Rocket Lab and SpaceX Achieve Major Reusable Rocket and ISS Resupply Milestones
The space industry experiences a busy week as Rocket Lab successfully tests booster re-entry and SpaceX delivers vital supplies to the International Space Station. Both companies also make significant progress toward upcoming astronaut launches.
The space industry sees a flurry of activity this week, highlighted by major launches and critical preparation steps for upcoming crewed missions. Rocket Lab takes a crucial step toward reusable rockets by successfully testing the re-entry systems of its Electron booster during its tenth mission. The company reports that this re-entry test goes better than expected, paving the way for future recovery and refurbishment of the rocket.
Spacex completes its 19th Space Station resupply mission, launching 5,200 pounds of experiments and supplies using a brand new Falcon 9 rocket and a previously flown Dragon cargo capsule. Among the delivered equipment is a specialized "robot hotel" for the station's exterior and an upgraded, emotionally intelligent IBM-powered assistant robot named CIMON. This flying assistant returns to the ISS with a new ability to detect and respond to human emotions.
Both SpaceX and Boeing make significant strides in their respective commercial crew programs as the year draws to a close. SpaceX successfully completes its seventh consecutive parachute system test, bringing it closer to the required ten tests needed before launching astronauts. Meanwhile, Boeing finishes a full dress rehearsal for its uncrewed launch, which includes fully fueling the rocket to simulate actual launch day conditions.