Nasaspaceflight

Terran R, the heavy-lift vehicle currently being developed by Relativity Space, is reaching significant milestones ahead of a potential debut at the end of 2026. Integration of essential subsystems for the rocket’s second stage was recently finalized ahead of its transfer to NASA’s Stennis Space Center for testing. Additionally, structural work on the qualification article for the first stage is complete and is being prepared for testing, while the flight article is advancing through tank and thrust-structure integration.

This week’s launch manifest includes six orbital launches worldwide, including the first Pegasus XL launch since 2021. SpaceX dominates the schedule with three Starlink missions, the Starfall demonstration mission, and the SXM-11 mission — all of which are to fly on Falcon 9. Internationally, a Chang Zheng 7A launched an unspecified payload on Tuesday.

Vast Space’s Haven-1 station is on track to launch in Q1 2027, having achieved several key development milestones in recent weeks. The company also plans to develop high-power satellite buses and has signed several agreements with European countries to support astronaut missions to the International Space Station and Haven-1.

Six orbital launches are scheduled internationally this week. Three Falcon 9 flights are expected from Florida and California, including Transporter 17 and two Starlinks. Internationally, there are two debut rockets on the manifest: Chang Zhang 10B from China and Vikram-I from Skyroot, an Indian aerospace company.

The Space Coast’s rejuvination continues apace, with multiple launch providers advancing new facilities at Cape Canaveral. Construction highlights include Stoke Space’s near-complete pad at LC-14 and Relativity Space’s ongoing work at LC-16 for Terran R.

Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket has had a record stretch through the first half of 2026, driving a sharp rise in launch contracts and revenue, even as the company’s larger Neutron vehicle continues working through a delayed path to its debut.

With the 33 engine static fire completed for Booster 20, SpaceX is pushing hard to fly Flight 13 as soon as possible, with notices popping up for next week and the week after. The final component is the Ship 40 rollout if Booster 20 stays at the launch site.

Just about two months after the first Block 3 Starship flight with Booster 19 and Ship 39, SpaceX is set to launch Flight 13 with Booster 20 and Ship 40, as soon as Thursday, July 16, at 5:45 pm CDT. While this flight is more or less a repeat of Flight 12, there are differences as SpaceX attempts to push the Starship program towards orbit.

The International Space Station’s (ISS) crew grew by three members with the arrival of the Soyuz MS-29 mission on July 14. Earlier, NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Chris Williams wrapped wrapped up critical repairs to Canadarm2 during a spacewalk. Meanwhile, the agency is accelerating plans for commercial successors to the station.

Five orbital launches are scheduled worldwide for this week. In China, a Chang Zheng 6A and Chang Zheng 7A are set to launch two unknown payloads into orbit. Meanwhile, SpaceX has three Falcon 9 launches on the manifest from Florida and California, with two Starlink missions and a classified mission for the National Reconnaissance Office.