European Spaceflight
• Andrew Parsonson
Rocket Factory Augsburg has confirmed that the first flight of its RFA ONE launch vehicle from SaxaVord is now scheduled for 2027. The update moves the rocket’s inaugural launch later than previously planned, extending the timeline for the company’s entry into orbital launch operations.
European Spaceflight
Commercial Space
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Rocket Factory Augsburg has confirmed that the first flight of its RFA ONE launch vehicle from SaxaVord is now scheduled for 2027. The update moves the rocket’s inaugural launch later than previously planned, extending the timeline for the company’s entry into orbital launch operations.
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.
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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.
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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.
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