Launch Archives - SpaceNews https://spacenews.com/section/launch-archive/ Covering the business and politics of space Mon, 27 Oct 2025 10:46:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://spacenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/cropped-SN_forza_star-32x32.png Launch Archives - SpaceNews https://spacenews.com/section/launch-archive/ 32 32 80681979 China launches new Gaofen-14 stereo mapping satellite https://spacenews.com/china-launches-new-gaofen-14-stereo-mapping-satellite/ https://spacenews.com/china-launches-new-gaofen-14-stereo-mapping-satellite/#respond Mon, 27 Oct 2025 10:46:02 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=557794 A Long March 3B rocket lifts off from a mountainous launch site in China, engines blazing with bright orange flames and thick white exhaust clouds billowing outward. The vehicle rises beside a tall blue and red service tower, surrounded by dense green forest and hills.

China added to its Earth observation fleet late Saturday, sending a second Gaofen-14 mapping satellite into sun-synchronous orbit.

The post China launches new Gaofen-14 stereo mapping satellite appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/china-launches-new-gaofen-14-stereo-mapping-satellite/feed/ 0 557794
H3 launches first HTV-X cargo spacecraft https://spacenews.com/h3-launches-first-htv-x-cargo-spacecraft/ https://spacenews.com/h3-launches-first-htv-x-cargo-spacecraft/#respond Sun, 26 Oct 2025 00:50:49 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=557724 H3 HTV-X1 launch

Japan launched the first of a new generation of cargo spacecraft to the International Space Station, with potential applications beyond low Earth orbit.

The post H3 launches first HTV-X cargo spacecraft appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/h3-launches-first-htv-x-cargo-spacecraft/feed/ 0 557724
China expands classified geostationary satellite series with Long March 5 launch https://spacenews.com/china-expands-classified-geostationary-satellite-series-with-long-march-5-launch/ https://spacenews.com/china-expands-classified-geostationary-satellite-series-with-long-march-5-launch/#respond Thu, 23 Oct 2025 18:47:38 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=557503 A Long March 5 rocket lifts off at night from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center in Hainan, China, illuminating the launch pad with bright exhaust flames and surrounded by thick clouds of smoke.

China launched the latest in a series of clandestine satellites Thursday, using the country’s most powerful rocket to send the spacecraft to geosynchronous transfer orbit.

The post China expands classified geostationary satellite series with Long March 5 launch appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/china-expands-classified-geostationary-satellite-series-with-long-march-5-launch/feed/ 0 557503
Landspace begins final preparations for China’s first orbital launch and landing attempt https://spacenews.com/landspace-begins-final-preparations-for-chinas-first-orbital-launch-and-landing-attempt/ https://spacenews.com/landspace-begins-final-preparations-for-chinas-first-orbital-launch-and-landing-attempt/#respond Tue, 21 Oct 2025 08:32:56 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=557064

Launch startup Landspace is in the final stages of preparations for the first launch of its Zhuque-3 rocket and a potentially landmark mission for China.

The post Landspace begins final preparations for China’s first orbital launch and landing attempt appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/landspace-begins-final-preparations-for-chinas-first-orbital-launch-and-landing-attempt/feed/ 0 557064
Innospace gets license for first orbital launch attempt https://spacenews.com/innospace-gets-license-for-first-orbital-launch-attempt/ https://spacenews.com/innospace-gets-license-for-first-orbital-launch-attempt/#respond Mon, 20 Oct 2025 03:40:47 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=556903 A white rocket lifts off from a seaside launch site in Brazil.

South Korean launch startup Innospace says it has received government approval for its first orbital launch attempt, which could take place as soon as the end of the month.

The post Innospace gets license for first orbital launch attempt appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/innospace-gets-license-for-first-orbital-launch-attempt/feed/ 0 556903
China resumes launches for Thousand Sails constellation, CAS Space launches new international payload https://spacenews.com/china-resumes-launches-for-thousand-sails-constellation-cas-space-launches-new-international-payload/ https://spacenews.com/china-resumes-launches-for-thousand-sails-constellation-cas-space-launches-new-international-payload/#respond Sun, 19 Oct 2025 15:30:47 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=556875 A Long March 6A rocket lifts off from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in northern China, producing a bright plume of exhaust against a clear sky, with four lightning towers surrounding the launch pad.

