Astronomy Picture of the Day

    Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our
      fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation
                    written by a professional astronomer.

                              2021 February 22

                        Moon Rising Between Starships
                    Image Credit & Copyright: John Kraus

   Explanation: What's that on either side of the Moon? Starships.
   Specifically, they are launch-and-return reusable rockets being
   developed by SpaceX to lift cargo and eventually humans from the
   Earth's surface into space. The two rockets pictured are SN9 (Serial
   Number 9) and SN10 which were captured near their Boca Chica, Texas
   launchpad last month posing below January's full Wolf Moon. The
   Starships house liquid-methane engines inside rugged stainless-steel
   shells. SN9 was test-launched earlier this month and did well with the
   exception of one internal rocket that failed to relight during powered
   descent. SN10 continues to undergo ground tests and may be
   test-launched later this month.

                       Tomorrow's picture: space fowl
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       Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP)
            NASA Official: Phillip Newman Specific rights apply.
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