A SpaceX power outage disrupted mission control during a historic private spacewalk, raising concerns over safety, transparency, and potential conflicts of interest.
A September power outage at SpaceX’s California facility caused a loss of ground control for over an hour during a mission that included the first private spacewalk, according to sources. The incident, part of SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission led by billionaire Jared Isaacman, has not been previously reported.
The outage disabled mission control's ability to command the Dragon spacecraft in orbit, though communication was partially maintained through SpaceX's Starlink satellites. The spacecraft, carrying Isaacman and three others, remained safe, but experts highlight the seriousness of losing command capabilities.
The issue arose from a cooling system leak that caused a power surge, disrupting SpaceX’s mission headquarters and backup procedures. Paperless backup systems further delayed recovery efforts until power was restored. NASA and SpaceX have stated that the problem was resolved before subsequent missions.
The incident raises concerns about oversight and conflicts of interest, especially as Isaacman, nominated to lead NASA, and Elon Musk, poised for a government role, hold influential positions in both the private space sector and regulatory agencies.
Critics argue that the lack of mandatory disclosure for private space mishaps, protected under a Congressional moratorium since 2004, undermines transparency and safety.
Isaacman has pledged to reduce his business ties if confirmed as NASA administrator, but his extensive links to SpaceX remain a potential ethical concern.
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TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew thanked President-elect Trump for his efforts to save the app in the U.S., as a January 19 deadline looms for ByteDance to sell or shut it down.
The World Bank confirms Kazakhstan's GDP growth forecast at 4.7% for 2025 and 3.5% for 2026, with oil production driving recovery.
Brazil announces Nigeria's acceptance as a partner country in BRICS, highlighting shared interests and Nigeria's growing role in global governance and the Global South.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Briefing: here are the top news stories for January 18th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Reports of a two-month halt in Azerbaijani gas supplies to Serbia are false. Despite a technical issue at Shah Deniz Alpha, Shah Deniz Bravo ensures steady exports, with supplies set to resume soon. BP confirms no damage or environmental impact.
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The Weeknd, one of the biggest music stars of our time, has announced that his upcoming album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, releasing on January 24, 2025, will be his final project under the “The Weeknd” name.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew thanked President-elect Trump for his efforts to save the app in the U.S., as a January 19 deadline looms for ByteDance to sell or shut it down.
Brazil announces Nigeria's acceptance as a partner country in BRICS, highlighting shared interests and Nigeria's growing role in global governance and the Global South.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Briefing: here are the top news stories for January 18th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Thousands in Belgrade held a silent protest outside RTS, honouring victims of a roof collapse. University students demanded justice for the tragedy, blaming Serbian authorities.
South Korea's impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court to contest his detention extension on insurrection charges tied to his martial law declaration.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew thanked President-elect Trump for his efforts to save the app in the U.S., as a January 19 deadline looms for ByteDance to sell or shut it down.
The World Bank confirms Kazakhstan's GDP growth forecast at 4.7% for 2025 and 3.5% for 2026, with oil production driving recovery.
Brazil announces Nigeria's acceptance as a partner country in BRICS, highlighting shared interests and Nigeria's growing role in global governance and the Global South.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Briefing: here are the top news stories for January 18th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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