SpaceX is launching a Falcon 9 rocket carrying a mini data center to the moon as part of Lonestar Data Holdings' mission to establish lunar data storage facilities. The project aims to protect sensitive data from Earth-based hazards and bypass data sovereignty restrictions through space-based storage solutions. The initiative faces challenges like latency and maintenance but offers advantages including natural cooling and potential renewable power operations.
SpaceX engineers have been appointed as senior advisers to the FAA's acting administrator, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest given SpaceX's regulated status. The appointments come after significant FAA employee terminations and recent aviation disasters, with the engineers being hired through Schedule A authority without full vetting. The situation has drawn criticism from Democratic legislators worried about rapid changes to air traffic systems.
SpaceX founder Elon Musk has called for the International Space Station to be deorbited within two years, significantly earlier than NASA's planned 2030 timeline. Despite SpaceX's $843 million contract to assist with the station's eventual deorbit, Musk argues there is little incremental utility in continuing operations.
SpaceX team visits FAA's Air Traffic Control Command Center to help modernize the system amid recent aviation challenges and layoffs. The visit follows a fatal midair collision and comes as hundreds of FAA probationary employees face termination, raising concerns about understaffing and safety.
A severe air traffic controller shortage in the US has led to overworked staff and system-wide strain, with current staffing at 10,800 controllers filling 14,600 needed positions. Despite increased hiring efforts, challenges including high washout rates and stressful working conditions make it difficult to close the gap, potentially requiring 8-9 years to reach full staffing levels.