Rocket Report: Pivotal Starship test on tap, Firefly wants to be big in Japan

In the latest edition of the Rocket Report, anticipation builds for another significant test flight of SpaceX's impressive Starship. Scheduled for 6:30 PM local time in Texas (23:30 UTC) this Sunday, the upcoming mission is crucial, particularly in light of the challenges faced during Flight 9 back in May. Our team will be on-site to provide comprehensive coverage of this pivotal event. Additionally, the report highlights Firefly Aerospace's ambitions to expand its reach into the Japanese market. Recently, Space Cotan Co., Ltd., the operator of Hokkaido Spaceport, announced a memorandum of understanding with Firefly to explore the feasibility of launching its Alpha rocket from this northern Japanese site. Hokkaido Spaceport aims to support various commercial entities, universities, and government organizations by offering launch capabilities across a range of orbital inclinations. Adam Oakes, Firefly's vice president of launch, expressed enthusiasm about the potential collaboration, stating, "We look forward to exploring the opportunity to launch our Alpha rocket from Japan, which would allow us to serve the larger satellite industry in Asia and add resiliency for US allies with a proven orbital launch vehicle." Currently, all of Firefly’s Alpha launches have taken place from Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The company is preparing for its seventh launch, which will be a mission for Lockheed Martin, although the exact date remains unconfirmed as they address issues stemming from the previous launch in April.