Lockheed Martin has closed a $383 million contract modification to their existing contract to develop the next generation of the sea-based Trident II Strategic Weapons System (SWS) D5 missile, and many components for the updated variant, dubbed the Trident II D5 Life Extension 2, or D5LE2, will be built at a new Lockheed plant in Titusville.
Lockheed’s Titusville Plans
Expected to open in 2027, Lockheed Martin will soon start building a new 225,000 square-foot facility in Titusville, to produce components for the D5LE2. The new facility expands Lockheed’s presence on the Space Coast and according to the company the facility will create “approximately 300 highly-skilled new jobs [here.]”
The facility will be built at 1103 John Glenn Boulevard, across from the Titusville Police Department.
“Under Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership, Florida continues to invest in our aerospace and aviation, and military and defense industries – bringing high-skill, high-wage jobs to the state,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “Strategic investments like continue to propel Florida’s workforce, adding 300 new jobs and bringing economic success to Florida communities.”
About the D5LE2
Current Trident D5 Photo: Lockheed Martin
D5LE2 will be an integrated, modernized missile that will be carried aboard ballistic missile submarines (both American and British navies currently deploy older Trident missiles) to provide nuclear deterrence.
“The second life extension of the Trident D5 missile will enable the United States and United Kingdom, through the Polaris Sales Agreement, to maintain credibility deterring evolving threats,” said Jerry Mamrol, vice president of Fleet Ballistic Missiles at Lockheed Martin. “We are proud to continue our critical partnership with the U.S. Navy to take deterrence into this new era.”
NASA spacewalker Suni Williams is attached to the tip of the Canadarm2 robotic arm as the International Space Station orbited 260 miles above the Earth. Credit: NASA+
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams completed a 6.5 hour EVA outside the International Space Station today. During the event, Suni Williams became the record-holder for the most accumulated time by a woman for spacewalks. Williams now has 62 hours, 6 minutes of total spacewalk time. She is fourth on NASA’s all-time list as well.
Astronaut Suni Williams (left) conducted her ninth career spacewalk and Butch Wilmore (right) conducted his fifth career spacewalk today. Photo: NASA
The two astronauts are, of course, part of the current political kerfuffle surrounding their stay on ISS, when they were assigned to ISS Expedition 71/72 after it was decided to return their Starliner capsule home uncrewed thanks to technical concerns about the Boeing spacecraft.
During their pair’s EVA, Williams surpassed former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson’s total spacewalking time of 60 hours and 21 minutes.
The former record holder posted her congratulations today on X.com:
Handing the baton off to Suni for most spacewalking time for a female. Records are meant to be broken! Congratulations @Astro_Suni! https://t.co/BEyqUI7KWo
While outside ISS, the Williams and Wilmore performed work to remove an antenna assembly from the station’s truss, collected samples of surface material for analysis from the Destiny laboratory and the Quest airlock to see whether microorganisms exist on the exterior of ISS, and they also prepared a spare elbow joint for the Canadarm2 robotic arm.
Coming Home This Spring
The pair are set to return to Earth aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon in late March or early April. Currently, Crew 10 is slated to launch on March 24th, and after a handoff period Crew 9 will return to Earth with Williams and Wilmore aboard a Crew Dragon.
After they joined Expedition’s 71/72 crew, the plan was to bring them home in February, but delays in SpaceX’s completing and qualifying a new Dragon capsule that will be used for the mission forced NASA to further extend the length of their unexpected stay in space.
On a crystal clear night, the rise of Falcon 9 and SpainSat NG I was visible across Florida. Florida Media Now’s Ed Cordero captured this timelapse from Orlando. Photo: Ed Cordero FMN
SpaceX launched SpainSat NG-I aboard Falcon 9 this evening from Kennedy Space Center. Liftoff was right at the opening of the launch window at 8:34 PM EST, and into crystalline winter skies over Florida.
Tonight was a rare expendable mission, meaning no attempt to land booster B1073 was made after it had completed its part of the mission at two minutes and forty seconds after liftoff. That was due to additional performance required to deliver this payload to orbit, and is part of the normal Falcon 9 product catalog.
After 21 successful flights, booster B1073 now sleeps with the fishes offshore in the Atlantic Ocean.
At precisely eight minutes after liftoff, Falcon 9’s second stage and the SpainSat payload were in their initial orbit, one which would be rounded slightly after just a bit more than twenty six and a half minutes by a one minute six second burn. From there, SpaceX deployed SpainSat NG I, concluding another successful mission for the company.
