Rocket Report: Starship Upgrades, New Launch Systems, and Mars Mission Plans

An Israeli launch company, Moonshot Space, plans to construct its first electromagnetic accelerator in Fairbanks, Alaska. This plan follows an agreement with spaceport operator Alaska Aerospace Corporation. Moonshot announced its intentions in December 2023 after raising $12 million. The company is creating a high-power electromagnetic launcher designed to use electricity, rather than chemical rocket fuel, to accelerate payloads to hypersonic speeds.

John Oberst, CEO of Alaska Aerospace, said the agreement demonstrates his company's dedication to supporting innovative projects in the region. Shahar Bahiri, co-founder and chief operating officer of Moonshot, admitted the company's vision is "extremely brave." This kinetic launch method presents significant challenges, such as subjecting payloads to extreme acceleration forces. Moonshot primarily imagines using this system to send raw materials into orbit for manufacturing in space.

Rocket Lab has added to its catalog of space technologies by introducing a new Hall-effect satellite thruster. The company has established a production line that can build up to 200 of these xenon-fueled electric thrusters, named Gauss, every year.

CEO Peter Beck explained the reason behind the new thruster. He noted that while satellite constellations are now common, the propulsion systems required to maneuver these spacecraft have not been reliably available in large quantities. Beck said Rocket Lab is addressing this bottleneck with the Gauss thruster.

This announcement continues Rocket Lab's strategy to become a full-service space manufacturing and technology company. Rocket Lab builds and operates the Electron light-class launcher and is developing the medium-lift, partially reusable Neutron rocket. Through investments and acquisitions, the company now also manufactures satellites, spacecraft components, separation systems, and a hypersonic test vehicle.