Welcome to Edition 8.10 of the Rocket Report! Dear readers, if everything goes according to plan, four astronauts are less than six months away from embarking on a historic journey around the far side of the Moon. This mission represents a significant milestone as it will break free from low-Earth orbit for the first time in more than 53 years. While there are valid concerns regarding NASA's long-term plans for the Artemis lunar program, including the exorbitant costs associated with the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, the complexities of new commercial landers, and a troubling budget outlook, many of us who came after the Apollo Moon landings have been eagerly anticipating this moment. It is almost upon us!
As always, we encourage reader submissions to keep the conversation going. If you want to stay updated and never miss an issue, please subscribe using the box below (note that the form will not appear on AMP-enabled versions of the site). Each report will cover information on small-, medium-, and heavy-lift rockets, along with a brief overview of the next three launches scheduled on the calendar.
North Korea announced on Tuesday that it successfully conducted the final ground test of a solid-fuel rocket engine designed for a long-range ballistic missile. This development could enhance its arsenal to potentially threaten the continental United States, according to the Associated Press. The test, which took place on Monday and was observed by leader Kim Jong Un, marks the ninth of its kind utilizing a solid rocket motor made with carbon fiber, producing a remarkable 1,971 kilonewtons (443,000 pounds) of thrust—surpassing previous models.
Solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) offer several advantages over their liquid-fueled counterparts, which have historically dominated North Korea's missile inventory. Solid rocket motors can be stored longer, concealed more easily, and launched on demand. North Korean state media reported that this new solid rocket motor will be employed in the upcoming Hwasong-20 missile. Analysts suggest that North Korea may conduct another ICBM test by the end of the year, potentially showcasing its military capabilities ahead of a major ruling party congress expected in early 2026.
In an exciting development for lunar logistics, US-based company Astrobotic has partnered with Norwegian spaceport operator Andøya Space. They have signed a term sheet that outlines the framework for a Launch Site Agreement. Once finalized, this agreement will facilitate the launch of Astrobotic's Xodiac lander testbed from Andøya Space facilities. The Xodiac, a vertical takeoff, vertical landing rocket, was originally developed by Masten Space Systems to simulate lunar and Martian landings.
After acquiring Masten's intellectual property and assets, including the Xodiac vehicle, Astrobotic aims to conduct several flight campaigns from the Norwegian coast. This collaboration represents a significant step toward providing reliable, rapid, and cost-effective testing capabilities for the European space market, as stated by Astrobotic CEO John Thornton.
On Wednesday, Ursa Major announced the groundbreaking of a new 400-acre testing site in Weld County, Colorado. This facility will focus on testing and qualifying large-scale solid rocket motors for current and future missiles, including those used in the Navy’s Standard Missile fleet. The site is expected to be ready for testing by the fourth quarter of 2025.
Ursa Major's new facility will enable full-scale static firings and drop and temperature storage testing for various missile systems. The company offers solid rocket motors (SRMs) ranging from 2 inches to 22 inches in diameter, supporting national and missile defense programs. CEO Dan Jablonsky emphasized that this facility marks a crucial advancement in providing qualified SRMs that can meet evolving threats effectively.
In a significant milestone for military space operations, the first 21 satellites of a new constellation designed for the Pentagon's Golden Dome missile-defense shield successfully launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. The launch occurred on Wednesday and marked a crucial step in establishing the Space Development Agency's first-generation constellation of missile-tracking and data-relay satellites.
These satellites will autonomously boost themselves to a final orbit approximately 600 miles (1,000 kilometers) above Earth. The Pentagon plans to deploy 133 additional satellites over the next nine months, completing this vital defense network. Military officials have been preparing for this moment for the past six years, following the establishment of the Space Development Agency during the first Trump administration.
On the other hand, SpaceX faced challenges with a communications satellite launch for an Indonesian company, which was scrubbed for the third consecutive day due to technical issues and weather delays at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The Falcon 9 successfully launched the Nusantara Lima communications satellite on Thursday evening, targeting a geosynchronous transfer orbit. This launch reflects a declining market for geosynchronous communications satellites, with only five having launched on commercial rockets this year.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin urged aerospace industry leaders to continue developing booster rocket engines for space launch vehicles, emphasizing the importance of renewing production capacity in response to global market demands. He toured the Kuznetsov design bureau engine manufacturing plant in Samara, where medium-class engines for Soyuz-2 rockets are produced, highlighting Russia's storied legacy in space technology.
In another significant development, Astroscale, a satellite servicing and space debris mitigation company based in Japan, has chosen India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) to deliver its ISSA-J1 satellite into orbit in 2027. This mission aims to inspect and image large pieces of satellite debris in space, showcasing Astroscale's ongoing efforts in debris management.
Astroscale's decision to select NSIL, the commercial arm of India's space agency, came after thorough evaluations of over ten launch service providers. The ISSA-J1 spacecraft requires a dedicated launch to reach a specific orbit for its debris inspection mission, making it a unique undertaking compared to typical rideshare launches.
In recent news, Russia's Progress MS-32 cargo ship successfully launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, marking the 300th launch of a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) since 1998. The Progress MS-32 will deliver essential supplies, including food, experiments, and propellant, to the ISS, and will also assist in reboosting the station's orbit.
As the space industry continues to evolve, it’s crucial to stay informed about these remarkable developments. From lunar exploration to advancements in military satellite systems, the future of space exploration is promising, and we will continue to bring you the latest updates.
Looking ahead, here are the next three launches on the calendar:
Sept. 13: Soyuz-2.1b | Glonass-K1 No. 18L | Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russia | 02:30 UTC Sept. 13: Falcon 9 | Starlink 17-10 | Vandenberg Space Force Base, California | 15:41 UTC Sept. 14: Falcon 9 | Cygnus NG-23 | Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida | 22:11 UTC