NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day

October 23, 2024

Caught

What if a rocket could return to its launch tower – and be caught? This happened for the first time 10 days ago, after a SpaceX Starship rocket blasted off from its pad in Boca Chica, Texas, USA. Starship then split, as planned, with its upper stage landing in the Pacific Ocean. The big difference was the lower stage, Super Heavy Booster 12, was caught by its launch tower about 7 minutes later. Catching a rocket for reuse is a new and innovative way to help reduce the cost of rocket flight by making rockets more easily reusable. Starship rockets may be used by NASA in the future to send spacecraft to Earth orbit, the Moon, and even other planets.

https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

Tesla: Actually Smart Summon (ASS)

Oct 22, 2024

Actually Smart Summon enables your car to come to you from anywhere in the parking lot or to a location of your choosing. Summoning your Tesla makes loading up easier and keeps you dry in the rain.

Actually Smart Summon is designed and intended for use only on parking lots and driveways located on private property where the surrounding area is familiar and predictable. Do not use on public roads.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7Pwpxj3eQg

https://x.com/tesla