SpaceX

SpaceX achieved a milestone on April 24, 2025, with the successful Starlink 6-74 mission, launching 28 satellites into low Earth orbit. This launch, part of SpaceX's mission to provide global high-speed internet, marked the company's 47th Falcon 9 launch of the year. The mission also highlighted the reusability of the Falcon 9 booster, contributing to SpaceX's record-breaking launch pace.

Voters in Texas are poised to approve Starbase, Elon Musk's SpaceX spaceport, as a new municipality. This move would grant Starbase greater control over local regulations and taxation. However, the initiative faces opposition due to environmental concerns, potential restrictions on beach access, and impacts on indigenous communities, raising questions about the balance between space exploration and local interests.

The Bahamas government has suspended all SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket landings, awaiting a thorough environmental assessment following a recent SpaceX Starship explosion. Debris from the explosion scattered over Bahamian airspace, raising concerns about environmental impact and debris management. The government had previously approved 19 SpaceX landings for 2025, but now requires a full review before reinstating clearances.

Voyager Station, a luxury space hotel by Orbital Assembly Corporation, is planned to launch by 2027. This rotating, wheel-shaped station aims to accommodate 280 guests and 112 crew members, offering amenities like restaurants, a cinema, and artificial gravity. While currently expensive, the cost could decrease with advancements in space travel technology, potentially making space tourism more accessible.

Elon Musk, in a 2012 interview with Jon Stewart, reflected on his college vision of the internet, sustainable energy, and space exploration shaping humanity's future. He revealed that the sale of PayPal provided the capital to launch SpaceX and Tesla, ventures initially funded entirely by him. Musk humorously addressed potential government scrutiny over his rocket technology, showcasing his innovative spirit.

Amazon has successfully launched its first batch of Kuiper internet satellites, marking its entry into the satellite internet market. This deployment positions Amazon as a direct competitor to SpaceX's Starlink, aiming to provide fast, affordable internet, especially in underserved regions. Amazon plans to meet the FCC deadline to deploy half of its satellite network by mid-2026.

In a remarkable display of space activity, six rockets were launched within 18 hours on April 28-29, 2025, setting a new record. Missions from the US, China, ESA, and private firms like SpaceX and Amazon, aimed to expand LEO broadband constellations and pursue scientific goals. While most launches boosted internet access, ESA's Biomass satellite focused on climate monitoring.

The Senate Commerce Committee advanced Jared Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator and Olivia Trusty for an FCC commissioner role. Isaacman, a SpaceX collaborator, could oversee NASA's $25 billion budget and Artemis lunar program. Trusty's confirmation hinges on Democratic nominees' consideration, impacting FCC deregulation plans amid concerns over Trump's past actions and NASA's future direction.

SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, has risen from near bankruptcy to dominate the space industry. After early rocket failures, Musk's investment kept the company afloat. SpaceX achieved a historic milestone by launching the first private company to send humans to space. Innovations like reusable rockets and the Dragon spacecraft have revolutionised spaceflight.

SpaceX achieved a remarkable feat on April 21, launching two Falcon 9 rockets within hours. The evening launch of the Bandwagon-3 mission deployed multiple payloads, including a European reentry capsule and satellites for weather resilience and military surveillance. The booster successfully returned to Cape Canaveral, marking another milestone in SpaceX's rideshare program and increasing launch cadence.

Elon Musk expressed his disappointment that humans haven't reached Mars yet, despite SpaceX's efforts. He referenced the rapid progress from the first flight to the moon landing, highlighting the current delay in space exploration.

Elon Musk confidently declared Tesla's unmatched position in humanoid robotics, singling out Optimus as a leader. While acknowledging China's rapid advancements in the field, he anticipates Chinese companies dominating the subsequent ranks. Musk's statement reinforces his previous predictions about Tesla's dominance in both the robotics and electric vehicle markets, despite growing competition.

Elon Musk refuted claims that SpaceX is contributing technology to the proposed Golden Dome missile system for the US. He clarified that while SpaceX hasn't bid for any contracts, they would assist if requested by President Trump. The proposed system involves hundreds of satellites for real-time missile detection and tracking, potentially including interceptor satellites.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will pilot the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS, launching from Florida. The mission will conduct around 60 scientific studies, including seven from India, focusing on microgravity research in human health, agriculture, and biotechnology. This mission marks a step towards commercial space stations and sustained access to low Earth orbit.

