News
SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 booster sails into port aboard OCISLY after launch #2
SpaceX’s second Falcon 9 Block 5 booster, core B1047, has returned once more to Port Canaveral, Florida aboard drone ship Of Course I Still Love You (OCISLY) after a successful flight-proven launch, placing commercial communications satellite Es’hail-2 into a healthy, high-energy orbit.
SpaceX’s third reuse of a Block 5 booster since the upgraded Falcon 9 version’s May 2018 debut, the November 15 launch marks the company’s 11th mission to launch on a flight-proven rocket in 2018 alone, more than 60% of the 18 missions completed thus far.
As seen from Exploration Tower, #SpaceX #Falcon9 B1047.2 begins docking at Port Canaveral. pic.twitter.com/bDB83Va9Lg
— John Kraus (@johnkrausphotos) November 19, 2018
Prior to launching Es’hailsat’s Es’hail-2 satellite, Falcon 9 B1047 placed the massive ~7000 kg (15,500 lb) Telstar 19V communications satellite into orbit while also marking the second successful launch of Falcon 9’s Block 5 iteration. Nearly a new rocket, Block 5 focused on dramatically improving the reliability and reusability of the workhorse Falcon 9 rocket, ultimately translating into the total redesign and replacement of a large number of major subsystems.
The changes range from a totally new octaweb thrust structure (bolted, rather than welded, together), a clean-sweep upgrade of first and second stage avionics, new helium and nitrogen pressure vessels (COPVs), a total revamp of thermal protection for the interstage, legs, and octaweb, significantly refined Merlin 1D sea level and vacuum engines, Fairing 2.0, and much, much more. With the extensive changes brought by Block 5, SpaceX engineers strove to fully eradicate or at least cushion several unlikely but possible failure modes while also increasing the overall usable lifespan of particularly flight-critical, wear-intensive systems and components.
How many layers of soot?
Although it’s clear that some distance must still be covered before the specific goals of Block 5 can be realized, the aspiration of the design is to enable as many as 10 booster reuses with little more than thorough inspections between launches, and perhaps 100 or more launches per booster with more extensive maintenance and repairs every 10 or so launches.
The first unprecedented step in that direction – for Falcon 9 Block 5, at least – will be the third launch of a specific booster, a feat SpaceX was not willing to attempt before Block 5’s introduction. That milestone third launch was actually meant to occur on Monday, November 19 but has since been delayed to give SpaceX time to perform additional preflight inspections of Falcon 9, be it the twice-flown booster, the upper stage, the payload fairing, or all of the above.
The #SpaceX booster being moved into place at the dock in #PortCanaveral #Falcon9 pic.twitter.com/wdbwIRWeyh
— Tom (@Cygnusx112) November 19, 2018
Given just how critical a step the launch will be for SpaceX’s long-term goal of fielding rockets with aircraft-like reusability, caution is particularly key in this case, as any partial or total failure will almost instantly soil multi-flight Falcon 9 boosters in the eyes of a number of launch customers, potentially leading customers to request launches on boosters that have previously flown less than twice. Even then, a 5-7 day delay can be extremely unsavory for many customers, as time is very frequently money for satellite operators – a satellite on the ground is essentially a black hole that devours capital and generates zero revenue, sort of like a nuclear reactor that hasn’t been connected to the grid.
B1047’s successful return to port after a second operational launch will serve as another valuable wealth of data that can be used to further optimize SpaceX’s understanding of Falcon 9 Block 5 and its capabilities.
A Texas man has been arrested and charged with manslaughter after his Tesla crashed into a home last month, striking a woman inside and killing her. The driver, Michael Butler, claimed the vehicle was in self-driving mode, but information from Tesla shows that Butler overrode the system.
Butler was arrested on Wednesday and booked at the Harris County, Texas, jail. He remained in custody through Thursday and Friday; he did not enter a plea, and his next court hearing is scheduled for Monday.
Tesla finally clarifies fatal Texas crash, confirms driver manually overrode acceleration
There are a handful of new clues in the case that could clear Tesla of any wrongdoing, especially as the woman who was killed’s family, the Avilas, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Tesla and Butler, seeking at least $1 million in damages.
Charging documents from the Harris County prosecutor now show that Butler, who was working DoorDash the evening of the accident, had been using Full Self-Driving mode without incident through the duration of multiple deliveries that evening.
In the moments leading up to the crash, while in FSD and approaching a left turn, Butler pressed the accelerator pedal, overriding FSD’s speed control, and continued to push it until it reached 100 percent. This caused rapid acceleration; the brake pedal was never pressed, and there is no data to show that Butler aimed to turn away from the curb or house.
The charging documents state:
“I noted that the brake pedal was never pressed in the final minute before the crash. I also did not see any data to indicate that the driver attempted to turn away from the curb that he eventually struck. Further, I observed that no mechanical error was detected or recorded by the vehicle before BUTLER and the Tesla struck the curb.”
Additionally, a forensic analysis of Butler’s phone showed that he searched Google around the time of the crash with queries questioning why FSD was “too timid,” “not aggressive enough,” and even searched, “FSD is not aggressive enough for city driving.”
