Learner! Space nut! Philanthropist! Explorer! Entrepreneur! Trekie & Whovian!
York, PA
Joined February 2013
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We’re so happy that “Never say never (Piglet) 🐎” qualified for the Colonial Classic finals in New Jersey and we are so grateful that she is letting our beautiful daughter Lilly Ride on her back while doing so 🤗 – at York, PA
Mac Malkawi retweeted
The space economy, hazards posed to satellites in orbit, and AI were some of the topics discussed during my keynote at the @KPMG Insurance Industry Conference. Insurance is needed not only on Earth but off the planet as well. I learned so much from the professionals who attended, and even got to check out their out-of-this-world photo both! Thank you for having me!
@WSB_Speakers
Mac Malkawi retweeted
Elon Musk said on @SpaceX’s Q2 earnings call that Starship’s heat shield is pretty much a solved problem at this point.
"Look, I don’t want to jinx it or anything, but I think I’d consider the heat shield problem solved at this point. We want to take a close look at the ship that is currently floating in the ocean. All indications from data and our visual inspection suggest that we have solved the heat shield problem, which is arguably the single biggest problem. That doesn’t mean we won’t make improvements to the heat shield. Of course, we’ll continue to make improvements to the heat shield, but I would say that we do not see any technical obstacles at this point to achieving full and rapid reusability."
🤯
Mac Malkawi retweeted
Last week, our Astronaut community flew in from around the world for our “Behind the Hangar Door” Spaceship Factory Experience. They stepped inside our Factory to see, for the first time, the next-generation spaceship that will fly them to space.
With our top engineering and manufacturing leaders guiding the discussions, our Astronauts got a firsthand look at the expertise, precision engineering, quality manufacturing, and unwavering commitment to safety behind every spaceship. They also heard how work is progressing in The Forge, our new rocket motor production facility currently under construction.
The energy at the factory said it all. Watching this incredible community stand alongside the team building the new spaceship that will fly them to space was a reminder of why we do this work. A spaceflight with Virgin Galactic is a chance to see the world differently, and that perspective is a key part of the adventure.
We couldn’t imagine a better group to share this with.
Mac Malkawi retweeted
With the conclusion of the wet dress rehearsal today, we are moving off the February launch window and targeting March for the earliest possible launch of Artemis II.
With more than three years between SLS launches, we fully anticipated encountering challenges. That is precisely why we conduct a wet dress rehearsal. These tests are designed to surface issues before flight and set up launch day with the highest probability of success.
During the test, teams worked through a liquid hydrogen leak at a core stage interface during tanking, which required pauses to warm hardware and adjust propellant flow. All core stage and interim cryogenic propulsion stage tanks were successfully filled, and teams conducted a terminal countdown to about T-5 minutes before the ground launch sequencer halted operations due to an increased leak rate. Additional factors included extended Orion closeout work, intermittent ground audio dropouts, and cold-weather impacts to some cameras, along with the successful demonstration of updated Orion closeout purge procedures to support safe crew operations.
As always, safety remains our top priority, for our astronauts, our workforce, our systems, and the public. As noted above, we will only launch when we believe we are as ready to undertake this historic mission.
This is just the beginning. It marks the start of an Artemis program that will evolve to support repeated and affordable missions to the Moon, in line with President Trump’s national space policy. Getting this mission right means returning to the Moon to stay and a future to Artemis 100 and beyond.
I want to thank the talented workforce at NASA, along with our industry and international partners, who are working tirelessly on this effort. The team will fully review the data, troubleshoot each issue encountered during WDR, make the necessary repairs, and return to testing. We expect to conduct an additional wet dress rehearsal and then target the March window.
We will continue to keep the public and the media informed as readiness progresses.
Mac Malkawi retweeted
🇲🇦 Entrepreneur @yelbaggari seeks to represent women in space for Morocco #SERASpace
Read about El Baggari's journey here: medium.com/@PRHORSE/yasmine-…
ALSO: Join @seraspaceage for YOUR chance to become one of 6 NEW ASTRONAUTS from around the world! t.me/sera_mission_control_bo…
ALT Yasmine El Baggari, SERA Space astronaut candidate, Morocco
Mac Malkawi retweeted
Grieving the loss of one of my best friends, Jim Lovell. His extraordinary legacy is cemented by many space missions: Gemini VII, Gemini XII, Apollo 8 and Apollo 13.
Our mutual respect had no limits. The Gemini XII mission we flew together paved the way for the Apollo missions.
Heartfelt condolences to Jim’s family.
Farewell Jim. You will be missed, my friend. Godspeed!
Mac Malkawi retweeted
A bit of clarification--though I don’t think my circumstances are particularly interesting or consequential. That said, and regardless of the points below, the President is entitled to assemble the leadership team he believes will best serve his administration.
I have been relatively apolitical--a right-leaning moderate--and my political donations across both parties (though 10x more to Republicans) were disclosed in writing, with rationale, before my nomination was ever submitted to the Senate.
As for the perceived conflict--I only know Elon professionally, but having flown to space twice on SpaceX rockets, I have a firsthand appreciation for what he and his companies have accomplished. It is also worth pointing out that SpaceX remains the only way American astronauts have been able to travel to and from orbit since the Space Shuttle was retired in 2011. I hold no direct or indirect equity in SpaceX--or in any aerospace or defense company for that matter. Like all nominees, I signed an ethics letter and would have honored it.
