SpaceX is set to launch the groundbreaking Fram2 astronaut mission tonight, March 31, with liftoff scheduled for 9:46 p.m. EDT from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission, which will send a Crew Dragon capsule over Earth's poles, marks a historic trajectory for human spaceflight.

If the initial launch window is missed, backup opportunities are available at 11:20 p.m. EDT, 12:53 a.m. EDT, and 2:26 a.m. EDT. SpaceX will stream the event live on its website and X account about an hour before liftoff, and Space.com may also carry the broadcast.

SpaceX successfully launched 27 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit on March 26, 2025, from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 6:11 p.m. ET and deployed the satellites about an hour later.

The mission, named Starlink 11-7, featured the Falcon 9 booster B1063, which landed smoothly on the droneship Of Course I Still Love You in the Pacific Ocean just over eight minutes after launch. This marks the 24th flight and landing for the booster, which has supported a variety of missions including DART, Transporter-7, and multiple Starlink deployments.

With this latest addition, SpaceX’s Starlink constellation now surpasses 7,100 satellites, continuing its mission to provide global high-speed, low-latency internet coverage.

April 2025 is packed with cosmic action, from rocket launches to stunning skywatching moments. Here's a quick roundup of the highlights:

📡 April 1 – SpaceX Falcon 9: Fram2 Mission

Time: 3:20 a.m. UTC

Location: Launch Complex 39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida

SpaceX kicks off the month with the Fram2 mission, the first-ever crewed launch into polar orbit. This milestone mission offers a unique perspective over Earth's polar regions, further demonstrating the capabilities of Falcon 9 and expanding the scope of human spaceflight.

🛰 April 8 – Roscosmos Soyuz MS-27: Crewed Launch to ISS

Time: 6:47 a.m. UTC

Location: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan

Hyundai Motor Co. is set to unveil a massive $20 billion investment in the U.S. during an event at the White House today, according to a U.S. official. The South Korean automaker, which already operates a major plant in Alabama, plans to significantly expand production in the U.S., with the investment likely targeting new or expanded manufacturing facilities, including potential EV and battery plants, as well as job creation initiatives.

This move aligns with Hyundai’s strategy to localize production, strengthen its U.S. supply chain, and respond to evolving trade policies, including discussions around auto tariffs and reciprocal levies. The investment underscores a broader trend of foreign companies ramping up domestic manufacturing amid growing pressure to support Made-in-America efforts. Further details of Hyundai’s investment are expected to be revealed later today.

German startup Isar Aerospace has postponed the maiden test flight of its ‘Spectrum’ launch vehicle from Andøya Spaceport in Norway, citing unfavourable wind conditions. While the company may attempt the launch later this week, no new date has been set.

The 28-meter two-stage rocket is designed to carry small and medium satellites into orbit. For this first test, success is defined as achieving a 30-second flight, not necessarily reaching orbit. The goal is to gather data and experience from the integrated systems.

Based in Munich, Isar Aerospace has raised over €400 million and plans to produce up to 40 rockets annually. The company operates independently from the European Space Agency (ESA).

Photo: isaraerospace.com