Rocket Report: Say cheerio to Orbex; China is getting good at booster landings

Welcome to the latest edition of the Rocket Report, packed with important updates from the world of space launch technology. One of the key highlights this week is the successful launch and precise ocean landing of a subscale version of China's Long March 10 rocket. This achievement marks a significant step forward, showcasing China's rapid advancements in reusable launch systems, and indicates that they are closing the gap with U.S. capabilities. In a more somber development, UK-based launch provider Orbex has announced that it is entering insolvency proceedings. This decision follows the failed acquisition by the European space logistics startup, The Exploration Company. Orbex's statement revealed that all potential fundraising and merger opportunities had come to an unsuccessful conclusion, highlighting the challenges faced by the company after a decade without producing flight-ready hardware. To navigate this difficult period, Orbex has appointed administrators to explore options that could yield the best possible outcomes for its creditors, employees, and stakeholders. This process may involve the sale of the company or its assets, and other UK-based companies, including Skyrora, have shown interest in acquiring parts of the business. On a brighter note, Firefly Aerospace has announced that its next Alpha rocket is gearing up for its launch. The rocket successfully completed a 20-second static fire test, paving the way for a launch attempt scheduled no earlier than February 18 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This marks another step forward for Firefly as it continues to develop its launch capabilities.