SpainSat NG I will now travel under its own power to its operational orbital position.
Airbus and Thales Alenia Space built SpainSat NG I for Hisdesat Servicios Estratégicos S.A., the Spanish Governmental Satellite Operator.
Airbus, one of the four co-Prime contractors that built SpainSat NG-I described the satellite said:
“SPAINSAT NG will provide coverage on a wide area of the world ranging from the United States and South America to the Middle East, including Africa and Europe and till Singapore in Asia. Both satellites will allow to:
• Ensure effective command and control for beyond line-of-sight operations in 2/3 of the Earth.
• Guarantee communication capability in theatres of operation lacking communications infrastructure.
• Develop more satcom on the move, higher capacity, better secured and assured communications.
• Unlock the potential of the network centric battlespace-netcentric warfare and operations.
The communication payloads of both satellites will be provided by the Spanish industry, including the integration of the Communications Module in Spain, a major step forward for the Spanish industry. Airbus in Spain will be responsible for the X band payload, while Thales Alenia Space in Spain will be responsible for the UHF and mil-Ka band payloads. Other companies from the Spanish space industry will also be involved.
A time-lapse of Falcon 9’s flight as seen from Banana River near Cocoa Beach Photo: Charles Boyer / ToT
Next Launch
SpaceX returns to Starlink launches early on Monday morning when it plans to launch more Starlink Group 12 satellites.
Date: NET February 3, 2025
Organization: SpaceX
Mission: Starlink Group 12-3
Rocket: Falcon 9
Launch Site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
Sierra Space announced today it has successfully completed and passed a critical integrated testing milestone in collaboration with NASA on the Dream Chaser spaceplane orbiter Tenacity.
Sierra Space Dream Chaser Tenacity. Graphic: Sierra Space
Among the tests that were completed were Dream Chaser’s ability to power-on, air-cool, and exchange data with multiple powered payloads inside its pressurized cabin. The tests were conducted at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
“Tests like these are critical demonstrations of the capabilities of the Dream Chaser spaceplane and confirms our ability to handle specialized payloads such as vital scientific research that will be integral to our mission to the ISS,” said Pablo Gonzalez, Vice President of Crew & Cargo Transportation Systems at Sierra Space.
He added that, “This milestone highlights Dream Chaser’s flexibility, reliability, and capability to meet the diverse needs of our payload customers – including NASA and commercial partners – and it brings us another step closer to launch.”
During the testing, three payloads were evaluated, all of which are intended for the Dream Chaser’s first official mission, dubbed DCC-1.
Polar: A sophisticated cryogenic preservation system developed by the University of Alabama at Birmingham, designed to store scientific samples under precise temperature conditions from -95°C to +10°C.
Powered Ascent Utility Locker (PAUL): Created by Space Tango, this facility accommodates two CubeLab experiments that require power during their ascent phase, focusing on critical biological research.
NASA’s Single Stowage Locker: A standard equipment storage solution thinly designed to carry various experiments and materials during transport in the Dream Chaser.
Passing the tests demonstrates Dream Chaser’s capability to carry various payloads, meet those payloads environmental requirements and to provide power within specified limits. The tests also demonstrated Dream Chaser’s ability to communicate with the Sierra Space control room in Colorado as well as the payload support center at NASA’s Marshall Spaceflight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, Alabama.
At this time, it appears that Dream Chaser is on track for a launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket later this year.
Spectators in Titusville watch the liftoff of Starlink 12-7 on January 28, 2025 Photo: Michael Lynch / Talk of Titusville
SpaceX launched another set of Starlink satellites aboard a Falcon 9 this afternoon. Liftoff was at 5:04 PM EST from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
The flight was nominal, and Booster B1076, which completed its 20th successful mission when it touched down offshore near The Bahamas on ASDS ‘Just Read The Instructions.’
About 20 seconds after the successful touchdown of B1076, the second stage and payload achieved orbit. About one hour after liftoff, the second stage will fire up for a roughly two second burn in order to circularize the spacecraft’s orbit, and after that, the payload will be deployed.
Payload
21 Starlink Mini v2 telecommunications satellites for SpaceX’s Starlink division. The Starlink constellation of satellites provides Internet connectivity to more than 118 countries, territories, and other markets around the world, reaching all 7 continents and oceans. As of December 2024, Starlink reported that they have more than 4.6 million customers worldwide.
