Space & Satellites
SpaceX Super Heavy Booster Achieves New Multi Engine Landing Test
SpaceX’s Super Heavy booster successfully demonstrated a new multi-engine landing burn, advancing reusable rocket technology and lowering launch costs.
SpaceX’s relentless pursuit of rocket reusability reached a new milestone with the recent hover and landing test of its Super Heavy booster. On October 13, 2025, cheers erupted at SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Texas as the Super Heavy booster executed a controlled hover and splashdown over the Gulf of America. This event was more than a spectacle, it was a pivotal step in the evolution of fully reusable launch vehicles, a goal that stands to transform the economics and logistics of space travel.
The significance of this test lies not only in its technical achievement but also in its implications for the future of orbital transport. The Starship system, comprising the Super Heavy booster and the Starship upper stage, is designed to be the world’s first fully reusable rocket. The ability to retrieve and reuse both stages is expected to drastically reduce launch costs and increase mission cadence, opening new possibilities for scientific, commercial, and exploratory missions beyond Earth.
SpaceX’s 11th test flight of the Starship system was particularly notable for its demonstration of a new landing strategy, as well as the transition to next-generation technologies. This article explores the details of this milestone event, the engineering challenges overcome, and what it means for the future of spaceflight.
The October 13, 2025, test was the 11th flight of the Starship system, with the primary objective of validating a new landing burn sequence for the Super Heavy booster. The test began with a launch from SpaceX’s Starbase in Texas, marking a critical moment in the ongoing campaign to develop fully reusable rockets. The Super Heavy booster, which had already flown in a previous mission, was tasked with demonstrating a controlled descent and splashdown using a revised multi-engine landing strategy.
Upon re-entry, the booster initiated its landing burn with the ignition of 13 Raptor engines. This high-thrust phase was designed to decelerate the massive vehicle and align it for the final approach. As the booster neared the surface, the engine count was reduced to five for the so-called “divert phase”, a maneuver intended to fine-tune the trajectory and enhance control. This five-engine configuration represented an increase in redundancy compared to earlier tests, which had relied on just three engines for landing burns.
In the final moments, the booster transitioned to its three central engines and performed a hover over the Gulf of America. This controlled hover, followed by a splashdown, demonstrated the precision and reliability of the new landing sequence. Meanwhile, the Starship upper stage completed its own set of objectives, including deploying satellite simulators and conducting a successful engine reignition in space before splashing down in the Indian Ocean.
“The use of five engines for the divert phase provides additional redundancy, offering a safety margin in the event of an engine shutdown during landing.”
The hover test showcased several technical innovations that are central to SpaceX’s reusability ambitions. The multi-engine landing burn, in particular, is a departure from previous strategies that relied on fewer engines. By starting with 13 engines and tapering down to five, the system gains both power and resilience. This is especially important for vehicles as large and heavy as Super Heavy, where any loss of thrust could compromise the landing.
The increased engine count during the critical “divert phase” is designed to mitigate risks associated with engine failures. In earlier tests, a three-engine landing sequence left little room for error. The new approach, validated in this test, is expected to become the baseline for future missions, including those involving the next-generation “V3” Starship. Beyond the booster, the upper stage’s performance was also notable. The deployment of eight Starlink satellite simulators, a successful in-space Raptor engine reignition, and a dynamic banking maneuver during reentry all contributed valuable data for future operational flights. Each of these achievements reflects SpaceX’s iterative approach to development, where incremental improvements are tested and validated in flight.
SpaceX’s willingness to reuse hardware was also on display. The Super Heavy booster used in this test had previously flown in the 8th Starship test flight, underscoring the company’s commitment to rapid reusability and cost reduction.
The successful hover and splashdown of the Super Heavy booster marked a major accomplishment in SpaceX’s test campaign. The 11th flight built on the lessons learned from earlier missions, including the 10th test in August 2025, which featured the successful deployment of a test payload and an in-space engine relight.
