Space Industry Update: Cowboy Space Unveils Rocket Plans and Virgin Galactic Progress
Ars Technica's Rocket Report evaluates the emergence of startup Cowboy Space and the relocation of Virgin Galactic's new Delta-class spacecraft.
Startup firm Cowboy Space has released initial specifications for its Big Iron launch vehicle, signaling an entry into the medium-lift space market. While the move aims to capitalize on supply-demand imbalances, the company remains in the early stages of development and has yet to present significant flight-ready hardware compared to more advanced competitors.
In separate industry developments, Virgin Galactic has moved its first Delta-class spacecraft from an Arizona production facility to Spaceport America in New Mexico. The vehicle is slated to begin a test campaign, with commercial suborbital operations tentatively scheduled for the second quarter of 2027.
Virgin Galactic ceased commercial flights of its previous vehicle, VSS Unity, in 2024. The success of the Delta-class program is pivotal for the company’s operational future, though aerospace timelines frequently experience adjustments.