It is rare to see the body of Falcon 9 past staging, but today’s air was clear and dry enough to afford spectacular views from spectators who watched the launch. Photo: Charles Boyer / ToT
Next Launch
SpaceX plans to launch SpainSat NG-1 aboard Falcon 9 from Kennedy Space Center.
After a rare lull in launch activities from the Cape, business will be picking up this week. SpaceX is planning to launch Starlink 12-7 from Space Launch Complex later this afternoon, and Wednesday evening, the company plans to launch the SpainSat NG I mission from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center. Both of the company’s flights will be aboard Falcon 9.
Starlink 12-7
Date: NET January 27, 2025
Organization: SpaceX
Mission: Starlink 12-7
Rocket: Falcon 9
Launch Site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
Launch Window: 3:22 – 6:21 PM EST
Payload: Starlink satellites
Destination: Low-Earth Orbit
Falcon 9 carrying a batch of Starlink satellites lifts off from SLC-40 in 2024. Photo: Charles Boyer / ToT
Weather
Trajectory
Southeastward, or left to right if you are facing the ocean in Titusville.
SpainSat NG-1
Date: NET January 29, 2025
Organization: SpaceX
Mission: SpainSat NG-1
Rocket: Falcon 9
Launch Site: LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center
Launch Window: 8:34 – 10:34 PM EST
Payload: Two government-owned telecommunications satellites for the Spanish government and their designees.
Destination: MEO
Falcon 9 lifts off. Photo: Charles Boyer / ToT
Weather
The 45th Weather Squadron has not released a Mission Execution forecast for this launch at the time of this writing.
Trajectory
As always, keep in mind that launch dates and times are subject to cancellations, moves and time shifts.
From the outset of space flight, engineers dreamed of reusing rocket boosters. This 1964 study, written by W. E. Ruhland and R. H. Lipp of the Chrysler Corporation’s Space Division, lists some possible methods to make that happen. Chrysler was the prime contractor for the S-IB first stage.
As a reminder, the S-IB first stage was for the smaller Saturn variant, and was the rocket that launched Apollo 7, Apollo Soyuz Test Project and as crew transportation during the Skylab program. Its booster had eight engines powered by RP-1 kerosene and liquid oxygen. It used the Saturn S-IV as its second stage, and an Apollo CSM if it were being used on a crewed mission.
NASA document listing typical Saturn IB specifications.
One of the Orbital Science Corporation’s Antares 130’s Russian-made AJ26 engines ruptures fifteen seconds into the flight of the failed Orb-3 mission. The result was a spectacular RUD. Photo: NASA.
In the world of aerospace engineering, even the smallest miscalculation can lead to catastrophic failure. And in the past few years, a phrase has emerged as a humorous way to describe those unfortunate events: “rapid unscheduled disassembly,” often shortened to RUD. This technical-sounding euphemism, often deployed in the aftermath of rocket explosions, has become a staple in modern spaceflight jargon, and is widely used when a rocket fails. But where did the phrase come from?
Maj. David Reifenberg, combat rescue officer drop zone controller, 308th Rescue Squadron, Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, free falls from a Joint Base Charleston C-17 Globemaster III, while Senoir Master Sgt. George Reed, paraescueman, 308 RQS prepares to jump, during a Human Space Flight Support airdop search and rescue exercise Jan 15, 2025, Patrick SFB, Fla. A joint task force of the 204th Airlift Squadron, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickum, Hawaii, and 315th Airlift Wing, JB Charleston, South Carolina, trained on HSFS to retrieve astronauts from open-ocean waters upon returning to Earth. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Della Creech)
A combined team of Guardsmen and Reservists tackled air, sea, and space operations during Human Space Flight Support (HSFS) training, focused on astronaut recovery through search and rescue operations, held from Jan. 14-17 at Patrick Space Force Base in Florida. The end goal was to prepare a greater roster of SARS personnel for an increasing number of crewed missions.
The training brought together Air National Guardsmen from the 204th Airlift Squadron based at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, with Reservists from the 315th Airlift Wing at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, and the 308th Rescue Squadron at Patrick Space Force Base. This joint effort aimed to refine the airdrop techniques required to recover astronauts safely from open-ocean splashdowns following space missions.
