Rocket Report: India’s Vikram-1 nears debut flight; AST to become rocket company?
This Rocket Report round-up covers developments in commercial and reusable rocket programmes across India, Japan and Australia.
– Skyroot Aerospace plans Vikram-1’s first orbital launch attempt on 18 July, aiming to carry up to 350kg to low Earth orbit.
– A successful flight would mark the first attempt by an Indian commercially developed rocket to reach orbit.
– JAXA tested its RV-X reusable rocket, which rose about 11 metres, moved horizontally 16 metres and landed after roughly 40 seconds.
– Australia’s new Spinifex Space will provide private suborbital test-range services rather than build rockets.
– SpaceX delayed a Starship test after several Raptor engines reportedly failed to ignite at launch.
- India’s Vikram-1 is scheduled for its first orbital launch.
- Japan tested reusable-rocket landing technology.
- Australia gains a private suborbital testing provider.
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