Hundreds of Local Space Launches – It’s In the Stars
January 18, 2023 – Historically, a new launch vehicle was introduced every ten or twenty years, but with several companies bringing new gear online, the outlook is for several new systems and hundreds of launches in the next few years.
Relativity Space will be introducing the Terran 1 series of expendable rockets. Most of the components needed are created with 3D printing and the company plans a demo launch from Launch Complex 16 later this year.
United Launch Alliance already flies Atlas and Delta Heavy rockets and plans to bring the Vulcan Centaur into service soon. With up to six solid rocket boosters, the rocket should pack a punch.
Vulcan launch rendering Image Credit: ULA
Artist rendering of New Glenn rocket Image Credit: Blue Origin
The 322-foot New Glenn rocket is slated to launch before the end of the year. Blue Origin wants to follow the initial launch with a second mission within 30 days of the first, so things may get busy.
SpaceX is readying the massive Starship to begin launching missions in 2024. The plan is for dozens of flights a year to deliver satellites, space telescopes and eventually humans to Mars.
Source: Florida Today