“Rocket Report: New Glenn Showcases Abilities; ULA Tackles Fairing Issues”

**Rocket Report: Blue Origin’s New Glenn Advances to Launch Site and Worldwide Space Industry News**

The space sector is rapidly transforming, showcasing significant advancements worldwide. This week’s Rocket Report showcases pivotal moments, including Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket arriving at its launch site, the European Space Agency’s (ESA) efforts in reusable rocket technology, and burgeoning startups set to innovate the space industry. Let’s explore the latest news.

### Blue Origin’s New Glenn Advances to Launch Complex 36

This week’s highlight is Blue Origin’s **New Glenn rocket** reaching its launch destination at Cape Canaveral in Florida. This signifies a crucial move toward its inaugural flight, anticipated as early as late 2024. The New Glenn is a heavy-lift rocket crafted to compete with SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy and Starship, further intensifying the commercial space competition in the U.S.

Before its first flight, the rocket must achieve two significant milestones: a **wet dress rehearsal** and a **hot-fire test**. The wet dress rehearsal will consist of fully fueling the rocket and assessing its ground systems, while the hot-fire test will activate its seven BE-4 engines for several seconds. Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos is striving to meet a 2024 launch timeline, but as the deadline approaches, the company may have to postpone the launch to early 2025.

### ESA’s Initiative for Reusable Rocket Technology

The European Space Agency (ESA) has selected four companies—**Rocket Factory Augsburg, The Exploration Company, ArianeGroup, and Isar Aerospace**—to pioneer reusable rocket technology. This effort is part of two significant projects: **THRUST!** and **BEST!**.

– **THRUST!** is centered on enhancing European liquid propulsion systems, with Rocket Factory Augsburg and The Exploration Company taking the lead.
– **BEST!** aims to create reusable rocket first stages or boosters, with ArianeGroup and Isar Aerospace steering the initiative.

Although Europe is advancing in reusable rocket technology, it remains unclear if a European reusable rocket will achieve orbit and return to Earth before the decade concludes.

### UK Startup Astron Systems Pursues Reusability

In the UK, **Astron Systems**, a startup launched in 2021, is developing a fully reusable two-stage rocket capable of transporting 360 kilograms to low-Earth orbit. The company is part of the **TechStars Space Accelerator** and has garnered over $600,000 in funding from private investors, Innovate UK, and ESA.

Astron Systems is focusing on methane-liquid oxygen propulsion, with aspirations to conduct a test launch by late 2027. While the timeline is bold, the company is optimistic about its contribution to the burgeoning in-orbit economy, increasingly dependent on small satellite constellations.

### Avio Set to Manufacture Rocket Motors for the US Military

**Avio USA**, a branch of Italy’s Avio, is preparing to construct its first solid rocket motor manufacturing facility in the United States. The company is currently assessing potential sites and expects to finalize a location by mid-2025. This decision comes amid growing demand for solid rocket motors, particularly for tactical propulsion systems utilized by the US military.

Avio’s entry into the US market symbolizes the increasing need for solid rocket motors, especially as conflicts like the war in Ukraine escalate the demand for missile technology.

### ULA Probes Fairing Concerns on Atlas V

**United Launch Alliance (ULA)** is continuing its inquiry into issues with the payload fairing on its **Atlas V** rocket, over a year after debris was observed falling from the fairing during a launch in September 2023. The company has implemented corrective measures and additional inspections to mitigate the issue, but the investigation remains active.

The debris poses a possible threat to delicate spacecraft components, and ULA is collaborating closely with its customers and suppliers to safeguard future launches.

### China Launches Shenzhou 19 Crew to Tiangong Space Station

China is making substantial progress in its human spaceflight initiatives, launching the **Shenzhou 19** mission aboard a **Long March 2F** rocket. This mission has transported three astronauts to the **Tiangong space station**, where they will engage in six months of experiments and spacewalks.

This marks the 33rd mission under China’s human spaceflight program, encompassing both crewed and uncrewed test flights, space station module launches, and cargo resupply missions. China aims to keep Tiangong operational for a minimum of ten years, further establishing its status as a significant entity in space exploration.

