JPL, the NPS of NASA

This week Iain and Beagle discuss old news, new news, and things that aren't news! For starters we provide some updates into what happened during Starlink 9-3, freak out about an asteroid that's way too close for comfort, and have a debate about whether free launch service is a good idea (Hint: It's not! -Iain (It totally is. -Beagle)). Dragon gets its very own "pimp my ride" type upgrade. VIPER gets canned, Astra went private, and we say good riddance to Bill Weber! Oh, and Beagle has a giggle fit about a rock named Innocent Bystander. Falcon 9 updates: https://spaceflightnow.com/2024/07/16/spacex-requests-public-safety-determination-for-return-to-flight-for-its-falcon-9-rocket/ Firefly Leadership switch-up: (1) https://payloadspace.com/firefly-aerospace-investigates-ceos-alleged-inappropriate-relationship/ (2) https://fireflyspace.com/news/leadership-change-at-firefly/ New ESA mission to Apophis: https://www.esa.int/Space_Safety/Planetary_Defence/Introducing_Ramses_ESA_s_mission_to_asteroid_Apophis PLD offering FREE launch services on first two Miura 5 flights: https://spacenews.com/miura-5-spark-programme-presented-by-pld-space-offering-free-access-to-first-two-miura-5-flights-to-promote-space-innovation/ Dragon de-orbit vehicle: https://x.com/SpaceX/status/1813632705281818671 VIPER gets canned (RIP): https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-ends-viper-project-continues-moon-exploration/ IM-2 landing site: https://www.intuitivemachines.com/post/intuitive-machines-finalizes-landing-site-for-sold-out-im-2-lunar-prospecting-mission Astra goes private: https://astra.com/news/closing-private/ Curiosity finds sulfur: https://www.nasa.gov/missions/mars-science-laboratory/curiosity-rover/nasas-curiosity-rover-discovers-a-surprise-in-a-martian-rock/ SpaceX gets more money: https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/3844604/ / Our Links: Max-Q News website: https://max-q-news.space/ Max-Q News X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MaxQ_production Max-Q News Discord: https://discord.gg/JTgxuvjY7e