Rocket Report: European rocket reuse test delayed; NASA tweaks SLS for Artemis II

Welcome to the latest edition of the Rocket Report! As we approach the end of the month, uncertainty looms over the U.S. government's operations, with a potential shutdown that could significantly affect various NASA missions. Among these, the science directorate could see several projects halted, a situation that has garnered attention from the White House. Meanwhile, the Artemis II mission appears to be making solid progress, with a February launch seeming feasible—provided that any government closure does not extend for an extended period. As always, we invite our readers to share their insights and encourage subscriptions to ensure you don’t miss any updates. In other news, Rocket Lab has announced plans to raise up to $750 million through the sale of common shares, significantly increasing its previous cap of $500 million. This new initiative replaces an earlier stock sale program under which the company raised approximately $396.6 million. The structure allows Rocket Lab to periodically sell shares via designated agents, aimed at boosting cash reserves for the development of its launch services, including the upcoming Neutron rocket and its spacecraft manufacturing. In addition, Astra has set its sights on a mid-2026 launch for its Rocket 4 vehicle, signaling its return to the launch market. During the World Space Business Week conference in Paris, CEO Chris Kemp shared that the first flight is scheduled for summer 2026 from Cape Canaveral, Florida. He emphasized the advancements the company is making, including tests of a new engine designed for the rocket's first stage, capable of producing 42,000 pounds of thrust, with plans for two of these engines to power the initial stage and a Hadley engine from Ursa Major for the upper stage.