China conducted the first launch for the Thousand Sails constellation since March as the country continues its recent rapid rate of orbital launches.

The post China resumes launches for Thousand Sails constellation, CAS Space launches new international payload appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/china-resumes-launches-for-thousand-sails-constellation-cas-space-launches-new-international-payload/feed/ 0 556875
German launch startup HyImpulse raises 45 million euros https://spacenews.com/german-launch-startup-hyimpulse-raises-45-million-euros/ https://spacenews.com/german-launch-startup-hyimpulse-raises-45-million-euros/#respond Fri, 17 Oct 2025 15:54:34 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=556783 HyImpulse SL1

German launch startup HyImpulse has raised 45 million euros ($53 million) as it works to avoid becoming an also-ran in the European space launch race.

The post German launch startup HyImpulse raises 45 million euros appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/german-launch-startup-hyimpulse-raises-45-million-euros/feed/ 0 556783
First Ariane 64 launch slips to 2026 https://spacenews.com/first-ariane-64-launch-slips-to-2026/ https://spacenews.com/first-ariane-64-launch-slips-to-2026/#respond Fri, 17 Oct 2025 11:11:58 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=556750 Ariane 64

Arianespace has confirmed that the first flight of the more powerful version of the Ariane 6 rocket has been delayed until next year.

The post First Ariane 64 launch slips to 2026 appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/first-ariane-64-launch-slips-to-2026/feed/ 0 556750
SpaceX wins approval for increased Falcon launches from Vandenberg https://spacenews.com/spacex-wins-approval-for-increased-falcon-launches-from-vandenberg/ https://spacenews.com/spacex-wins-approval-for-increased-falcon-launches-from-vandenberg/#respond Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:33:47 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=556710 Falcon 9 SLC-4

The Department of the Air Force has approved SpaceX’s proposal to double its launch rate at Vandenberg Space Force Base and begin using a second launch pad there.

The post SpaceX wins approval for increased Falcon launches from Vandenberg appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/spacex-wins-approval-for-increased-falcon-launches-from-vandenberg/feed/ 0 556710
iRocket turns to missiles to fuel reusable launcher ambitions https://spacenews.com/irocket-turns-to-missiles-to-fuel-reusable-launcher-ambitions/ https://spacenews.com/irocket-turns-to-missiles-to-fuel-reusable-launcher-ambitions/#respond Thu, 16 Oct 2025 15:22:36 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=556672

iRocket's plans for a fully reusable satellite launcher got a boost from the first flight test of IRX-100, a short-range missile the startup hopes will generate near-term revenue to support its orbital Shockwave vehicle.

The post iRocket turns to missiles to fuel reusable launcher ambitions appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/irocket-turns-to-missiles-to-fuel-reusable-launcher-ambitions/feed/ 0 556672
China launches 12th group of Guowang broadband satellites as rocket milestone highlights accelerating launch rate https://spacenews.com/china-launches-12th-group-of-guowang-broadband-satellites-as-rocket-milestone-highlights-accelerating-launch-rate/ https://spacenews.com/china-launches-12th-group-of-guowang-broadband-satellites-as-rocket-milestone-highlights-accelerating-launch-rate/#respond Thu, 16 Oct 2025 10:18:12 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=556599 A Long March 8A rocket lifts off from the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Center in southern China, sending a batch of Guowang broadband satellites into orbit. The rocket rises through a cloud of exhaust and smoke, framed by tall metal service towers under a bright sky.

HELSINKI — China added to its Guowang national broadband megaconstellation Wednesday with the 600th Long March rocket launch, marking a milestone in the country’s accelerating spaceflight cadence. A Long March […]

The post China launches 12th group of Guowang broadband satellites as rocket milestone highlights accelerating launch rate appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/china-launches-12th-group-of-guowang-broadband-satellites-as-rocket-milestone-highlights-accelerating-launch-rate/feed/ 0 556599
SpaceX launches 21 Lockheed Martin satellites for ‘Transport Layer’ military network https://spacenews.com/spacex-launches-21-lockheed-martin-satellites-for-transport-layer-military-network/ https://spacenews.com/spacex-launches-21-lockheed-martin-satellites-for-transport-layer-military-network/#respond Wed, 15 Oct 2025 23:25:05 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=556549

This was the second plane of satellites for Tranche 1 of the Transport Layer, part of a planned global network of data transport and sensor satellites known as the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture

The post SpaceX launches 21 Lockheed Martin satellites for ‘Transport Layer’ military network appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/spacex-launches-21-lockheed-martin-satellites-for-transport-layer-military-network/feed/ 0 556549
Rocket Lab launches seventh Synspective radar imaging satellite https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-launches-seventh-synspective-radar-imaging-satellite/ https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-launches-seventh-synspective-radar-imaging-satellite/#respond Tue, 14 Oct 2025 23:25:57 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=556418 Electron launch of Synspective satellite

Rocket Lab launched a spacecraft for one Japanese radar imaging company Oct. 14, just days after signing a contract for additional launches for another.