This flight also marked the end of an era, as it was the final mission for the second-generation Starship rocket. With the successful demonstration of the new landing burn strategy, SpaceX is now poised to transition to the V3 Starship, which will incorporate further upgrades to engines, heat shields, and orbital refueling capabilities.
The data gathered from this test will inform not only future Starship flights but also the broader industry push toward reusable rocketry. As competitors and collaborators alike observe SpaceX’s progress, the standards for launch vehicle design and operational efficiency continue to evolve.
“This 11th test flight is a significant step forward in demonstrating the capabilities required for fully reusable orbital-class launch vehicles.”
One of the most profound impacts of SpaceX’s progress with Super Heavy and Starship is the potential for radically reduced launch costs. Full reusability means that both stages of the rocket can be refurbished and reflown, eliminating the need to build entirely new vehicles for each mission. This paradigm shift could make space access more affordable for governments, researchers, and private enterprises alike.
Operationally, the rapid turnaround enabled by reusable vehicles stands to increase launch frequency. This is critical for the deployment of large satellite constellations, such as Starlink, as well as for supporting future lunar and Martian missions. The hover and landing test demonstrated that complex maneuvers can be performed reliably, paving the way for high-cadence operations.
As SpaceX transitions to the V3 Starship, further improvements in heat shielding, engine performance, and orbital refueling are expected. These enhancements will be crucial for deep space missions, including crewed landings on the Moon and Mars, as outlined in various public plans and statements by the company. Despite these achievements, significant challenges remain. Perfecting the landing and reuse of such large vehicles involves complex engineering, rigorous testing, and the management of unforeseen anomalies. Each test flight provides new data, but also exposes the system to potential failures that must be addressed before operational reliability can be assured.
The broader industry has taken note of SpaceX’s progress. Other launch providers are exploring reusability, but none have yet matched the scale or frequency of SpaceX’s test campaign. The company’s iterative approach, test, learn, repeat, has set a new standard for how rapid innovation can be achieved in the space sector.
Expert opinions highlight the importance of redundancy and system robustness. The shift to a five-engine divert phase, for example, reflects an understanding that reliability is as important as raw performance. As the industry moves toward more ambitious missions, including crewed flights and interplanetary travel, these lessons will be critical for ensuring safety and mission success.
The conclusion of the second-generation Starship’s flight campaign signals the beginning of a new chapter. The forthcoming V3 Starship is expected to incorporate lessons learned from previous tests, with upgrades aimed at supporting more demanding missions. Features such as improved heat shields and orbital refueling will be essential for sustained lunar and Martian operations.
The successful hover test also has implications for regulatory and public perception. Demonstrating safe, controlled landings over water builds confidence among stakeholders, including government agencies and commercial partners. As SpaceX continues to push the boundaries, the results of these tests will inform policy and future development across the industry.
Ultimately, the drive toward full reusability is about more than cost savings, it represents a fundamental shift in humanity’s relationship with space. By making access to orbit routine and affordable, SpaceX and its competitors are laying the groundwork for a future in which space is within reach for a much broader segment of society.
“The new landing burn strategy tested in this flight is the planned baseline for the V3 Super Heavy booster, which will feature significant upgrades to engines, heat shields, and capabilities.”
The October 2025 Super Heavy hover and landing test was a landmark achievement for SpaceX and the broader space industry. By successfully demonstrating a new multi-engine landing sequence and controlled hover, SpaceX has taken a critical step toward realizing the vision of fully reusable rockets. This capability promises to lower costs, increase access, and accelerate the pace of space exploration.
As SpaceX transitions to the next generation of Starship vehicles, the lessons learned from this and previous tests will inform the design and operation of future missions. The implications extend far beyond any single company, shaping the trajectory of spaceflight for years to come and inspiring a new wave of innovation across the industry. What was the main objective of the recent Super Heavy hover test? How did the landing sequence differ from previous tests? What are the next steps for SpaceX’s Starship program? Why is rocket reusability important?