Jared Isaacman, nominated to lead Nasa, faced Senate scrutiny regarding his close ties to SpaceX and Elon Musk. Senator Markey questioned Isaacman about potential influence from Musk and Trump during his nomination. Isaacman's deep involvement with SpaceX includes funding missions, conducting spacewalks, and investing millions, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

SpaceX is incentivizing security researchers to identify vulnerabilities within its Starlink satellite internet system through a bug bounty program, offering up to $100,000 for significant findings. The company has already awarded an average of $913.

Elon Musk corrected a social media post identifying his son in a photo, clarifying it was Kai, not Griffin. The image sparked discussion about Kai's resemblance to Musk and his interest in SpaceX, as highlighted in Walter Isaacson's biography.

SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket carrying multiple satellites. The Bandwagon-3 mission included a German re-entry capsule, a South Korean military satellite, and a US weather satellite. Phoenix 1 tested its heat shield. The mission highlights affordable access to space. It also shows international collaboration. This launch signals a future where space is more accessible.

Amazon launched its first 27 Project Kuiper satellites on April 29, 2025, aboard a ULA Atlas V rocket, marking its entry into the satellite broadband market. This $10 billion venture aims to provide global high-speed internet, especially to underserved areas, and compete with SpaceX's Starlink. Amazon plans to deploy 3,236 satellites, integrating Kuiper with AWS and its consumer ecosystem.

Orbital Assembly Corporation is developing Voyager Station, the world's first space hotel, slated to open in 2027. This rotating structure will accommodate hundreds of guests and crew, offering amenities like restaurants, a cinema, and artificial gravity. While challenges remain, the project signifies a shift towards privately-funded space living, potentially redefining travel and enabling long-term space research.

Maye Musk, Elon Musk's mother, has shown her appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi by retweeting his post about their discussion on technology and innovation collaboration. She previously expressed excitement over their meeting in Washington D.C., sharing posts with affectionate emojis. Elon Musk also acknowledged the conversation, expressing his anticipation to visit India later this year.

For a man who once vowed to terraform Mars, Elon Musk couldn’t even last a fiscal quarter in Washington. The self-styled disruptor who swaggered into the swamp with a chainsaw and a Reddit acronym has quietly begun his retreat, bruised by bureaucracy, battered by backlash, and burned by the very efficiency he promised to deliver. In a city allergic to logic and obsessed with meetings, Musk discovered what every tech messiah eventually does: the federal government doesn’t run on code—it runs on chaos.

Elon Musk has proposed 'Terminus' as the name for the first Martian city, inspired by Asimov's Foundation series, while acknowledging the final decision rests with future Martian residents. SpaceX aims for Starship to reach Mars by the end of next year, potentially paving the way for human missions as early as 2029, though 2031 is considered more realistic.

Elon Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency under President Trump, has experienced a significant $113 billion wealth decline since January, largely due to a 33% drop in Tesla shares post-inauguration. His close ties with the Trump administration have negatively impacted Tesla, facing sales drops and protests. Musk acknowledges the 'pain' and plans to reduce his involvement with DOGE.

Elon Musk may not appear on Jon Stewart's 'The Daily Show'. Talks occurred after Stewart's rant about DOGE. Musk initially agreed if the show aired unedited. 'The Daily Show' accepted, but Musk called Stewart a 'propagandist'. Stewart joked about being 'ghosted' by Musk. He also commented on Musk's priorities and political views. The appearance is now uncertain.

Elon Musk's initial optimism following Donald Trump's second presidential inauguration has faded as his net worth plummeted by billions. Market volatility, driven by Trump's tariff policies, and Musk's political involvement as head of the Department of Government Efficiency have contributed to the decline. Tesla's stock has also suffered, prompting Musk to shift his focus back to the electric car company.

The Senate Committee will vote on Jared Isaacman's nomination as NASA Administrator, a decision poised to reshape the agency's future. Isaacman, a billionaire entrepreneur with a controversial past, aims to balance lunar and Martian ambitions while navigating budget constraints. His confirmation hinges on overcoming scrutiny and demonstrating his ability to lead NASA through a transformative era.