Search results for Blue Moon
Industry
China delays Chang\'e 7 launch, opening chance for U.S. in moon south pole race
China has shelved plans to launch its Chang\'e 7 lunar south pole mission this year, failing to meet the planned launch window, it said in a brief notice. Beijing did not give a reason. Weather linked to Typhoon Nari is cited as a likely factor, though technical issues are not ruled out. The delay comes as China and the United States race to secure a foothold near the moon’s south pole, including the Shackleton crater area.
Industry
NASA steps up permanent moon base plans; Blue Origin to handle lander
NASA has released a preliminary schedule to carry out up to three additional moon missions by the end of 2026 as it pushes ahead with plans for a long-term lunar outpost. The missions focus on testing rovers and landers and surveying the lunar surface environment. Blue Origin, Astrobotic and Intuitive Machines will provide landers, while Astrolab’s FLIP rover is also slated for deployment. The plan highlights NASA’s separate contracts for landers, rovers and payload transport.
Industry
SpaceX assembles Starship V3, the world’s tallest rocket, ahead of IPO
SpaceX has fully assembled its 124-metre Starship V3 for the first time, setting a new record for the tallest rocket. The vehicle, stacked at the Starbase site in south Texas, features upgraded Raptor engines and design changes aimed at improving booster recovery and reuse. SpaceX has completed static-fire and fueling rehearsal tests and is preparing the next Starship test flight from a new launch pad. The flight path and recovery plans differ from earlier missions.
