What Happened
SpaceX Rideshare Mission Carries 81 Payloads To Orbit
SpaceX’s Transporter-17 mission launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, carrying 81 payloads to LEO, including the first commercial nuclear-powered satellite, City Labs’ BOHR. The satellite uses a betavoltaic battery to provide power, and its mission represents a significant step towards validating nuclear power for future space missions. The launch also marks a milestone for the global space industry, with a diverse range of payloads on board, including those from Tumbleweed, Zentrum für Telematik e.V., and Planet Labs. This development was first reported by Payload Space.