FEED Validator

for Atom and RSS and KML

Congratulations!

This is a valid RSS feed.

Recommendations

This feed is valid, but interoperability with the widest range of feed readers could be improved by implementing the following recommendations.

line 2, column 0: The prefix "dc" generally is associated with the namespace "http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" [help]
```
<rss version="2.0"
```

line 9, column 107: Self reference doesn't match document location [help]

... rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
                                             ^

line 77, column 244: category should not contain HTML: & (4 occurrences) [help]

... ory><![CDATA[Space Movies &amp; Shows]]></category>
                                             ^

line 130, column 239: media:text should not contain HTML unless declared in the type attribute: ' (7 occurrences) [help]

... ng a skull-like black mask and helmet]]></media:text>
                                             ^

line 131, column 197: media:title should not contain HTML unless declared in the type attribute: ' (7 occurrences) [help]

... ng a skull-like black mask and helmet]]></media:title>
                                             ^

Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/spaceheadlines

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
xmlns:dc="https://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/"
xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
>
<channel>
<atom:link href="https://www.space.com/home/feed/site.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
<title><![CDATA[ Space ]]></title>
<link>https://www.space.com</link>
<description><![CDATA[ ]]></description>
<lastBuildDate>Sun, 05 May 2024 02:09:52 +0000</lastBuildDate>
<language>en</language>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[ Boeing Starliner rolls out to launch pad for 1st astronaut flight on May 6 (photos) ]]></title>
<dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>CAPE CANAVERAL — May the rocket's Force be with you!</p><p>An Atlas V rocket rolled out to its launch pad on Saturday (May 4), also Star Wars Day, at <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/33926-cape-canaveral.html">Cape Canaveral Space Force Station</a> days before its historic first mission with astronauts. Atop the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/united-launch-alliance.html">United Launch Alliance</a> booster was Boeing's <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/19367-boeing-cst-100.html">Starliner</a> spacecraft, which will also make its debut flight with humans onboard after launching no earlier than Monday (May 6).</p><p>The instantaneous launch window opens at 10:34 p.m. EDT (0234 GMT on Tuesday, May 7) and you can watch the historic <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/16748-international-space-station.html">International Space Station</a> (ISS) mission live here at Space.com, courtesy of NASA Television.</p><p>The mission, called Crew Flight Test (CFT), will send two veteran <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/38700-nasa-history.html">NASA</a> astronauts and former U.S. Navy test pilots aloft: Butch Wilmore will command the mission and Suni Williams will be the pilot. The duo are quarantining at the nearby <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/17705-nasa-kennedy-space-center.html">Kennedy Space Center</a>.</p><p><strong>Related:</strong> <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-simulators-nasa-lessons-learned">I flew Boeing's Starliner spacecraft in 4 different simulators. Here's what I learned (video, photos)</a></p>
<div class='jwplayer__widthsetter'><div class='jwplayer__wrapper'><div id='futr_botr_1pBlaCO4_bQHItauA_div' class='future__jwplayer'><div id='botr_1pBlaCO4_bQHItauA_div'></div></div></div></div>
<p>I joined a group of about 35 reporters on a small hill about a mile away from Space Launch Complex 41 for my first-ever Floridian rocket rollout in which the booster was always going the right way towards the pad.</p>
<figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:2914px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.28%;"><img id="Za2S4jexoxxobGGhbBW6BF" name="starwars.jpg" alt="a person in a shirt with stars wars spacecraft facing a rocket and building, far in the background" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Za2S4jexoxxobGGhbBW6BF.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="2914" height="1640" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">A photographer festooned in Star Wars gear watches Boeing Starliner, atop the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, make its way to the launch pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on May 4, 2024. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Elizabeth Howell)</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>Back in August 2006, I made an attempt to see mission STS-115 fly to the ISS. Then life happened. During my flight from Canada to the Space Coast, <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/16726-space-shuttle.html">space shuttle</a> Atlantis's launch pad was hit by lightning. As NASA took time to double-check all systems, Tropical Storm Ernesto made its way up the coast. </p><p>So instead of a launch, I witnessed Atlantis being pulled back towards shelter — and then pause in its path to the Vehicle Assembly Building, and get pulled back to the launch pad when the tropical storm shifted far enough away to make that the safe choice. I definitely missed that launch, but no regrets, as that situation was a pretty unique one.</p>
<figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:3257px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.28%;"><img id="iW5yHFdJuEGbZ8aHEgnNiR" name="starliner_1.jpg" alt="a smiling woman in a large hat and sunglasses. she points across the road to a rocket and launch pad far in the background" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iW5yHFdJuEGbZ8aHEgnNiR.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="3257" height="1833" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">Space.com staff writer Elizabeth Howell points towards a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, stacked with Boeing Starliner, as the rocket makes its way to the launch pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on May 4, 2024. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Elizabeth Howell)</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>Starliner's presence here two decades later is also unique, as the first spacecraft to bring astronauts to space from the Cape Canaveral side since <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/17522-apollo-7.html">Apollo 7</a> on Oct. 11, 1968. </p><p>And no human has ridden any Atlas rocket since Gordon Cooper's Mercury-Atlas 9 mission on May 15, 1963 (almost exactly 61 years before Starliner's CFT launch attempt.)</p><p>If CFT goes to plan, Boeing will soon join <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/18853-spacex.html">SpaceX</a> in sending astronauts for six months at a time to the ISS. That's after both companies received commercial crew contracts from NASA in 2014, valuing Boeing's at $4.2 billion back then, compared to SpaceX's $2.6 billion.</p>
<figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:5000px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:66.66%;"><img id="BDE4cU9vYCQMq7YMfdG64C" name="GettyImages-2150879248.jpg" alt="a rocket beside a tall building with clouds in the background" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BDE4cU9vYCQMq7YMfdG64C.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="5000" height="3333" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, makes its way towards the launch pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on May 4, 2024. Beside it is a ULA stacking facility. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo / AFP via Getty Images)</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>While SpaceX has sent 12 crewed missions to ISS since 2020, including an astronaut test flight, Starliner's waited four extra years. Boeing's first ISS flight in December 2019 was dogged with so many computer glitches that Starliner never made it to its assigned orbit. After the COVID-19 pandemic erupted, and dozens of fixes were implemented, and Starliner at last made a successful second uncrewed test flight in May 2022.</p><p>CFT was also expected to launch earlier, most recently 2023. <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-historic-1st-astronaut-mission-ready-launch">Critical issues</a> found last year delayed that, however, as Boeing officials sought to address issues with the loads on the capsule's main parachutes, as well as wiring covered in flammable tape. </p><p>NASA and Boeing have carefully gone over all details ahead of this flight and maintained at a press conference Friday (May 3) that all is ready to go safety-wise. Weather is also 95% go for Monday's launch attempt on the Space Coast; that said, checks for proper technical fit and good weather will continue up to the moment of liftoff.</p><p><strong>Related:</strong> <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/1st-boeing-starliner-astronauts-crew-flight-test-iss-launch-ready">1st Boeing Starliner astronauts are ready to launch to the ISS for NASA (exclusive)</a></p>
<div class="fancy-box"><div class="fancy_box-title">RELATED STORIES:</div><div class="fancy_box_body"><p class="fancy-box__body-text">— <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-1-week-before-launch-dress-rehearsal-astronauts">Boeing Starliner astronauts conduct dress rehearsal ahead of May 6 launch (photos, video)</a></p><p class="fancy-box__body-text"> — <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-spacecraft-private-astronaut-nasa-focus">Boeing's Starliner spacecraft will not fly private missions yet, officials say</a></p><p class="fancy-box__body-text"> — <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-nasa-astronaut-arrival-launch-site-webcast">'I'm sure we'll find things out': NASA astronauts fly to launch site for 1st crewed Boeing Starliner mission to ISS on May 6 (photos)</a></p></div></div>
<p>The spacecraft's first operational mission will be Starliner-1, no earlier than 2025, and it will send at least three astronauts to the ISS: NASA's Mike Fincke (who is also serving as a CFT backup astronaut), alongside NASA's Scott Tingle and the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/22534-canadian-space-agency.html">Canadian Space Agency</a>'s Joshua Kutryk (the capcom for CFT's ascent phase.)</p><p>NASA plans to alternate SpaceX's Dragon and Boeing's Starliner in sending up astronauts at least every six months from U.S. soil. Russia's <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/40951-soyuz-spacecraft.html">Soyuz spacecraft</a> will also continue to send some agency astronauts aloft, for technical and policy reasons.</p><p>While NASA aims to have these commercial crew vehicles working past the lifetime of ISS, the orbiting complex is expected to finish operations in 2030. Russia may pull out as soon as 2028, although all timelines are subject to flux as the countries work on implementing next-generation space programs.</p>
]]></dc:content>
<link>https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-crew-flight-test-launch-pad-rollout</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[ Starliner is at last at its Florida launch pad for its historic 1st mission with astronauts. The Boeing spacecraft made a brief journey there May 4 to coincide with Star Wars Day. ]]>
</description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">rWFPdrmAeBGzEQGocfr4zk</guid>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cE7EfsGrtss6XNDkxchL9A.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2024 17:35:50 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Human Spaceflight]]></category>
<author><![CDATA[ elizabeth.howell@futurenet.com (Elizabeth Howell) ]]></author> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cE7EfsGrtss6XNDkxchL9A.jpg">
<media:credit><![CDATA[Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo / AFP via Getty Images]]></media:credit>
<media:text><![CDATA[a rocket at a launch pad surrounded by towers]]></media:text>
<media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[a rocket at a launch pad surrounded by towers]]></media:title>
</media:content>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[ The history of the Jedi Order in 'Star Wars' ]]></title>
<dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>One of the core pillars of Star Wars is the Jedi and their mysterious connection to the Force, but we've only seen fragments of their illustrious order's history on the big screen. Watching the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/star-wars-movies-in-order"><u>Star Wars movies in chronological order</u></a>, we see them at the height of their power, fall into near extinction, and rise once again. Now, with the new live-action series <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/everything-we-know-about-the-acolyte"><u>The Acolyte</u></a> on Disney Plus, we're about to learn how the Sith plotted in the shadows against the Jedi prior to the events of The Phantom Menace. Before the series arrives, here's the complete history of the Jedi Order.</p><p>Star Wars is especially interested in the fight between the forces of light and darkness across generations, and the history of both the Jedi and Sith Orders is long and often a bit difficult to follow. Therefore, <strong>we've decided to stick to the current </strong><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/star-wars-timeline"><u><strong>Star Wars timeline</strong></u></a><strong> canon</strong> to avoid any extra confusion and better tie into the ongoing storytelling being done through movies, TV, novels, comic books, and video games.</p><p>After The Acolyte and the animated mini-series <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/star-wars-tales-of-the-empire-trailer-release"><u>Tales of the Empire</u></a>, we're looking forward to <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/everything-we-know-about-star-wars-skeleton-crew"><u>Skeleton Crew</u></a> on Disney Plus and <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/everything-we-know-about-the-mandalorian-and-grogu"><u>The Mandalorian & Grogu</u></a> in cinemas. Meanwhile, <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/everything-we-know-about-star-wars-outlaws"><u>Star Wars Outlaws</u></a>, which arrives later this year, promises to be the Star Wars open-world video game we'd always dreamed of. </p><p><em><strong>Warning: Major Star Wars spoilers ahead!</strong></em></p>
<h3 class="article-body__section" id="section-origins-of-the-jedi-order"><span>Origins of the Jedi Order</span></h3>
<figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1280px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="ER9gL9qM3AT6mFKkp78JCY" name="Jedi_Dawn.jpg" alt="Luke Skywalker and the sacred Jedi texts in Star Wars: The Last Jedi." src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ER9gL9qM3AT6mFKkp78JCY.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1280" height="720" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">Luke Skywalker and the sacred Jedi texts in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Disney)</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>The Jedi and their precursors, the Dai Bendu, came to exist way before the Sith cult, which was later created by an unnamed rogue Jedi who then declared war on their former comrades. In the far distant past, roughly 25,000 years BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin), the Prime Jedi founded the Jedi Order on the planet of Ahch-To. Legend suggests that the first-ever Jedi and other Force users used Force-imbued swords before <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/how-do-lightsabers-work"><u>lightsabers</u></a> were invented.</p><p>However, it wasn't long before the first Jedi found the ice planet of Ilum, which was littered with <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/what-are-kyber-crystals"><u>kyber crystals</u></a>, the 'heart' of all lightsabers. It soon became the Order's most sacred world and the base of operations for Professor Huyang, a droid who, for over a thousand years, instructed apprentices on lightsaber designs. Around the same time, the Order also spread to worlds such as Ossus, Jedha, Xenxiar, Tython, and even Coruscant.</p><p>The 'sacred texts' of the Jedi described the Order's tenets and history, as well as providing an introduction to the path of the Jedi across several volumes. That said, some elements found within those pages had little to no impact on later Jedi; those included references to 'gods' and the World Between Worlds that we later see <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/who-is-ahsoka-tano"><u>Ahsoka Tano</u></a> enter.</p><p>Around the year 20,000 BBY, a Jedi sect known as the Ordu Aspectu broke off from the main Order. Led by Rur and his second in command, Amon, their main goal was learning the secret to immortality. Unsurprisingly, this led to an open conflict between the Jedi Order and the Ordu Aspectu, though a peace treaty allowed them to continue their research. A later incident with a rogue artificial intelligence led to the self-destruction of the Ordu Aspectu, ending the cult forever.</p>
<h3 class="article-body__section" id="section-the-jedi-order-during-old-republic-times"><span>The Jedi Order during Old Republic times</span></h3>
<figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1280px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="qECnjgCSWGasRU9g7VVioY" name="Jedi_Old1.jpg" alt="The Old Republic’s guardians in Star Wars: The Old Republic." src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qECnjgCSWGasRU9g7VVioY.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1280" height="720" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">The Old Republic’s guardians in the video game Star Wars: The Old Republic. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Disney / EA)</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>The Sith Order, which shares its name with a red-skinned alien species connected in special ways to the dark side of the Force, was firmly formed around 5,000 BBY by the aforementioned rogue Jedi. The early Sith wanted to explore the mysteries of the dark side of the Force, but also rejected many of the Jedi Order's key teachings.</p><p>The first open war between the two Orders ended with the Sith defeated, retreating to and colonizing the red world of Korriban, later known as Moraband. In the shadows, they rebuilt over generations and formed an Empire that would later strike against the Old Republic and their Jedi protectors. </p><p>Around this time, the Order also set up a new headquarters on Coruscant, a planet located roughly at the center of the known galaxy. Their temple on the planet would become the Order's main hub for thousands of generations. Unbeknownst to them, however, the ancient Sith shrine buried below it, thought to be 'neutralized' long ago, emanated dark side power that 'infiltrated' the space above and weakened the Jedi for millennia. Check out our article on <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com//history-of-the-sith-order-in-star-wars">the history of the Sith Order</a> for more information on the Jedi's dark mirror.</p>
<figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1280px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="HWnmkfcZMkhpB3GM59P8vY" name="Jedi_Old2.jpg" alt="A Jedi Master duels a Sith Knight." src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HWnmkfcZMkhpB3GM59P8vY.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1280" height="720" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">A Jedi Master duels a Sith Knight. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Disney)</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>During the Old Republic era, the Jedi Order also came into conflict against factions that threatened the Republic's ideals of peace and freedom. Their biggest enemies included the Zygerrian Slave Empire and the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/everything-about-planet-mandalore-star-wars"><u>Mandalorians</u></a>, who'd developed a warlike culture that threatened to devour the galaxy if left unchecked.</p><p>Later wars against the Sith Empire, who even managed to conquer Coruscant for a time, pushed the Jedi to adopt more aggressive lightsaber combat forms. While this was extremely effective, it also led many Jedi to the dark side. As a direct result, the Order was quick to ban their use after the fires of war were extinguished.</p><p>Towards the end of the Dark Age (defined by the seemingly endless battles against the Sith), the Old Republic's system faced an imminent collapse. Despite this the Jedi were able to defeat the Sith Empire after the latter was irreparably weakened by ill-timed infighting. After the Sith's definitive defeat on the planet Ruusan, only Darth Bane remained. The Sith Order's survival in the shadows under Darth Bane’s Rule of Two ("One master and one apprentice can be the only Sith in the galaxy at a time") would eventually lead to the Jedi's undoing.</p>
<h3 class="article-body__section" id="section-the-high-republic-and-the-golden-age-of-the-jedi"><span>The High Republic and the golden age of the Jedi</span></h3>
<figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1280px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="E6gZWtPQgZWDnWYPRL8gyX" name="Jedi_High.jpg" alt="The Jedi Knights of the High Republic." src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/E6gZWtPQgZWDnWYPRL8gyX.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1280" height="720" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">The Jedi Knights of the High Republic. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Disney)</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>The modern Galactic Republic replaced the Old Republic around the year 1,000 BBY. This heralded a new era of peace, democracy, and prosperity under the steady rule of the Galactic Senate and its elected leader, the Supreme Chancellor. At this point, the Jedi fully embraced their role as the Republic's peacekeepers and guardians. The Galactic republic was at the height of its power from around 500 BBY to 100 BBY – a period known as the High Republic era.</p><p>The Jedi of this era were neither soldiers nor monk-like figures, instead serving as law enforcement agents that pursued dangerous criminals and often acted as detectives. The Jedi Order did eventually lose its firm grip on the galaxy's evildoers and rejected the idea of the Sith returning until it was too late. However, until then the High Republic was a period of relative peace and a lack of major galaxy-wide warfare.</p><p>Regardless, the Jedi were still involved in a number of notable conflicts, like the ones against the Path of the Open Hand cult – who wanted to 'free' the Force – or the Nihil marauders, and suffered heavy losses during certain battles and events that weakened the grand Order's position as the galaxy's first line of defense. This led to an internal debate within the Jedi Order that made some members question how involved with the Republic they should be.</p>
<h3 class="article-body__section" id="section-the-fall-of-the-jedi-and-the-clones-wars"><span>The Fall of the Jedi and the Clones Wars</span></h3>
<figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1280px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="kSxMUFqvQTUjqcuVsvqbHY" name="Jedi_Fall1.jpg" alt="Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi fight Darth Maul." src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kSxMUFqvQTUjqcuVsvqbHY.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1280" height="720" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi fight Darth Maul. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Disney)</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>Prior to the Invasion of Naboo in the year 32 BBY, the Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas sought to create a Grand Army of the Republic after predicting a galactic conflict that would end the government as well as the Jedi Order. This led to his removal from the Council and him secretly commissioning an army of clone soldiers from the inhabitants of Kamino.</p><p>Unbeknownst to the Jedi Master, the Sith, who'd continued to plot and design the Jedi's downfall in the shadows for centuries and were now led by Darth Sidious, learned about his plan and had him killed by the Pyke Syndicate. Following the Battle of Naboo and the election of Sheev Palpatine – Sidious' public persona – as Chancellor, Count Dooku replaced Darth Maul as the Sith Lord's apprentice and became Darth Tyranus.</p><p>The Jedi wouldn't find out about the existence of a clone army until the Separatist Crisis (orchestrated by Darth Sidious) became a threat to the Republic's stability. It was the Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi who learned about the clone army, although he only got half of the truth from the Kaminoans, as they'd also been tricked – the clone army were now designed by the Sith and 'rigged' to turn on the Jedi when the time came.</p>
<figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1280px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="fX4JiX68LmqtzQpqPxwpNY" name="Jedi_Fall2.jpg" alt="The Jedi protecting the Coruscant temple." src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fX4JiX68LmqtzQpqPxwpNY.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1280" height="720" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">The Jedi protecting the Coruscant temple. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Disney)</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>Concerned by the growing number of Separatist systems, the Senate, now steered by the Chancellor's evil designs, approved the Military Creation Act and deployed the clone army on Geonosis alongside a Jedi assault team led by Master Yoda and Mace Windu. The First Battle of Geonosis – launched against the Separatist leaders, Count Dooku/Tyranus, and their droid army – marked the beginning of the three-year-long Clone Wars, which broke the galaxy apart.</p><p>Out of necessity, the Jedi became generals and commanders once again, now leading a clone army against the Separatists, a coalition made up from worlds that had once been part of the Republic along with some supporting Outer Rim systems. Of course, many Jedi questioned their involvement in the war and its very nature, yet Sidious, Count Dooku/Darth Tyranus, and their allies managed to keep the 'show' going long enough to finalize their plans to take over the government and end the Jedi once and for all.</p><p>The Clone Wars ended in the year 19 BBY, when Count Dooku/Darth Tyranus was felled by Anakin Skywalker and General Grievous was destroyed by his Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi. This was all part of Darth Sidious' Grand Plan and led to the final phase: the activation of Order 66. This infamous directive saw the clone troopers turning on their Jedi leaders, and the creation of the Galactic Empire to 'reorganize' and ensure the security of the galaxy after a time of war and division.</p>
<h3 class="article-body__section" id="section-the-dark-times-and-the-return-of-the-jedi"><span>The dark times and the Return of the Jedi</span></h3>
<figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1280px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="KFHHqD9cjnQAnC3czkV86Y" name="Jedi_Return.jpg" alt="Luke Skywalker duels Darth Vader in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KFHHqD9cjnQAnC3czkV86Y.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1280" height="720" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">Luke Skywalker duels Darth Vader in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Disney)</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>While some Jedi survivors escaped the purge and remained hidden away in remote worlds, Order 66 was largely a success and effectively destroyed the Jedi Order and most of its following. This paved the way for the Empire's unchecked expansion across the galaxy.</p><p>During the Reign of the Empire, Darth Sidious ruled as Emperor Palpatine with the help of Darth Vader, formerly Anakin Skywalker (the Chosen One according to some of the Jedi), as his right-hand man. Some Jedi who'd been captured were also twisted by the dark side and turned into Inquisitors who helped track down and kill the remaining Jedi until they were no longer useful to Palpatine and Vader.</p><p>Some persistent Jedi rebels survived, including Ahsoka Tano (Skywalker's former Padawan), Cal Kestis, and Kanan Jarrus, but they were scattered and alone, unable to bring down the Empire. Sidious' empire would ultimately fall at the hands of Luke Skywalker, Anakin Skywalker's secret son. Luke Skywalker was trained in the Jedi ways by Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin's old master, and joined the Rebel Alliance alongside his sister, Leia Organa.</p><p>Both Darth Sidious and Darth Vader tried to seduce Luke Skywalker into joining the Sith during the Battle of Endor, in the year 4 ABY (After the Battle of Yavin). Once again, infighting would be the downfall of the Sith Order, as each of them had their own plans to kill and replace the other. In the end, the young Jedi Luke Skywalker brought Darth Vader back into the light and reached Anakin. Before dying from grave injuries, Anakin saved his son Luke and ended Sidious' life aboard the second Death Star. The battle station was also destroyed by the Rebels, putting the Empire on the defensive.</p>
<h3 class="article-body__section" id="section-new-republic-era-and-the-last-jedi"><span>New Republic era and the Last Jedi</span></h3>
<figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1280px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="KT544TRaPhbASLJSqgUaaY" name="Jedi_Last1.jpg" alt="Luke Skywalker teaching Grogu." src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KT544TRaPhbASLJSqgUaaY.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1280" height="720" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">Luke Skywalker teaching Grogu. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Disney)</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>Following the deaths of both Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader, Imperial loyalists put up a fight against the Alliance that soon formed the New Republic, but ultimately failed to preserve the late Galactic Empire. Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker began to train his sister Leia as a Jedi. She went as far as constructing her own lightsaber, but declined further training after seeing a vision of her son's death, and instead chose to focus on building the New Republic.</p><p>At the same time, Ahsoka Tano commenced the training of the Mandalorian warrior and Rebel fighter <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/who-is-sabine-wren"><u>Sabine Wren</u></a> while searching for <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/who-is-ezra-bridger"><u>Ezra Bridger</u></a>, a Jedi Padawan apprentice of Kanan Jarrus who had removed himself from the galaxy alongside <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/who-is-grand-admiral-thrawn"><u>Grand Admiral Thrawn</u></a>. Bridger was found and returned to the galaxy alongside Thrawn and his new allies, while Tano and Wren were left behind. This specific tale has yet to be fully told, but Thrawn's attempt to restore the Empire likely led to the creation of the First Order.</p><p>Knowing his training was unorthodox, Luke aimed to give his New Jedi Order students a training regime similar to the one used during the Republic days. His Jedi temple and students on Ossus thrived. That was until around 28 ABY, when Ben Solo, son of Leia and Han Solo, was seduced to the dark side by Supreme Leader Snoke. Ben’s descent into darkness culminated with the destruction of the Jedi Temple and the slaughter of the Jedi training there after Luke confronted him. This failure set Skywalker on a path of shame and regret.</p><p>Ben Solo rose to lead the dark side fanatics known as the Knights of Ren, forging an alliance with Snoke, who'd been pulling the strings of the First Order. This new order was a fascist organization that rose from the ashes of the Empire after amassing power deep within the Unknown Regions of space. Ben took on the new moniker of Kylo Ren at this time. Meanwhile, Luke turned his back on the galaxy and exiled himself in the first Jedi temple on Ahch-To, leaving only a cryptic star map behind to give away his whereabouts.</p>
<figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1280px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="PTAxBYKPs384h2vR3TDWTY" name="Jedi_Last2.jpg" alt="Rey confronts Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: The Last Jedi" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PTAxBYKPs384h2vR3TDWTY.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1280" height="720" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">Rey confronts Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Disney)</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>The First Order launched an attack on the New Republic and effectively neutralized its military power. At the same time, a scavenger from Jakku, called Rey, came across the lightsaber that Luke lost on Bespin after fighting Darth Vader, and ended up joining the Resistance. Leia later sent the Force-sensitive girl to find Luke on Ahch-To after the star map was completed. There, she started to pull the old Jedi Master out of his pit of despair, and eventually underwent Jedi training.</p><p>Rey's training and temporary alliance with a conflicted Kylo Ren led to the death of Snoke, yet the Resistance almost perished on Crait when Ren assaulted the base. Only the timely intervention of Luke Skywalker saved the day, when he used all the energy he had to Force-project himself across the galaxy from Ahch-To and confront his nephew. This bought Rey and the Resistance enough time to escape and resulted in Luke passing away and becoming a Force Ghost, as well as a symbol of resistance and hope in the galaxy.</p><p>Roughly a year after the Battle of Crait, it was revealed that a secret Sith cult known as the Sith Eternal had managed to clone Darth Sidious' body on the ancient Sith planet of Exegol, transferring his lingering spirit into it. This shadowy group was also revealed to be behind Snoke's creation. The Sith fleet absorbed what remained of the unsuspecting First Order and launched an all-out attack against the galaxy to try to establish a new Sith Empire. </p><p>Rey, after learning she was the lost 'granddaughter' of the phantom Emperor, confronted Sidious and destroyed him with the help of the Jedi who came before her. At the same time, a civilian uprising across the galaxy countered the Sith Eternal's offensive. Ben Solo, brought back to the light by Rey, was key to defeating Sidious and ended up sacrificing himself to save Rey from certain death.</p><p>After burying Luke and Leia's lightsabers on Tatooine, the desert homeworld of the Skywalkers, Rey adopted their surname and set out to finally restore the Jedi Order without the shadows of the Sith looming over her.</p>
]]></dc:content>
<link>https://www.space.com/history-of-the-jedi-order-in-star-wars</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[ All aboard this lightspeed tour of the history of the Jedi Order, the peacekeepers of the galaxy. ]]>
</description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">75YuPZgfQat3t9MSTCByxH</guid>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BAVU9R3EdmqBcaL2ckKtgY.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2024 14:30:01 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Space Movies & Shows]]></category>
<media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BAVU9R3EdmqBcaL2ckKtgY.jpg">
<media:credit><![CDATA[Disney]]></media:credit>
<media:text><![CDATA[Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace]]></media:text>
<media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace]]></media:title>
</media:content>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[ Star Wars Day 2024: 'Star Wars: Tales of the Empire' premieres today on Disney+ ]]></title>
<dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>May the 4th be with you!</p><p>Like its animated predecessor, "<a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/star-wars-tales-of-the-jedi-disney-plus">Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi</a>," that absorbing anthology which first debuted on Disney+ back in October of 2022, a new collection of short animation gems taken from the point-of-view of two characters seduced by dark Imperial influences marches onto the House of Mouse's streaming platform today as part of the geekiest of holidays, Star Wars Day.</p><p>Instead of that previous project's focus on a <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/star-wars-tales-of-the-jedi-trailer-d23">younger Ahsoka Tano and Count Dooku </a>prior to his anointment as a Sith Lord, "<a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/star-wars-tales-of-the-empire-trailer-release">Star Wars: Tales of the Empire</a>" presents the backstories of Nightsister and Admiral Thrawn ally Morgan Elsbeth alongside the parallel path of the Force-sensitive Mirialan named Barriss Offee and her complex past following the rejection of her Jedi training.</p>
<figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:540px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:150.00%;"><img id="pohYGRNJZVCqkygtsW6wsX" name="tales-of-the-empire-production-poster-pre_540x810_a3334019.jpg" alt="portraits of several characters holding weapons above the text "Star Wars: Tales of the Empire"" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pohYGRNJZVCqkygtsW6wsX.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="540" height="810" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">Official poster for "Star Wars: Tales of the Empire" </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Disney+)</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>Here's the official synopsis:</p><p>"Journey into the fearsome Galactic Empire through the eyes of two warriors on divergent paths, set during different eras. After losing everything, young Morgan Elsbeth navigates the expanding Imperial world toward a path of vengeance, while former Jedi Barriss Offee does what she must to survive a rapidly changing galaxy. The choices they make will define their destinies."</p><p>Check out these two sneak peek clips for "Star Wars: Tales of the Empire" below! </p><p>The first one, titled "Opportunity," shows Barriss Offee being presented with one chance to escape a life of imprisonment. </p>