The post Rocket Lab launches seventh Synspective radar imaging satellite appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-launches-seventh-synspective-radar-imaging-satellite/feed/ 0 556418
Space Pioneer raises $350 million as China’s commercial launch boom accelerates https://spacenews.com/space-pioneer-raises-350-million-as-chinas-commercial-launch-boom-accelerates/ https://spacenews.com/space-pioneer-raises-350-million-as-chinas-commercial-launch-boom-accelerates/#respond Tue, 14 Oct 2025 11:33:07 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=556303 Full-scale mockup of Space Pioneer's Tianlong-3 rocket stands vertically on a newly completed launch pad at the Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Test Zone, located in the desert landscape of Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The launch pad is equipped with support towers, fueling infrastructure, and ground facilities visible under clear blue skies.

Space Pioneer has secured around $350 million in new funding rounds to support its Tianlong-3 rocket and next-generation launch vehicle and engine development.

The post Space Pioneer raises $350 million as China’s commercial launch boom accelerates appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/space-pioneer-raises-350-million-as-chinas-commercial-launch-boom-accelerates/feed/ 0 556303
Starship successfully completes 11th flight test https://spacenews.com/starship-successfully-completes-11th-flight-test/ https://spacenews.com/starship-successfully-completes-11th-flight-test/#respond Tue, 14 Oct 2025 00:52:28 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=556253 Starship Flight 11

SpaceX successfully completed the final flight of version 2 of Starship on Oct. 13, performing in-flight tests as the company prepares to introduce an upgraded version of the reusable rocket.

The post Starship successfully completes 11th flight test appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/starship-successfully-completes-11th-flight-test/feed/ 0 556253
Surprise Chinese launch sends Shiyan-31 experimental satellite into orbit https://spacenews.com/surprise-chinese-launch-sends-shiyan-31-experimental-satellite-into-orbit/ https://spacenews.com/surprise-chinese-launch-sends-shiyan-31-experimental-satellite-into-orbit/#respond Mon, 13 Oct 2025 21:48:01 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=556238 A Long March 2D rocket launches vertically beside a tall, cream-colored service tower at China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert. Thick orange exhaust and flames pour from the rocket’s base, spreading across the gray launch pad. The tower bears large red Chinese characters reading “Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.” The sky above is pale blue with scattered clouds, and the scene is brightly lit by afternoon sunlight.

China conducted an orbital launch Monday with no apparent advance indication, successfully sending the Shiyan-31 remote sensing test satellite into orbit.

The post Surprise Chinese launch sends Shiyan-31 experimental satellite into orbit appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/surprise-chinese-launch-sends-shiyan-31-experimental-satellite-into-orbit/feed/ 0 556238
JAXA to launch tech demo satellites on Electron rockets https://spacenews.com/jaxa-to-launch-tech-demo-satellites-on-electron-rockets/ https://spacenews.com/jaxa-to-launch-tech-demo-satellites-on-electron-rockets/#respond Mon, 13 Oct 2025 11:52:25 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=556154 Electron launch

The Japanese space agency JAXA has selected Rocket Lab to launch a set of technology demonstration satellites on Electron rockets after continued delays with a Japanese launch vehicle.

The post JAXA to launch tech demo satellites on Electron rockets appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/jaxa-to-launch-tech-demo-satellites-on-electron-rockets/feed/ 0 556154
SpaceX prepares for next Starship test flight https://spacenews.com/spacex-prepares-for-next-starship-test-flight/ https://spacenews.com/spacex-prepares-for-next-starship-test-flight/#respond Mon, 13 Oct 2025 00:04:01 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=556116 Flight 11 preview

SpaceX is set to conduct its next Starship test flight as the company continues to test the launch vehicle and play well with others in airspace.