### Firefly Aerospace’s New CEO Aims to Expand Operations

**Firefly Aerospace** has appointed a new CEO, **Jason Kim**, who is dedicated to scaling the company and launching its **Medium Launch Vehicle (MLV)** by 2026. Firefly’s

“Boeing mum on Starliner’s prospects almost two months post its comeback”

# Boeing’s Starliner: A Future in Uncertainty?

Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, once celebrated as an essential component of NASA’s commercial crew initiative, finds itself at a pivotal moment. Following its momentous first human spaceflight earlier this year, the spacecraft touched down in the New Mexico desert, but not with its crew aboard. Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are still on the International Space Station (ISS), waiting for their ride back on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. In spite of this accomplishment, Boeing has been remarkably reticent about the future of Starliner, prompting many to ask: What lies ahead for the spacecraft?

## An Empty Triumph

The Starliner’s re-entry to Earth signified a notable success for Boeing, yet it was also a tinge of sorrow. While the spacecraft accomplished its objective, the lack of Boeing representatives at the post-landing press conference raised eyebrows. Expected attendees like John Shannon, Boeing’s head of human spaceflight, and other top officials were nowhere to be found. Instead, Boeing released a concise statement from Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager of Boeing’s commercial crew initiative, announcing that the company plans to “analyze the data and chart the next course for the program.”

Since that moment, Boeing has continued to be tight-lipped, giving scant information about Starliner’s outlook. Inquiries for comments have gone unacknowledged, increasing speculation regarding the spacecraft’s future. This reticence coincides with Boeing grappling with severe financial difficulties, having already reported losses of $1.85 billion linked to the Starliner program.

## The Economic Burden

Boeing’s financial predicaments regarding Starliner are widely known. The company has been losing substantial amounts on the program, and its new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, has suggested that adjustments could be forthcoming. During a recent quarterly earnings conference, Ortberg indicated that Boeing is scrutinizing its various business segments, including Starliner, to assess what should be retained and what might be divested.

This review is taking place amid indications that Boeing may contemplate divesting some of its space ventures, including Starliner. The Wall Street Journal recently unveiled that Boeing is exploring the prospect of selling its space division, potentially encompassing the Starliner program. If Boeing can recapture some of its investments, it may be inclined to take the financial hit and depart from the commercial crew arena.

## NASA’s Involvement in Starliner’s Prospects

As Boeing struggles with its financial issues, NASA also holds a stake in Starliner’s future. The agency has long championed the necessity of having two crew transport systems to the ISS, with SpaceX’s Crew Dragon as the primary option. Nonetheless, NASA may find it necessary to intervene to assist Boeing in alleviating some costs associated with certifying Starliner for operational crew missions.

One possible approach is for NASA to compensate Boeing for conducting a cargo mission to the ISS. This could permit Boeing to test repairs to its propulsion system and resolve problems linked to its helium pressurization system. A successful uncrewed cargo flight could facilitate Starliner’s certification for crewed missions. Indeed, NASA has already solicited its space station program for potential timeframes when the ISS could accommodate a cargo-only Starliner mission in the next 18 months, eyeing possible opportunities in June 2026, January 2026, and March 2026.

However, there’s a caveat: NASA doesn’t inherently require additional cargo services. Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser vehicle is anticipated to commence cargo operations to the ISS within the following year, possibly diminishing the demand for Starliner in this capacity.

## Does NASA Require Starliner?

The question of whether NASA genuinely requires Starliner is intricate. On one side, NASA has repeatedly voiced support for Boeing and the Starliner program. Maintaining a second crew transport option provides redundancy and fosters competition, which can be advantageous for NASA’s long-term objectives. Furthermore, NASA is looking towards the 2030s, planning to support one or more private space stations in low-Earth orbit. In this scenario, having various providers, including Boeing, could prove beneficial.

Conversely, the timeline for Starliner is becoming increasingly stretched. The spacecraft is not expected to undertake its next human mission before 2026, thus limiting its operational lifespan as the ISS approaches retirement. This situation raises doubts about the value of investment in Starliner, especially given that SpaceX’s Crew Dragon has established itself as a reliable and cost-efficient alternative.

## The Path Ahead

Currently, Boeing is adhering to a standard post-flight protocol, which consists of joint sessions with NASA to assess the mission and deliberate on possible rectifications. While this procedure is customary, it fails to offer much insight into Starliner’s long-term trajectory. Much will hinge on Boeing’s internal assessment and NASA’s decision regarding ongoing support for the program.

In the interim, Boeing’s reticence is quite telling. The company stands undeniably at a critical juncture, and the choices made in the upcoming months will dictate whether Starliner continues to play a role in NASA’s plans.