Short Takes – 6-6-25

How the Trump-Musk feud could change the equation for SpaceX and industry rivals. GeekWire.com article. Pull quote: “If SpaceX actually did phase out its Dragon spacecraft, that would add to the pressure on Boeing to fix the issues that arose during last year’s crewed flight test of its Starliner space taxi. Northrop Grumman, meanwhile, has to address the problems that have grounded its uncrewed Cygnus cargo transport craft — and Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser spaceplane is still waiting for its first test flight to the International Space Station.”

Second ispace lunar lander presumed lost. SpaceNews.com article. Pull quote: “In a statement issued about five hours after the scheduled landing, the company acknowledged that Resilience was likely lost. “The laser rangefinder used to measure the distance to the lunar surface experienced delays in obtaining valid measurement values. As a result, the lander was unable to decelerate sufficiently to reach the required speed for the planned lunar landing,” ispace stated.”

A private Japanese spacecraft failed on its way to the moon’s surface. ScienceNews.org article. Pull quote: “Although the past two missions focused on research and design, the next one, planned to launch in 2027, will kick off full-scale commercialization, according to ispace. However, the current mission’s failure could affect that, Hakamada said.”

Cruz seeks $10 billion for NASA programs in budget reconciliation bill. SpaceNews.com article. Pull quote: ““In particular, the Committee’s recognition of the critical role existing vehicles and capabilities play in exploration beyond Artemis III is not only timely, but also essential,” it said in a June 5 statement, citing competition with China in a return to the moon. “This is a race back to the Moon that the United States must win. Choosing to cede our leadership in space to China is not an acceptable option.””

With hurricane season underway, Gulf Coast worries FEMA, Weather Service aren’t ready. TheHill.com article. Pull quote: “Others warned that the damage to FEMA and NOAA may be hard to undo. Even as buyouts have drained senior ranks of experienced officials, while firings of early-career staff have emptied the pipeline of “your bright innovative minds,” one former NWS meteorologist warned the AP.”