Not surprisingly, SpaceXSpaceX is preparing to celebrate the year 2025 with an impressive launch program, including 25 Starship flights and nearly 130 flights for the Falcon family of launch vehicles (Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy). Among the most anticipated missions are a demonstration of an in-orbit transfer of fuel between two starships, as well as at least one unmanned test flight. LoanLoanincluding landing on the Moon and returning to lunar orbit. A fuel transfer mission is scheduled for March, while the first lunar flyby could take place.autumnautumn 2025.
New Horizons in America?
Also, the arrival of Donald Trump as President and the appointment of Jared Isaacman as Chief. NASANASA I can disrupt priorities. The matterThe matter Space exploration, by setting new goals, such as manned missions to Mars in less time than expected. There may also be a question of phasing out manned missions of the SLS, reserving it only for research missions. RoboticsRobotics Far away and the beginning of infrastructure orbitorbit high capacity.
The year 2025 will also mark the launch of Blue Origin’s first flight to New Glen, scheduled for early January. With its height of 95 meters, this launcher is capable of carrying about 50 tons into low orbit and about 13 tons into orbit. Orbit transferOrbit transfer Geostationary This partially reusable launcher is powered by seven BE-4 enginesOxygenOxygen liquidliquid (LOXLOX) and Natural gasNatural gas liquid (LNGLNG). This engine is already capable. It is also used by ULA’s Vulcan launcher, which will make its first flight in January 2024 with the launch of Astrobotic’s Peregrine lunar lander. The second flight of this launcher, in a four-way configuration ThrustersThrustersis planned in the coming months and includes the launch of a cargo version of the DreamChaser spacecraft, developed by Sierra Space. International Space StationInternational Space Station.
The American private sector is at the forefront
Still eagerly awaited for other launches in the US. Let us refer to Astrobotic’s Griffin Lander, which was contracted by NASA as part of the program. Services of commercial lunar payloads (CLPS). The lander will be launched by SpaceX Falcon Heavy. Also note the opening flights of the launchers. NeutronNeutron of Rocket Lab, from Wallops in Virginia, as well as launcher development NovaNova from Stoke Space, with a first flight scheduled for 2026. This launcher is attracting some interest, as it is described as fully reusable with interesting performance, offering 3 tons in low orbit (7 tons otherwise) in its reusable configuration, 2.5 tons in GTO. has been done and 1.2 tons in a translunar orbit.
In Europe, Vega’s return to flight and Ariane 6’s entry into commercial service – including a second launch in a two-person version BoosterBoosterexpected in the coming weeks — bodes well for Western satellite operators, who rely heavily on SpaceX to deploy their payloads. at the end of the year, Aryan 6Aryan 6 will make its first flight in its four-booster configuration. This ramp-up of Ariane 6 will give Europe a chance to catch up with rivals like SpaceX and maintain its competitiveness. Additionally, 2025 will also be a key year to determine the future of Ariane 6 and its successor.
Emerging new space players in Europe
I towards European players new placenew placeSignificant progress is expected for three of them. The first flight of its Maia launcher is planned for 2026 from MaiaSpace’s launch pad SoyuzSoyuz Russian in Kourou, French Guiana, their launches were abandoned after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Latitude is planning the first flight of its Zéphyr microlauncher in 2027, or even 2026. Finally, PLD Space is planning its first flight. The rocketThe rocket Miura 5, later this year, from the Guyana Space Center.
In China, the country continues to strengthen its geopolitical and economic position in the space sector and is nearing a mass launch. The constellationThe constellation Guowang Satellite’s, likewise StarlinkStarlinkwith a target of 13,000 satellites using its CZ-3B launcher. China is strengthening and modernizing its range of launchers, while supporting initiatives by private companies to offer competitive alternatives to the launcher market. Small launchersSmall launchers. Innovation and reuse are emphasized.
Specifically, we expect the first flight of Space Pioneer’s Tianlong 3, a partially reusable launcher capable of launching 17 tons into low orbit and 14 tons for its reusable version. is capable of First flights of LandSpace’s Zhuque-3 launcher are also planned for 2025, in its partially reusable version with a capacity of 21 tons in low orbit.
Protection of Russian space capabilities
As for Russia, despite economic sanctions and the war in Ukraine, it will have carried out 134 launches in 2024, including Vostochny’s first Angara launcher. In 2025, the pace should remain the same. We will also get a chance to come back to the ambitious Indian program that delivers the first flight of the GSLV Mk III with a rescue tower. This launcher, the most powerfulIsroIsrois intended for heavy satellite launch missions as well as manned missions as part of the Gagnon program. The first flight of the launch vehicle, equipped with an escape tower system, is expected in the first half of the year along with an uncrewed orbital test flight of the Gagnon capsule, designed to evaluate ISRO’s manned systems. .
