Welcome to this week’s Rocket Report! We have some exciting news to share, so let’s dive in.
Firefly Aerospace recently launched its fifth Alpha flight, successfully placing eight CubeSats into orbit on a mission funded by NASA. This was a significant milestone for the company, especially since their last Alpha launch faced some challenges. The issue with the relighting of the second-stage engine during the previous launch was traced back to a software error, but Firefly seems to have resolved the anomaly this time around. The Alpha rocket has proven to be capable of placing payloads into low-Earth orbit, showcasing Firefly’s progress in the space industry.
In other news, the US Space Force has added Blue Origin and Stoke Space Technologies to its launch pool, allowing them to compete for future launches of small payloads. Both companies are yet to reach orbit, but they have ambitious plans for their respective rockets. Blue Origin is gearing up for the first launch of its New Glenn rocket, while Stoke Space aims to conduct an orbital test flight of its Nova rocket next year. With these additions, there are now a total of 12 providers eligible to bid on launch task orders through the Orbital Services Program-4 contract, emphasizing small orbital launch capabilities and solutions for Tactically Responsive Space mission needs.
Additionally, Italian startup Sidereus Space Dynamics has successfully test-fired its EOS rocket, marking a significant milestone in the development of their innovative design. The rocket utilizes a single-stage-to-orbit architecture and stands less than 14 feet tall, making it a compact yet powerful vehicle for delivering payloads to low-Earth orbit. Despite facing limited resources compared to other European launch startups, Sidereus has shown determination to reshape spaceflight with their lean operation and innovative approach.
As we look ahead, the all-private Polaris Dawn spacewalk mission is scheduled for launch no earlier than July 31. This mission promises to be an exciting milestone in private space exploration, showcasing the growing capabilities of commercial space companies in pushing the boundaries of human spaceflight.
Overall, the rocket industry continues to witness rapid developments and innovations, with companies like Firefly Aerospace, Blue Origin, Stoke Space Technologies, and Sidereus Space Dynamics driving progress in the space sector. Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming launches and milestones as we continue to explore the final frontier of space exploration.
