Welcome to Edition 7.05 of the Rocket Report! This edition covers the latest news and updates in the rocket industry. From the grounding of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket to delays in reusable rocket testbeds, there is much to discuss. So let’s dive in!
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently grounded SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket for 15 days following a rare failure of its upper stage. This setback resulted in the postponement of several scheduled launches. However, the FAA has given the green light for Falcon 9 to return to flight on July 25, and SpaceX has wasted no time in getting back on track. Within a couple of days, SpaceX successfully launched three missions from three different launch pads. With a busy schedule ahead, we can expect to see SpaceX return to its regular pace of several flights per week. This is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of SpaceX and its Falcon 9 rocket.
In other news, there have been delays in the development of reusable rocket testbeds in Europe. The French space agency CNES revealed that the inaugural test flight of its Callisto rocket will be pushed back to late 2025 or early 2026. The Callisto rocket is a joint project between CNES, the German space agency DLR, and JAXA, the Japanese space agency. It aims to test techniques and technologies required for reusable rockets, such as vertical takeoff and vertical landing. Similarly, the Themis project, funded by the European Space Agency, is also facing delays. The project, which is similar in purpose to Callisto, aims to develop a reusable booster. However, the initial hop tests have been postponed until next year. These delays highlight the challenges and complexities involved in developing reusable rocket technology.
Despite these setbacks, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket has successfully returned to flight after the recent upper stage failure. The “Starlink 10-9” mission, which carried 23 broadband Internet satellites into orbit, marked the return of the Falcon 9 rocket. In a show of confidence and strength, SpaceX launched two more Starlink missions over the weekend, totaling three launches in less than 28 hours. This successful return to flight demonstrates SpaceX’s ability to quickly identify and resolve issues, showcasing the company’s dedication to reliability and efficiency.
Another significant development in the rocket industry is the end of the Atlas V’s NSSL era. United Launch Alliance (ULA) launched a classified US military payload into orbit on Tuesday, marking the final mission for the Atlas V rocket as the Pentagon transitions to all-American launchers for national security missions. This move comes after SpaceX’s entry into the military launch market in 2018 and ULA’s introduction of its new Vulcan rocket earlier this year. With ULA’s inventory of 15 more Atlas V rockets reserved for future commercial flights, the space industry is witnessing a shift in reliance on Russian rocket engines and a renewed focus on domestic launch capabilities.
In a surprising move, ULA has implemented a new policy that restricts independent photographers from setting up remote cameras at their launch pads if they sell their images independently. This policy change has sparked controversy and raised questions about the motivation behind it. Many photographers rely on the sale of prints to cover their expenses, and the restrictions imposed by ULA have been met with criticism and confusion. ULA’s refusal to provide a public comment or explanation further fuels speculation surrounding this policy change.
On a more positive note, Astroscale has achieved a milestone in space debris removal with its ADRAS-J mission. ADRAS-J, partially funded by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), successfully maneuvered around an abandoned rocket in Earth’s orbit. This marks the first time a satellite has approached and observed space junk, providing valuable insights into the condition of these objects after years of tumbling in space. Astroscale’s efforts to actively remove space debris are crucial in ensuring the sustainability of space activities.
The European Space Agency (ESA) has released an update on the Ariane 6 rocket’s first flight results. While the inaugural test flight was mostly successful, there were issues with the final phase of the mission. The upper stage’s Vinci engine failed to reignite for the planned third burn, preventing the release of technology demonstration missions. ESA is currently analyzing the behavior of the Auxiliary Propulsion Unit and expects to provide further updates in September. Despite this setback, the successful performance of the first stage and overall mission is a positive sign for the future of the Ariane 6 rocket.
Looking ahead, SpaceX is seeking permission from the FAA to increase its flight rate at its Starbase launch site in South Texas. With plans to conduct regular Starship flights and no immediate plans for additional launch pads in Florida, SpaceX aims to secure approval for up to 25 flights per year from South Texas. The FAA has shown indications that it is inclined to grant this request, pending further assessments and public input.
In addition to its focus on South Texas, SpaceX is exploring the possibility of landing and recovering one of its Starship rockets off Australia’s coast. Talks are underway between SpaceX and US and Australian officials, highlighting the region’s growing importance in the space industry and strengthening security ties between the two countries. Recovering a Starship vehicle in Australia would provide valuable insights for SpaceX and potentially pave the way for increased operations in the region.
In conclusion, the rocket industry is witnessing both successes and setbacks. While delays in reusable rocket testbeds pose challenges, companies like SpaceX continue to demonstrate their resilience and commitment to innovation. The end of the Atlas V’s NSSL era marks a significant milestone in the transition to domestic launch capabilities. Controversies surrounding ULA’s policy changes for independent photographers and the achievements of Astroscale in space debris removal highlight the diverse and evolving landscape of the space industry. Looking ahead, SpaceX’s plans for increased flight rates and expansion into new regions underscore the company’s ambitious goals and future prospects.
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