SpaceNews.com
• Andrew Parsonson
Sweden’s Esrange Space Center is preparing for increased launch activity after securing an orbital launch targeted for 2028. The development comes as political scrutiny grows around efforts to establish orbital launch capability at the site and strengthens the emerging Nordic launch race.
Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation
Latest source-backed stories
Although the company’s recent IPO is trading below its offer price, its supplier relationships with SpaceX and Anduril provide exposure to two of aerospace’s most consequential growth markets: launch services and defense technology. Those relationships could support future revenue growth as rocket use and warfare continue to evolve.
High activity
Sweden’s Esrange Space Center is preparing for increased launch activity after securing an orbital launch targeted for 2028. The development comes as political scrutiny grows around efforts to establish orbital launch capability at the site and strengthens the emerging Nordic launch race.
High activity
Blue Origin is seeking Federal Aviation Administration approval to conduct up to 50 New Glenn launches annually, alongside as many as 50 booster landings. The request would establish a substantially higher prospective operating cadence for the company’s heavy-lift launch vehicle.
High activity
SpaceX drew investor and industry attention through a reported record-setting IPO, Goldman Sachs’ substantial underwriting windfall and another Starship orbital test that encountered technical issues but was viewed favorably by analysts. Separately, Google launched a Project Suncatcher test aboard a SpaceX rocket for orbital AI data centers.
High activity
Portugal-based Omnidea has acquired Orbex’s assets and technology, strengthening its presence in the UK as it develops a new launcher roadmap. The transaction gives Omnidea access to Orbex’s existing capabilities and positions the company for a broader role in Europe’s commercial launch market.
UK launcher Skyrora is moving its anticipated orbital launch timeline to 2030, arguing that being first to market is not necessarily the decisive advantage. The company is defending a deliberate approach to rocket development as it works toward entering the orbital launch market.
High activity
SpaceX launched its Transporter-18 rideshare mission on Oct. 1, carrying 130 spacecraft and underscoring the scale and flexibility of its recurring launch service. The mission comes as the industry confronts the impending end of such rideshare opportunities, increasing the significance of available shared-launch capacity.
High activity
A SpaceX Crew Dragon carrying four astronauts from the United States, Canada and Russia docked with the International Space Station less than eight hours after launching from Florida. The rapid transit marked the fastest journey to the ISS by a U.S. spacecraft, according to the reports.
Create a free account to see more recent Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
