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Rockets

All articles tagged with #rockets

NASA taps Rocket Lab for three Electron launches as SpaceX marks 1,000th Merlin engine
technology8 days ago

NASA taps Rocket Lab for three Electron launches as SpaceX marks 1,000th Merlin engine

Rocket Report mid-year recap: NASA awards Rocket Lab three dedicated Electron launches for 2027 (including PolSIR and TSIS-2); SpaceX hits a milestone with the 1,000th Merlin 1D engine amid a rare SXM-11 GEO mission; other items include India’s Vikram-1 test window, NASA delivering Rosalind Franklin braking engines, Isar Aerospace’s German launch with Planet satellites, Atlas V nearing its final flight as Vulcan approaches readiness, and Blue Origin pad cleanup ahead of return to flight; next launches slated for early July.

Robotic relay to rescue Swift space telescope via Pegasus XL boost
space-exploration28 days ago

Robotic relay to rescue Swift space telescope via Pegasus XL boost

NASA is pursuing a bold robotic mission to rescue the Swift Observatory by using Katalyst Space's LINK servicing satellite to rendezvous with Swift in orbit and boost it back to a healthy altitude, encapsulated inside Northrop Grumman's Pegasus XL air-launched rocket from Wallops Flight Facility; the mission involves four vehicles—the Stargazer mothership, Pegasus XL, LINK, and Swift—and aims to counter Swift's orbital decay to extend the telescope's gamma-ray burst observations, with encapsulation prepped around June 8, 2026.

China’s Long March 12B makes a surprise debut, echoing Falcon 9 design
space1 month ago

China’s Long March 12B makes a surprise debut, echoing Falcon 9 design

China launched its first flight of the Long March 12B rocket from the Jiuquan launch center, sending two satellites for the Qianfan megaconstellation into low Earth orbit. The two-stage, partially reusable booster resembled SpaceX’s Falcon 9 in concept, but the mission did not attempt a booster landing, and the launch occurred without advance airspace notices to the public.

SpaceX's Starship V3 becomes the tallest rocket yet, edging toward orbital refueling
technology2 months ago

SpaceX's Starship V3 becomes the tallest rocket yet, edging toward orbital refueling

SpaceX stacked Starship Version 3 on its Starbase pad, making it the tallest rocket to date. The upgrade features higher-thrust Raptor 3 engines, a new reusable top structure, and three grid fins, positioning Starship for in-orbit refueling tests ahead of Artemis Moon missions. A tentative May 19 launch date hinges on final prep and FAA approval, with operations moving to a new pad and a self-destruct system to be installed.

LeBron leads Lakers past Rockets, sets West semifinal vs Thunder
2026-nba-playoffs-west-first-round2 months ago

LeBron leads Lakers past Rockets, sets West semifinal vs Thunder

LeBron James posted 28 points as the Lakers closed out the Rockets in Game 6 (98-78), riding a sharp 3-point attack and strong defense to reach the West semifinals against top-seeded Oklahoma City, with JJ Redick earning his first playoff series win and L.A. getting a boost from Austin Reaves’ return and improved ball security.

Falcon Heavy Returns as Soyuz-5 Debuts and Amazon Leo Expands
space2 months ago

Falcon Heavy Returns as Soyuz-5 Debuts and Amazon Leo Expands

SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy roars back with a ViaSat-3 mission, capping a week that also saw Atlas V (29 satellites) and Ariane 6 (32 satellites) deploy 61 more Amazon Leo satellites; Russia finally launches its long-awaited Soyuz-5, a Zenit successor, in a suborbital test to mark its first flight and a new era for Russian heavy lift. The U.S. FAA moves to collect commercial launch and reentry fees, Artemis III core stage lands at Kennedy Space Center for stacking, and SpaceStarship remains quiet ahead of a projected May test flight amid ongoing NASA timelines; Blue Origin and other programs also feature in the busy launch cadence.

Redick presses Lakers to clean up turnovers as they head to Game 6
sports2 months ago

Redick presses Lakers to clean up turnovers as they head to Game 6

After a 99-93 Game 5 loss to the Rockets, Lakers coach JJ Redick urged focus on reducing turnovers and fixing defensive misreads, saying the team will review substitution patterns and game plan for a must-win Game 6 in Houston. He noted Houston shot well and that better execution on drives and threes is needed. LeBron James’ streak of 16 straight home playoff wins was snapped in this clinching bid, and Rockets star Durant remains day-to-day with a left ankle bone bruise that could sideline him for weeks as Houston heads into Game 6.

Durant Out for Game 6 as Rockets Chase Historic Comeback
sports2 months ago

Durant Out for Game 6 as Rockets Chase Historic Comeback

Kevin Durant will not play in Game 6 in Houston due to a bone bruise in his left ankle, keeping him out for at least five of six games in the series and likely ruling out a potential Game 7 in Los Angeles. The Rockets won Game 5 on the road without him, getting impactful play from Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun as their defense and half‑court offense improved. Lakers guard Austin Reaves returned with 22 points and six assists off the bench but faded late. Houston still faces a daunting path to history as they attempt to rally from 0‑3, with Durant’s status hanging over the outcome.

Durant Out, Lakers Push to Close Out Rockets in Game 6
sports-nba2 months ago

Durant Out, Lakers Push to Close Out Rockets in Game 6

Los Angeles heads to Houston with a 3-2 series lead and a chance to finish the Rockets in Game 6, despite Kevin Durant being ruled out for Houston. Austin Reaves returns with 22 points in Game 5 to bolster the Lakers’ depth, but Houston has won two straight elimination games and is favored at home, keeping the series competitive. The Lakers also face uncertainty around Luka Dončić’s status for a potential second-round matchup, adding urgency to closing out the series quickly.

Rockets Rally Stuns Lakers, Seize Momentum in Playoff Series
sports2 months ago

Rockets Rally Stuns Lakers, Seize Momentum in Playoff Series

Houston erased a late Lakers lead to beat Los Angeles 99–93 in Game 5, trimming L.A.’s series advantage to 3–2 and flipping the momentum in the first-round series. LeBron James scored 25 but went 0-for-6 from three as the Lakers’ backcourt struggled, while Houston leaned on Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. to fuel a decisive fourth-quarter effort. Durant remained sidelined, and a lockdown Rockets defense and Reed Sheppard’s late steal sealed the win, giving Houston a chance to even the series at home in Game 6.

Rockets stay alive as Lakers stumble in pivotal Game 5
sports2 months ago

Rockets stay alive as Lakers stumble in pivotal Game 5

Los Angeles faltered in a 99-93 Game 5 loss to Houston, with their offense stalling and a spike in turnovers as 3-point shooting cooled. Houston answered with higher intensity and 40 three-point attempts, knocking down seven more threes than the Lakers. Deandre Ayton delivered 18 points and 17 rebounds, LeBron James continued to drive, and Austin Reaves returned with uneven but promising play. The Lakers must adjust—lineup tweaks, Shengün coverage, and better distribution of touches—to avoid a historic 3-0 collapse in Game 6.