SpaceX Static‑Fires “Mega Merlin” Cluster for Future Super‑Heavy Booster

SpaceX ignited seven next‑generation “Mega Merlin” engines on historic Pad 36 at Cape Canaveral, generating an estimated 17 million newtons of thrust for 11 seconds. The test article, nicknamed “Starbooster Segment 1,” remained bolted to the stand while cameras captured supersonic shock diamonds rippling down the flame trench. Mega Merlin is a methane‑oxygen derivative of the venerable Merlin 1D, featuring a 2.2‑meter nozzle…

China Reveals Streamlined Long March 9 Design, Targets Crewed Lunar Landing

The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) unveiled revised plans for its Long March 9 super‑heavy rocket, opting for a slimmer, staged‑combustion kerolox core flanked by two methalox boosters. The redesign trims lift capacity from 150 tons to 125 tons in low‑Earth orbit but slashes development complexity and cost. Officials described the change as “mission‑focused pragmatism,” noting that…

Ariane 6 Completes Shakedown Flight, Delivers 11 Payloads to Three Orbits

Europe’s long‑awaited Ariane 6 returned heavy‑lift capability to Kourou, blazing skyward on a mission designed to wring out every element of the new launcher. The hydrogen‑fueled core and twin P120C boosters generated nearly 9 MN of thrust at liftoff, pushing the 62‑meter stack away from the equatorial pad. During the two‑hour flight, the Vinci upper stage executed…