SpaceX Super Heavy Booster: A New Era in Reusable Rockets
Engineering the Super Heavy Hover Test
Test Objectives and Execution
Technical Innovations and Redundancy
Mission Outcomes and Next Steps
Broader Implications and Future Prospects
Economic and Operational Impact
Challenges and Industry Response
Looking Ahead: The Next Generation
Conclusion
FAQ
The primary objective was to demonstrate a new landing burn sequence using a multi-engine approach, increasing redundancy and control during the booster’s descent and splashdown.
Unlike earlier tests that used three engines for landing, this test began with 13 engines and transitioned to five for the divert phase, then three for the hover and splashdown, providing greater redundancy and reliability.
SpaceX plans to move to the next-generation “V3” Starship, which will incorporate upgrades to engines, heat shields, and capabilities such as orbital refueling, informed by data from the latest test flights.
Reusability reduces the cost and time required for each launch, making space access more affordable and enabling higher launch frequencies for a wide range of missions.
Sources
Photo Credit: SpaceX
Space & Satellites
NASA Launches Artemis II for First Crewed Lunar Flyby in 50 Years
NASA’s Artemis II mission launched on April 1, 2026, marking the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years with international crew and scientific payloads.
This article is based on an official press release from NASA.
Spurred by American ingenuity, astronauts on NASA’s Artemis II mission are officially in flight. According to a NASA press release, the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket lifted off from Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 6:35 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. This milestone event marks the first crewed lunar flyby in more than 50 years.
The successful launch kicks off an approximately 10-day mission for NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space-Agencies (CSA) astronaut Jeremy Hansen. As we monitor the flight’s progress, the crew is already conducting critical systems tests aboard the Orion spacecraft, which they have officially named “Integrity.”
The SLS rocket, which generates 8.8 million pounds of thrust according to mission data, successfully propelled the Orion capsule into space. About 49 minutes into the flight, the upper stage fired to place Orion into an elliptical orbit. A subsequent apogee raise burn extended the spacecraft’s reach into a high Earth orbit, approximately 46,000 miles beyond Earth, as noted in the official agency release.
“Today’s launch marks a defining moment for our nation and for all who believe in exploration. Artemis II builds on the vision set by President Donald J. Trump, returning humanity to the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years… It marks our return to the Moon, not just to visit, but to eventually stay on our Moon Base,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman in the press release.
The Artemis II crew represents several historic firsts for human spaceflight. Mission profiles highlight that Pilot Victor Glover is the first person of color on a lunar mission, Mission Specialist Christina Koch is the first woman, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen is the first non-American to travel to the Moon.
Following separation from the upper stage, the crew immediately began putting the spacecraft through its paces. According to in-flight updates, Pilot Victor Glover and Commander Reid Wiseman successfully executed a 70-minute manual flight test. They utilized Orion’s onboard Navigation sensors and thrusters to maneuver near the detached Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS), proving the capsule’s handling capabilities for future docking missions.
“Artemis II is a test flight, and the test has just begun. The team that built this vehicle, repaired it, and prepared it for flight has given our crew the machine they need to go prove what it can do,” stated NASA Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya.
Spaceflight is rarely without its hurdles. According to recent mission updates, the crew encountered a minor malfunction with the spacecraft’s Universal Waste Management System, the onboard toilet. Mission Specialist Christina Koch reported a blinking amber fault light, which engineers traced to a jammed fan in the urine collection system. Working closely with Mission Control in Houston, the crew temporarily utilized a backup Collapsible Contingency Urinal (CCU) before successfully troubleshooting the controller issue and restoring normal operations.
In addition to the human crew, the mission carries secondary scientific payloads. The rocket’s upper stage is deploying four shoebox-sized CubeSats from Argentina, Germany, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia to perform scientific investigations in high Earth orbit. If all systems remain healthy, mission controllers will command the translunar injection (TLI) burn on Thursday, April 2. This six-minute firing will slingshot the spacecraft around the Moon on a free-return trajectory. At AirPro News, we view Artemis II as the mandatory proving ground for deep-space human exploration. While this mission will not land on the lunar surface, it is expected to break the human distance record from Earth. By traveling roughly 4,700 miles beyond the far side of the Moon, the crew will surpass the 248,655-mile record set by Apollo 13 in 1970. The successful demonstration of life support, radiation shielding, and manual piloting on this 10-day flight is an absolute prerequisite for Artemis III, planned as an Earth-orbit test of lunar landing procedures, and Artemis IV, targeted for a lunar South Pole landing in 2028. Ultimately, the data gathered during this flyby lays the critical foundation for future crewed missions to Mars.
