Search articles by title, topic or section.
Khabre desk
Recent reporting, analysis and explainers from the Launch Systems desk.
technology
ESA has signed its first European Launcher Challenge contracts with Rocket Factory Augsburg, PLD Space and Isar Aerospace. The companies will receive support as milestones are met, while each launcher’s stated payload capacity remains a development target.
technology
Europe is expanding investment in rockets, satellite communications and spacecraft to reduce its reliance on US space infrastructure. New launch companies and the planned 348-satellite IRIS2 network are central to the effort.
technology
NASA has awarded SpaceX three additional crew-rotation missions to the International Space Station under a $946 million contract modification. The missions, Crew-15 through Crew-17, are expected to have readiness dates in 2027 and 2028.
technology
The Exploration Company says its $450 million Series C will fund a planned Nyx mission to the ISS and accelerate development of the reusable Storm rocket engine.
technology
SpaceX says Starship Ship 40 was loaded onto a semi-submersible ship after engineers inspected it and collected heatshield samples off Christmas Island.