Personally, I don’t regret anything--it was an honor to even be considered by the President. I loved DC and my brief time in the arena. The real disappointment is the time lost by Senators and staff who invested six months into a confirmation process that was ultimately withdrawn. This leaves NASA without a confirmed leader for what may stretch on for over a year. That is not ideal for the world’s most accomplished space agency--or for America--especially as our geopolitical rivals move at impressive speeds to overtake our edge in the high ground of space. Hopefully, a new nominee will emerge soon as NASA needs leadership during this uncertain time.
I have been lucky to live the American Dream and if you know anything about me--you know this was never about political ambition, personal gain or enriching others. I love my country and I care deeply about America’s competitiveness and leadership in space. 🇺🇸
It’s a devastating loss for NASA and the nation that Jared Isaacman will not serve as the next NASA Administrator. Wherever he lands, preferably leading the charge in private human spaceflight, @rookisaacman will remain a pivotal force in advancing humanity’s reach beyond Earth.
I am incredibly grateful to President Trump @POTUS, the Senate and all those who supported me throughout this journey. The past six months have been enlightening and, honestly, a bit thrilling. I have gained a much deeper appreciation for the complexities of government and the weight our political leaders carry.
It may not always be obvious through the discourse and turbulence, but there are many competent, dedicated people who love this country and care deeply about the mission. That was on full display during my hearing, where leaders on both sides of the aisle made clear they’re willing to fight for the world’s most accomplished space agency.
The President, NASA and the American people deserve the very best--an Administrator ready to reorganize, rebuild and rally the best and brightest minds to deliver the world-changing headlines NASA was built to create.
I have not flown my last mission---whatever form that may ultimately take--but I remain incredibly optimistic that humanity’s greatest spacefaring days lie ahead. I’ll always be grateful for this opportunity and cheering on our President and NASA as they lead us on the greatest adventure in human history🇺🇸
Mac Malkawi retweeted
Starship’s ninth flight test marked a major milestone for reuse with the first flight-proven Super Heavy booster launching from Starbase, and once more returned Starship to space → spacex.com/launches/mission/…
Mac Malkawi retweeted
An excellent video reminder of the importance of strict process controls in additive manufacturing from our good friends at @NASA_Marshall
Mac Malkawi retweeted
Welcome home to a total legend, @astro_Pettit and what a way to celebrate turning 70!
Don has a PHD in Chemical Engineering, is a brilliant science communicator and a person of great humour and thoughtfulness. With a cumulative 590 days in space he has shared many brilliant images and videos during his time on the ISS. Don, enjoy your time back home with the family.
Mac Malkawi retweeted
Home sweet Houston. 🚀
@NASA_Astronauts Don Pettit has officially returned home from the @Space_Station after completing his fourth spaceflight, totaling 590 days in space.
A picture perfect mission.
ALT NASA astronaut Don Pettit waves to his family, friends, and fellow members of NASA's astronaut corps as they welcome him back home to Houston at Ellington Field. Credit: NASA/Robert Markowitz
ALT Ground crew at Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center in Houston direct the Gulfstream GV aircraft carrying NASA astronaut Don Pettit. Credit: NASA/Robert Markowitz
Mac Malkawi retweeted
Meet Dragon Resilience ready to serve her 4. space mission with Fram2. Isn’t she beautiful 😍 That’s a statement, not a question. Honored to be her Vehicle Commander. @framonauts
Mac Malkawi retweeted
UAE’s MBRSC chief said “we will do everything we can” to land an Emirati on the Moon within 10 years. Also backed the Moon to Mars plan, saying “we can do both” and that Moon was important to reach Mars. Full story: thenationalnews.com/future/s…
Mac Malkawi retweeted
On the sidelines of the World Governments Summit today, we announced a partnership to launch the Dubai Loop project that is set to revolutionise transportation. Under an MoU signed between RTA and The Boring Company, Dubai will explore the development of the 17-kilometre project. With 11 stations and a capacity to transport over 20,000 passengers per hour, the project reflects Dubai’s commitment to advancing new cutting-edge mobility solutions.
Dubai’s spirit of innovation thrives on strong partnerships with global industry leaders. Under the leadership of @HHShkMohd, the city continues to redefine the future of transportation, both above and below ground, setting new benchmarks for sustainability, efficiency, and urban connectivity.
Mac Malkawi retweeted
The extended firing tested new hardware and cycled the six Raptor engines through multiple thrust levels to recreate different conditions seen within the propulsion system during flight. Data from the test will inform upgrades to the ship’s hardware and flight profile ahead of the next launch
Mac Malkawi retweeted
New Glenn launches Sun 5, Starship Fri 10, with Saturn V for scale. Don't miss space history as its being made. @blueorigin @SpaceX
Exact times: spaceflightnow.com/launch-sc…
Mac Malkawi retweeted
Really proud of what we accomplished together for @StJude—exploring new frontiers while addressing challenges here on Earth. My family contributed, as did @elonmusk, but it was the generosity of a million others like you that made this $260M effort possible. 🌍🚀
Need a breather from the year-end fundraising rush and holiday preparations? Take a short break with our news quiz, featuring questions that represent some of the biggest storylines in philanthropy for 2024.
Question: Which Trump agency nominee has appeared on the Philanthropy 50 list of the biggest donors?
A. Scott Bessent
B. Jared Isaacman
C. Linda McMahon
D. Mehmet Oz
(Scroll down for the answer!)
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Answer: B. Jared Isaacman, Trump’s pick to lead NASA. Jared and Monica Isaacman were on the Philanthropy 50 list of biggest donors for a gift they made in 2021.
From our story: Why a Young Billionaire Who Led Trip to Space Gave $125 Million to Children’s Hospital
Read the story here: phlnthrp.com/4gNn8ww
