Rocket Report: Lightning strikes in China; Starship launch on deck
Summary
SpaceX is preparing for the 13th test flight of its Starship rocket after fixing engine problems. India’s private company Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched its Vikram-1 rocket, marking India’s first fully commercial satellite launch. The U.S. Interior Department is seeking public input on the idea of using inactive offshore oil platforms as new rocket launch sites.Key Facts
- SpaceX postponed the Starship test flight on July 16 to replace engines and plans to launch again soon.
- A successful Starship launch and reentry could lead to the first orbital flight later this year.
- India’s Skyroot Aerospace launched Vikram-1, a small rocket capable of carrying 770 pounds into low orbit.
- Vikram-1 reached an orbit 280 miles above Earth, matching predictions.
- The U.S. Interior Department asked the public for ideas about converting old offshore oil platforms into rocket launch pads.
- Using oil platforms could reduce crowding at current spaceports and improve launch site security.
- Offshore rocket launches have been done before, such as the Sea Launch program which operated from 1999 to 2014.
- The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is considering technical, environmental, and legal factors before making decisions.
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