Rocket Report: How a 5-ton satellite fell off a booster; will SpaceX and xAI merge?
Edition 8.27 of the Rocket Report: The Latest News and Insights from the World of Space
As we begin this edition of the Rocket Report, we're excited to share the latest news and insights from the world of space. From the UK's decision to abandon Orbex to the potential merger between SpaceX and xAI, there's a lot to unpack. Let's dive in and explore the key stories and developments that are shaping the future of space exploration.
UK Abandons Orbex: What Happened?
In a surprising move, the UK government has announced that it will no longer support Orbex, a British launch company that was once seen as a key player in the country's space industry. The decision comes after a series of setbacks and delays, including a failed launch attempt in 2022. According to European Spaceflight, the UK government has decided to walk away from Orbex due to concerns over the company's financial stability and the uncertainty surrounding its ability to reach orbit.
Canada Rocket Company Emerges from Stealth
In a separate development, a new launch startup called Canada Rocket Company has emerged from stealth mode, announcing a $6.2 million CDN ($4.5 million) seed funding round. The company plans to create sovereign light- and medium-lift launch capabilities, with a focus on meeting the aggressive 2028 deadline set by the Canadian government's Launch the North challenge.
Vega C Nabs Brazilian Launch Contract
A Brazilian government agency has contracted with SpaceLaunch, a Texas-based launch broker, to launch an Earth observation satellite on a Vega C rocket. The contract is worth 188.2 million Brazilian real ($35.6 million), making it a rare public data point for the cost of a Vega launch.
Russia Reports Testing Plasma Engine
According to Indian Defence Review, Russia is testing a new plasma propulsion system that may accelerate future missions to Mars, reducing travel time from multiple months to just one or two. The engine, developed by Rosatom's Troitsk Institute, is now in ground-based trials but could be space-ready by 2030.
SpaceX and xAI May Merge
In a potential blockbuster move, Elon Musk's SpaceX and xAI are in discussions to merge ahead of a planned public offering later this year. The proposed merger would give fresh momentum to SpaceX's effort to launch data centers into orbit as Musk battles for supremacy in the rapidly escalating AI race against tech giants like Google, Meta, and OpenAI.
How a 5-Ton Satellite Fell Off a Japanese Rocket
In a surprising failure, a Japanese rocket carrying a 5-ton navigation satellite experienced a novel failure mechanism when it jettisoned its payload fairing. The satellite effectively fell off the rocket, with video beamed back from the rocket's onboard cameras showing a shower of debris surrounding the satellite.
FAA Expects Continuing Growth in Launches
The Federal Aviation Administration office that regulates commercial spaceflight expects continued growth in launches, with projections showing the number of licensed operations could double by 2029. The growth has put pressure on the FAA's Office of Commercial Space Transportation to keep up with the increased cadence.
ESA to Study Falcon 9 Breakup Over Poland
The European Space Agency has published a call to tender for a study examining the reentry and breakup of a SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage in February last year. The study aims to help predict the risks associated with the re-entry of elongated upper stages.
SpaceX Targets Mid-March for Next Starship Launch
SpaceX founder Elon Musk has announced that the company plans to launch Starship's next test flight in six weeks, with the goal of proving the reliability of the new Raptor 3 engine.
Seeking Information about Challenger Artifacts
Robert Pearlman, a space enthusiast and collector, is seeking information about a batch of 18 space shuttle-era "Remove Before Flight" tags that he purchased on eBay. The tags were later identified as having been removed from the external tank of STS 51-L, the ill-fated flight of space shuttle Challenger in 1986.
Next Three Launches
- January 30: Falcon 9 | Starlink 6-101 | Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida | 05:51 UTC
- February 2: Falcon 9 | Starlink 17-32 | Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. | 15:17 UTC
- February 3: Falcon 9 | Starlink 6-103 | Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida | 22:12 UTC
As we look to the future, it's clear that the space industry is on the cusp of a new era of growth and innovation. From the development of new launch technologies to the expansion of space tourism, there are countless opportunities for exploration and discovery. As we continue to push the boundaries of what's possible, we must also prioritize safety, sustainability, and responsible development. By working together, we can ensure that the future of space exploration is bright, bold, and beneficial to all.
