NASA doesn’t build rockets, especially not ones for EELV/NSSL contracts. The ones they do operate are contracted out to old space contractors and end up substantially more expensive.
November 8, 2026 at 12:55 AM
NASA doesn’t build rockets, especially not ones for EELV/NSSL contracts. The ones they do operate are contracted out to old space contractors and end up substantially more expensive.
Fun! Which one? FIRST, Vex, something else? We still have several NSSL-affiliated folks mentoring the team we run in OKC.
November 8, 2026 at 11:24 PM
Fun! Which one? FIRST, Vex, something else? We still have several NSSL-affiliated folks mentoring the team we run in OKC.
I mean, if Titan II could lob it ballistically to the other side of the world I'm sure Titan IV could have thrown it a ways out there lol (Google says it should be good to HCO...and the EELV/NSSL family were more capable than that)
November 3, 2026 at 4:10 AM
I mean, if Titan II could lob it ballistically to the other side of the world I'm sure Titan IV could have thrown it a ways out there lol (Google says it should be good to HCO...and the EELV/NSSL family were more capable than that)
The only weather subscription I currently have is RadarScope Tier 2. I'd pay $10-20 per month for the 12-km NAM and ARW/NSSL WRF with a good UI. No idea what this would cost to run.
November 4, 2026 at 1:01 AM
The only weather subscription I currently have is RadarScope Tier 2. I'd pay $10-20 per month for the 12-km NAM and ARW/NSSL WRF with a good UI. No idea what this would cost to run.
It's November. Which means, for the next few months the team at NSSL has very little to do other than stare at the wall and their signed photo of Dr. Jo Harding.
But Spring 2027 is just around the corner and coming off a big El Nino... I think it's going to be a very busy tornado season.
But Spring 2027 is just around the corner and coming off a big El Nino... I think it's going to be a very busy tornado season.
November 1, 2026 at 8:32 AM
It's November. Which means, for the next few months the team at NSSL has very little to do other than stare at the wall and their signed photo of Dr. Jo Harding.
But Spring 2027 is just around the corner and coming off a big El Nino... I think it's going to be a very busy tornado season.
But Spring 2027 is just around the corner and coming off a big El Nino... I think it's going to be a very busy tornado season.
Folks here at NSSL would likely agree to the proposed date. My vote would be for yesterday, but I know compromise is important.
I think that we should all sit down today or tomorrow and decide what day we are going to call it a wrap for the year. I’m thinking somewhere around Nov. 18th or so because we have been through a lot.
October 29, 2026 at 12:35 PM
Folks here at NSSL would likely agree to the proposed date. My vote would be for yesterday, but I know compromise is important.
By sinking $8.8B+ into SpaceX COCO contracts (Starshield, NSSL launches, tactical C2),
US defense/intel built a single point of failure:
an unaccountable vendor whose CEO holds unilateral combat kill switches, backstopped by deep China exposure ($6B Tesla debt) & foreign leverage
US defense/intel built a single point of failure:
an unaccountable vendor whose CEO holds unilateral combat kill switches, backstopped by deep China exposure ($6B Tesla debt) & foreign leverage
October 28, 2026 at 7:59 AM
By sinking $8.8B+ into SpaceX COCO contracts (Starshield, NSSL launches, tactical C2),
US defense/intel built a single point of failure:
an unaccountable vendor whose CEO holds unilateral combat kill switches, backstopped by deep China exposure ($6B Tesla debt) & foreign leverage
US defense/intel built a single point of failure:
an unaccountable vendor whose CEO holds unilateral combat kill switches, backstopped by deep China exposure ($6B Tesla debt) & foreign leverage
This tick mentality is exactly how he made SpaceX indispensable: by stepping on the smart people( #NASA) to take their place, ‘I know better’. His leaching is synergistic with the Republicans wanting to privatise NASA.
His #NSSL launch contract was the end of ‘26, now it's ‘29, extendable to ‘34.
His #NSSL launch contract was the end of ‘26, now it's ‘29, extendable to ‘34.
