ULA CEO Responds to ‘Inaccurate’ AF Report
“When that was written, it was inaccurate. As we sit here today, it is certainly overtaken by events.”
Launch
Stories about the companies building a ride to space.
Intuitive Machines Touches Down—But Its Position Is Unclear
“We think that we’ve been very successful to this point, however I do have to tell you that we don’t believe we’re in the correct attitude on the surface of the Moon yet again,” CEO Steve Altemus said at a press conference on Thursday.
SpaceX’s Starship Flight Ends Early in Somersaults
SpaceX lost its Starship second stage nine minutes into its eighth test flight Thursday, scattering debris over the Carribean—a scene nearly identical to its last failed test flight in January.
Etlaq Spaceport Releases 2025 Launch Schedule
Etlaq is attempting to alleviate the world’s launch capacity problem by offering regional and international companies tailored facilities to test, integrate, and launch their vehicles to orbit.
Space-Related Traffic Could Choke Port Canaveral
The rise of reusable rockets launching from the world’s busiest spaceport has led to an inconspicuous side effect on Earth: a traffic jam at Port Canaveral.
Lawmakers Direct GAO Review of FAA’s Part 450
“We’ve had complaints from launchers that they can’t get timely licensing for their permits to launch, so we definitely want to monitor the FAA’s progress in improving its licensing process for launch and reentry,” Babin told Payload.
China To Ramp Up its Launch Capacity in 2025
China’s space program had a busy start to the year, and it isn’t letting off the gas anytime soon.
Report Argues For More Competition In Launch Sector
America’s success is SpaceX’s success. More than five out of every six US launches is a SpaceX mission, according to the report.
US Launches 122 Defense Payloads in 2024, Europe Launches 1
The US launched 122 defense payloads in 2024, surging 184% YoY, according to data compiled by astronomer Jonathan McDowell. The upswing was driven by the National Reconnaissance Office’s deployment of 106 SpaceX and Northrop-built Starshield remote sensing recon satellites.
SpaceX Loses Starship on Seventh Test Flight
This was the first flight of a new version of Starship.
New Glenn Reaches Orbit On Its Maiden Flight
The rocket’s first venture past the Kármán line begins a new era in commercial heavy-lift launch.
Stoke Secures $260M Series C For Its 100% Reusable Rocket
Stoke Space raised $260M to continue developing its fully reusable Nova rocket and to complete the build out of its launch pad, the company announced yesterday.