The documents outlined this:
“Investigator Veal also informed me that he had received BUTLER’s cell phone from Deputy Amad and that HDAO digital forensics team had completed a data extraction and download of the phone. Multiple Google searches related to Tesla had been made from BUTLER’s phone in the months leading up the crash. I noted multiple searches in May of 2026 indicating an apparent frustration with Tesla’s FSD mode, including the following searches: “Tesla fsd not aggressive enough 2026 model,” “Tesla fsd not [sic) aggressive enough 2026,” “FSD is not aggressive enough for city driving,” and “tesla fsd too timid.”‘
Tesla had claimed just after the crash that its internal data showed Butler had overridden the system’s speed control and pressed the accelerator completely, causing the vehicle to travel at an excessive rate of speed. Eventually, the car slammed into Avila’s house, killing her.
Butler has now been formally charged with Manslaughter, a felony.
Tesla shocked with its quarterly delivery report yesterday by reporting it delivered 480,126 vehicles in the second quarter of 2026, a 25 percent year-over-year jump that crushed Wall Street estimates of roughly 400,000–408,000 units. Production reached 451,758, with Model 3 and Model Y accounting for the vast majority.
The result ended two years of annual delivery declines and drew down inventory, signaling demand that outpaced earlier production.
Tesla bears had long warned that the expiration of the U.S. federal EV tax credit would hammer demand. Without the $7,500 incentive, they argued, American buyers would balk at higher effective prices, leading to a sharp slowdown.
Will Tesla thrive without the EV tax credit? Five reasons why they might
That narrative has not played out as predicted. While U.S. EV sales faced broader headwinds, Tesla’s global numbers held firm, underscoring the company’s ability to offset domestic pressure through other levers.
There are several plausible factors that explain Tesla’s strength during this quarter. Let’s take a look at them:
Rising Gas Prices
Rising gas prices provided a powerful tailwind, especially in the U.S.
Geopolitical tensions tied to the Iran conflict pushed fuel costs higher earlier in the year, amplifying the lifetime savings of electric vehicles. Even as oil prices later moderated, the psychological and financial impact lingered, encouraging fleet operators and private buyers to accelerate EV purchases. European sales rebounded sharply, helping drive the quarter’s outperformance.
Full Self-Driving Adoption
Advances in Full Self-Driving (FSD) supervised software also appear to have boosted appeal. Tesla expanded FSD availability in select European markets and continued refining the system.
No complaints from me because I finally got to enjoy this drive on FSD; I usually like to manually drive down this mountain https://t.co/RBFniRPSR0 pic.twitter.com/XQ5sOpN1Yg
— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) June 26, 2026
For tech-oriented buyers, the promise of future autonomy and enhanced driver-assistance features adds perceived value beyond the car itself. This differentiation helps Tesla stand out in a crowded market where competitors focus primarily on hardware and basic range.
Pricing Strategy, Affordable Configurations
Tesla’s offerings and its pricing strategy during Q2 further stimulated demand. Tesla introduced lower-cost versions of the Model 3 and Model Y, widening accessibility without sacrificing core margins.
These moves countered affordability concerns and attracted buyers who had been waiting on the sidelines. Combined with attractive financing and leasing options, the pricing strategy converted interest into actual orders more effectively than many analysts expected.
Broad European Recovery
Supported by government incentives, corporate fleet electrification, and easing political headwinds around CEO Elon Musk, Tesla was supplied additional momentum through stronger registration numbers throughout Europe.
Strong exports from the Shanghai Gigafactory and a production ramp at Giga Berlin ensured supply met this resurgent demand. Corporate buyers, in particular, accelerated transitions to EVs to meet sustainability targets, providing a steady volume base.
These elements created a virtuous cycle that delivered the strong deliveries report. While bears correctly flagged the loss of the U.S. tax credit as a risk, Tesla’s diversified playbook demonstrated that it could remain resilient against those headwinds. The Q2 beat suggests the company remains adept at navigating shifting market conditions, even as competition intensifies.
A Tesla Semi was involved in a fatal collision on U.S. Highway 50 in Dayton, Nevada, on Sunday, June 28, 2026, marking the first known fatal crash involving the electric Class 8 truck. The incident occurred around 7:20 a.m. at the intersection with Traditions Parkway, approximately 40 miles east of Reno and close to Tesla’s Gigafactory Nevada.
According to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office and the Nevada State Police Highway Patrol, a semi-truck struck two passenger vehicles stopped at a traffic signal. The truck hit the vehicles from behind. Two people were pronounced dead at the scene, and a third person suffered life-threatening injuries and was flown to a hospital, Forbes reported.
Preliminary statements gathered at the scene by the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office suggested the truck driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel. However, the Nevada Highway Patrol, which is leading the investigation, stated that the official cause has not yet been determined.
Additional information is expected to be released early the following week. The truck was seized for evidence as part of the ongoing probe.
Responders at the scene included deputies from the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, personnel from the Nevada Highway Patrol, Central Lyon County Fire Department, and the Nevada Department of Transportation. The crash led to the temporary closure of U.S. 50 in both directions.
The Tesla Semi is Tesla’s battery-electric heavy-duty truck, produced at the nearby Gigafactory in Nevada. Authorities initially described the vehicle as a semi-truck; its make was subsequently confirmed through reporting and scene identification; an interesting bit of information here, as the Semi is not yet available publicly and many do not know that Tesla builds electric trucks.
The investigation remains active, with no further official details on contributing factors or vehicle systems released as of early July 2026.
This incident highlights ongoing scrutiny of commercial vehicle safety on Nevada highways, particularly involving fatigue. Law enforcement continues to gather evidence and witness statements.
Texas man charged in fatal Tesla crash where he blamed Autopilot
Tesla’s strong Q2 deliveries: Four key drivers behind the surprise
