After going 0-for-2 from the Space Coast with its Rocket 3 design, Astra Space is shelving the model to focus on its future larger rocket plans, but that decision could mean NASA has to hunt for a new ride for its remaining hurricane-tracking satellites that Astra was supposed to launch.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the uncertain supply of rocket parts from both countries put the future of Northrop Grumman resupply missions to the International Space Station in question. A future solution was announced Monday as Northrop Grumman said it would partner with Firefly Aerospace to create an American-made upgrade to the Antares rocket.
It’s the busiest planned day for launches ever for commercial companies in the United States with 3.4 millions pounds of combined thrust among three rockets planning to punch their way into space on Thursday with payloads of one military satellite, one lunar probe and six space tourists.
NASA has yet to get its next-generation moon rocket off the ground, but this week announced a shift in how it plans to pay for future launches while also falling under a new directive from Congress to increase the number of flights each year.
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