Rocket Report: Chinese launch firm raises big money; Falcon 9 back to the Bahamas

"As I write this week's edition, NASA's Space Launch System rocket is undergoing a second countdown rehearsal at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The outcome of the test will determine whether NASA has a shot at launching the Artemis II mission around the Moon next month, or if the launch will be delayed until April or later. The finicky fueling line for the rocket's core stage is the center of attention after a hydrogen leak cut short a practice countdown earlier this month."

"No one will supplant American and Chinese dominance in the space launch arena anytime soon, but several longtime US allies now see sovereign access to space as a national security imperative, Ars reports. Taking advantage of private launch initiatives already underway within their own borders, several middle and regional powers have approved substantial government funding for commercial startups to help them reach the launch pad."

A company that attempted China's first orbital-class rocket landing plans another landing attempt soon. NASA's Space Launch System is undergoing a second countdown rehearsal at Kennedy Space Center to determine whether Artemis II can launch next month or be delayed until April or later. A finicky hydrogen fueling line on the core stage is under scrutiny after a leak cut short a prior practice countdown. Several longtime US allies are committing government funds to domestic commercial launch startups to achieve sovereign access to space. Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia rank among the top investors.

Read at Ars Technica