<div class="youtube-video" data-nosnippet ><div class="video-aspect-box"><iframe data-lazy-priority="low" data-lazy-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SDKM35_xVFM" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>
<p>The second, labeled "Stay Back," features the menacing General Grievous facing off with his whirling lightsabers against a lethal coven of Nightsisters.</p>
<div class="youtube-video" data-nosnippet ><div class="video-aspect-box"><iframe data-lazy-priority="low" data-lazy-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hu-valHjtWQ" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>
<p>The series' six "Star Wars" shorts showcase an updated "Clone Wars" animation aesthetic that projects an even greater polish and more austere tone than that nostalgic series, with vocal talent that includes Diana Lee Inosanto as Morgan Elsbeth, Meredith Salenger as Barriss Offee, Rya Kihlstedt as Lyn, aka Fourth Sister, Wing T. Chao as Wing, Lars Mikkelsen as Thrawn, Jason Isaacs as Grand Inquisitor, and Matthew Wood as General Grievous.</p><p>"Star Wars: Tales of the Empire" launches exclusively on Disney+ on May 4, 2024.</p>
]]></dc:content>
<link>https://www.space.com/star-wars-day-2024-tales-of-the-empire-premiere</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[ A preview of the new Disney+ animated anthology "Star Wars: Tales of the Empire." ]]>
</description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">6Tx5ynPdgr4q3Xj7MqGpqD</guid>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5MPPqfdGmvd5YiepggB5ke.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2024 14:00:01 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Space Movies & Shows]]></category>
<author><![CDATA[ stingrayghost@gmail.com (Jeff Spry) ]]></author> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5MPPqfdGmvd5YiepggB5ke.jpg">
<media:credit><![CDATA[Disney+]]></media:credit>
<media:text><![CDATA[a figure in a military uniform looks into the distance, where three giant triangular spaceships can be seen floating in orbit]]></media:text>
<media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[a figure in a military uniform looks into the distance, where three giant triangular spaceships can be seen floating in orbit]]></media:title>
</media:content>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[ Free Comic Book Day 2024: Get Marvel Comics 'Star Wars #1' for free ]]></title>
<dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>Happy Star Wars Day to one and all!</p><p>Shining like the twin suns of Tatooine to help celebrate <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/lego-star-wars-day-2024-sale">Star Wars Day 2024</a>, that annual occasion where we're all citizens of George Lucas's galaxy far, far away, we've got a collectable pair of <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/star-wars-darth-maul-black-white-red-comic-anthology">Marvel Comics</a> releases that'll have you cheering like a tribe of joyful Jawas scavenging in a giant junk pile.</p><p>For the first time ever, May the 4th coincides with Free Comic Book Day. So in perfect synchronicity, Marvel is offering up "Free Comic Book Day 2024: Star Wars #1," which provides two galactic adventures penned by distinguished "Star Wars" writers Greg Pak and Charles Soule and drawn by acclaimed artists Ibraim Roberson and Ramon Rosanas.</p>
<figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:600px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:153.83%;"><img id="GveFyG4FDXbtXHsKsCJ2Ri" name="large-2857674.jpg" alt="two men's faces separated by red and green laser swords. one man is wearing a black skull-like helmet that covers his face" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GveFyG4FDXbtXHsKsCJ2Ri.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="600" height="923" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">Cover for "Free Comic Book Day 2024: Star Wars #1." </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Marvel Comics)</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>Check out the full description and sneak peek below:</p><p>"Are there Rebel survivors stranded on Hoth? Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Lando Calrissian, and Chewbacca mount a dangerous rescue mission to Echo Base! Lightsabers! Blasters! Snowtroopers! All-out action amongst the wreckage of AT-AT walkers, Rebel airspeeders and frozen weapons of mass destruction!</p><p>"Darth Vader also employs a surprise character from the past to help him find Luke Skywalker. But Sabé, former handmaiden of Padmé Amidala is also on a quest for the son of Vader. Having worked for him as an Imperial Commander, Sabé has enough resources to cause chaos for anyone who stands in her path. How will this affect the Dark Lord's plans to remove Palpatine from power?"</p>
<div class="inlinegallery inline-layout"><div class="inlinegallery-wrap" style="display:flex; flex-flow:row nowrap;"><div class="inlinegallery-item" style="flex: 0 0 auto;"><span class="slidecount">Image 1 of 2</span><figure class="van-image-figure " data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:800px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:151.88%;"><img id="Y7Pajnyh6QQZkwZaWA8gz9" name="FCBDSTWARS2023001_Interior_SW_Soule_Roberson__scaled_800.jpg" alt="Free Comic Book Day 2024: Star Wars #1" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Y7Pajnyh6QQZkwZaWA8gz9.jpg" mos="" link="" align="" fullscreen="" width="800" height="1215" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=""><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Marvel Comics)</span></figcaption></figure><p class="slide-description">Interior art for "Free Comic Book Day 2024: Star Wars #1"</p></div><div class="inlinegallery-item" style="flex: 0 0 auto;"><span class="slidecount">Image 2 of 2</span><figure class="van-image-figure " data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:800px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:151.88%;"><img id="VphM76cx7oxzUeVWPgiFZQ" name="FCBDSTWARS2023001_Interior_Vader_Pak_Rosanas__scaled_800.jpg" alt="Free Comic Book Day 2024: Star Wars #1" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VphM76cx7oxzUeVWPgiFZQ.jpg" mos="" link="" align="" fullscreen="" width="800" height="1215" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=""><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Marvel Comics)</span></figcaption></figure><p class="slide-description">Interior art for "Free Comic Book Day 2024: Star Wars #1"</p></div></div></div>
<p>"Free Comic Book Day 2024: Star Wars #1" lands on May 4. Head to your local comic book shop to see what titles are available! You can <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.freecomicbookday.com/StoreLocator" target="_blank">find a store near you</a> at FreeComicBookDay.com.</p><p>Next out of the gate and fresh off the presses is a big birthday salute to "Episode 1," due to this month also being the silver jubilee of 1999's "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace." Casting its space opera magic into the festivities this week just prior to Star Wars Day is Marvel's "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary Special #1."</p>
<figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:976px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:153.69%;"><img id="zBLW9sQNSz36R9dpiBDGrQ" name="81xExJvWGwL._SL1500_.jpg" alt="several characters in robes stand in the desert" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zBLW9sQNSz36R9dpiBDGrQ.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="976" height="1500" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">Cover of "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary Special #1" </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Marvel Comics)</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>Written by Greg Pak ("Planet Hulk") and paired with interior art courtesy of talented Irishman Will Sliney ("Spider-Man 2099") and a main cover from veteran illustrator Phil Noto, this 32-page expanded one-shot delivers an anthology of stories based on the prequel film. Inside, fans will discover tales centered around young Anakin's dream of becoming a Jedi Knight, Shmi Skywalker, Jar Jar Binks, and tales of Anakin and Obi-Wan Kenobi set in the aftermath of the Battle of Naboo.</p><p>Here's the official synopsis and a preview gallery below:</p><p>"Explore the earliest days of ANAKIN SKYWALKER with never-before-seen, revelatory moments set before, after, and between the scenes of the classic movie! Featuring the dream of a JEDI, the gift of a TUSKEN, the heart of a GUNGAN, the ache of a mother and the horror of a hero!"</p>
<div class="inlinegallery inline-layout"><div class="inlinegallery-wrap" style="display:flex; flex-flow:row nowrap;"><div class="inlinegallery-item" style="flex: 0 0 auto;"><span class="slidecount">Image 1 of 5</span><figure class="van-image-figure " data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1031px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:151.79%;"><img id="SfxvkCcrTR2pRTPPmtCobg" name="3.jpeg" alt="Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary Special #1" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SfxvkCcrTR2pRTPPmtCobg.jpg" mos="" link="" align="" fullscreen="" width="1031" height="1565" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=""><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Marvel Comics)</span></figcaption></figure><p class="slide-description">Interior art for "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary Special #1"</p></div><div class="inlinegallery-item" style="flex: 0 0 auto;"><span class="slidecount">Image 2 of 5</span><figure class="van-image-figure " data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1031px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:151.79%;"><img id="FkabDdQXDsKfwSL2d9L4k6" name="4.jpeg" alt="Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary Special #1" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FkabDdQXDsKfwSL2d9L4k6.jpg" mos="" link="" align="" fullscreen="" width="1031" height="1565" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=""><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Marvel Comics)</span></figcaption></figure><p class="slide-description">Interior art for "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary Special #1"</p></div><div class="inlinegallery-item" style="flex: 0 0 auto;"><span class="slidecount">Image 3 of 5</span><figure class="van-image-figure " data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1031px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:151.79%;"><img id="p53nW36TjeGsJa853vWNNF" name="5.jpeg" alt="Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary Special #1" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/p53nW36TjeGsJa853vWNNF.jpg" mos="" link="" align="" fullscreen="" width="1031" height="1565" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=""><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Marvel Comics)</span></figcaption></figure><p class="slide-description">Interior art for "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary Special #1"</p></div><div class="inlinegallery-item" style="flex: 0 0 auto;"><span class="slidecount">Image 4 of 5</span><figure class="van-image-figure " data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1031px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:151.79%;"><img id="qymDRvpCx6kUCgWv7VEKhP" name="6.jpeg" alt="Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary Special #1" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qymDRvpCx6kUCgWv7VEKhP.jpg" mos="" link="" align="" fullscreen="" width="1031" height="1565" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=""><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Marvel Comics)</span></figcaption></figure></div><div class="inlinegallery-item" style="flex: 0 0 auto;"><span class="slidecount">Image 5 of 5</span><figure class="van-image-figure " data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1031px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:151.79%;"><img id="ixgTLbWt94zoPCH7f59AcW" name="7.jpeg" alt="Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary Special #1" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ixgTLbWt94zoPCH7f59AcW.jpg" mos="" link="" align="" fullscreen="" width="1031" height="1565" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=""><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Marvel Comics)</span></figcaption></figure></div></div></div>
<p>"Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary Special #1" arrived on May 1. </p>
<p>However and wherever you honor this geeky occasion, Happy Star Wars Day and May the 4th Be With You!</p>
]]></dc:content>
<link>https://www.space.com/star-wars-free-comic-book-day-2024</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[ For the first time ever, May the 4th coincides with Free Comic Book Day. So in perfect synchronicity, Marvel is offering up "Free Comic Book Day 2024: Star Wars #1." ]]>
