All posts tagged: spaceflight

Blue Origin Prepares Second New Glenn Launch, Aims for Better Landing

Blue Origin Prepares Second New Glenn Launch, Aims for Better Landing

The second launch of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket is being targeted for late spring, as efforts are being made to enhance its landing capabilities. The 320-foot-tall rocket was first launched on January 16, 2025, from Florida’s Space Coast, successfully deploying a test version of the Blue Ring spacecraft into orbit. However, the booster stage failed to land on the recovery platform at sea. The company had anticipated this possibility and has since identified potential issues affecting the landing sequence. Adjustments to the booster are being made in preparation for the upcoming launch. Landing Challenges Identified and Addressed According to reports, the engines performed as expected during the descent, but issues in delivering fuel from the tanks prevented a successful touchdown. Blue Origin Chief Executive Officer Dave Limp stated at the 27th Annual Commercial Space Conference that a combination of factors contributed to the failed landing. While specific technical details were not disclosed, it was mentioned that modifications are being implemented on the second booster. These changes are expected to improve landing success without delaying …

Global Rocket Launches Reach Record High in 2024, With More Growth Expected in 2025

Global Rocket Launches Reach Record High in 2024, With More Growth Expected in 2025

A significant increase in global rocket launches was observed in 2024, with 259 recorded liftoffs. This marked the fourth consecutive year of growth in spaceflight activity, with launch attempts occurring approximately every 34 hours. Multiple factors contributed to this rise, including increased commercial satellite deployments, national security initiatives, and a growing emphasis on independent launch capabilities across several nations. Industry experts predict an even busier year ahead as new rockets and commercial projects enter service. Increased Launch Frequency and Regional Contributions According to The Space Report, a publication by the Space Foundation, the expansion of global launch operations is expected to continue in 2025. The report highlighted a strong performance by SpaceX, which conducted 132 Falcon 9 launches last year, making up over half of global launches. A significant portion of these missions supported the expansion of the company’s Starlink network, which now serves millions of customers worldwide. As reported by space.com, military satellite deployments also saw a notable surge, with an 86 percent increase recorded. SpaceX launched over 100 satellites for the U.S. military’s …

SpaceX Might Get FAA Approval for 25 Starship Launches in 2025

SpaceX Might Get FAA Approval for 25 Starship Launches in 2025

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a draft environmental assessment (EA) proposing an increase in SpaceX’s annual Starship launches. The assessment, published on November 20, outlines the possibility of raising the current limit of five launches per year from Starbase in South Texas to 25 by 2025. This draft also includes approvals for 25 landings of the spacecraft’s Super Heavy booster and upper-stage vehicle at the same site, utilising the launch tower’s “chopstick” catching mechanism. SpaceX Might Get Approval in 2025 As per a report by Space.com, SpaceX might get FAA approval for launching 25 Starship spacecrafts in 2025. SpaceX’s Starship, recognised as the largest and most powerful rocket constructed, is central to the company’s vision for human exploration of the Moon and Mars. Measuring 400 feet in height and designed for full reusability, the vehicle has been launched six times to date, all from the Starbase facility. During its most recent flight on November 19, 2024, the mission achieved success, though a communications malfunction necessitated the booster to perform a controlled splashdown in the …