Rocket Report: FAA eyes more Starbase traffic; India's Skyroot snares US customer
Summary
Japan is preparing to launch its Martian Moons Exploration (MMX) mission soon, aiming to study Mars’ moons and bring samples back to Earth by 2031. Meanwhile, several private space companies are working on new rocket launches, including Indian startup Skyroot Aerospace selling launches to US company Reflect Orbital, and US startup LEAP developing smallsat rockets for 2028. Rocket Lab delayed its Neutron rocket launch to 2027 due to manufacturing issues.Key Facts
- Japan’s MMX mission will visit Mars’ moons Phobos and Deimos, sending a rover and returning samples to Earth by 2031.
- Reflect Orbital, a California startup, bought two rocket launches from India’s Skyroot Aerospace to fly its sunlight-reflecting satellites.
- Skyroot’s Vikram-1 rocket became India’s first private rocket to reach orbit in July.
- Reflect Orbital plans to launch a small satellite on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare next year as part of a large mirror constellation in space.
- LEAP, a Colorado startup, is developing the Bighorn rocket for small satellite launches, with first flight planned for 2028.
- LEAP’s Bighorn rocket factory aims to produce six rockets per year initially, with potential to increase to two per month.
- Rocket Lab postponed the first flight of its Neutron rocket to 2027 due to problems found during manufacturing of carbon composite parts.
- Rocket Lab’s Neutron rocket is designed for larger, reusable launches, but delays have shifted its timeline.
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