</description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">SHH5kzv2A3btnnphUbSmMK</guid>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/g48AmhSaXd5HtmNGFD6n6Z.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2024 13:30:50 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
<author><![CDATA[ stingrayghost@gmail.com (Jeff Spry) ]]></author> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/g48AmhSaXd5HtmNGFD6n6Z.jpg">
<media:credit><![CDATA[Marvel Comics]]></media:credit>
<media:text><![CDATA[two men's faces separated by red and green laser swords. the man on the left is wearing a skull-like black mask and helmet]]></media:text>
<media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[two men's faces separated by red and green laser swords. the man on the left is wearing a skull-like black mask and helmet]]></media:title>
</media:content>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[ This Week In Space podcast: Episode 109 — Music of the Spheres ]]></title>
<dc:content><![CDATA[ <div class="youtube-video" data-nosnippet ><div class="video-aspect-box"><iframe data-lazy-priority="low" data-lazy-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EGQYdBs6Yfs" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>
<p>On <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/109" target="_blank">Episode 109 of This Week In Space</a>, Rod and Tariq talk with Chris Carberry, CEO of Explore Mars, about the long history of music influencing how we think about spaceflight.</p><p>From the scores of early silent films to the modern classics we all know, like <em>2001: A Space Odyssey</em> and the never-ending franchises of <em>Star Trek</em> and <em>Star Wars</em>, we often have a riff going through our minds when we see a space image — few can hear Strauss' <em>Blue Danube</em> without thinking of the space station in <em>2001</em>, or see a tilted yellow title scroll without hearing that first orchestral crash of John Williams' immortal <em>Star Wars</em> score.<br>
<br>
And, in real life, we had the talented astronaut Chris Hadfield performing David Bowie's classic hit <em>Major Tom</em>, augmented by upbeat lyrics. Space music is big, and Chris Carberry, author of the recently released book <em>The Music of Space</em>, is here to tell us why!</p>
<p><strong>Download or subscribe</strong> to this show at:<strong> </strong><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space" target="_blank">https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space</a>.<br>
<br>
Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://twit.tv/clubtwit" target="_blank">https://twit.tv/clubtwit</a> </p>
<h2 id="space-news-of-the-week-2">Space news of the week</h2>
<ul><li><a href="https://spacenews.com/china-launches-change-6-mission-to-collect-first-samples-from-the-moons-far-side/" target="_blank">China launches Chang'e 6 to moon</a></li><li><a href="https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-delays-not-frustrating-1st-iss-launch">Boeing on track</a></li><li><a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasas-webb-maps-weather-on-planet-280-light-years-away?utm_source=iContact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nasajpl&utm_content=daily20240430" target="_blank">JWST Exoplanet Weather maps--NASA/JPL press release</a></li><li><a href="https://www.exploremars.org/" target="_blank">Explore Mars</a></li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://amzn.to/3UIwwt7">The Music of Space: Scoring the Cosmos in Film and Television (Amazon Affiliate Link)</a></li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://amzn.to/44t1tVt">Alcohol in Space: Past, Present and Future (Amazon Affiliate Link)</a></li></ul>
<h2 id="model-falcon-9-2">Model Falcon 9!</h2>
<div class="fancy-box"><div class="fancy_box-title">TOP TELESCOPE PICK:</div><div class="fancy_box_body"><figure class="van-image-figure " ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' ><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="cbAPCR7Y6HkbgamUsCtVj5" name="celestron top telescope.jpg" caption="" alt="A Celestron telescope on a white background" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cbAPCR7Y6HkbgamUsCtVj5.jpg" mos="" link="" align="" fullscreen="" width="" height="" attribution="" endorsement="" class="pinterest-pin-exclude"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=""><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Celestron)</span></figcaption></figure><p class="fancy-box__body-text">Looking for a telescope to see planets and comets? We recommend the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=72128&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2Fdp%2FB01L0EQLTI%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dspace-us-4730590304221485000-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Celestron Astro Fi 102</a> as the top pick in our <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/31229-best-beginner-telescopes.html">best beginner's telescope guide</a>. </p></div></div>
<p>Finally, did you know you can launch your own SpaceX rocket? Model rocket maker Estes' <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/spacex-falcon-9-estes-model-rocket">stunning scale model of a Falcon 9 rocket</a> that you can pick up now. The launchable model is a detailed recreation of the Falcon 9 and retails for $149.99. You can <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://estesrockets.com/product/002161-spacex-falcon-9/" target="_blank">save 10% by using the code IN-COLLECTSPACE at checkout</a>, courtesy of our partners collectSPACE.com.</p>
<h2 id="about-this-week-in-space-2">About This Week In Space</h2>
<p><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space" target="_blank">This Week in Space</a> covers the new space age. Every Friday we take a deep dive into a fascinating topic. What's happening with the new race to the moon and other planets? When will SpaceX really send people to Mars? </p><p>Join Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik from <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/" target="_blank">Space.com</a> as they tackle those questions and more each week on Friday afternoons. You can subscribe today on your favorite podcatcher.</p>
]]></dc:content>
<link>https://www.space.com/entertainment/space-movies-shows/this-week-in-space-podcast-episode-109-music-spheres</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[ On Episode 109 of This Week In Space, Rod and Tariq talk with Chris Carberry, CEO of Explore Mars, about the long history of music influencing how we think about spaceflight. ]]>
</description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">qTMJSZ3ALu6w3pRAjyEdYE</guid>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qNt8uYCiM6omvcrRnLobak.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2024 13:21:53 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Space Movies & Shows]]></category>
<author><![CDATA[ info@space.com (Space.com Staff) ]]></author> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qNt8uYCiM6omvcrRnLobak.jpg">
<media:credit><![CDATA[TWiT]]></media:credit>
<media:text><![CDATA[This Week In Space podcast: Episode 109 — Music of the Spheres]]></media:text>
<media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[This Week In Space podcast: Episode 109 — Music of the Spheres]]></media:title>
</media:content>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[ Darth Vader's vile Jedi-killers are on the hunt in Marvel Comics' 'Star Wars: Inquisitors' ]]></title>
<dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>The Imperial Inquisitors of the "Star Wars" universe are an imposing group.</p><p>Tasked with hunting down and eliminating members of the Jedi Order after the declaration of Order 66, these fierce and unrelenting <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/star-wars-inquisitor-rise-of-red-blade-novel">band of assassins</a> have been dispatched across the cosmos to exterminate the remaining members of those noble space knights who were once the guardians of galactic peace and justice.</p><p>Marvel Comics is delving further into those dastardly Dark Side hunters with a new miniseries this summer titled "Star Wars: Inquisitors," and we’ve got a first peek at three sinister covers and details of the plot line that will explore more of these stone cold killers operating after the Great Jedi Purge. </p><p><strong>Related:</strong> <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/31744-star-wars-space-exploration.html">'Star Wars': Summary of the franchise and its effect on space technology</a> </p>
<figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1800px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:150.44%;"><img id="crNo6GnYk5EKfcxiATcxBZ" name="marvel-star-wars-inquisitors-stwinquis2024001-cov_fec88432.jpg" alt="Cover images of "Star Wars: Inquisitors #1," showing three warriors holding red lightsabers" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/crNo6GnYk5EKfcxiATcxBZ.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1800" height="2708" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">Nick Bradshaw's main cover for "Star Wars: Inquisitors #1." </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Marvel Comics)</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>Penned by the award winning writer/producer Rodney Barnes ("Killadelphia," "Star Wars: Ahsoka"), with interior art from illustrator Ramon Rosanas ("Star Wars," "The Astonishing Ant-Man"),"Inquisitors" lands July 3 and follows the Empire's merciless minions as they set their sights on a mysterious Jedi target to destroy.</p><p>Here's the official synopsis:</p><p>THE JEDI MUST DIE!</p><p>"Weapons of the Emperor, sent out into the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/15680-galaxies.html">galaxy</a> to track down and kill any Jedi who survived Order 66, the ruthless Inquisitors are among the most skilled and deadly threats to those who served the light side of the Force. Buried in the annals of Jedi lore is the story of Tensu Run, the Jedi who faced the Inquisitors and Darth Vader! What became of him, and why did the Empire so greatly fear his existence?"</p>
<figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1800px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:151.72%;"><img id="xtZC8HRufnL4wkWXXJBpV5" name="marvel-star-wars-inquisitors-stwinquis2024001-maleev-va_9ca870a6.jpg" alt="Cover image for "Star Wars: Inquisitors #1," showing a bald humanoid holding a red lightsaber leaping to avoid an explosion" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xtZC8HRufnL4wkWXXJBpV5.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1800" height="2731" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">Alex Maleev's variant cover for "Star Wars: Inquisitors #1." </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Marvel Comics)</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>The Force-flinging Inquisitors first arrived on the scene in the animated series "Star Wars Rebels," prior to being showcased in live action for Disney+'s "<a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/star-wars-obi-wan-kenobi-comic-adaptation">Obi-Wan Kenobi</a>." These cunning disciples of Darth Vader, who report directly to the Grand Inquisitor, also made their evil presence known in the video game "Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order."</p>
<figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1375px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:151.85%;"><img id="A8ey4YAwGppFTkDF9t4SaQ" name="marvel-star-wars-inquisitors-stwinquis2024001-walt-simo_343a2b15.jpg" alt="Cover image for "Star Wars: Inquisitors #1," showing a bald, white-faced humanoid alien holding a red lightsaber" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/A8ey4YAwGppFTkDF9t4SaQ.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1375" height="2088" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">Walt Simonson's variant cover for "Star Wars: Inquisitors #1." </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Marvel Comics)</span></figcaption></figure>
<div class="fancy-box"><div class="fancy_box-title">RELATED STORIES:</div><div class="fancy_box_body"><p class="fancy-box__body-text">— <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/best-star-wars-books">Best Star Wars books 2024: Novels, art books, graphic novels & more</a></p><p class="fancy-box__body-text"> — <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/how-do-lightsabers-work">How do lightsabers work?</a></p><p class="fancy-box__body-text"> — <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/star-wars-tv-shows-ranked-worst-to-best">Star Wars TV shows ranked, worst to best</a></p></div></div>
<p>"It's such an honor to be writing the very first Inquisitors solo story!" Barnes told <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.starwars.com/news/marvel-star-wars-inquisitors" target="_blank">StarWars.com</a>. "I love this time period of 'Star Wars' lore because it's the one I grew up on — when Darth Vader and the Empire were imposing their will on the entire galaxy. Plus, I got to create an all-new legendary Jedi with Tensu Run! Truly the best of times!"</p><p>Marvel's "Star Wars: Inquisitors #1" debuts on July 3 with a main cover by artist Nick Bradshaw and special variants by Alex Maleev and the great Walt Simonson.</p>
