SpaceX says the inaugural flight test of its Falcon 9 rocket on June 4 achieved all of its primary mission objectives and culminated in “a nearly perfect” orbital placement of the rocket’s second stage and mock cargo spacecraft. “This is a major milestone not only for SpaceX, but the increasingly bright future of space flight,” said Elon Musk, SpaceX CEO and chief technology officer. The Falcon 9, powered by a cluster of nine SpaceX-developed Merlin engines, lifted off from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., where it was supported by airmen of the 45th Space Wing. SpaceX is under contract with NASA to mature Falcon 9 for use in supplying the International Space Station and eventually carrying astronauts there. Two additional Falcon 9 test launches are planned from Cape Canaveral. (SpaceX release) (Cape Canaveral release)
Air Force Changes Rules for Pregnant Aircrew—Again
April 3, 2025
The Air Force is changing its policy for pregnant aircrew, generally reverting to rules set in 2019 that barred female aviators from flying during the first trimester—or from flying in aircraft with ejection seats at all—due to potential risks to the pilot and her unborn fetus.