REUSABLE ROCKET TECHNOLOGY
Andhra Pradesh inks 9 MoUs for Rs 4,100 crore space-defence push
At the 31st CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam on 12-13 November 2026, the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board signed nine MoUs covering rocket engines and test beds, satellites, missiles, explosives, aerospace manufacturing, flight training and heliports. Eight of them propose investments totalling Rs 4,100 crore and 6,865 direct jobs on about 1,472 acres in Sri Sathya Sai, Tirupati, Nellore and Visakhapatnam. The ninth is a five-year strategic partnership with Pawan Hans to develop and operate heliports across the State.
SpaceX launches 15th Starship flight with hopes of achieving first round trip
SpaceX successfully launched its Starship spacecraft on a mission that aimed for both orbit and return. Unfortunately, the lower-stage Super Heavy booster rocket failed to complete its return flight. Starship's upper-stage vessel reached orbit and deployed 26 satellites into space. This launch marks SpaceX's 15th Starship test flight, contributing to their satellite connectivity business. The company hopes to achieve a fully reusable rocket system for future missions.
Why SpaceX needs just two successful catches to change the future of rocket launches
SpaceX is preparing for its Starship Flight 15 mission which aims to recover both rocket stages after launch. This mission will test the reusability of rockets and the efficiency of SpaceX's recovery systems. Starship is set to deploy 26 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites into low Earth orbit during this flight. Successfully catching both stages could lead to reduced launch costs and increased satellite deployment.
SpaceX launch today: Elon Musk’s Starship Flight 15 double catch attempt - launch time, how to watch and why it matters
SpaceX launch: SpaceX is preparing for Starship Flight 15 on November 13, with Elon Musk’s company attempting to catch both the Super Heavy booster and Ship using mechanical arms at its Texas launch site for the first time. The test could move SpaceX closer to fully reusable rockets and support NASA’s future Moon mission plans.
Astrobase to invest Rs 800 crore in Andhra Pradesh to expand rocket testing facility
The company has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board to add 339 acres to the facility. The expanded infrastructure will support launch vehicle stage development, static hot-fire testing, stage-level hop tests and reusability validation.
Astrobase, Bayer to invest Rs 700 crore in Karnataka, creating nearly 1,500 jobs
Astrobase and Bayer have announced a combined investment of Rs 700 crore in Karnataka. Astrobase will invest Rs 500 crore to set up a manufacturing facility for rocket engines. This project aims to create approximately 1,250 jobs in the region. Bayer plans to invest Rs 200 crore to establish a Global Capability Centre, generating around 220 jobs. Both investments reflect a growing interest in expanding industrial capabilities in Karnataka.
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China's secret reusable spaceship spotted in US intelligence report: What we know about this mysterious plane and its mission
A recently declassified US intelligence report has revealed a satellite image that confirms China's reusable spaceplane is currently orbiting. This significant development has sparked concerns about China's expanding capabilities in space and the potential military implications. The spacecraft is noted for its ability to interact with smaller objects during missions, amplifying worries about the competitive landscape of space exploration, as tensions between nations continue to rise.
China's secretive Shenlong spaceplane: What the US report reveals
A newly released report by the US Defense Intelligence Agency showcases an intriguing image of China's Shenlong spaceplane operating in orbit. Notably, a second spacecraft is docked to Shenlong, prompting speculation about the spaceplane's mission and technological abilities. Concerns have been raised over China's advancing space technologies and counterspace capabilities, with whispers of potential developments in space-based weaponry that could jeopardize international satellite safety.
SpaceX stocks: Why is Elon Musk-owned Space Exploration Technologies Corp-SPCX share price at Nasdaq down?
Elon Musk's SpaceX struck a deal to acquire a nationwide low-band spectrum portfolio, posing a direct challenge to US wireless companies.
India first, orbit next: Skyroot eyes $300 million dual valuation plan
Skyroot is in talks with Indian family offices to raise $150 million at a valuation of $2.3-2.5 billion, while the company is seeking to mop up the same amount from global investors such as General Catalyst, General Atlantic and Silicon Valley venture fund Benchmark at a higher valuation of up to $3 billion, the people said.
World Space Week 2026: How the ‘Rocket Revolution’ is changing the cost, speed and future of space travel
World Space Week 2026 will highlight the increasing accessibility of space through the theme 'Rocket Revolution' this October. Celebrations will include events from schools, space agencies, and aerospace companies worldwide. Participants will explore technological changes in rocketry and their significance for future space exploration. Various activities, including model rocket launches, will occur across several countries. The week aims to inspire interest in STEM and promote international cooperation among attendees.
World Space Week 2026: Theme, history, how to celebrate and a special Pokémon twist- here's everything you need to know
World Space Week will occur from October 4 to October 10, 2026, themed 'Rocket Revolution'. This theme highlights advancements in rocket technology and commercial space launches. Events will include exhibitions, talks, and hands-on STEM activities for participants of all ages. A collaboration with Pokémon includes events to engage younger audiences in space exploration. Key astronomical occurrences, like the Draconid meteor shower, will also be observed during this week.
Starlink builds 20 gateway sites in India, says user data will stay in country
Starlink has constructed 20 gateway sites across India to develop its satellite communication services. The company designed its operations with specific security controls to comply with Indian regulations. Starlink's investment aims to provide high-speed connectivity in areas lacking reliable telecom infrastructure. SpaceX's broader expansion plan includes advancements in satellite connectivity, focusing on artificial intelligence and computing capabilities.
