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Rocket Report: FAA Eyes More Starbase Traffic

October 16, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Japan's Martian Moons Exploration mission set to launch on H3 rocket.
Reflect Orbital purchases two launches from India's Skyroot Aerospace.
LEAP targets smallsat launch market with Bighorn rocket.
Rocket Lab delays Neutron launch vehicle debut to 2027.

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Strategic Implications

The selection of Skyroot Aerospace by Reflect Orbital may indicate a growing trend of US companies seeking launch capacity outside the United States, which could suggest concerns about domestic launch capacity. The delay of Rocket Lab's Neutron launch vehicle debut may impact the company's competitive position in the smallsat launch market, which could have implications for the broader launch industry.

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What Happened

India's Skyroot Aerospace Secures US Customer Amid Launch Capacity Concerns

The space industry is abuzz with activity, from Japan’s upcoming Martian Moons Exploration mission to the growing demand for smallsat launch services. Reflect Orbital, a US-based startup, has purchased two launches from India’s Skyroot Aerospace, highlighting the increasing importance of international cooperation in the launch market. Meanwhile, LEAP, a Colorado-based rocket startup, is targeting the smallsat launch market with its Bighorn rocket, while Rocket Lab has delayed the debut of its Neutron launch vehicle to 2027. These developments were reported by Ars Technica.

Source | Originally Published: October 16, 2026

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