Rocket Report: Indian startup nears first launch; SpaceX marks thousandth milestone

Space publication Ars Technica has issued its latest Rocket Report, providing an overview of the current state of the space industry. The report covers launches of both small and heavy-lift rockets, along with a look ahead at future space endeavors.

Out of the launches initially anticipated for 2026, only one, NASA's Artemis II mission in April, has been completed thus far. Many events previously expected this year have been rescheduled for next, underscoring the persistent delays within the space sector.

The report highlights the successful Swift Boost Mission, a commercial effort to reboost the orbit of NASA's Swift satellite. This mission utilized a Northrop Grumman Pegasus XL rocket, air-launched from a modified L-1011 aircraft over the Pacific Ocean, following prior weather and technical delays.

Additionally, the report previews the next three scheduled rocket launches and includes updates on SpaceX's activities.