Rocket Report: Nova moving through test campaign; SpaceX IPO launches Friday

Welcome to the latest edition of the Rocket Report, where space exploration updates are front and center. Discussions continue to revolve around the recent loss of the New Glenn rocket and its launch pad, an event that has left a significant mark on the space community. NASA has indicated plans to utilize Blue Origin’s test lander for the Artemis III mission aboard New Glenn, although officials have acknowledged that alternatives like Vulcan and Falcon Heavy are also viable options. We'll keep a close eye on developments as they unfold. In exciting news from the European launch sector, German startup Isar Aerospace has announced a successful closure of a €270 million Series D funding round aimed at accelerating its global operations and increasing its production capabilities. Additionally, the company revealed that their second launch attempt of the Spectrum rocket, which had previously faced delays, is now scheduled for a window between June 15 and June 21. Isar Aerospace is focused on developing the Spectrum, a two-stage rocket capable of transporting payloads of up to 1,000 kilograms to low-Earth orbit. After the initial launch of the Spectrum in March 2025 ended in failure shortly after takeoff, the company’s new funding is a crucial step towards future successes. CEO Daniel Metzler emphasized the challenges of scaling hardware production, stating, "Scaling hardware is arguably one of the most difficult tasks, and one that sets companies apart. This funding will enable us to scale our automated production further." Meanwhile, Stoke Space has made significant progress with its Nova rocket, achieving "proto-qualification" for the first stage at its testing facility in Moses Lake, Washington, earlier this month. This accomplishment is a vital step toward the anticipated launch of the medium-lift Nova vehicle, which is targeted for late 2026. Over a span of three weeks, Stoke conducted 46 structural verification tests on its first-stage flight article, alongside crucial tests of fluid systems, avionics, and ground support systems.