Staff Sgt. Nainoa Lehua, Human Space Flight Support airdrop loadmaster, 204th Airlift Squadron, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, and Chief Master Sgt. Drew Cheek, HSFS airdrop evaluating loadmaster, 701st Airlift Squadron, prepare to airdrop Mark-25 flares during HSFS airdrop search and rescue training Jan 16, 2025, Patrick Space Force Base, Florida. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Della Creech)
Expanding Need
“The space industry has seen tremendous growth since 2020, when Joint Base Hickam first took on this mission,” explained Maj. Ryan Schieber, Human Space Flight Support lead planner for the 315th Operations Support Squadron. “With the rise in SpaceX launches, Boeing Starliner missions, and the upcoming Artemis program in 2026, this training is more critical than ever.”
As the space sector grows, astronaut recovery missions have increased to at least three or four annually, with the promise of an even higher cadence of crewed missions. This uptick prompted the 204th Airlift Squadron to form a joint task force with the 308th Rescue Squadron under the 920th Rescue Wing. The 920th RW, the only Air Force Reserve Command wing dedicated to combat search and rescue, collaborates with the 315th AW to certify aircrews for HSFS airdrops.
Expanding The Roster Of Qualified Rescue Airmen
“Our goal is to certify the Charleston Reserve pilots, loadmasters, and aircrew for this mission,” said Master Sgt. Makaio Roberts, deputy program manager for the 204th AS HSFS team. “They’re vital partners alongside the 308th Rescue Squadron as we support NASA, SpaceX, Boeing, and the Artemis missions with launches and recoveries.”
In 2025, the 315th AW officially partnered with the 204th AS to gain HSFS airdrop certification. These training exercises enhance efficiency and preparedness for the multi-capable Airmen who participate.
About The Training
“This training involves realistic offshore airdrops of personnel and equipment, simulating the recovery of isolated individuals in maritime environments,” said Capt. Nicolas Walsh, a combat rescue officer and drop zone controller with the 308th RQS.
During 7.5 hours of flight time, the joint task force completed 10 airdrops, including 30 pararescuemen jumps in challenging winter seas. Despite the limited timeframe, the experienced aircrews and maintenance teams made the most of the opportunity, ensuring high levels of readiness.
“The equipment we drop and the rescue qualifications we practice are essential to ensuring astronauts can be safely recovered during splashdowns,” Roberts emphasized. “This training directly supports real-world launches and recoveries for the HSFS program.”
Participating in HSFS training provides C-17 aircrews with a unique mission experience, broadening their operational skill set. Working alongside the 204th AS and 308th RQS helps develop Airmen into versatile, mission-ready professionals.
“This mission is distinct for the C-17,” Schieber said. “It exposes the aircrews to a specialized rescue airdrop role, enhancing their readiness for future challenges.”
As the pace of space exploration accelerates, the demand for search and rescue operations is expected to grow, a challenge the joint task force is ready to meet. “Space travel is increasing, and we’re prepared to respond,” Schieber added.
Starlink 13-1 lifts off from LC-39A at Kennedy Space Center on January 21, 2024. Photo: SpaceX
SpaceX launched Falcon 9 carrying 21 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit Tuesday morning from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center. Liftoff was at 12:24 AM EST under cloudy skies and relatively cool weather.
Around eight minutes and a half minutes after lifting off, Booster B1083 completed its 8th mission when it touched down safely on ASDS ‘A Shortfall of Gravitas’, which was stationed offshore downrange. Previously, B1083 had flown Crew-8, Polaris Dawn, CRS-31, Astranis: From One to Many, and three Starlink missions, all successfully. ASOG and B1083 will now return to Port Canaveral for offloading and preparation for B1083’s next flight.
The second stage continued to orbit during the booster’s landing sequence and at 1:33 AM EST, SpaceX confirmed the deployment of the payload:
Individual Starlink satellites are part of Starlink constellation, which provides broadband-level Internet access all over the world, especially in remote areas. Currently, there are roughly 7,000 Starlink satellites in orbit. When each satellite reaches its end-of-life, it is deorbited by SpaceX in order to prevent any accumulation of space debris from the system.
A real-time graphic representation of Starlink satellites in orbit provided by satellite.space.
Launch Replay
Spaceflight Now archives launch coverage on their YouTube channel. Here is last night’s coverage.
Next Launch
Another Falcon 9 / Starlink launch is scheduled for Friday, January 24th.
Date: NET January 24, 2025
Organization: SpaceX
Mission: Starlink 10-12
Rocket: Falcon 9
Launch Site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
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