NASA and Lockheed to begin X-59 supersonic jet tests in 2021
Engineers at NASA and Lockheed Martin have a wealth of experience and historical data – and a lot of public money – to help them build a low-boom supersonic jet. But until the X-59 actually breaks the sound barrier, whether they have opened the door to a Mach-plus renaissance will be an open question
For Virgin Orbit, partial success is major milestone
First attempt to fly Virgin Group’s satellite launch system ends after 9s with engine shutdown, but wealth of data and smooth run through ground operations routine offers encouragement
‘Anomaly’ scuppers Virgin Orbit maiden rocket launch
Virgin Orbit failed in its first attempt at launching a rocket into orbit from the wing of a modified Boeing 747-400 owing to an “anomaly”, but the company says it is pressing ahead with further tests.
Branson to sell shares in Virgin Galactic to help troubled travel businesses
Richard Branson’s Virgin Group is looking to sell some of its stake in Virgin Galactic to help raise proceeds to support its troubled leisure, holiday and travel businesses.
Rocket Lab demonstrates catching piece of falling rocket in mid-air with helicopter
As part of the demonstration, Rocket Lab dropped the test stage from a light helicopter over the ocean. The stage’s fall was slowed by a parachute. A second helicopter swooped in and snagged the parachute’s drogue line with a specially designed grappling hook at about 5,000ft.
Post-Brexit UK ‘needs global space strategy’
As Britain loosens its ties with Europe, it will find itself having to protect the space-reliant aspects of its national security and economic interests in a world characterised by an accelerating US-China space race
Taking its place with the cosmic elite
From its early satellite ventures to its latest attempt to land on the Moon, the country has long seen space as a crucial component of its security, industrial strategy and national prestige
Launch race reaches UK
London is adding the missing link of access to orbit to its plan to turn the country into a world space power
For Reaction Engines, cool is the key
Radical rocket concept could propel the next-generation of hypersonic transports
Ariane 6, Vega C fuel Europe's new launch era
Light and heavy rocket upgrades make a family built for cost, performance and versatility