Small launch vehicles
ABL Space Systems rocket stage destroyed in test accident
ABL Space Systems said the second stage of the small launch vehicle they are developing was destroyed in an accident during testing Jan. 19.
Virgin Orbit launches seven cubesats on third operational mission
Virgin Orbit placed seven cubesats for three customers into orbit Jan. 13 on the third consecutive successful operational flight of its LauncherOne air-launch system.
Astra to perform next launch from Cape Canaveral
Small launch vehicle developer Astra Space announced Dec. 6 that it will conduct its next launch from a pad at Cape Canaveral in January, carrying a set of cubesats for NASA.
Astra ready for commercial operations after first successful launch
After reaching orbit for the first time, Astra Space executives said they are ready to begin commercial operations of their small launch vehicle and scale up production, while also preparing to test a new vehicle next year.
Pangea Aerospace tests aerospike engine
A European small launch vehicle startup has successfully tested a small version of an aerospike engine powered by methane and liquid oxygen it plans to scale up for use in an orbital vehicle.
Astra’s Rocket 3.3 reaches orbit on fourth attempt
Astra Space’s Rocket 3.3 successfully reached orbit on a Nov. 20 launch, the fourth orbital launch attempt by the small launch vehicle startup.
Astra says focus is on launch as it files application for satellite constellation
A week after a filing an application with the FCC for a constellation of more than 13,000 satellites, Astra Space executives said that their near-term focus remains on developing their launch capabilities.
ABL Space Systems raises $200 million
Small launch vehicle developer ABL Space Systems has raised an additional $200 million, just seven months after a $170 million round.
Astra prepares for next launch after identifying cause of August launch failure
Small launch vehicle company Astra has identified the cause of an August launch failure and says it will make its next attempt as soon as late this month.
ABL Space Systems to launch NASA technology demonstration mission
Small launch vehicle developer ABL Space Systems has won a contract to launch a NASA technology demonstration spacecraft in 2023.
Firefly Alpha failure blamed on premature engine shutdown
Firefly Aerospace said Sept. 5 its first Alpha rocket failed when one of its first-stage engines shut down seconds after liftoff.
Firefly Alpha explodes during first launch
Firefly Aerospace’s first launch of its Alpha rocket ended in failure when the rocket exploded two minutes after liftoff Sept. 2
Firefly emphasizes first Alpha launch a test flight
Firefly Aerospace is ready for the first orbital launch attempt of its Alpha rocket on a flight that is as much about collecting vehicle data as it is about reaching orbit.
Firefly Aerospace’s Alpha rocket ready for first launch
Firefly Aerospace is ready to make its first orbital launch attempt next week as the company balances a transition to operations with plans to develop new rockets and spacecraft.
Supply of small launch vehicles continues to grow
The number of small launch vehicle projects continues to grow despite the pandemic and the widespread belief of there is a significant oversupply of such vehicles, but that growth may be showing signs of slowing.
Astra to make next orbital launch attempt in late August for the Space Force
Small launch vehicle developer Astra will carry a test payload for the U.S. Space Force on its next attempt to reach orbit in August.
Isar Aerospace raises $75 million
Isar Aerospace, a German small launch vehicle company, has raised an additional $75 million that will allow the company to expand its manufacturing and launch capabilities.
Virgin Orbit launches cubesats on second operational mission
Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne successfully launched seven cubesats June 30 in the second operational mission of the air-launch system.
Gilmour Space raises $46 million for small launch vehicle
Australian small launch vehicle company Gilmour Space has raised nearly $46 million, funding the company through its first orbital launch in 2022.
Launcher raises $11.7 million Series A round
Small launch vehicle developer Launcher has raised $11.7 million in a Series A funding round, which the company says puts it on a path to reaching orbit with a fraction of the total investment of other launch startups.
