Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space  
NASA Spaceflight • Bastiaan Vellekoop

The future of Starship’s Pad 1 tower and launch mount after Block 2’s Oct. 14, 2025 flight

With Starship Block 2’s final flight lifted on Oct. 14, 2025, the future of Pad 1’s tower and launch mount is unresolved. Industry observers now weigh options — demolition, refurbishment or repurposing — and what each choice means for Starship operations and launch‑site planning.

2026-01-08T11:06:09.226653-08:00
Space Exploration & Science Missions   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Policy & Regulation   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   NASA  
Payload • Jacqueline Feldscher

House Minibus Bill Would Cut Funding for NASA’s Mars Sample Return, Threatening the Mission

By Payload: The dozens of tubes of Martian dust collected so far by the Perseverance rover are waiting for a ride that may never come.

Also: Universe Today
2026-01-07T13:41:09.081432-08:00
Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space  
NEW
NASA Spaceflight • Bastiaan Vellekoop

SpaceX Overhauls Pad 1 to Support Block 3 Launches After Final Block 2 Flight

By NASA Spaceflight: With the last Block 2 flight lifting off on Oct. 14th, 2025, SpaceX has no more need for Pad 1’s current infrastructure. However, Pad 1 still has a significant future ahead; it is undergoing major rework and redesign that will enable it to accommodate Block 3 launches, resembling Pad 2, but without starting entirely from scratch.

2026-01-08T11:15:48.370836-08:00