Launch
SpaceX’s record-setting rideshare mission a challenge for space traffic control
SpaceX's Transporter-1, a rideshare mission scheduled to launch Jan. 23 could set a new record for the most satellites ever launched in a single flight.
Northrop Grumman test fires solid motor for ULA’s Vulcan rocket
Northrop Grumman announced Jan. 21 it completed a static firing of the strap-on solid booster it developed for United Launch Alliance’s new Vulcan Centaur rocket.
SpaceX surpasses 1,000-satellite mark in latest Starlink launch
SpaceX launched its latest set of Starlink satellites Jan. 20, bringing the total number of spacecraft launched so far for that broadband constellation to more than 1,000.
Rocket Lab launches secretive communications satellite for OHB
Rocket Lab successfully launched a communications satellite for German company OHB Group Jan. 20 in the first Electron mission of the year.
Virgin Orbit reaches orbit on second LauncherOne mission
Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne rocket reached orbit on its second flight Jan. 17, demonstrating the performance of the air-launch system.
Blue Origin launches New Shepard vehicle intended for crewed flights
Blue Origin flew a new model of its New Shepard suborbital vehicle Jan. 14, a flight the company says brings it “really close” to finally flying people.
China moves to next stage of super heavy rocket development
China’s space contractor has announced progress on rocket engines designed for major space missions, including a new engine for future lunar missions.
SpaceX wins contracts for lunar lander, environmental satellite launches
SpaceX secured contracts Jan. 13 for the launches of a commercial lunar lander mission backed by NASA as well as a privately funded satellite to track methane emissions.
Blue Origin preparing for next New Shepard flight
Blue Origin is gearing up for the next test flight of its New Shepard suborbital vehicle as soon as Jan. 14.
45th Space Wing forecasts more than 50 launches in 2021
As many as 53 space missions are projected to lift off in 2021 from Florida’s Space Coast, the vice commander of the 45th Space Wing said Jan. 12.
Aerojet Rocketdyne completes assembly of its first AR1 rocket engine
Aerojet Rocketdyne has completed the assembly of the first AR1, a new rocket engine funded by the U.S. Air Force.
SpaceX launches Turksat 5A
A SpaceX Falcon 9 launched a Turkish communications satellite Jan. 7 to start what may be the busiest year yet for the launch company.
Arianespace seeks greater support from European governments
The head of Arianespace asked European governments to provide his company with more support in order to balance what he called government support of American competitors “with no precedent.”
Momentus delays first Vigoride launch
In-space transportation provider Momentus is delaying its first operational mission, which was to fly on a SpaceX Falcon 9 later this month, because of delays completing an interagency review.
DARPA satellites damaged at processing facility ahead of SpaceX launch
Two satellites from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency that were part of a SpaceX rideshare mission were damaged Jan. 4 at the payload processing facility.
Virgin Orbit, Rocket Lab schedule first launches of 2021
Virgin Orbit has rescheduled its second orbital launch attempt for Jan. 10 as another small launch vehicle company, Rocket Lab, announces plans for its first launch of 2021.
