NASA Spaceflight
• Chris Bergin, Eleanor Day
SpaceX is completing final checkouts of Super Heavy booster 22 and Starship 42 for a no-earlier-than Nov. 13 launch from Starbase. The mission would attempt to catch both stages at Pad 2; its schedule has slipped by one day, with an FAA ship-catch license still the key outstanding approval.
Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation
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SpaceX is down sharply as investors weigh concerns about potential Democratic retaliation against Elon Musk, while Deutsche Bank recommends buying the dip. The company’s business is centered largely on the executive branch, but congressional frustration is simmering.
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SpaceX is completing final checkouts of Super Heavy booster 22 and Starship 42 for a no-earlier-than Nov. 13 launch from Starbase. The mission would attempt to catch both stages at Pad 2; its schedule has slipped by one day, with an FAA ship-catch license still the key outstanding approval.
United Launch Alliance plans to resume Vulcan launches while continuing its investigation into solid rocket booster problems observed on two flights. The company believes changes to the boosters will address the issues, making the launch return an important test of its corrective actions.
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AST SpaceMobile is developing its own launch vehicle, called Blackbird, to deploy its direct-to-device satellite constellation, with Firefly Aerospace supplying the engines under a deal valued at more than $1.3 billion. The agreement also provides funding for Firefly’s launch-vehicle production as satellite operators seek more dependable access to space.
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U.S.-based LEAP and Highlands and Islands Enterprise have signed a memorandum of understanding concerning development of the Sutherland Spaceport in Scotland. The agreement revives prospects for vertical rocket launches from mainland UK, though the articles provide no details on project milestones or a launch timeline.
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