Rocket Report: Rocket Lab to demo cargo delivery; America’s new ICBM in trouble

The news is out that Rocket Lab has been selected for an experimental US Air Force mission to test rapid, global, cargo-delivery capabilities. This milestone marks a significant step forward for the company as it pushes further into the national security launch market. The mission, slated for no earlier than 2026, will fall under the Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) "Rocket Cargo" program, which explores how commercial launch vehicles might one day deliver materiel to any point on Earth within hours—a vision akin to airlift logistics via spaceflight.

Stratolaunch tests reusable hypersonic rocket plane

In related news, Stratolaunch has finally found a use for the world’s largest airplane. Twice in the last five months, the company launched a hypersonic vehicle over the Pacific Ocean, accelerated it to more than Mach 5, and recovered it safely back on Earth. This achievement demonstrates the potential of reusable launch systems for hypersonic flight.

Rocket Lab’s next-generation Neutron rocket has been selected for an experimental US Air Force mission

The mission, slated for no earlier than 2026, will fall under the Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) "Rocket Cargo" program. The program aims to explore how commercial launch vehicles might one day deliver materiel to any point on Earth within hours—a vision akin to airlift logistics via spaceflight.

FAA unlocks SpaceX launch cadence

The Federal Aviation Administration has agreed to allow SpaceX to substantially increase the number of annual launches from its Starbase launch site in South Texas. The company was previously limited to five launches, but now it will be able to conduct up to 25 Starship launches and landings during a calendar year.

Trump calls for canceling the Space Launch System

The Trump administration has released its "skinny" budget proposal, which includes significant changes proposed in NASA’s biggest-ticket exploration programs. The budget would cancel the Lunar Gateway that NASA has started developing and end the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft after two more flights.

SpaceX adds to its dominion

On Saturday, voters living around SpaceX’s Starship rocket testing and launch facility in South Texas approved a measure to incorporate the area as a new city. Unofficial results later Saturday night showed the election was a landslide: 212 voted in favor; 6 opposed.

Conclusion

The Rocket Report highlights several significant developments in the space industry, including Rocket Lab’s selection for an experimental US Air Force mission and Stratolaunch’s achievement of reusable hypersonic flight. The article also explores the potential implications of these developments on the national security launch market and the future of space exploration.

Rocket Cargo Program

The "Rocket Cargo" program is a collaborative effort between the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and several commercial launch providers, including Rocket Lab and SpaceX. The program aims to explore how commercial launch vehicles might one day deliver materiel to any point on Earth within hours—a vision akin to airlift logistics via spaceflight.

Reusable Launch Systems

Reusable launch systems have been a topic of interest in the space industry for several years. Stratolaunch’s achievement of reusable hypersonic flight demonstrates the potential of these systems for reducing the cost and increasing the efficiency of space launches.

National Security Launch Market

The national security launch market is a significant sector within the space industry, with applications ranging from satellite communications to military reconnaissance. The development of commercial launch vehicles capable of delivering cargo to any point on Earth within hours could have significant implications for this market.

Future of Space Exploration

The future of space exploration holds much promise, with several countries and private companies investing heavily in various initiatives. The development of reusable launch systems and the potential for rapid, global cargo delivery via commercial launch vehicles are just a few examples of the exciting advancements on the horizon.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Rocket Report highlights several significant developments in the space industry, including Rocket Lab’s selection for an experimental US Air Force mission and Stratolaunch’s achievement of reusable hypersonic flight. The article also explores the potential implications of these developments on the national security launch market and the future of space exploration.

Sources

• NASA: "Rocket Cargo" program
• AFRL: "Rocket Cargo" program
• SpaceX: Starship rocket
• Stratolaunch: hypersonic vehicle

Note that this is not a comprehensive list, but rather a selection of sources used to support the article.