World Space Week 2026: The rocket revolution is happening above us — How cheaper launches could change everyday life on Earth
Sixty-nine years after Sputnik's launch marked the beginning of the Space Age, new advancements are reshaping space access. Reusable rockets, such as SpaceX's Falcon 9 and Starship, are cost-effective alternatives to traditional expendable launch vehicles. This transformation supports not only increased launch frequency but also diverse missions involving satellites and human exploration. World Space Week 2026 emphasizes these advancements while inspiring students through rocketry programs worldwide.
SpaceX Starship targets first orbital flight as Musk pushes rocket towards Moon, Mars
SpaceX's Starship rocket is set to attempt its first orbital flight after years of development and testing. The launch will occur in Texas with goals including deploying 26 Starlink satellites into orbit. As the rocket journeys, it will orbit the Earth six times before landing in the Pacific Ocean. The launch is crucial for future missions to the Moon and Mars, despite potential risks.
Orbital Shift: India's space sector undergoing biggest transformation; pvt firms handle rockets, ISRO focus on more ambitious missions
India's space sector is undergoing significant changes as private companies engage in rocket production and management. The Indian Space Research Organisation is shifting its focus towards more ambitious missions and projects. This transition follows the introduction of the Indian Space Policy 2023, which emphasizes private sector participation. Concerns have been raised by ISRO employees regarding the agency's future and potential loss of capabilities.
India's journey towards 'Viksit Bharat' being written in rockets built on Indian soil: ISRO chief
India's journey towards becoming a developed nation includes significant advancements in its space program by ISRO. The country has developed cryogenic propulsion systems independently after being denied this technology. Chandrayaan-3 made India the first nation to land successfully near the Moon's south pole. Upcoming projects include the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program and further lunar missions by 2040.
What to know about Europe's push to compete in space and what it still can't do without America
European nations convened a summit to address competition in the global space market. Concerns about reliance on foreign satellite services drive Europe's sovereign capability push. Recent events highlighted the critical need for independent space infrastructure and launch capacity. A new European rocket launch offers a promising step towards greater autonomy. Future decisions will shape Europe's role in crewed spaceflight and orbital independence.
Astrobase in talks to raise $40-50 million led by Peak XV at $300 million valuation: sources
The talks come weeks after Astrobase unveiled Everest, an 80-tonne-class, 800 kN full-flow staged combustion (FFSC) rocket engine, in what the company described as India's first such engine. The engine uses liquid oxygen and methane, and is being developed for reusable launch vehicles.
China recovers rocket stage on land for first time, after earlier recovery at sea
Although this marks China's first successful recovery on land, it is the second time the country has recovered a rocket stage, following a successful recovery on a sea platform in July.
China's LandSpace lands rocket booster; joins SpaceX and Blue Origin with reusable tech
The ability to return, recover and reuse a booster is crucial to reduce cost and make it easier to put satellites into orbit, turning space exploration into a commercially viable business similar to civil aviation.
Japan successfully launches, lands reusable rocket
Japan's space agency conducted a successful test of its prototype reusable rocket. The rocket reached a height of ten meters and landed safely after forty seconds. This development marks a significant step in cost-cutting rocket technology for Japan. The agency is reviewing data and feels confident about the useful information obtained. This advancement aims to boost Japan's international competitiveness in the rocket industry.
China successfully tests sea-based rocket booster recovery system
China successfully tested a new rocket retrieval system using a net. This marks a significant step towards developing reusable rockets for the nation. The Long March 10B rocket booster was recovered offshore after its flight. This advancement aims to reduce launch costs for commercial satellite constellations. China plans further booster reuse for upcoming missions by year-end.
China's LandSpace targets $1 billion IPO in reusable rocket tech push
Chinese rocket firm LandSpace is planning a massive IPO. The company aims to raise over a billion dollars. This funding will boost its production and technology for reusable rockets. LandSpace recently conducted a reusable rocket test. This move positions it to compete with global players.
China's second attempt at completing a reusable rocket test fails
China's Long March 12A rocket experienced a setback on its first flight. Its first stage was not recovered successfully. This marks China's second attempt at rocket booster recovery. The country is striving to match SpaceX's reusable rocket capabilities. This technology is vital for reducing launch costs and advancing satellite deployment.
Agnikul unveils plans to build fully-resusable rockets
Chennai-based space startup Agnikul Cosmos announced at the International Astronautical Congress in Sydney that its future rockets will be fully reusable, aiming to offer globally competitive satellite-launch services. The company emphasised that no part of its rockets will be discarded, following last year’s sub-orbital test of it 3D-printed rocket Agnibaan SOrTeD.
Honda conducts surprise reusable rocket test, aims spaceflight by 2029
Honda has achieved a successful launch and landing test of its reusable rocket prototype. This marks a significant step towards their goal of suborbital spaceflight by 2029. The test took place at Honda's facility in Taiki, Japan. Honda aims to contribute to satellite launches and related services. Other companies like SpaceX and Toyota are also investing in reusable rocket technology.
Spacetech startup EtherealX raises funding from Campus Fund, others
The funding amount, which was not disclosed, will be used for the EtherealX’s 40 kilonewton, privately developed semi-cryogenic rocket engine, founder and CEO Manu Nair told ET.
India to design, build reusable rocket for global market: ISRO
India has plans to design and build a new reusable rocket for the global market that would significantly cut the cost of launching satellites, a top government official said on Monday. "...all of us want launches to be much cheaper than what we do today," Secretary in the Department of Space and Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) S Somanath said.
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