

SpaceX
SpaceX’s Mr Steven preps for “claw” upgrade for football field-sized net
Photos from Teslarati photographer Pauline Acalin show that SpaceX’s Mr. Steven fairing recovery vessel is undergoing extensive upgrades to the arms that secure the catch net, likely in support of what CEO Elon Musk described as a factor-of-four extension of the net’s catching area.
In order to accomplish that fourfold increase in usable area, SpaceX will have to effectively double the reach of Mr Steven’s four ‘limbs’, a significant change that explains why the vessel appears to have had all four arms amputated. Intriguingly, the vessel’s upgrades are taking place at SpaceX’s recently-leased Berth 240, the company’s preferred location for berthing its fleet of rocket recovery vessels, conducting Falcon 9 booster recovery ops, and -eventually – the first Mars rocket factory in 2019.
As of now, it’s unclear what approach SpaceX will take for upgrading Mr Steven’s arms – with only one detached example visible at Berth 240, it appears that the company will either add on to the hardware already built for the boat or start from scratch in order to optimally extend their reach. A new net, of course, will also be needed to span the fourfold increase in area – in other words, up to roughly 6000 square meters, 65,000 square feet, or 1.5 acres. I have little doubt that SpaceX will be able to reliably catch Falcon 9 payload fairings with a net as large or larger than American and European football fields (~1.3 acres vs. ~1.7 acres).

An artist rendering of a Falcon 9 fairing parasailing towards Mr Steven’s net. Original photos by Chuck Bennett (Instagram @chuckbennett) and SpaceX. (Chuck Bennet/SpaceX/Eric Ralph)
SpaceX’s has roughly four weeks until their next West coast launch and thus another opportunity to attempt to catch a Falcon 9 payload fairing. That mission is currently scheduled for early July 20th from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E) in Vandenberg Air Force Base. Teslarati’s West coast photographer will continue to check up on Mr Steven to judge whether the vessel will be ready in time for launch.
- One of Mr Steven’s four amputated arms, removed in preparation for upgrades. (Pauline Acalin)
- A sad Mr Steven sits beside Berth 240, sans arms. (Pauline Acalin)
- Berth 240 demolition begins! (Pauline Acalin)
- A Falcon 9 fairing overlooks SpaceX’s Berth 240 construction progress, June 20th. (Pauline Acalin)
BFR factory construction
Meanwhile, serious demolition has begun at Berth 240, likely preparing a number of basic necessities before any major building begins. A giant pile of broken concrete lays witness to that process, likely involving the appraisal, repair, and replacement of utilities and pipe systems currently buried under the facility. Forlorn Falcon 9 payload fairings – pulled intact out of the Pacific Ocean – can be seen stoically looking on while construction crews begin the first steps of a process that will, at least eventually, culminate in the completion of a factory for the rocket that will obsolete Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and their fairings.
Based on land use approvals published in March 2018, the construction will be cut into two phases, with phase one focusing on a smaller, intermediary building capable of support limited Falcon recovery work and potentially initial BFR prototype construction, allowing that process to be moved from the temporary tent it currently is housed in. Phase 2 would see a larger build constructed around the preceding facility, necessitating the demolition of one of Berth 240’s historic buildings. Per the filings, Phase 1 is expected to be finished within 16-18 months of approval, placing its completion sometime in mid to late 2019.
- Note the fencing around the actual foundation site for SpaceX’s proposed BFR factory. (Pauline Acalin)
- Renders of the proposed BFR factory at Berth 240. (SpaceX)
- Blueprints of the proposed BFR factory at Berth 240. (SpaceX)
News
SpaceX launches Ax-4 mission to the ISS with international crew
The SpaceX Falcon 9 launched Axiom’s Ax-4 mission to ISS. Ax-4 crew will conduct 60+ science experiments during a 14-day stay on the ISS.

SpaceX launched the Falcon 9 rocket kickstarting Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Axiom’s Ax-4 mission is led by a historic international crew and lifted off from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A at 2:31 a.m. ET on June 25, 2025.
The Ax-4 crew is set to dock with the ISS around 7 a.m. ET on Thursday, June 26, 2025. Axiom Space, a Houston-based commercial space company, coordinated the mission with SpaceX for transportation and NASA for ISS access, with support from the European Space Agency and the astronauts’ governments.
The Ax-4 mission marks a milestone in global space collaboration. The Ax-4 crew, commanded by U.S. astronaut Peggy Whitson, includes Shubhanshu Shukla from India as the pilot, alongside mission specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.
“The trip marks the return to human spaceflight for those countries — their first government-sponsored flights in more than 40 years,” Axiom noted.
Shukla’s participation aligns with India’s Gaganyaan program planned for 2027. He is the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS since Rakesh Sharma in 1984.
Axiom’s Ax-4 mission marks SpaceX’s 18th human spaceflight. The mission employs a Crew Dragon capsule atop a Falcon 9 rocket, designed with a launch escape system and “two-fault tolerant” for enhanced safety. The Axiom mission faced a few delays due to weather, a Falcon 9 leak, and an ISS Zvezda module leak investigation by NASA and Roscosmos before the recent successful launch.
As the crew prepares to execute its scientific objectives, SpaceX’s Ax-4 mission paves the way for a new era of inclusive space research, inspiring future generations and solidifying collaborative ties in the cosmos. During the Ax-4 crew’s 14-day stay in the ISS, the astronauts will conduct nearly 60 experiments.
“We’ll be conducting research that spans biology, material, and physical sciences as well as technology demonstrations,” said Whitson. “We’ll also be engaging with students around the world, sharing our experience and inspiring the next generation of explorers.”
SpaceX’s Ax-4 mission highlights Axiom’s role in advancing commercial spaceflight and fostering international partnerships. The mission strengthens global space exploration efforts by enabling historic spaceflight returns for India, Poland, and Hungary.
News
Starlink Cellular’s T-Mobile service to grow with third-party app data
From Oct 2025, T-Satellite will enable third-party apps in dead zones! WhatsApp, X, AccuWeather + more coming soon.

