Rocket Reports Highlights – Edition 6.23
Rapid development in 2023 leads to major rocket debuts in 2024 – The year 2023 has been a big one for rocket debuts, yielding a series of new launch vehicles including SpaceX’s Starship and Japan’s H3. Notably, the United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan and Blue Origin’s long-awaited New Glenn are expected to make their first flights next year.
Lost tanks delay Europe’s Vega rocket launch – Italian Rocket-maker Avio’s lost propellant tanks necessary for the final launch of Europe’s Vega rocket led to a risky plan to remedy the situation. These developments will result in the delay of the Vega launch by several months.
China’s methane-fueled rocket successfully sends satellites into orbit – The third flight of Landspace’s Zhuque 2 rocket saw the successful launch of satellites into orbit. Landspace has proven to be one of the most advanced companies in China’s ecosystem of launch startups, with its methane-fueled orbital rocket making history.
Northrop Grumman test-fires new solid rocket motor – A new solid rocket motor developed by Northrop Grumman was recently test-fired at their facilities in Utah. This successful test demonstrated a series of innovative technologies and alternate manufacturing materials and processes, signaling promising advancements in rocket motor development.