The post SpaceX prepares for next Starship test flight appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/spacex-prepares-for-next-starship-test-flight/feed/ 0 556116
Huge commercial Chinese solid rocket launches 3 satellites from barge in the Yellow Sea https://spacenews.com/huge-commercial-chinese-solid-rocket-launches-3-satellites-from-barge-in-the-yellow-sea/ https://spacenews.com/huge-commercial-chinese-solid-rocket-launches-3-satellites-from-barge-in-the-yellow-sea/#respond Sat, 11 Oct 2025 14:33:50 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=556066 Gravity-1 solid rocket lifting off from a barge in the Yellow Sea during its second launch on October 11 2025, with bright exhaust flames and thick plumes of smoke rising into a hazy sky,

Chinese launch startup Orienspace successfully conducted its second launch late Friday, with a Gravity-1 solid rocket lifting off from a barge in the Yellow Sea.

The post Huge commercial Chinese solid rocket launches 3 satellites from barge in the Yellow Sea appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/huge-commercial-chinese-solid-rocket-launches-3-satellites-from-barge-in-the-yellow-sea/feed/ 0 556066
Stoke Space raises $510 million https://spacenews.com/stoke-space-raises-510-million/ https://spacenews.com/stoke-space-raises-510-million/#respond Wed, 08 Oct 2025 23:03:02 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=555738 Stoke Nova

Stoke Space, a company developing a fully reusable launch vehicle, has raised $510 million to fund operations through its first launches, bringing its total capital raised to nearly $1 billion.

The post Stoke Space raises $510 million appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/stoke-space-raises-510-million/feed/ 0 555738
Blue Origin flies sixth crewed New Shepard flight of 2025 https://spacenews.com/blue-origin-flies-sixth-crewed-new-shepard-flight-of-2025/ https://spacenews.com/blue-origin-flies-sixth-crewed-new-shepard-flight-of-2025/#respond Wed, 08 Oct 2025 20:58:41 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=555718 NS-36 liftoff

Blue Origin launched its sixth crewed New Shepard flight so far this year Oct. 8 as the company works to increase the vehicle’s flight rate.

The post Blue Origin flies sixth crewed New Shepard flight of 2025 appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/blue-origin-flies-sixth-crewed-new-shepard-flight-of-2025/feed/ 0 555718
Blue Origin wins $78.2 million contract to expand satellite processing infrastructure at Cape Canaveral https://spacenews.com/blue-origin-wins-78-2-million-contract-to-expand-satellite-processing-infrastructure-at-cape-canaveral/ https://spacenews.com/blue-origin-wins-78-2-million-contract-to-expand-satellite-processing-infrastructure-at-cape-canaveral/#respond Tue, 07 Oct 2025 19:42:37 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=555537

The contract is a public-private partnership agreement awarded by the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command

The post Blue Origin wins $78.2 million contract to expand satellite processing infrastructure at Cape Canaveral appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/blue-origin-wins-78-2-million-contract-to-expand-satellite-processing-infrastructure-at-cape-canaveral/feed/ 0 555537
SpaceX lands majority of U.S. national security launches awarded for fiscal year 2026 https://spacenews.com/spacex-lands-majority-of-u-s-national-security-launches-awarded-for-fiscal-year-2026/ https://spacenews.com/spacex-lands-majority-of-u-s-national-security-launches-awarded-for-fiscal-year-2026/#respond Sat, 04 Oct 2025 10:36:03 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=555185

SpaceX was assigned five of seven National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 2 missions. United Launch Alliance got two.

The post SpaceX lands majority of U.S. national security launches awarded for fiscal year 2026 appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/spacex-lands-majority-of-u-s-national-security-launches-awarded-for-fiscal-year-2026/feed/ 0 555185
Gilmour Space plans return to flight next year https://spacenews.com/gilmour-space-plans-return-to-flight-next-year/ https://spacenews.com/gilmour-space-plans-return-to-flight-next-year/#respond Fri, 03 Oct 2025 22:39:32 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=555162 Eris liftoff

Despite its first orbital launch attempt lasting only a few seconds, Gilmour Space Technologies is satisfied with the attempt and moving ahead to return to the launch pad next year.

The post Gilmour Space plans return to flight next year appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/gilmour-space-plans-return-to-flight-next-year/feed/ 0 555162