Starlink Cellular’s T-Mobile service will expand with third-party app data support starting in October, enhancing connectivity in cellular dead zones.
T-Mobile’s T-Satellite, supported by Starlink, launches officially on July 23. Following its launch, T-Mobile’s Starlink Cellular service will enable data access for third-party apps like WhatsApp, X, Google, Apple, AccuWeather, and AllTrails on October 1, 2025.
T-Mobile’s Starlink Cellular is currently in free beta. T-Satellite will add MMS support for Android phones on July 23, with iPhone support to follow. MMS support allows users to send images and audio clips alongside texts. By October, T-Mobile will extend emergency texting to all mobile users with compatible phones, beyond just T-Mobile customers, building on its existing 911 texting capability. The carrier also provides developer tools to help app makers integrate their software with T-Satellite’s data service, with plans to grow the supported app list.
T-Mobile announced these updates during an event celebrating an Ookla award naming it the best U.S. phone network, a remarkable turnaround from its last-place ranking a decade ago.
“We not only dream about going from worst to best, we actually do it. We’re a good two years ahead of Verizon and AT&T, and I believe that lead is going to grow,” said T-Mobile’s Chief Operating Officer Srini Gopalan.
T-Mobile unveiled two promotions for its Starlink Cellular services to attract new subscribers. A free DoorDash DashPass membership, valued at $10/month, will be included with popular plans like Experience Beyond and Experience More, offering reduced delivery and service fees. Meanwhile, the Easy Upgrade promotion targets Verizon customers by paying off their phone balances and providing flagship devices like the iPhone 16, Galaxy S25, or Pixel 9.
T-Mobile’s collaboration with SpaceX’s Starlink Cellular leverages orbiting satellites to deliver connectivity where traditional networks fail, particularly in remote areas. Supporting third-party apps underscores T-Mobile’s commitment to enhancing user experiences through innovative partnerships. As T-Satellite’s capabilities grow, including broader app integration and emergency access, T-Mobile is poised to strengthen its lead in the U.S. wireless market.
By combining Starlink’s satellite technology with strategic promotions, T-Mobile is redefining mobile connectivity. The upcoming third-party app data support and official T-Satellite launch mark a significant step toward seamless communication, positioning T-Mobile as a trailblazer in next-generation wireless services.
News
Starlink expansion into Vietnam targets the healthcare sector
Starlink aims to deliver reliable internet to Vietnam’s remote clinics, enabling telehealth and data sharing.

SpaceX’s Starlink expansion into Vietnam targets its healthcare sector. Through Starlink, SpaceX seeks to drive digital transformation in Vietnam.
On June 18, a SpaceX delegation met with Vietnam’s Ministry of Health (MoH) in Hanoi. SpaceX’s delegation was led by Andrew Matlock, Director of Enterprise Sales, and the discussions focused on enhancing connectivity for hospitals and clinics in Vietnam’s remote areas.
Deputy Minister of Health (MoH) Tran Van Thuan emphasized collaboration between SpaceX and Vietnam. Tran stated: “SpaceX should cooperate with the MoH to ensure all hospitals and clinics in remote areas are connected to the StarLink satellite system and share information, plans, and the issues discussed by members of the MoH. The ministry is also ready to provide information and send staff to work with the corporation.”
The MoH assigned its Department of Science, Technology, and Training to work with SpaceX. Starlink Vietnam will also receive support from Vietnam’s Department of International Cooperation. Starlink Vietnam’s agenda includes improving internet connectivity for remote healthcare facilities, developing digital infrastructure for health examinations and remote consultations, and enhancing operational systems.
Vietnam’s health sector is prioritizing IT and digital transformation, focusing on electronic health records, data centers, and remote medical services. However, challenges persist in deploying IT solutions in remote regions, prompting Vietnam to seek partnerships like SpaceX’s.
SpaceX’s Starlink has a proven track record in healthcare. In Rwanda, its services supported 40 health centers, earning praise for improving operations. Similarly, Starlink enabled remote consultations at the UAE’s Emirati field hospital in Gaza, streamlining communication for complex medical cases. These successes highlight Starlink’s potential to transform Vietnam’s healthcare landscape.
On May 20, SpaceX met with Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, announcing a $1.5 billion investment to provide broadband internet, particularly in remote, border, and island areas. The first phase includes building 10-15 ground stations across the country. This infrastructure will support Starlink’s healthcare initiatives by ensuring reliable connectivity.
Starlink’s expansion in Vietnam aligns with the country’s push for digital transformation, as outlined by the MoH. By leveraging its satellite internet expertise, SpaceX aims to bridge connectivity gaps, enabling advanced healthcare services in underserved regions. This collaboration could redefine Vietnam’s healthcare infrastructure, positioning Starlink as a key player in the nation’s digital future.
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