October 28, 2026 at 8:03 AM
This tick mentality is exactly how he made SpaceX indispensable: by stepping on the smart people( #NASA) to take their place, ‘I know better’. His leaching is synergistic with the Republicans wanting to privatise NASA.
His #NSSL launch contract was the end of ‘26, now it's ‘29, extendable to ‘34.
His #NSSL launch contract was the end of ‘26, now it's ‘29, extendable to ‘34.
October 28, 2026 at 8:03 AM
True - but there have been issues even before Elon and OMB got their mitts on things. The inconsistency of services across WFOs is a big problem that one sees when looking at things nationally every day - and one that partners that came through projects during my time at NSSL complained about.
October 23, 2026 at 2:41 AM
True - but there have been issues even before Elon and OMB got their mitts on things. The inconsistency of services across WFOs is a big problem that one sees when looking at things nationally every day - and one that partners that came through projects during my time at NSSL complained about.
Hey, look. Here's a literal reason why you had the old NSSL system of block buys of launch purchases, rather than a couple at a time with three USSF payloads w/o a launcher right now w/ SpaceX choosing to not bid F9.
www.politico.com/news/2026/10...
www.politico.com/news/2026/10...
Space Force scrambles as Musk’s SpaceX retires its major rocket
Other rocket-makers have faced delays getting their vehicles up and running, leaving the Pentagon in a bind.
www.politico.com
October 22, 2026 at 2:49 PM
Hey, look. Here's a literal reason why you had the old NSSL system of block buys of launch purchases, rather than a couple at a time with three USSF payloads w/o a launcher right now w/ SpaceX choosing to not bid F9.
www.politico.com/news/2026/10...
www.politico.com/news/2026/10...
"Many providers" is why SpaceX flies 85% of US launches? The heavy NSSL missions in the article have exactly two certified options, and Vulcan's backlog is the reason the Space Force is quoted panicking. Rocket Lab isn't lofting a KH-11.
October 22, 2026 at 5:10 PM
"Many providers" is why SpaceX flies 85% of US launches? The heavy NSSL missions in the article have exactly two certified options, and Vulcan's backlog is the reason the Space Force is quoted panicking. Rocket Lab isn't lofting a KH-11.
$38B is mostly for contracts + repaid loan:
- Contracts (~$22B+, mostly SpaceX): Launches, ISS crew/cargo, Artemis lander, DoD/NSSL satellites. NASA alone >$15B.
- Tesla regulatory credits (~$11.4B): Excess EV credits sold to other automakers.
- Subsidies/tax incentives (~$2–5B)
- Contracts (~$22B+, mostly SpaceX): Launches, ISS crew/cargo, Artemis lander, DoD/NSSL satellites. NASA alone >$15B.
- Tesla regulatory credits (~$11.4B): Excess EV credits sold to other automakers.
- Subsidies/tax incentives (~$2–5B)
October 22, 2026 at 6:43 AM
$38B is mostly for contracts + repaid loan:
- Contracts (~$22B+, mostly SpaceX): Launches, ISS crew/cargo, Artemis lander, DoD/NSSL satellites. NASA alone >$15B.
- Tesla regulatory credits (~$11.4B): Excess EV credits sold to other automakers.
- Subsidies/tax incentives (~$2–5B)
- Contracts (~$22B+, mostly SpaceX): Launches, ISS crew/cargo, Artemis lander, DoD/NSSL satellites. NASA alone >$15B.
- Tesla regulatory credits (~$11.4B): Excess EV credits sold to other automakers.
- Subsidies/tax incentives (~$2–5B)
Scientists at the NSSL recently concluded that tornadoes reproduce via mitosis. What do you think?
4.23.2026 - Braman, Oklahoma
4.23.2026 - Braman, Oklahoma
October 9, 2026 at 11:56 PM
Scientists at the NSSL recently concluded that tornadoes reproduce via mitosis. What do you think?
4.23.2026 - Braman, Oklahoma
4.23.2026 - Braman, Oklahoma
In July 2026 the US Space Force raised its commercial-style launch contract ceiling to $17 billion and awarded SpaceX 18 Falcon 9 missions worth $1.6 billion while Vulcan and New Glenn were grounded.
NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1: SpaceX Wins $1.6 Billion for 18 Launches as Rivals Stay Grounded
In July 2026 the US Space Force raised its commercial-style launch contract ceiling to $17 billion and awarded SpaceX 18 Falcon 9 missions worth $1.6 billion while Vulcan and New Glenn were grounded.
kurums.com
October 6, 2026 at 8:41 PM
In July 2026 the US Space Force raised its commercial-style launch contract ceiling to $17 billion and awarded SpaceX 18 Falcon 9 missions worth $1.6 billion while Vulcan and New Glenn were grounded.
After 22 launches on Falcon 9, NROL-97 is the NRO's first launch on Falcon Heavy. While currently only 1 additional NRO launch is assigned to Falcon Heavy, that being NROL-86, there'll almost certainly be more with 3 more NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 Order Years to be announced.
September 28, 2026 at 5:11 PM
After 22 launches on Falcon 9, NROL-97 is the NRO's first launch on Falcon Heavy. While currently only 1 additional NRO launch is assigned to Falcon Heavy, that being NROL-86, there'll almost certainly be more with 3 more NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 Order Years to be announced.
各種SNS用に2026年第3四半期版として新しくアカウント画像を作成しました.
今回はNSSLロゴマークを第3版に更新し, 銀髪ウィッグを付けたニコタ君を追加しています.
また, 自撮り画像を3月に撮影したものに差し替えました.
2026年第3四半期版 SNSアカウント画像を作成 | ニシカズの宇宙日記 (Kazuki.N)
nishikazu0417.com/2026/09/24/1...
今回はNSSLロゴマークを第3版に更新し, 銀髪ウィッグを付けたニコタ君を追加しています.
また, 自撮り画像を3月に撮影したものに差し替えました.
2026年第3四半期版 SNSアカウント画像を作成 | ニシカズの宇宙日記 (Kazuki.N)
nishikazu0417.com/2026/09/24/1...
September 24, 2026 at 8:46 AM
各種SNS用に2026年第3四半期版として新しくアカウント画像を作成しました.
今回はNSSLロゴマークを第3版に更新し, 銀髪ウィッグを付けたニコタ君を追加しています.
また, 自撮り画像を3月に撮影したものに差し替えました.
2026年第3四半期版 SNSアカウント画像を作成 | ニシカズの宇宙日記 (Kazuki.N)
nishikazu0417.com/2026/09/24/1...
今回はNSSLロゴマークを第3版に更新し, 銀髪ウィッグを付けたニコタ君を追加しています.
また, 自撮り画像を3月に撮影したものに差し替えました.
2026年第3四半期版 SNSアカウント画像を作成 | ニシカズの宇宙日記 (Kazuki.N)
nishikazu0417.com/2026/09/24/1...
Weather fam…today was my last day at OU/NSSL. It’s been a fantastic post-NWS experience. May the weather enterprise stay connected and dedicated to supporting and protecting human safety and productivity. I will always hold you dear ❤️
Homem Chorando Emocionado
Alt: Man waving goodbye in tears
static.klipy.com
September 17, 2026 at 9:19 PM
Weather fam…today was my last day at OU/NSSL. It’s been a fantastic post-NWS experience. May the weather enterprise stay connected and dedicated to supporting and protecting human safety and productivity. I will always hold you dear ❤️
It has truly been an honor to have had the opportunity to work with you, and gotten to know you during your time with NWS and NSSL. You are a shining light and example for our profession, and I wish you well in retirement. I look forward to seeing the adventures you go on in your next chapter! 🎉
September 17, 2026 at 10:42 PM
It has truly been an honor to have had the opportunity to work with you, and gotten to know you during your time with NWS and NSSL. You are a shining light and example for our profession, and I wish you well in retirement. I look forward to seeing the adventures you go on in your next chapter! 🎉
National security launch forecast surges as new rockets struggle to break SpaceX’s grip
Pentagon report puts NSSL procurement quantity at 337 launches and nearly $76 billion...
