Bloomberg
• Loren Grush
SpaceX is managing an unusually concentrated launch period, with Falcon Heavy preparing to carry the classified NROL-97 payload to a high-energy orbit while Falcon 9 supports Transporter 18 from California and Crew-13 carries four astronauts to the International Space Station from Florida.
Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation
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SpaceX and NASA launched four astronauts from Florida aboard a Crew Dragon on Thursday, sending a U.S., Canadian and Russian crew on a fast-track trip to the International Space Station. The mission is scheduled to continue through the spring after weather cleared for liftoff.
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Canada Rocket Company plans to develop Canada’s first large-scale rocket engine test facility at London International Airport. The $30 million complex will support static-fire testing of the company’s methalox engines as it works toward a reusable medium-lift launch vehicle.
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The Norwegian government plans to invest almost €60 million to fund construction of a second orbital launch pad at Andøya Spaceport. The proposal would expand the spaceport’s launch infrastructure and strengthen Norway’s role in Europe’s emerging commercial orbital launch market.
China completed its ninth and tenth orbital launches of September, placing Guowang and Yaogan-40 satellites into orbit. The missions underscore an intense launch tempo and set the stage for a crowded fourth-quarter manifest as Beijing expands its satellite infrastructure and space activity.
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Google is testing tensor processing units aboard Planet Labs satellites after a SpaceX launch, advancing its Project Suncatcher concept for orbital AI infrastructure. The effort arrives alongside Satlyt’s $8 million funding round for virtual on-orbit data centers and Foundational’s $11 million plan to commercialize satellite laser ranging.
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SpaceX is managing an unusually concentrated launch period, with Falcon Heavy preparing to carry the classified NROL-97 payload to a high-energy orbit while Falcon 9 supports Transporter 18 from California and Crew-13 carries four astronauts to the International Space Station from Florida.
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UK launch companies Skyrora and HyImpulse reached separate milestones as the country’s emerging orbital sector develops. Skyrora used a scaled vehicle at Machrihanish to validate Skyrora XL pressurization and engine performance, while HyImpulse passed the Civil Aviation Authority review required to launch from SaxaVord early next year.
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NASA and Boeing plan to fly an additional uncrewed Starliner test in 2026 before a potential astronaut mission in 2028, following problems during the spacecraft’s 2024 flight. The schedule also depends on spacecraft upgrades and certification of United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket.
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