Key facts
- India's Skyroot Aerospace plans the debut launch of its Vikram-1 rocket for July 18.
- Japan's JAXA successfully tested a reusable rocket, demonstrating vertical takeoff and landing.
- China's state-owned rocket developer recovered its first reusable orbital-class booster at sea.
- AST SpaceMobile is seeking additional launch vehicles and considering acquisitions.
- Japan aims to significantly increase its annual launch rate to 30 by the early 2030s.
Several space companies and agencies are advancing their launch capabilities and plans. India's Skyroot Aerospace is set to attempt the debut orbital launch of its Vikram-1 rocket on July 18, carrying small satellites and technology demonstration payloads. The company's CEO expressed eagerness to test the rocket in a real flight environment.
Japan's space agency, JAXA, successfully conducted a test flight of its experimental reusable rocket, RV-X, demonstrating vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. This development is part of Japan's effort to develop reusable launch vehicle technologies.
In China, the state-owned rocket developer announced a significant milestone: the successful recovery of its first reusable orbital-class booster at sea following a launch of the Long March 10B rocket. This achievement aligns with Western companies' efforts in booster recovery.
AST SpaceMobile, a direct-to-cell satellite company, announced plans to raise $1 billion in convertible notes, citing the need for more rockets to deploy its BlueBird satellites. The company is exploring partnerships and acquisitions to vertically integrate its launch capabilities, following a setback with a previous rocket launch.
Meanwhile, Japan aims to substantially increase its annual launch rate to 30 by the early 2030s, despite recent launch failures. The government is exploring various avenues, including hosting launches of foreign rockets, to meet this ambitious target.
Additionally, a new company called Spinifex Space has been established in Australia to offer suborbital launch campaigns and range access. The European Space Agency has also contracted for a CubeSat launch on an Ariane 6 rocket.