Launch
Putin challenges Roscosmos to “drastically improve” on space and launch
Russian President Vladimir Putin called on Roscosmos to meet deadlines for the nation’s future Angara, Soyuz-5 and “super-heavy class” rockets while fixing quality-control issues that have dogged Russian spacecraft and launch vehicles in recent years.
British launch startups optimistic about continued government support
Despite missing out in a U.K. government competition, early-stage launch vehicle developers in the country remain optimistic about their prospects and ability to win future government support.
Orbex stakes claim to European smallsat launch market
With about $40 million in hand and an agreement to use a new launch site, British small launch vehicle startup Orbex argues that it’s joined the small group of companies in this sector of the industry that should be taken seriously.
Blue Origin successfully tests escape system in latest New Shepard launch
Blue Origin conducted a successful test flight of its New Shepard suborbital vehicle July 18 that demonstrated its crew capsule escape system.
Lockheed Martin yet to select vehicle to launch from British spaceport
While Lockheed Martin continues to suggest it will use Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket at a Scottish launch site announced at the beginning of this week, company officials said July 17 they have yet to formally select a vehicle to fly at the site.
European solid rocket passes key test
A solid rocket booster designed for both the Ariane 6 and Vega C next-generation launchers completed a successful test firing Monday, clearing a hurdle for the maiden flights of both vehicles.
Virgin Orbit describes interest in launching from Britain
Virgin Orbit says an agreement that could lead to LauncherOne missions from an English airport is part of an effort to both better meet the needs of its customers as well as support the U.K. space industry.
Lockheed Martin, Orbex to launch from new British spaceport
The British government announced July 16 that it will provide funding to two companies, including an American aerospace giant, who plan to use a newly announced launch site in Scotland.
Blue Origin to offer dual launch with New Glenn after fifth mission
Blue Origin will begin flying two customers on the same New Glenn rocket after the launch vehicle has performed five missions with solo customers, according to Ted McFarland, Blue Origin’s commercial director of Asia-Pacific business.
DARPA, companies declare success in AR-22 engine test series
A government-industry team announced July 10 they successfully completed a series of 10 test firings over 10 days of a shuttle-era engine intended for use on a reusable suborbital spaceplane.
Rocket Lab selects four finalists for U.S. launch site
Rocket Lab announced July 10 that it has selected four potential locations for an American launch site for its Electron rocket, with a final decision to come in August.
Commercial Chinese companies set sights on methalox rockets, first orbital launches
Landspace says it has designed a methane- and liquid-oxygen-powered rocket it aims to test launch in 2020.
Two Chinese launches in 24 hours deliver Pakistan satellites, Beidou backup to orbit
The July 9 launches were China’s 19th and 20th of 2018, with CASC aiming to carry out around 36 launches this year.
Energomash raises alarm over U.S. ban on Russian rocket engines
With no domestic demand for Energomash’s premier products — the RD-180 and RD-181 engines — the company faces a potentially daunting gap.
NASA seeking proposals for second mobile launch platform
NASA has issued a call for proposals to construct a second mobile launch platform that will be used by an upgraded version of the Space Launch System rocket starting in the early 2020s.