]]></dc:content>
<link>https://www.space.com/star-wars-inquisitors-preview-marvel-comics</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[ A preview of Marvel Comics' new miniseries, "Star Wars: Inquisitors #1." ]]>
</description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">DYLE2suW2om7UKVtVuq34g</guid>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RnKUAfA4FRvGvVNuffw6r7.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2024 13:00:01 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Space Books]]></category>
<author><![CDATA[ stingrayghost@gmail.com (Jeff Spry) ]]></author> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RnKUAfA4FRvGvVNuffw6r7.jpg">
<media:credit><![CDATA[Marvel Comics]]></media:credit>
<media:text><![CDATA[A section of the main cover for Marvel's "Star Wars: Inquisitors #1"]]></media:text>
<media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[A section of the main cover for Marvel's "Star Wars: Inquisitors #1"]]></media:title>
</media:content>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[ What's next for Boeing Starliner after its 1st crew flight test? ]]></title>
<dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>Boeing manager Mark Nappi has a spacecraft checklist with nearly 90 items on it.</p><p>Nappi is working alongside NASA to smooth the way for Crew Flight Test (CFT) of Boeing's <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/19367-boeing-cst-100.html">Starliner</a> spacecraft, the first mission with astronauts on board, now set to launch May 6. </p><p>Starliner has been in space twice during uncrewed test flights in 2019 and 2022, he said, but the next step is crucial: "We introduce the human," Nappi told reporters here at NASA's <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/17216-nasa-johnson-space-center.html">Johnson Space Center</a> on March 22. </p><p>From launch to landing, through <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/16748-international-space-station.html">International Space Station</a> (ISS) docking and re-entry into <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/17683-earth-atmosphere.html">Earth's atmosphere</a>, the astronauts will make sure the spacecraft can perform as planned — and that it can be recovered with stick flying if automatic systems fail. If they succeed, the first operational Starliner mission tees up in less than a year.</p><p><strong>Related:</strong> <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/1st-boeing-starliner-astronauts-crew-flight-test-iss-launch-ready">1st Boeing Starliner astronauts are ready to launch to the ISS for NASA (exclusive)</a></p>
<div class='jwplayer__widthsetter'><div class='jwplayer__wrapper'><div id='futr_botr_1pBlaCO4_bQHItauA_div' class='future__jwplayer'><div id='botr_1pBlaCO4_bQHItauA_div'></div></div></div></div>
<p>CFT is a shorter mission of a week or so, aiming to test out all systems and procedures with veteran NASA astronauts (and former Navy test pilots) Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. The duo are the first astronauts to take control of Starliner since Boeing received $4.2 billion to develop ISS commercial crew vehicles from NASA in 2014. (<a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/18853-spacex.html">SpaceX</a>, at the same time, received $2.6 billion. SpaceX's operational missions for ISS with astronauts began in 2020.)</p><p>Delays in getting Starliner ready for astronauts accrued due to <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-historic-1st-astronaut-mission-ready-launch">numerous technical issues</a>, like not reaching the ISS in 2019 due to a software issue, that Boeing, NASA and the CFT astronauts all say have been resolved.</p><p>Developmental flights like CFT bear their own risks, however, as key systems like life support have not yet been tested with humans in the spacecraft. That said, NASA maintains a manifest for future ISS rotation missions that like SpaceX's, will be six months long. The first for Boeing will be Starliner-1, currently expected to fly in early 2025. On board will be NASA commander Scott Tingle, NASA pilot Michael Fincke and <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/22534-canadian-space-agency.html">Canadian Space Agency</a> astronaut Joshua Kutryk.</p><p><strong>Related: </strong><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/boeing-begins-fueling-starliner-first-astronaut-launch">Boeing begins fueling Starliner capsule ahead of 1st astronaut launch</a></p>
<a target="_blank"><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:600px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.33%;"><img id="67v8CSArgcRKFf5bnwXLVL" name="cargo-dragon-iss-dock.jpg" alt="two cone-shaped spacecraft docked at the international space station backdropped by earth" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/67v8CSArgcRKFf5bnwXLVL.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="600" height="338" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">SpaceX's Crew Dragon Endeavour (bottom center) and a visiting uncrewed cargo Dragon supply ship (foreground), are seen docked at the International Space Station's Harmony module in September 2021. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: NASA)</span></figcaption></figure></a>
<p>Nappi explained various milestones that will be assessed on CFT: crew comfort, human factors (or how the astronauts interact with the systems), the spacecraft performance during "dynamic" events like launch or docking, and a thorough checkout of systems like communications, thrusters, and navigation.</p><p>To be fair, he added, all space missions (even on veteran spacecraft) are like this, as NASA continued to implement improvements to the 30-year-old <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/16726-space-shuttle.html">space shuttle</a> program even as it approached retirement in 2011, he noted. "Every single mission, you learn something. We expect the same from this," he said.</p><p>Assuming CFT's Starliner and the astronauts return on time in late May, Boeing is ready to jump immediately into the Starliner-1's preparation. "We've already started working those requirements and schedules so that when the vehicle gets back at the end of May, we'll be ready to hit the ground running," Nappi said. </p>
<a target="_blank"><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1800px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.28%;"><img id="sgNkHjCZ9hjMyFFZRg2ZcE" name="astronauts.jpg" alt="two astronauts standing and smiling in spacesuits" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sgNkHjCZ9hjMyFFZRg2ZcE.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1800" height="1013" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">From left, NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore, Boeing Crew Flight Test pilot and commander, respectively, during a crew validation test at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Oct. 18, 2022. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett)</span></figcaption></figure></a>
<p>Steve Stich, manager for NASA's commercial crew program, hailed Boeing's progress in recent years and said Starliner certification appears to be "on a good path" to finish checking off the requirements for future operational missions in November or December, assuming an on-time launch date.</p><p>"It kind of needs to happen in about that timeframe to hit the spring [2025] slot," Stich said, referring to Starliner-1's expected launch date. NASA and Boeing managers will spend the intervening months examining the flight performance, to see if CFT's interim human rating certification can be extended to Starliner-1.</p><p>Given NASA and Boeing have been working for so many years together, and NASA already certified SpaceX's Crew Dragon successfully, Stich emphasized all players are familiar with the certification process and requirements. In fact, some items have been closed off already for Starliner-1: Stich estimated that 17 Starliner-1 requirements have been addressed, even before CFT lifts off on the debut astronaut space mission.</p>
<div class="fancy-box"><div class="fancy_box-title">RELATED STORIES:</div><div class="fancy_box_body"><p class="fancy-box__body-text">— <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/nasa-boeing-hail-starliner-launch-success-despite-glitch">NASA, Boeing hail Starliner space capsule launch success despite thruster glitch</a></p><p class="fancy-box__body-text"> — <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-r2d2-crew-flight-test">Boeing's Starliner crew capsule channels R2-D2 ahead of astronaut test flight</a></p><p class="fancy-box__body-text"> — <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/nasa-boeing-starliner-crew-flight-test-delay-may-2024">NASA, Boeing delay Starliner capsule's 1st astronaut launch to early May</a></p></div></div>
<p>More spacecraft upgrades are already in store for future Starliner missions. For example, Stich said, Starliner-1 will feature improved software to fly to either port of the Harmony module on the ISS for docking operations (for the moment, it is approved to dock at the forward port only.) </p><p>Starliner-2, Nappi said, will fly improved oxidizer valves to address issues uncovered on the first uncrewed Starliner mission in 2019, called Orbital Flight Test 1. A new purge system will remove unneeded moisture from the valves, and some of the connector areas have been sealed as well to reduce moisture access.</p><p>Boeing's contract with NASA requires missions through Starliner-6. The first three missions are "in the process of being built", Nappi said, while the last three missions have nearly all parts in stock. (A selection of parts are on order.) Atlas V launch vehicles are all being readied for those six flights, too.</p><p>When asked if Boeing would consider flying private missions like SpaceX does, for customers like <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/axiom-space">Axiom Space</a> and billionaire Jared Isaacman's <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/polaris-program-facts-missions-history">Polaris Program</a>, Nappi said NASA's requirements come first. Assuming Boeing meets those expectations, "I think we may start looking at some of the private astronaut missions."</p>
]]></dc:content>
<link>https://www.space.com/crew-flight-test-starliner-1-operational-2025</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[ Astronauts will board a Boeing Starliner spacecraft for the 1st ISS test flight no earlier than May 6. Boeing says it's already working on first operational mission Starliner-1 for 2025. ]]>
</description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">CDxQLxQK8bFLTqsYsUjbvH</guid>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cXJ9x8BTDdmTEbJP2EMpmN.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2024 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Human Spaceflight]]></category>
<author><![CDATA[ elizabeth.howell@futurenet.com (Elizabeth Howell) ]]></author> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cXJ9x8BTDdmTEbJP2EMpmN.jpg">
<media:credit><![CDATA[NASA]]></media:credit>
<media:text><![CDATA[a cone-shaped spacecraft near a structure of the international space station. below is the curve of earth]]></media:text>
<media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[a cone-shaped spacecraft near a structure of the international space station. below is the curve of earth]]></media:title>
</media:content>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[ What time is Boeing's 1st Starliner astronaut launch for NASA on May 6? ]]></title>
<dc:content><![CDATA[ <div class='jwplayer__widthsetter'><div class='jwplayer__wrapper'><div id='futr_botr_6jQU6ocq_bQHItauA_div' class='future__jwplayer'><div id='botr_6jQU6ocq_bQHItauA_div'></div></div></div></div>
<p>After years of delays, Boeing is finally ready to launch its first-ever Starliner astronaut mission for NASA on a test flight to the International Space Station on May 6, and if you're hoping to watch the launch online, you'll need to know when to tune in.</p><p>But don't fret, space fans. We've got you covered. Currently, Boeing's first <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/19367-boeing-cst-100.html">Starliner</a> to carry astronauts is set to launch into orbit on Monday at <strong>10:34 p.m. EDT (0234 May 7 GMT)</strong> atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. The mission will launch NASA astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita "Suni" Williams on a week-long test flight to the space station, a shakedown cruise <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/the-boeing-company">Boeing</a> calls its Crew Flight Test, or CFT. You can follow the mission with our <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/news/live/boeing-starliner-live-updates">Starliner live updates page</a> and <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-cft-launch-webcasts"><u>watch the launch live on Monday</u></a>.</p><p><strong>Related: </strong><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/news/live/boeing-starliner-live-updates"><strong>Boeing Starliner 1st astronaut flight: Live updates</strong></a></p>
<figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:2000px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="dHtYiPbP2VRo7BJURc7J95" name="1714819372.jpg" alt="A white and blue Boeing Starliner capsule is hoisted atop its rocket in a huge hangar." src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dHtYiPbP2VRo7BJURc7J95.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="2000" height="1125" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">Boeing's Crew Flight Test Starliner spacecraft is mated to its Atlas V rocket ahead of its first astronaut launch at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: NASA)</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>If all goes well, Boeing's Starliner will launch the astronauts to the space station, dock on Wednesday (May 8) and return to Earth up to eight days later with a landing in the desert of the southwestern United States (previous uncrewed test flights landed at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico). NASA has picked Boeing's Starliner as one of two astronaut taxis for space station flights — SpaceX's <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/18852-spacex-dragon.html">Dragon spacecraft </a>is the other — but this CFT test flight is years overdue, and follows two uncrewed Starliner flights, a <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-capsule-oft-landing-success.html"><u>failed test flight in December 2019</u></a> and a <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-oft-2-landing-success"><u>successful one in May 2022</u></a>. </p><p>"This will give us that additional capabilities because we always look for a backup," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson told reporters in a press conference on Friday (May 3). On Friday, Boeing and NASA agreed Starliner is ready to carry its first astronauts and <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-crew-flight-test-prelaunch-press-conference">gave the go ahead for launch</a>, so here's when and how to watch it fly on May 6. </p>
<h3 class="article-body__section" id="section-what-time-is-boeing-s-cft-starliner-launch"><span>What time is Boeing's CFT Starliner launch?</span></h3>
<figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1588px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.23%;"><img id="ER23AGjeYKTCUJgWCQMBQf" name="1714819698.jpg" alt="two astronauts in blue boeing spacesuits walk out of a NASA launch preparations building" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ER23AGjeYKTCUJgWCQMBQf.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1588" height="893" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test astronauts Butch Wilmore (right) and Suni Williams exit the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida during a mission dress rehearsal on Friday, April 26. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: NASA/Frank Micheaux)</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>Currently, Boeing's CFT Starliner is scheduled to launch to the ISS on <strong>Monday (May 6) at 10:34 p.m. EDT (0234 May 7 GMT)</strong> from Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. There is a 95% chance of good weather at launch time, according to Brian Cizek, launch weather officer for the 45th Weather Squadron at the Space Force station. </p><p>Boeing does have three backup opportunities in which to launch the CFT mission, on May 7, May 10 and May 11. The pristine weather forecast is expected to hold at least through the May 7 opportunity, which also has a 95% chance of good weather, Cizek said during Friday's press conference. </p><p><strong>Related: </strong><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-nasa-astronaut-1st-mission-milestones"><strong>Here's what to expect on Boeing Starliner's 1st astronaut test flight</strong></a></p>
<h3 class="article-body__section" id="section-can-i-watch-boeing-s-starliner-astronaut-launch"><span>Can I watch Boeing's Starliner astronaut launch?</span></h3>
<div class="youtube-video" data-nosnippet ><div class="video-aspect-box"><iframe data-lazy-priority="low" data-lazy-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Kzu9anKrc6Y" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>
<p>Yes, you can watch Boeing's CFT Starliner launch and subsequent mission events live in a series of webcasts. On launch day, <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.nasa.gov/nasatv/" target="_blank">NASA TV will offer a livestream</a> of the launch on <strong>May 6 beginning at 6:30 p.m. EDT (2230 GMT) </strong>on YouTube, NASA+ and its social media channels. The webcast will run continuously through liftoff and end just after Starliner enters Earth orbit shortly after the launch. Space.com will simulcast the NASA livestream on this page and <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-cft-launch-webcasts"><u>you'll be able to watch it on our webcast page</u></a>.</p><p>Boeing will host its own Starliner launch livestream, likely using NASA's broadcast, at its <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.boeing.com/space/starliner/launch/index.html" target="_blank"><u>Starliner launch website</u></a>. ULA will also <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/next-launch/atlas-v-starliner-cft" target="_blank"><u>host its own Starliner launch webcast</u></a> on its own Atlas V mission website.</p><p>However, NASA will not end its launch webcasts there. The space agency will hold a press conference early <strong>Tuesday, May 7, at 12 a.m. EDT (0400 GMT)</strong> to discuss the results of Starliner's launch. That press conference will be led by NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, a former astronaut and space shuttle commander, and be livestreamed on NASA TV and <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.youtube.com/@NASA" target="_blank"><u>NASA's YouTube channel</u></a>. Livestream events are also planned for docking and crew arrival on <strong>Wednesday (May 8)</strong>.</p>
<h3 class="article-body__section" id="section-what-if-boeing-s-starliner-cft-astronaut-flight-can-t-launch-on-may-6"><span>What if Boeing's Starliner CFT astronaut flight can't launch on May 6?</span></h3>
<div class='jwplayer__widthsetter'><div class='jwplayer__wrapper'><div id='futr_botr_TpQWmy3g_bQHItauA_div' class='future__jwplayer'><div id='botr_TpQWmy3g_bQHItauA_div'></div></div></div></div>
<div class="fancy-box"><div class="fancy_box-title">RELATED STORIES:</div><div class="fancy_box_body"><p class="fancy-box__body-text">— <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-cft-astrovan-astronaut-transport">Boeing's 1st Starliner crew to ride Astrovan II to the launch pad</a></p><p class="fancy-box__body-text"> — <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-delays-not-frustrating-1st-iss-launch">Boeing's Starliner is ready to fly astronauts after years of delay</a></p><p class="fancy-box__body-text"> — <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-1st-astronaut-flight-meet-crew">Meet the crew launching on Boeing's 1st Starliner astronaut flight</a></p></div></div>
<p>If Boeing's Starliner CFT mission can't launch on May 6, the company and its launch partner United Launch Alliance do have some options.</p><p>Currently, Boeing, ULA and NASA have four opportunities to launch the CFT mission, one each on <strong>May 6, May 7, May 10 and May 11</strong>. If Starliner is unable to launch on the night of May 6, Boeing and its partners could make a second attempt as early as <strong>Tuesday night, May 7</strong>, at <strong>10:11 p.m. EDT (0211 GMT)</strong>, depending on the nature of the issue, said NASA's Steve Stitch, </p><p>If a May 7 launch is not possible, Boeing could attempt Starliner launches to the ISS on Friday, May 10, or on Saturday, May 11. A <strong>May 10 launch</strong> would be scheduled for <strong>9 p.m. EDT (0100 May 11 GMT)</strong>, and a <strong>May 11 launch</strong> would occur at <strong>8:38 p.m. EDT (1238 GMT)</strong>, NASA officials said. </p>
]]></dc:content>
<link>https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-1st-astronaut-launch-what-time</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[ Boeing is ready to launch its first-ever Starliner astronaut mission for NASA on May 6. Here's what to know on when it will launch. ]]>
</description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">XRb4CYK27qtWKbyhgqvWqL</guid>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dHtYiPbP2VRo7BJURc7J95.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2024 10:58:10 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Launches & Spacecraft]]></category>
<author><![CDATA[ tmalik@space.com (Tariq Malik) ]]></author> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dHtYiPbP2VRo7BJURc7J95.jpg">
<media:credit><![CDATA[NASA]]></media:credit>
<media:text><![CDATA[Boeing's Crew Flight Test Starliner spacecraft is mated to its Atlas V rocket ahead of its first astronaut launch at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.]]></media:text>
<media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[Boeing's Crew Flight Test Starliner spacecraft is mated to its Atlas V rocket ahead of its first astronaut launch at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.]]></media:title>
</media:content>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[ Their other vehicle is the Starliner: Boeing's 1st crew to ride Astrovan II to the launch pad ]]></title>
<dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>When Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams lift off for the International Space Station on Monday (May 6), they will become the first astronauts to fly aboard Boeing's commercial spacecraft, the CST-100 Starliner. </p><p>But that's not their only new ride.</p><p>To go from their crew quarters in NASA's Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building to Complex 41, the launch pad where their <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/19367-boeing-cst-100.html">Starliner</a>-topped United Launch Alliance (ULA) <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/40250-atlas-v-rocket.html">Atlas V</a> rocket will be waiting, Wilmore and Williams will board the "Astrovan II," a modified Airstream Atlas Touring Coach built in partnership with Boeing.</p><p>"It is epic," said Wilmore during a virtual press conference broadcast from inside crew quarters on Wednesday (May 1). "I mean, you're in the Astrovan."</p><p><strong>Related: </strong><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-cft-launch-webcasts">How to watch Boeing's 1st Starliner astronaut launch webcasts live online</a></p>
<figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1920px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:75.00%;"><img id="hPqxT6iqGiwajDAUw56Zn" name="astrovan2.jpg" alt="three astronauts in blue flight suits smile inside a gray van" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hPqxT6iqGiwajDAUw56Zn.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1920" height="1440" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">Selfie taken by CST-100 Starliner backup NASA astronaut Mike Fincke (at right) with prime crewmates Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams aboard Boeing's Astrovan II during a launch-day rehearsal in April 2024. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: NASA/Mike Fincke (via X))</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>Since NASA astronauts began flying on <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/29295-rocket-history.html">rockets</a> in the early 1960s, the space agency — and later, its commercial partners — have customized vehicles to meet their crew members' needs on the road to and at the launch pad. The <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/24638-project-mercury.html">Mercury astronauts</a> had a semi truck with a modified trailer, which also served as a suit-up room. The two-man Gemini crews used a box van, while the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/apollo-program-overview.html">Apollo</a> astronauts rode aboard a modified Clark-Cortez motorhome.</p><p>For most of the 30-year <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/16726-space-shuttle.html">space shuttle</a> program, including the missions that featured Wilmore and Williams as crew members, NASA chose an Airstream Excella motorhome. With its chrome exterior and simple red, white and blue stripe livery, the original Astrovan became iconic.</p><p>So it seemed somewhat natural that Boeing would pick Airstream to develop the Astrovan II. </p><p>"Airstream is truly proud to continue supporting adventures beyond our planet — we couldn't have a better partner than Boeing," said Bob Wheeler, the CEO and president of Airstream, in a <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-102119a-astrovan-boeing-starliner-airstream.html" target="_blank">2019 interview with collectSPACE</a> when the Astrovan II was shown to the public. "The Boeing crew will go from an Airstream to a rocket to the space station, and we couldn't be more excited to be one leg of that journey into orbit."</p>
<figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1920px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:66.67%;"><img id="JsjUT6JnbooE5p9NTWcd5K" name="astrovan3.jpg" alt="the gray interior of a large van, showing six bucket seats" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JsjUT6JnbooE5p9NTWcd5K.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1920" height="1280" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">The bucket-type seats aboard Boeing's Astrovan II are arranged across a central aisle with room left between each for a small suit pressurization device that each Starliner crew member will carry out to the pad. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: collectSPACE.com)</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>Though sharing a similar name and same manufacturer, the new Astrovan has little in common with its predecessor, as is immediately apparent from the exterior. Not only is it a different form factor, but the Astrovan II is wrapped in bold graphics that depict the Starliner in <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/54-earth-history-composition-and-atmosphere.html">Earth</a> orbit.</p><p>Inside, the eight-seat van has amenities that were not even an option for the 1983 original.</p><p>"It's got cushy seats and, of course, it's got a big video screen in the back," said Wilmore, the commander of the upcoming Starliner mission, which is called Crew Flight Test.</p><p>The flatscreen, high-definition television is for the crew's enjoyment on the way to the pad, as Wilmore and Williams discovered during a recent launch-day rehearsal. </p><p>"As you would expect from two Navy test pilots, you know what movie we put on, and actually we asked them to edit it and put only in the flying and dramatic scenes," said Wilmore, who logged 8,000 flight hours and 663 carrier landings, all in tactical jet aircraft. "Of course it was '<a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/top-gun-maverick-darkstar-sr-72-lockheed-martin">Top Gun: Maverick</a>,' and we will watch the same [film] on the way out to the pad [for the launch]."</p><p>"We did watch the beach scene as well, as there was a beautiful helicopter that flew right by those guys as they were playing football," said Williams, who test-flew numerous helicopters as part of the U.S. Navy's Rotary Wing Aircraft Test Directorate.</p>
<figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1920px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:66.67%;"><img id="2r4aewK8Jf3p2a7YcRQiTb" name="astrovan4.jpg" alt="interior photo looking toward the back of a large gray van, showing six bucket seats" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2r4aewK8Jf3p2a7YcRQiTb.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1920" height="1280" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">Boeing's Astrovan II is equipped with power outlets and a high definition television, which the Starliner crews can use to watch movies on the way out to the launchpad. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: collectSPACE.com)</span></figcaption></figure>
<div class="fancy-box"><div class="fancy_box-title">RELATED STORIES:</div><div class="fancy_box_body"><p class="fancy-box__body-text">— <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-nasa-astronaut-1st-mission-milestones">Here's what to expect during Boeing Starliner's 1st astronaut test flight on May 6</a></p><p class="fancy-box__body-text">— <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/news/live/boeing-starliner-live-updates">Boeing Starliner 1st astronaut flight: Live updates</a></p><p class="fancy-box__body-text">— <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-delays-not-frustrating-1st-iss-launch">Boeing's Starliner is ready to fly astronauts after years of delay. Here's what took so long.</a></p></div></div>
<p>Other features inside the Astrovan II include power outlets, a designated space for the crew members' suit pressurization device and the capability to livestream views using cameras mounted inside and outside of the vehicle through a partnership with AT&T. </p><p>The Astrovan II will now join a new fleet of astronaut transfer vehicles currently in use, including the Tesla Model X electric cars employed by <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/18853-spacex.html">SpaceX</a> and Canoo Technologies' CTVs, which will first be used by NASA's moon-bound <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/artemis-2-humans-moon-orbit">Artemis 2</a> crew as soon as late 2025. </p>
]]></dc:content>
<link>https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-cft-astrovan-astronaut-transport</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[ When Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams lift off for the ISS on May 6, they will become the first astronauts to fly on Boeing's CST-100 Starliner. But that's not their only new ride. ]]>
</description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">zFxLfFyhSd6BouiXxvtCLY</guid>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sL5MYqZoyoUxSpE6TMmZzL.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2024 10:00:43 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Human Spaceflight]]></category>
<author><![CDATA[ robert@collectspace.com (Robert Z. Pearlman) ]]></author> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sL5MYqZoyoUxSpE6TMmZzL.jpg">
<media:credit><![CDATA[collectSPACE.com]]></media:credit>
<media:text><![CDATA[a large van with a white space capsule and the words "cst-100 starliner" painted on its side rolls down a road toward a building with the nasa logo on it]]></media:text>
<media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[a large van with a white space capsule and the words "cst-100 starliner" painted on its side rolls down a road toward a building with the nasa logo on it]]></media:title>
</media:content>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[ Virgin Galactic to launch 7th commercial spaceflight on June 8 ]]></title>
<dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>Virgin Galactic will fly again next month, if all goes according to plan.</p><p>The company announced on Wednesday (May 1) that it's targeting June 8 for its seventh commercial spaceflight, a suborbital jaunt called, fittingly enough, Galactic 07.</p><p>It will be <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/18993-virgin-galactic.html">Virgin Galactic</a>'s second spaceflight of the year, after the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/virgin-galactic-06-suborbital-spaceflight-mission">Galactic 06</a> mission on Jan. 26, and its 12th overall to date.</p><p><strong>Related:</strong> <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/virgin-galactic-05-mission-success-stern-gerardi"><u>Virgin Galactic launches researchers to suborbital space on 5th commercial flight (video)</u></a></p>
<div class='jwplayer__widthsetter'><div class='jwplayer__wrapper'><div id='futr_botr_YjTKcwLK_bQHItauA_div' class='future__jwplayer'><div id='botr_YjTKcwLK_bQHItauA_div'></div></div></div></div>
<p>Virgin Galactic uses an air-launch system that consists of two vehicles: A carrier aircraft called VMS Eve and a suborbital spaceliner known as VSS Unity. </p><p>Eve lifts off from a runway with Unity beneath its wings, then drops the spacecraft at an altitude of about 45,000 feet (13,700 meters). Unity then fires up its onboard rocket motor, blasting its way to suborbital space. </p><p>Passengers aboard the space plane experience a few minutes of weightlessness and get to see <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/54-earth-history-composition-and-atmosphere.html">Earth</a> against the blackness of space. A ticket to ride on Unity currently sells for $450,000.</p><p>Galactic 07 will depart from <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/19258-spaceport-america.html">Spaceport America</a> in southwestern New Mexico, carrying four passengers in Unity's cabin. Virgin Galactic has not yet identified these people, but the company has given us a bit of information about them.</p><p>Three are private astronauts, one apiece from New York, California and Italy. The fourth is "an Axiom Space-affiliated researcher astronaut who will conduct multiple human-tended experiments," Virgin Galactic wrote Wednesday in a <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.virgingalactic.com/news/galactic-07-mission-launch-window-opens-june-8" target="_blank">Galactic 07 mission update</a>.</p><p><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/axiom-space">Axiom Space</a> is a Houston-based company that has organized three crewed trips to the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/16748-international-space-station.html">International Space Station</a> to date, all of them using <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/18853-spacex.html">SpaceX</a> hardware. Axiom also plans to assemble and operate its own space station in Earth orbit later in the 2020s. </p>
<div class="fancy-box"><div class="fancy_box-title">RELATED STORIES:</div><div class="fancy_box_body"><p class="fancy-box__body-text"> — <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/virgin-galactic-third-commercial-spaceflight-success">Virgin Galactic launches 3 of its original space tourist customers to the final frontier (video)</a></p><p class="fancy-box__body-text">— <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/18993-virgin-galactic.html">Who is Virgin Galactic and what do they do?</a></p><p class="fancy-box__body-text"> — <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/17994-how-virgin-galactic-spaceshiptwo-works.html">How Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo passenger space plane works (infographic)</a></p></div></div>
<p>During the Galactic 06 mission in January, an alignment pin that helps secure Unity to Eve <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/virgin-galactic-glitch-sixth-commercial-suborbital-spaceflight">detached unexpectedly</a> from the carrier craft. This happened after Unity had separated and begun flying freely and did not endanger anyone involved in the flight, according to Virgin Galactic. </p><p>Nevertheless, the company conducted an investigation along with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). That work is now done, and steps have been taken to ensure the issue doesn't crop up on Galactic 07 or other future flights, according to Virgin Galactic. </p><p>"The FAA has accepted Virgin Galactic's final investigation report, as well as the corrective actions that have been made to enhance the retention mechanism of the pin and the addition of a secondary retention mechanism," the company wrote in Wednesday's update.</p>
]]></dc:content>
<link>https://www.space.com/virgin-galactic-seventh-commercial-spaceflight-june-8</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[ Virgin Galactic is targeting June 8 for its seventh commercial spaceflight, a suborbital jaunt called, fittingly enough, Galactic 07. ]]>
</description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">KMNtSphzdNDsUbGwuonZEG</guid>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SEa7MkEdgghVtuk7Q69GL5.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 21:00:29 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Human Spaceflight]]></category>
<author><![CDATA[ mwall@space.com (Mike Wall) ]]></author> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SEa7MkEdgghVtuk7Q69GL5.jpg">
<media:credit><![CDATA[Virgin Galactic]]></media:credit>
<media:text><![CDATA[a space plane lights its rocket motor in space, with the curve of earth in the background.]]></media:text>
<media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[a space plane lights its rocket motor in space, with the curve of earth in the background.]]></media:title>
</media:content>
</item>
</channel>
</rss>

If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:

Download the "valid RSS" banner.
Upload the image to your own server. (This step is important. Please do not link directly to the image on this server.)
Add this HTML to your page (change the image src attribute if necessary):

<a href="http://www.feedvalidator.org/check.cgi?url=http%3A//feeds.feedburner.com/spaceheadlines"><img src="valid-rss-rogers.png" alt="[Valid RSS]" title="Validate my RSS feed" /></a>

If you would like to create a text link instead, here is the URL you can use:

http://www.feedvalidator.org/check.cgi?url=http%3A//feeds.feedburner.com/spaceheadlines

Home · About · News · Docs · Terms