Jackie Wattles
@jackiewattles.bsky.social
Space Reporter @ CNN
Signal: jackiecnn.04
Signal: jackiecnn.04
We've worked on this project for months — excited to finally share it!
[Note: The animations are not to scale, and details such as flight paths are simplified to give an illustrative overview of the mission design.]
cnn.com/interactive/...
[Note: The animations are not to scale, and details such as flight paths are simplified to give an illustrative overview of the mission design.]
cnn.com/interactive/...
Apollo's bold, unruly and controversial successor
A visual guide to the audacious moon-landing mission design that put SpaceX and NASA in the hot seat — and has experts worried the US could lose the new moon race.
cnn.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:08 PM
We've worked on this project for months — excited to finally share it!
[Note: The animations are not to scale, and details such as flight paths are simplified to give an illustrative overview of the mission design.]
cnn.com/interactive/...
[Note: The animations are not to scale, and details such as flight paths are simplified to give an illustrative overview of the mission design.]
cnn.com/interactive/...
Reposted by Jackie Wattles
Sources who spoke to @jackiewattles.bsky.social and me say they fear the sudden moves are part of an effort by the Trump’s administration to quietly gut the Maryland Goddard campus while the government remains unfunded — a claim denied by a NASA spokesperson. www.cnn.com/2025/11/04/s...
NASA may be quietly gutting an iconic campus with what it calls strategic closures, workers fear | CNN
Buildings at Goddard’s Maryland campus are being emptied and padlocked, sources say. NASA leadership has pushed back against the concerns.
www.cnn.com
November 4, 2025 at 9:56 PM
Sources who spoke to @jackiewattles.bsky.social and me say they fear the sudden moves are part of an effort by the Trump’s administration to quietly gut the Maryland Goddard campus while the government remains unfunded — a claim denied by a NASA spokesperson. www.cnn.com/2025/11/04/s...
NEW: Trump's decision to pull Jared Isaacman's nomination was the result of behind-the-scenes maneuvering: A top WH aide grew to dislike Elon Musk, and that aide lobbied for Isaacman's departure after Musk left Washington last week, a source familiar tells me. Read here: www.cnn.com/politics/liv...
Live updates: The latest on Donald Trump’s presidency | CNN Politics
More uncertainty surrounds President Donald Trump’s tariffs as a new week begins. Meanwhile, the White House is ramping up its halting efforts to secure ceasefires in Gaza and Ukraine. Follow for live...
www.cnn.com
June 1, 2025 at 10:22 PM
NEW: Trump's decision to pull Jared Isaacman's nomination was the result of behind-the-scenes maneuvering: A top WH aide grew to dislike Elon Musk, and that aide lobbied for Isaacman's departure after Musk left Washington last week, a source familiar tells me. Read here: www.cnn.com/politics/liv...
New in our coverage this morning: A former senior Biden White House official told me they were never made aware of an offer from Elon Musk or SpaceX to bring Butch and Suni home early. Read here: www.cnn.com/2025/03/18/s...
March 18, 2025 at 3:01 PM
New in our coverage this morning: A former senior Biden White House official told me they were never made aware of an offer from Elon Musk or SpaceX to bring Butch and Suni home early. Read here: www.cnn.com/2025/03/18/s...
Reposted by Jackie Wattles
Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus just addressed employees at a watch party in Houston. He cnfirmed the vehicle is intact, delivering data, generating power — but "not enough," hence Intuitive Machines' efforts to shut down certain components to save energy.
March 6, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus just addressed employees at a watch party in Houston. He cnfirmed the vehicle is intact, delivering data, generating power — but "not enough," hence Intuitive Machines' efforts to shut down certain components to save energy.
Coming to you live from an Intuitive Machines watch party in Houston for the IM-2 Athena landing. www.cnn.com/science/live...
March 6, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Coming to you live from an Intuitive Machines watch party in Houston for the IM-2 Athena landing. www.cnn.com/science/live...
Just in -- email from NASA acting administrator Janet Petro to agency staff announces that Todd Ericson, mission director for Jared Isaacman's Polaris Dawn mission w/ SpaceX, is now a "senior advisor to the administrator" on NASA staff.
No word yet on when Isaacman's confirmation hearings will be.
No word yet on when Isaacman's confirmation hearings will be.
February 25, 2025 at 11:27 PM
Just in -- email from NASA acting administrator Janet Petro to agency staff announces that Todd Ericson, mission director for Jared Isaacman's Polaris Dawn mission w/ SpaceX, is now a "senior advisor to the administrator" on NASA staff.
No word yet on when Isaacman's confirmation hearings will be.
No word yet on when Isaacman's confirmation hearings will be.
NASA leadership is assessing how to respond to Elon Musk's email ultimatum.
One email to SMD employees sent Saturday afternoon says it could be an “opportunity to showcase the great work we do in SMD.”
This morning, the guidance was updated: wait to reply.
Read more: www.cnn.com/politics/liv...
One email to SMD employees sent Saturday afternoon says it could be an “opportunity to showcase the great work we do in SMD.”
