Rocket Report: Lightning strikes in China; Starship launch on deck

SpaceX’s Starship is preparing for its 13th test flight following a previous abort due to engine issues, with a launch window opening Friday evening. India’s Skyroot Aerospace achieved a significant milestone with the successful orbital launch of its Vikram-1 rocket, marking a “grand success” for the country’s private space sector. Meanwhile, the US Interior Department is seeking public input on repurposing offshore oil platforms as rocket launch sites, aiming to alleviate congestion and enhance resilience of the nation’s space transport infrastructure.

• SpaceX’s 13th Starship test flight is scheduled for Friday evening after an earlier engine issue required repairs.
• India’s first private rocket, Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1, successfully reached orbit.
• The US Interior Department is considering offshore oil platforms as potential rocket launch sites.
• Lockheed Martin is partnering with Venus Aerospace to evaluate rotating detonation rocket engine technology.
• Russia’s Amur-LNG reusable rocket project has been delayed, with flight tests now expected in 2031.
• The US Space Force is significantly increasing the value of its National Security Space Launch contracts.
• A robotic servicing mission using Northrop Grumman’s Mission Robotic Vehicle launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9.
• Relativity Space plans to expand its operations and build a new factory in Florida.
• A Chinese Long March 3B rocket successfully launched despite being struck by lightning shortly after liftoff.
• The stacking of the Space Launch System rocket for NASA’s Artemis III mission has begun at Kennedy Space Center.
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