Rocket Report: Era of cheap launch is over? Astra sets early 2027 target for return
Summary
Ars Technica’s Rocket Report covers the evolving launch industry, noting SpaceX’s potential wind-down of Falcon 9 for commercial launches, rising costs argued by new entrants, and Astra’s ambition to return to flight with Rocket 4.0 in early 2027. The piece also highlights concerns about space debris, ESA’s Space Environment report, Ariane 6 delays, and new entrants like Space Epoch, framing a “new normal” for launch economics and cadence. It also recaps ongoing demonstrations and upcoming launches, providing a snapshot of the competitive landscape.