This morning, the guidance was updated: wait to reply.
Read more: www.cnn.com/politics/liv...
Live updates: The latest on Donald Trump’s presidency | CNN Politics
President Donald Trump is forging ahead with his government overhaul, with Elon Musk threatening dismissals for federal employees who don’t respond to a mass email. This week will also see Trump meet ...
www.cnn.com
February 23, 2025 at 6:51 PM
NASA leadership is assessing how to respond to Elon Musk's email ultimatum.
One email to SMD employees sent Saturday afternoon says it could be an “opportunity to showcase the great work we do in SMD.”
This morning, the guidance was updated: wait to reply.
Read more: www.cnn.com/politics/liv...
One email to SMD employees sent Saturday afternoon says it could be an “opportunity to showcase the great work we do in SMD.”
This morning, the guidance was updated: wait to reply.
Read more: www.cnn.com/politics/liv...
Just in -- House Dems on the science committee raise "deep alarm" over DOGE involvement at NASA, saying lack of transparency is "ominous and unacceptable" www.cnn.com/2025/02/21/s...
House Democrats raise ‘deep alarm’ over potential DOGE conflict of interest at NASA | CNN
A new letter addressed to acting NASA chief Janet Petro calls out the space agency for failing to answer questions raised by lawmakers earlier this month.
www.cnn.com
February 21, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Just in -- House Dems on the science committee raise "deep alarm" over DOGE involvement at NASA, saying lack of transparency is "ominous and unacceptable" www.cnn.com/2025/02/21/s...
NEW: An email sent to NASA staff Friday afternoon asks workers to take “some inspiration from the spirit of the ‘Department of Government Efficiency" and “lean into this new opportunity to maximize efficiencies." www.cnn.com/2025/02/07/s...
NASA staff asked to take ‘inspiration’ from DOGE as employees express concern | CNN
NASA’s acting administrator said in a Friday email to staff that employees should take an open-minded approach to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk’s efforts to gain efficiencies.
www.cnn.com
February 8, 2025 at 3:32 AM
NEW: An email sent to NASA staff Friday afternoon asks workers to take “some inspiration from the spirit of the ‘Department of Government Efficiency" and “lean into this new opportunity to maximize efficiencies." www.cnn.com/2025/02/07/s...
Since this story was published, the FAA said it has verified the report of Starship debris striking a car in South Caicos, causing "minor damage."
www.cnn.com/2025/01/30/s...
www.cnn.com/2025/01/30/s...
The most powerful rocket ever built exploded over a populated island. Residents are still dealing with the fallout | CNN
Following the explosive failure of the Starship megarocket’s January 16 test flight, residents of the British territory were left with debris-strewn roads and beaches.
www.cnn.com
February 1, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Since this story was published, the FAA said it has verified the report of Starship debris striking a car in South Caicos, causing "minor damage."
www.cnn.com/2025/01/30/s...
www.cnn.com/2025/01/30/s...
This note is from Dr. Tim Swindle of the U of A
We asked for him to respond to the latest executive orders
"We do not encourage and track diversity just because it is the fair thing to do, we do it because we want to provide NASA and aerospace corporations with the very best future workers we can"
We asked for him to respond to the latest executive orders
"We do not encourage and track diversity just because it is the fair thing to do, we do it because we want to provide NASA and aerospace corporations with the very best future workers we can"
January 28, 2025 at 8:18 PM
This note is from Dr. Tim Swindle of the U of A
We asked for him to respond to the latest executive orders
"We do not encourage and track diversity just because it is the fair thing to do, we do it because we want to provide NASA and aerospace corporations with the very best future workers we can"
We asked for him to respond to the latest executive orders
"We do not encourage and track diversity just because it is the fair thing to do, we do it because we want to provide NASA and aerospace corporations with the very best future workers we can"
Reposted by Jackie Wattles
Shameless crosspost from Firefly Space on Twitter🧪:
Blue Ghost's fluid and propulsion systems are now primed up! This bi-propellant priming distributes our fuel and oxidizer to the engines, getting them ready for our first burn in a couple days.
Blue Ghost's fluid and propulsion systems are now primed up! This bi-propellant priming distributes our fuel and oxidizer to the engines, getting them ready for our first burn in a couple days.
January 17, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Shameless crosspost from Firefly Space on Twitter🧪:
Blue Ghost's fluid and propulsion systems are now primed up! This bi-propellant priming distributes our fuel and oxidizer to the engines, getting them ready for our first burn in a couple days.
Blue Ghost's fluid and propulsion systems are now primed up! This bi-propellant priming distributes our fuel and oxidizer to the engines, getting them ready for our first burn in a couple days.
Here's our latest exchange with the FAA. Awaiting more details
January 17, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Here's our latest exchange with the FAA. Awaiting more details
When asked to clarify what constituted a “hazard area” and which locations were closed to air traffic during launch, the FAA said that its “investigation is ongoing” and “information is preliminary and subject to change.” Latest here: www.cnn.com/2025/01/17/s...
