Rocket Report: China Masters Booster Landings as Orbex Bows Out
▼ Summary
– A subscale version of China’s Long March 10 rocket successfully launched and executed a precise ocean landing, showing rapid progress in reusable launch technology.
– The UK launch company Orbex has entered insolvency after a failed takeover, having never produced flight-ready hardware in its decade of operation.
– Orbex’s insolvency process may involve selling the business or its assets, with another UK company, Skyrora, expressing some interest.
– Firefly Aerospace’s next Alpha rocket passed a static fire test, clearing it for a launch attempt scheduled for no earlier than February 18 from California.
– The Rocket Report provides weekly updates on small-, medium-, and heavy-lift rockets and a preview of upcoming launches.
This week’s global launch industry news is dominated by a major technical leap from China and the unfortunate closure of a once-promising European startup. The most significant long-term development involves a subscale model of China’s Long March 10 rocket, which executed a flawless launch and subsequent ocean landing. This successful test represents a critical step in China’s pursuit of reusable launch technology, rapidly narrowing the gap with capabilities long demonstrated by American aerospace companies.
In less positive news, UK-based launch firm Orbex has entered insolvency proceedings. The company’s collapse follows the failure of a planned acquisition by European space logistics startup The Exploration Company. Orbex stated that all potential fundraising and merger avenues had been exhausted. Observers of the small launch sector may find this outcome unsurprising, as the company, despite operating for nearly a decade, never progressed to producing flight-ready hardware. The appointed administrators will now seek the best possible outcome for creditors and employees, which may involve selling the business or its assets. Rival UK company Skyrora has reportedly expressed some interest in Orbex’s remaining portfolio.
Meanwhile, Firefly Aerospace is preparing for its next mission. The company announced a successful 20-second static fire test for its Alpha rocket this week. This milestone paves the way for a launch attempt scheduled for no earlier than February 18. The flight will originate from Firefly’s launch site at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
(Source: Ars Technica)