https://spacenews.com/national-security-launch-forecast-surges-as-new-rockets-struggle-to-break-spacexs-grip/
Pentagon report puts NSSL procurement quantity at 337 launches and nearly $76 billion...
https://spacenews.com/national-security-launch-forecast-surges-as-new-rockets-struggle-to-break-spacexs-grip/
National security launch forecast surges as new rockets struggle to break SpaceX’s grip
Pentagon report puts NSSL procurement quantity at 337 launches and nearly $76 billion
spacenews.com
September 9, 2026 at 12:57 AM
National security launch forecast surges as new rockets struggle to break SpaceX’s grip
Pentagon report puts NSSL procurement quantity at 337 launches and nearly $76 billion...
https://spacenews.com/national-security-launch-forecast-surges-as-new-rockets-struggle-to-break-spacexs-grip/
Pentagon report puts NSSL procurement quantity at 337 launches and nearly $76 billion...
https://spacenews.com/national-security-launch-forecast-surges-as-new-rockets-struggle-to-break-spacexs-grip/
The admin has been trying to de facto eliminate OAR, but Congress has not been cooperating, mostly because NSSL and AOML have strong backing from Republican politicians who don't want to see them get marginalized.
September 7, 2026 at 2:33 AM
The admin has been trying to de facto eliminate OAR, but Congress has not been cooperating, mostly because NSSL and AOML have strong backing from Republican politicians who don't want to see them get marginalized.
BREAKING: NSSL releases new surface-layer model Flamajamma, and Jeremy Gibbs says he believes it has solved the turbulence closure problem.
September 3, 2026 at 7:20 PM
BREAKING: NSSL releases new surface-layer model Flamajamma, and Jeremy Gibbs says he believes it has solved the turbulence closure problem.
🚀 Welcome to Orbital Brief — commercial space & launch intelligence.
SpaceX · RocketLab · ULA · Blue Origin · NSSL manifests · DoD contracts · FAA licensing · space VC.
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#space #NewSpace #commercialspace #SpaceX #aerospace
SpaceX · RocketLab · ULA · Blue Origin · NSSL manifests · DoD contracts · FAA licensing · space VC.
📩 Subscribe: buttondown.com/orbital-brief
#space #NewSpace #commercialspace #SpaceX #aerospace
September 1, 2026 at 6:43 PM
🚀 Welcome to Orbital Brief — commercial space & launch intelligence.
SpaceX · RocketLab · ULA · Blue Origin · NSSL manifests · DoD contracts · FAA licensing · space VC.
📩 Subscribe: buttondown.com/orbital-brief
#space #NewSpace #commercialspace #SpaceX #aerospace
SpaceX · RocketLab · ULA · Blue Origin · NSSL manifests · DoD contracts · FAA licensing · space VC.
📩 Subscribe: buttondown.com/orbital-brief
#space #NewSpace #commercialspace #SpaceX #aerospace
I think for most people AI means "something that can make memes". That is most people's exposure to it. But if you were to walk into NSSL and look at some of the their latest work in tornado prediction, it's amazing. The public doesn't see that side of how compute is being used.
September 1, 2026 at 2:55 AM
I think for most people AI means "something that can make memes". That is most people's exposure to it. But if you were to walk into NSSL and look at some of the their latest work in tornado prediction, it's amazing. The public doesn't see that side of how compute is being used.
SpaceX' Falcon Heavy rocket is vertical at LC-39A with NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope ahead of launch tomorrow at 11:25:49 UTC. Side boosters B1104-1 and B1072-3 will perform a RTLS for reuse on a NSSL mission in October. Center Core B1105-1 will be expended.
August 29, 2026 at 3:29 PM
SpaceX' Falcon Heavy rocket is vertical at LC-39A with NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope ahead of launch tomorrow at 11:25:49 UTC. Side boosters B1104-1 and B1072-3 will perform a RTLS for reuse on a NSSL mission in October. Center Core B1105-1 will be expended.