Regulators are investigating reports of property damage from SpaceX Starship’s explosion | CNN
The FAA says it has grounded the Starship vehicle pending a mishap investigation, and it is working with the company to assess reports of property damage in Turks and Caicos.
www.cnn.com
January 17, 2025 at 8:18 PM
When asked to clarify what constituted a “hazard area” and which locations were closed to air traffic during launch, the FAA said that its “investigation is ongoing” and “information is preliminary and subject to change.” Latest here: www.cnn.com/2025/01/17/s...
Reposted by Jackie Wattles
SpaceX changed the language on its Starship flight seven statement, removing that debris fell "into the Atlantic Ocean within the predefined hazard areas."
January 17, 2025 at 6:29 PM
SpaceX changed the language on its Starship flight seven statement, removing that debris fell "into the Atlantic Ocean within the predefined hazard areas."
Reposted by Jackie Wattles
If you're interested in learning more about how the FAA manages rockets and planes competing for limited airspace, I did a deep dive on this with @lesliejosephs.bsky.social:
www.cnbc.com/2023/02/09/a...
www.cnbc.com/2023/02/09/a...
FAA statement on aircraft flight diversions. The regulator activated a "Debris Response Area" as required for space vehicle debris potentially entering airpsace outside of previously closed hazard areas (standard practice for orbital rocket launches):
www.cnbc.com/2025/01/16/s...
www.cnbc.com/2025/01/16/s...
January 17, 2025 at 3:26 AM
If you're interested in learning more about how the FAA manages rockets and planes competing for limited airspace, I did a deep dive on this with @lesliejosephs.bsky.social:
www.cnbc.com/2023/02/09/a...
www.cnbc.com/2023/02/09/a...
SpaceX says Starship debris fell “into the Atlantic Ocean within the predefined hazard areas."
But FAA told us that it activated a “Debris Response Area” after Starship exploded. Such a step is only taken if debris falls outside designated areas, according to the agency.
🤷♀️
But FAA told us that it activated a “Debris Response Area” after Starship exploded. Such a step is only taken if debris falls outside designated areas, according to the agency.
🤷♀️
January 17, 2025 at 3:11 AM
SpaceX says Starship debris fell “into the Atlantic Ocean within the predefined hazard areas."
But FAA told us that it activated a “Debris Response Area” after Starship exploded. Such a step is only taken if debris falls outside designated areas, according to the agency.
🤷♀️
But FAA told us that it activated a “Debris Response Area” after Starship exploded. Such a step is only taken if debris falls outside designated areas, according to the agency.
🤷♀️
Idk about you guys but if I saw this while I was flying a plane, it would scare the ever-loving crap out of me...
January 17, 2025 at 2:39 AM
Idk about you guys but if I saw this while I was flying a plane, it would scare the ever-loving crap out of me...
What a ride. CNN has audio from air traffic controllers and pilots in the moments the SpaceX Starship debris rains down over the Caribbean. Listen to it here: www.cnn.com/science/live...
Live updates: SpaceX Starship spacecraft is lost on 7th test flight | CNN
Starship, the most powerful rocket ever built, pulled off a daring booster catch on its most ambitious test flight yet, but the spacecraft was lost. Follow for the latest news.
www.cnn.com
January 17, 2025 at 1:59 AM
What a ride. CNN has audio from air traffic controllers and pilots in the moments the SpaceX Starship debris rains down over the Caribbean. Listen to it here: www.cnn.com/science/live...
It's so nice and refreshing to see centibillionaires burying the hatchet and really coming together under the common goal of dominating the universe.
January 16, 2025 at 8:21 PM
It's so nice and refreshing to see centibillionaires burying the hatchet and really coming together under the common goal of dominating the universe.
Let's do this? Again? Maybe? www.cnn.com/science/live...
Blue Origin’s New Glenn set for next launch attempt | CNN
After abruptly calling off its first launch attempt in the early hours of Monday morning, Blue Origin is now poised to try again. Follow the latest news.
www.cnn.com
January 16, 2025 at 4:11 AM
Let's do this? Again? Maybe? www.cnn.com/science/live...
Reposted by Jackie Wattles
Bljue Origin just put out a statement of limited utility saying they're not delaying their launch attempt overnight, but saying they might.
January 15, 2025 at 10:59 PM
Bljue Origin just put out a statement of limited utility saying they're not delaying their launch attempt overnight, but saying they might.
Reposted by Jackie Wattles
Death by a thousand T-0 updates
January 13, 2025 at 6:34 AM
Death by a thousand T-0 updates
It's go time for New Glenn (I think, I hope) www.cnn.com/science/live...
Live updates: Blue Origin’s New Glenn to attempt maiden voyage | CNN
Blue Origin, the rocket company founded by Jeff Bezos in 2000, is poised to launch its first orbital rocket. Follow for the latest news.
www.cnn.com
January 13, 2025 at 4:46 AM
It's go time for New Glenn (I think, I hope) www.cnn.com/science/live...