Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation News

NASA Spaceflight

High activity

Starship Flight 15 to attempt first catch of both rocket stages

After 14 full-stack flights, SpaceX is preparing Starship Flight 15 for an unprecedented recovery attempt: catching both stages of an orbital-class rocket. The effort marks a new milestone in the vehicle’s flight-test program and launch-system recovery ambitions.

SpaceNews.com

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AST SpaceMobile argues it can field its own reusable launch vehicle within two years

AST SpaceMobile executives defended the company’s plan to develop a reusable launch vehicle, expressing confidence it can be ready to fly within two years. The timeline faces widespread skepticism, making the proposal a notable test of the company’s ability to add launch capability to its space business.

Space.com

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Pentagon backs Rocket Lab’s Neutron launch cadence with $150M loan as Electron nears 100 flights and SpaceX targets Starship mil

A conditional Pentagon loan of $150 million is intended to help Rocket Lab raise the launch rate of its reusable Neutron rocket. The company is also preparing Electron’s 100th flight, while SpaceX’s upcoming Starship missions are drawing attention to ambitious rocket-recovery and flight-test objectives.

Ars Technica

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AST SpaceMobile calls rocket-building “simple,” says it is not doing it for love of rockets

AST SpaceMobile characterizes building a rocket as “simple,” while saying it is not pursuing the effort because it likes rockets. The available report provides no details on the vehicle, its development plans or how the effort fits the company’s broader strategy.

European Spaceflight

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ESA says MaiaSpace’s launch-service preference complicates European Launcher Challenge contract talks

The European Space Agency says negotiations with MaiaSpace over a European Launcher Challenge contract have been complicated by the company’s preference for launch-service contracts. The statement explains the delay in signing, but the available report provides no revised timetable or further details on the proposed agreement.

European Spaceflight

ESA Explains Delay in Signing MaiaSpace Launcher Challenge Contract

SpaceWatch Global

High activity

Blue Origin rebuilds New Glenn infrastructure as ULA prepares Vulcan’s Amazon Leo return-to-flight mission

Blue Origin is rebuilding Florida launch infrastructure after a May 2026 ground-test accident while developing a larger New Glenn variant alongside its flown 7x2 configuration. Separately, ULA is preparing Vulcan to return to flight carrying 40 Amazon Leo satellites, with redesigned booster nozzles and the first launch in a planned 38-mission partnership.

SpaceWatch Global

ULA's Vulcan Set for Return to Flight with First Amazon Leo Mission