Russia’s Rocket Engine Crisis; Milestone 300th ISS Mission Launches
▼ Summary
– NASA’s Artemis program is set to send four astronauts around the Moon within six months, marking the first human departure from low-Earth orbit in over 53 years.
– The Artemis program faces criticism for high costs, complex commercial landers, and budget challenges, despite long-awaited public anticipation.
– The Rocket Report invites reader submissions and subscriptions, covering various rocket classes and upcoming launches in each edition.
– North Korea tested a new solid-fuel rocket engine for long-range ballistic missiles, claiming it produces greater thrust and uses carbon fiber construction.
– Solid-fuel ICBMs offer advantages like longer storage, easier transport, and on-demand launch capability, with North Korea planning further tests ahead of a 2026 party congress.
The upcoming Artemis mission marks a pivotal moment in space exploration, with four astronauts preparing to journey around the far side of the Moon and venture beyond low-Earth orbit for the first time in over five decades. While questions linger about NASA’s long-term strategy, including the astronomical costs of the Space Launch System and the challenges tied to new commercial landers, this milestone represents a generational leap for those who have only known the Apollo era through history books. The mission is now just months away from becoming reality.
Readers are encouraged to contribute insights and stay informed by subscribing to regular updates. Each edition of this report covers developments across small, medium, and heavy-lift launch systems, along with a preview of the next three scheduled launches.
In a significant military advancement, North Korea announced the successful final ground test of a solid-fuel rocket engine designed for long-range ballistic missiles. This test, personally overseen by Kim Jong Un, marks the ninth trial of a motor constructed with carbon composite materials and capable of generating 1,971 kilonewtons of thrust, substantially more powerful than earlier versions. Such progress signals Pyongyang’s continued efforts to develop weapons capable of reaching the continental United States.
Solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missiles offer distinct tactical benefits compared to their liquid-fueled counterparts, which have historically formed the backbone of North Korea’s arsenal. These engines are not only simpler to store and conceal but also allow for greater mobility and rapid launch capability. According to state media, the newly tested motor will be integrated into the Hwasong-20 missile system. Analysts suggest that further testing may occur before year’s end, potentially serving as a show of force ahead of a major political gathering in early 2026.
(Source: Ars Technica)
