Enlarge – A Long March 2F rocket successfully launched China’s three-man crew to the Tiangong space station. Welcome to Edition 6.17 of the Rocket Report! This week, we highlight the achievements of two Asian powers in their human spaceflight programs. China launched three astronauts to begin a six-month expedition on the Tiangong space station, while India conducted a successful test of a launch abort system for its Gaganyaan spacecraft. These developments have significant implications for the space race between China and India, with the latter potentially offering a counterweight to China’s dominance in spaceflight. We also provide updates on Avio’s bid for independence in the European launch market, ABL Space Systems’ plans for another launch, Rocket Lab’s return to flight, and ArianeGroup’s progress in reusable rocket technology. Read on for more information about these exciting developments!
India successfully tests escape system for Gaganyaan spacecraft – India achieved an important milestone in its Gaganyaan program by acing the first in-flight test of the crew escape system. The test involved launching an unpressurized version of the Gaganyaan capsule on a rocket. Shortly after reaching supersonic speed, the abort maneuver was triggered, and the capsule safely separated from the booster to parachute into the sea. Indian officials expressed their satisfaction with the outcome of the test flight and are planning additional tests of the launch abort system next year, with the goal of flying astronauts into low-Earth orbit on the Gaganyaan spacecraft by 2025. This significant step forward in India’s space program has caught the attention of US officials, who view India as a potential ally to counter China’s dominance in spaceflight.
Italy’s Avio seeks to market Vega rockets independently – Avio, the Italian company responsible for building the Vega rocket, has expressed its desire to break away from the French launch provider Arianespace and market Vega launch services on its own. This move comes as Avio aims to expand its launch business beyond Europe’s traditional launch arrangements. Avio’s request to independently market its Vega rockets, known as “Vexit,” will be discussed at an ESA Space Summit next week. A final decision on Avio’s proposal will likely be made after the summit. Avio’s push for independence comes as Europe’s traditional rocket programs face challenges, making it a strategic move for the company.
ABL Space Systems prepares for another launch – ABL Space Systems, following the failed test flight of its RS1 orbital launcher in January, is making significant progress toward its next test flight. The company plans to introduce an upgraded rocket design and a larger launch mount for the upcoming test. The failure of the previous test flight was attributed to a fire caused by insufficient clearance between the rocket and the ground. To address this issue, ABL has designed a taller launch mount, allowing for more distance between the rocket and the ground. The second test flight of the RS1 rocket will also feature increased thrust and propellant. ABL recently completed a successful integration test in California and will soon transport the rocket and launch mount to Kodiak Island, Alaska, for the launch campaign.
Rocket Lab aims to resume launches by year-end – Rocket Lab is set to return its Electron rocket to flight before the end of the year after an investigation into a launch failure in September. The failure occurred just after stage separation and resulted in the destruction of a Capella Space radar imaging satellite. The company has received authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration to resume launches under its existing license. Rocket Lab is finalizing its investigation into the root cause of the failure and expects to complete the review in the coming weeks. The company is confident that the corrective measures put in place will ensure a successful return to flight.
ArianeGroup progresses in reusable rocket development – The Prometheus engine, a methane-fueled engine seen as a key component of a future reusable rocket, has undergone regular test firings since its first hot-fire test in June. ArianeGroup, the company responsible for the engine, achieved a significant milestone with a 30-second firing followed by a reignition. The engine will be used in the Themis test rocket hopper vehicle, which aims to demonstrate suborbital vertical takeoff and vertical landing technologies. The next step for ArianeGroup is to test the engine’s performance throughout its thrust envelope in the coming months. The development of reusable rocket technology is a crucial advancement in the space industry and has the potential to revolutionize space travel.
