Rocket Report: European Rocket Reuse Test Delayed; NASA Tweaks SLS for Artemis II
A potential US government shutdown looms at the end of the month,threatening funding for approximately two dozen NASA science missions. While a february launch for Artemis II remains possible, a prolonged shutdown could jeopardize the timeline. Rocket Lab is seeking to raise up to $750 million through a common share offering to fund progress of its Neutron rocket and spacecraft manufacturing, while Astra aims for a summer 2026 debut of its Rocket 4 vehicle.
Rocket Lab to sell common shares. Rocket Lab announced Tuesday its intention to raise up to $750 million by selling common shares, replacing a previous agreement allowing for up to $500 million in stock sales-of which roughly $396.6 million had already been sold. The new “at-the-market” program will allow periodic share sales through appointed agents to bolster cash reserves for launch services and spacecraft manufacturing. The company’s stock price dropped approximately 10 percent following the proclamation.
Astra targets mid-2026 for Rocket 4 debut. Astra is targeting summer 2026 for the inaugural flight of its Rocket 4 vehicle from Cape Canaveral, Florida. CEO Chris Kemp announced the target at World Space business Week in Paris, citing progress including accomplished testing of a new 42,000-pound thrust engine for the first stage. The first stage will be powered by two of these engines, while the upper stage will utilize a single Hadley engine from Ursa major.
