Rocket Report: How a 5-ton satellite fell off a booster; will SpaceX and xAI merge?

In the latest edition of the Rocket Report, significant developments are unfolding in the aerospace sector. This weekend, NASA is poised to conduct a crucial wet dress rehearsal test for the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket in Florida. This test is vital as it involves fueling the rocket and bringing it to the brink of engine ignition, a necessary step before the Artemis II mission, scheduled for launch no sooner than February 6. Comprehensive coverage of this pivotal test will be provided by Ars. In other news, the UK space industry is experiencing a notable change as British launch company Orbex prepares to sell its operations to The Exploration Company, with the backing of the UK government. This decision marks a significant pivot from early 2025 when the UK was ready to support Orbex in launching British satellites using domestic rockets. The government’s current move raises questions about the company’s viability. What led to this dramatic shift? According to European Spaceflight, UK space officials likely assessed Orbex's technological capabilities and financial situation, concluding that the company faced significant hurdles in achieving orbit, even with additional funding. Furthermore, The Exploration Company's interest in acquiring Orbex may be driven more by the opportunity to secure funding through the UK’s participation in the European Launch Challenge than by confidence in Orbex’s launch capabilities. This development highlights the complexities and uncertainties still present in the evolving landscape of the space industry.