Welcome to the Rocket Report!

In this week’s edition, we dive into some thrilling developments in the space industry, including the construction of a new mobile launch tower for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS), fresh insights on Astra's pivot towards global cargo delivery, and a significant crew rotation at China’s Tiangong space station.

NASA's Ambitious Launch Tower Construction

NASA is making strides at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where workers are assembling a towering 355-foot mobile launch tower for the SLS Block 1B rocket, poised to support upcoming Artemis lunar missions. Despite progress, early estimates reveal the tower might not be ready until spring 2029, with costs projected to balloon to $2.7 billion. However, there's a catch: delays and potential cancellations could mean the SLS Block 1B may not even be needed by then!

Astra's Strategic Comeback

Astra, a company that faced severe setbacks but is now back on track, has new plans for its Rocket 4 under a $44 million contract with the Department of Defense. This two-stage, mobile launch vehicle is aimed at global cargo delivery in under an hour, targeting both military needs and traditional satellite launches. Scheduled to make its debut test flight in 2026, Astra is developing a mobile launcher capable of launching from various locations, including Australia.

Introducing Dark Eagle: The Army's Latest Weapon

The U.S. Army has officially named its Long Range Hypersonic Weapon 'Dark Eagle', a missile designed for rapid strikes with unparalleled speed and stealth. This hypersonic glide vehicle elevates the potential for surprise attacks, reinforcing the Army’s strategic capabilities. After a prior successful launch in December, preparations for another test flight are underway.

Minotaur IV: A Dual-Use Rocket

The recent launch of Northrop Grumman's Minotaur IV rocket has marked a significant milestone as it delivered a classified payload for the National Reconnaissance Office. This rocket taps into retired Peacekeeper ballistic missile components, turning past military technology into modern surveillance assets. The Space Force has already lined up future missions for the Minotaur IV, leveraging its unique capabilities.

NASA's Launch Costs: An Unexpected Trend

A forthcoming study reveals a perplexing trend: NASA is currently paying more for launch services than it did three decades ago, despite the advent of reusable rocket technology. The average annual cost increase of 2.82% since 1996 raises questions about the financial dynamics influencing NASA's contracts, especially in a market increasingly competitive with new launch providers like SpaceX.

Delays for ULA's Atlas V Launch

United Launch Alliance is facing setbacks in launching its Atlas V rocket due to weather-related scrubs and operational constraints. The East Coast’s Eastern Range has been unavailable for the upcoming launch, further complicating their schedule.

China’s Tiangong Crew Rotation

In exciting news from China, the Shenzhou 20 mission has successfully docked with the Tiangong space station, bringing aboard three astronauts, including seasoned commander Chen Dong. This crew will engage in a variety of scientific experiments and enhancements to the station, illustrating China's growing prowess in space exploration.

SpaceX Resupplies the ISS Amid Transportation Challenges

SpaceX launched a crucial Cargo Dragon mission to the International Space Station, delivering nearly 5,000 pounds of diverse payloads. This resupply mission is notably significant following the cancellation of Northrop Grumman's Cygnus flight, underscoring SpaceX's resilience in both planned and improvised situations.

Rideshare Missions: A Double-Edged Sword

In a recent rideshare mission, SpaceX successfully launched various payloads, including an innovative reentry vehicle from Atmos Space Cargo. However, an unexpected change in trajectory led to complications for the startups involved, highlighting the inherent challenges in rideshare logistics.

A Boost for Ariane 6.

Europe’s Ariane 6 rocket is gearing up for success with the successful test of its upgraded P160C solid rocket booster. Designed to meet increasing demand, this new motor will empower Ariane 6 to launch additional Kuiper satellites for Amazon, showcasing Europe's commitment to enhancing its space capabilities.

Blue Origin’s Next Steps with New Glenn

Finally, Blue Origin is revving up with its New Glenn rocket program, having just completed a critical hot-fire test on its upper stage. With enhancements in performance expected, the second flight could be right around the corner, pushing forward Blue Origin’s ambitions in the commercial space launch sector.