st-dedicated-military-satellite-catches-both-fairings-photos/

SpaceX Falcon 9 Set for Blastoff with Anasis-II for South Korean Military: Watch Live/Photos

Up Close view of nose cone and mission logo atop SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket prior to launch of Anasis-II on July 20, 2020 for the South Korean Military on Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, FL. Credit: Ken Kremer/kenkremer.com/spaceupclose.com

20 July 2020

Ken Kremer - - For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM

CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION, FL –  After multiple launch delays involving two different rockets from two different pad due to weather and technical issues SpaceX is set to resume launches of their workhorse Falcon 9 booster later today from the Florida Space Coast with a secure communications satellite mission for the South Korean military forces.

https://www.spaceupclose.com/2020/07/spacex-falcon-9-set-for-blastoff-with-anasis-ii-for-south-korean-military-watch-live-photos/

Hope – Historic 1st Emirates Mission Hurled to Mars

The United Arab Emirates’ Hope Probe lifts off from Tanegashima Space Center, Japan, in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan at 01:58am UAE Time July 20, 5:58 p.m. ET July 19 on a seven-month journey to the Red Planet. Credit: UAE/MHI

20 July 2020 

Ken Kremer – - For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM

CAPE CANAVERAL, FL – Hope – the history making first Emirates mission to Mars was hurled skywards Sunday, July 19 on a Japanese rocket to begin a seven month interplanetary journey bound for the Red Planet and designed to study  the planets weather and climate and inspire the nations young people to study science.

https://www.spaceupclose.com/2020/07/hope-historic-1st-emirates-mission-launches-to-mars/

1st Arab Mission to Mars Set for Liftoff July 19: Watch Live

Artists concept of UAE Hope Mars Orbiter. Credit: UAE

19 July 2020 

Ken Kremer – - For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM

CAPE CANAVERAL, FL – The first Arab mission to Mars that is sponsored by the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ) is set for liftoff today, Sunday, July 19, on a Japanese rocket after a series weather delays postponed the mission to study the planets weather and climate by nearly a week already from July 14.

Complete article here:
https://www.spaceupclose.com/2020/07/1st-arab-mission-to-mars-set-for-liftoff-july-19-watch-live/

NASA Delays James Webb Space Telescope Launch Date 7 Months to October 2021

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope in the clean room at Northrop Grumman, Redondo Beach, California, in July 2020. Launch has been delayed to October 2021. Credits: NASA/Chris Gunn

18 July 2020 

Ken Kremer – - For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM

CAPE CANAVERAL, FL – NASA has once again delayed the launch of the  mammoth James  Webb Space Telescope (JWST) by seven months and is now targeting liftoff for Oct. 31, 2021, from French Guiana, due to impacts from the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as well as technical challenges.

Complete article here:
https://www.spaceupclose.com/2020/07/nasa-delays-james-webb-space-telescope-launch-date-7-months-to-october-2021/

NASA Announces Aug. 1 Target for SpaceX Crew Dragon Astronauts Return to Earth from ISS

The SpaceX Crew Dragon from the Demo-2 mission and Japan’s HTV-9 resupply ship figure prominently in this photograph as they are docked at the International Space Station taken during the July 1, 2020 spacewalk by NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Chris Cassidy to upgrade the power system. Crew Dragon is targeted to undock on Aug. 1 for Return to Earth.  Credit: NASA

17 July 2020 

Ken Kremer - - For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM

CAPE CANAVERAL, FL – NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine has announced by tweet that the two-man veteran crew of NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley will return to Earth in approximately two weeks and depart the International Space Station on Aug. 1 inside their history-making SpaceX Demo-2 Crew Dragon Endeavour test vehicle and splashdown the next day Aug. 2 – weather permitting.

Complete article here:
https://www.spaceupclose.com/2020/07/nasa-announces-aug-1-target-for-spacex-crew-dragon-astronauts-return-to-earth-from-iss/

How to See Spectacular Comet NEOWISE Now in the Evening Sky Before it Speeds Away for 6800 Years: Photos

Comet NEOWISE as photographed at about 9 p.m. ET on July 16, 2020 in Titusville, FL with a tail. Located in the northwest evening skies below the Big Dipper approximately 20 degrees above the horizon.  Credit: Ken Kremer/kenkremer.com/spaceupclose.com

17 July 2020

Ken Kremer - - For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM

TITUSVILLE, FL –  Recently discovered Comet NEOWISE (C/2020 F3)  is now putting on a dazzling display in the early evening for skywatchers in the Northern Hemisphere and its right at prime time roughly 45 minutes or so after sunset showing off a spectacular tail to boot !!   – as it passes through the inner solar system, weather permitting of course.

Complete article here:
https://www.spaceupclose.com/2020/07/how-to-see-spectacular-comet-neowise-now-before-it-speeds-away-for-6800-years-photos/

Minotaur IV Launches 1st Classified NRO mission from NASA Wallops

The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) successfully launched its first dedicated mission from NASA Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia, at 09:46 a.m. EDT on July 15, 2020. Credit: NASA/NRO

15 July 2020

Ken Kremer - - For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM

CAPE CANAVERAL, FL –  A Northrop Grumman Minotaur IV rocket successfully launched a top secret mission with four classified payloads for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) this morning and its was the first ever from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on the Virginia Space Coast shore.

Complete article here:
https://www.spaceupclose.com/2020/07/minotaur-iv-launches-1st-classified-nro-mission-from-nasa-wallops/

SpaceX Scrubs Dual Falcon 9 Launches of Starlink and Anasis-2 in 3 Days for Technical Issues, Targets TBD

ANASIS-II communications satellite prepared for shipment from manufacturing site at Airbus cleanroom in Toulouse, France in June 2020 to launch site at Cape Canaveral in Florida on SpaceX Falcon 9. Credit: Airbus

13 July 2020

Ken Kremer - - For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER/TITUSVILLE, FL –  SpaceX was forced to scrub the dual Falcon 9 launches of the 10^th batch of the company’s own Starlink satellites as well as the Anasis-2 mission for the South Korean military in the course of just three days from the Florida Space Coast this past week on Saturday, July 11 and Tuesday, July 14.

Complete article here:
https://www.spaceupclose.com/2020/07/spacex-scrubs-dual-falcon-9-launches-of-starlink-and-anasis-2-in-3-days-for-technical-issues-targets-tbd/

We Persevere: Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover Video

Video Caption:   NASA's next Mars rover has a name – Perseverance. Like every exploration mission before, our rover is going to face challenges, and it’s going to make amazing discoveries.  The time at hand is hard. We have already surmounted many obstacles on our way to Red Planet, but as humans we will not give up. We will always persevere. Targeted for launch in July 2020, NASA’s Mars Perseverance rover will search for signs of habitable conditions on Mars in the ancient past and for signs of past microbial life itself.  Directed by Theodore Melfi

12 July

Ken Kremer – - For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM

CAPE CANAVERAL, FL – NASA has released a new promotional video about NASA’s next Mission to Mars – the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover.

Complete article here:
https://www.spaceupclose.com/2020/07/we-persevere-mars-2020-perseverance-rover-video/