The space industry seldom takes a break with its consistent advancements and developments. This week’s highlight reel includes an unexpected partnership between Eutelsat and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the ongoing tussle between SpaceX and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and a new revelation regarding Europe’s Ariane 6’s debut launch mishap.
A Quick Recap
Eutelsat, a European satellite operator, recently revealed its surprise contract with Japanese conglomerate Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Meanwhile, SpaceX continues its heated dialogue with the FAA over regulatory compliance.
Perhaps most intriguing for rocket enthusiasts this week was the searing discovery regarding a simple solution to a problem that compromised the debut launch of Europe’s Ariane 6 rocket last summer. But before diving deeper into the specifics, let’s quickly touch base with the smaller rockets in the market.
Small Rockets, Big Potential
In an industry dominated by behemoths like SpaceX, it may seem like small launch vehicles might not stand a chance. However, these underdogs argue differently.
What sets these smaller rockets apart, according to Space News, is their niche ability to provide on-demand service to customers who do not wish to wait for the next rideshare launch from SpaceX. These launches could deliver satellites at a customer’s preferred time and location, providing a distinct edge over more substantial competition.
While the market may seem congested with heavy and medium-lift rockets, these smaller variants are staking claim to their specialty services, persisting despite past setbacks.
Troubleshooting Ariane 6’s Debut Launch
Returning to the big guns, Europe’s Ariane 6’s inaugural launch had encountered an issue with its upper stage. This issue was thought to be complex, but new findings have pointed to a simple solution.
Introduced as Europe’s first vehicle and lifting off from a new launch pad in Kourou, French Guiana, Ariane 6’s launch was a remarkable event. While the rocket successfully completed its mission, the issue with the upper stage was a hiccup that experts needed to rectify.
The good news is, this crucial problem was solved, as the experts identified a straightforward solution to fix the upper stage issue. This development brings hope as Europe invests more in space tech, showing resilience in the face of obstacles.
Looking Ahead
In the weeks to come, be prepared for more exciting developments in the space industry. As we inch closer to understanding the outer space and its mysteries, constant advancements in rocket technology are pivotal.
Hold tight for the next update, featuring a sneak peek of the upcoming launches on the international rocket calendar. If you are a rocket enthusiast and want to stay updated with the latest happenings, consider subscribing to the Rocket Report.
The view we get from below can only tell us so much about the vast beauty and mysteries of space. Thanks to the innovation and expansion of firms like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, SpaceX, and Eutelsat, our understanding of our universe grows.