""You absolutely have to have a plan to compete with SpaceX on price." Welcome to Edition 8.29 of the Rocket Report! We have a stuffed report this week with news from across the launch spectrum. Long-term, probably the most significant development this week was a subscale version of the Long March 10 rocket successfully launching and then executing a picture-perfect ocean landing. China is catching up rapidly to the United States when it comes to reusable launch."
"Orbex is going away. The UK-based launch company Orbex has entered insolvency proceedings after a planned takeover by European space logistics startup The Exploration Company fell through, European Spaceflight reports. In a statement, Orbex said the decision came after all "fundraising, merger and acquisition opportunities had all concluded unsuccessfully." For anyone paying attention, this decision should not come as a surprise. A decade into its existence, Orbex had yet to produce demonstrable, ready-for-flight hardware."
"Other companies interested in assets ... According to the company, the appointment of administrators will give Orbex time to secure "as positive an outcome as possible for its creditors, employees and wider stakeholders." It added that the process could include the sale of all or parts of the business or its assets, and another UK-based company, Skyrora, has expressed some interest. (submitted by Polynomics, zapman987, and EllPeaTea) Firefly's next Alpha mission launching soon. This week, Firefly said that its next Alpha rocket underwent a successful 20-second static fire test. This clears the way for the rocket to make a laun"
China achieved a subscale Long March 10 flight followed by a successful ocean landing, signaling rapid progress in reusable launch capabilities. The UK small-launcher Orbex entered insolvency after a failed takeover and unsuccessful fundraising; administrators may sell parts or all of the business, and Skyrora has expressed interest. Firefly completed a successful 20-second static fire of its next Alpha rocket, clearing the way for an upcoming launch. Industry emphasis on cost competitiveness is highlighted by the statement that competing with SpaceX requires a concrete plan on price.
Read at Ars Technica
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