NASA Advances Fuel Depots as Air Force Tests New ICBM
▼ Summary
– NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center is now openly researching cryogenic propellant management in orbit, a topic previously avoided due to its potential to reduce reliance on large rockets like the Space Launch System.
– The Rocket Report invites reader submissions and encourages subscriptions to stay updated on small-, medium-, and heavy-lift rockets, including upcoming launches.
– An Australian-made Eris rocket failed shortly after liftoff due to back-to-back engine failures, ending its attempt to become the country’s first homegrown orbital launch vehicle.
– Gilmour Space, the company behind the Eris rocket, confirmed no injuries or significant environmental damage occurred, and the launch pad remained largely intact.
– Despite the rocket’s 14-second flight, Gilmour Space’s CEO considered the test a partial success, having expected a best-case scenario of only 40 seconds of flight time.
NASA is making significant strides in cryogenic fuel storage technology, marking a notable shift in the agency’s approach to deep-space missions. Recent updates from Marshall Space Flight Center highlight progress in managing propellants in orbit, a topic once considered off-limits due to its potential to disrupt reliance on heavy-lift rockets like the Space Launch System. With political changes reshaping priorities, these advancements could redefine how future missions are fueled beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
Meanwhile, the space industry continues to witness both breakthroughs and setbacks. A recent launch attempt in Australia ended abruptly when the Eris rocket, developed by Gilmour Space, suffered dual engine failures seconds after liftoff. Standing 82 feet tall, the vehicle barely cleared the pad before losing thrust and crashing into a nearby field. Despite the dramatic plume of smoke, no injuries or major environmental damage were reported.
Adam Gilmour, the company’s CEO, remained pragmatic about the outcome. He admitted orbit was never the expected goal for this test, emphasizing that even 14 seconds of flight data provided valuable insights. The launch pad survived intact, allowing the team to regroup for future attempts. This incident underscores the challenges faced by emerging space ventures, where early failures often pave the way for eventual success.
For those tracking global launch activity, this week’s calendar remains packed. Updates on small, medium, and heavy-lift vehicles will continue to shape the conversation around accessibility and innovation in space exploration. Stay tuned for further developments as agencies and private companies push the boundaries of what’s possible.
(Source: Ars Technica)
