SpaceNews.com
• Andrew Jones
China’s commercial launch sector logged second flights for both the Ceres-2 and Kinetica-2 rockets, with Ceres-2 reaching orbit and Kinetica-2 carrying Qianfan satellites. The launches came alongside two Long March missions for state programs, underscoring activity across both commercial and government launch providers.
Commercial Space
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China’s commercial launch sector logged second flights for both the Ceres-2 and Kinetica-2 rockets, with Ceres-2 reaching orbit and Kinetica-2 carrying Qianfan satellites. The launches came alongside two Long March missions for state programs, underscoring activity across both commercial and government launch providers.
Blue Origin has unveiled a new rocket engine and a third stage for its New Glenn program, while confirming the vehicle’s return to flight will slip into early 2027. The delay reflects continued work to rebuild the launch pad, following an earlier target of returning before year-end.
High activity
SpaceX plans to launch Starship’s 15th integrated flight test from Starbase on Nov. 13, pending regulatory approval, with a 5:45–7 p.m. ET launch window. The mission is expected to attempt the first tower catch of a Ship, alongside a Super Heavy booster catch, returning both stages to the launch site.
High activity
Blue Origin has unveiled a three-stage version of its New Glenn rocket, adding heavy-lift capability to the existing two-stage vehicle. The company says the variant can support longer lunar operations and deliver satellites to geostationary orbit, extending the launcher’s mission range.
High activity
NASA’s effort to return astronauts to the moon depends on Axiom Space, whose track record the article describes as uneven. The Houston-based startup has partnered with Prada and counts among its investors a firm where Donald Trump Jr. is a partner.
High activity
SpaceX disclosed that Harrison, a Google executive who had served on its board for more than a decade, resigned. His departure comes as independent directors consider a potential merger with Tesla, according to one report, putting board composition in focus amid a consequential corporate decision.
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