• Welcome to Edition 8.30 of the Rocket Report! • As I write this week’s edition, NASA’s Space Launch System rocket is undergoing a second countdown rehearsal at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. • The outcome of the test will determine whether NASA has a shot at launching the Artemis II mission around the Moon next month, or if the launch will be delayed until April or later. • The finicky fueling line for the rocket’s core stage is the center of attention after a hydrogen leak cut short a practice countdown earlier this month. • As always, wewelcome reader submissions. • If you don’t want to miss an issue, please subscribe using the box below (the form will not appear on AMP-enabled versions of the site).

Article Summaries:

  • The Rocket Report’s latest edition highlights NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) undergoing a second rehearsal at Kennedy Space Center, with a hydrogen‑line leak cutting a prior countdown short. The test’s outcome will decide whether Artemis II can launch around the Moon next month or be pushed back to April. The piece also surveys sovereign launch ambitions, noting that while U.S. and Chinese dominance remains, countries such as Australia, Canada, Germany, Spain, the UK, Brazil, Argentina, and Taiwan are investing heavily in domestic launch programs. The report concludes with a brief look ahead at the next three scheduled launches.
  • NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) is undergoing a second countdown rehearsal at Kennedy Space Center, with a hydrogen‑line leak that cut a previous practice short. The test will decide whether Artemis II can launch to the Moon next month or be postponed until April. Meanwhile, several non‑U.S. nations are increasing government funding for domestic launch capabilities, viewing sovereign access to space as a national‑security priority. Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia have committed the most money, while the UK’s Orbex setback has raised doubts about its program. The report also notes that Falcon 9 is returning to the Bahamas for upcoming launches.

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