According to NASA, Artemis II is a 10-day flight test of the Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft’s life support systems with a human crew, laying the groundwork for future lunar landings and deep-space exploration.
The crew consists of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman (Commander), Victor Glover (Pilot), Christina Koch (Mission Specialist), and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen (Mission Specialist).
No. The mission is a lunar flyby on a free-return trajectory. It will travel around the Moon and return to Earth without landing or entering lunar orbit.
A Historic Launch and Early Milestones
Liftoff and Initial Orbit
A Groundbreaking Crew
In-Flight Operations and Troubleshooting
Proximity Operations and Systems Checks
Resolving Early Hardware Challenges
Scientific Objectives and The Path Forward
International Payloads and Translunar Injection
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of Artemis II?
Who is on the Artemis II crew?
Will Artemis II land on the Moon?
Sources
Photo Credit: NASA
Space & Satellites
Slingshot Aerospace on Fast Company’s 2026 Most Innovative List
Slingshot Aerospace recognized by Fast Company in 2026 for AI-driven space defense tech and key U.S. Space Force contracts.
On March 24, 2026, Slingshot Aerospace announced its inclusion in Fast Company’s annual “World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2026” list. The company was specifically recognized within the Defense Tech category, highlighting its ongoing development of artificial intelligence-powered solutions for the space sector.
According to the official press release, the recognition centers on Slingshot’s pioneering role in Space Operations Intelligence & Autonomy (SOIA). The company provides specialized platforms that assist government, defense, and commercial partners in tracking, interpreting, and responding to activities within an increasingly complex orbital environment.
This is not the first time the publication has highlighted the firm’s technological advancements. In 2024, Slingshot Aerospace was ranked No. 48 on Fast Company’s overall “World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies” list and was featured prominently in the Space category. We at AirPro News note that this latest accolade follows a series of significant defense contracts and security certifications achieved by the company over the past two years.
Slingshot Aerospace has positioned itself as a category creator and leader in SOIA. The company’s core mission involves transforming disparate space data into a unified, common operating picture to strengthen both space-based defense and commercial capabilities.
To achieve this, the company relies on its proprietary infrastructure. According to the provided company data, the Slingshot Global Sensor Network operates a resilient, distributed space object tracking system comprising over 200 daytime and nighttime optical sensors. These sensors are distributed across more than 20 sites globally.
This hardware network feeds directly into the Slingshot Platform, which utilizes advanced space object tracking, artificial intelligence, astrodynamics, and data fusion. The resulting dynamic operational pictures are used for training, planning, and live mission execution by high-profile clients, including Department of Defense (DoD) agencies such as the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Air Force, and DARPA, as well as civil agencies like NOAA and NASA.
The Fast Company award in the Defense Tech category is underpinned by several major operational and financial developments between 2024 and 2026. On January 15, 2026, Slingshot secured a $27 million contract with the U.S. Space Force. The company stated this funding is directed toward modernizing scenario training for space warfare. As part of the Space Force’s Operational Test and Training Infrastructure (OTTI) program, Slingshot is integrating an autonomous, AI-powered agent named “TALOS.” This system realistically imitates satellite behavior and machine-speed adversaries to help Guardians train in a digital environment that mirrors modern orbital threats.
Other notable agreements include a January 2025 selection by the Space Force to provide technology specifically designed for detecting GPS jamming and spoofing threats. Additionally, in December 2024, the company was awarded a $13.3 million contract by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop the user interface for the Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS).
On February 24, 2026, the company achieved Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2. This certification validates Slingshot’s capability to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) for DoD missions, allowing the secure deployment of its AI-powered tracking capabilities within highly sensitive defense environments.
“This achievement represents more than a compliance milestone for Slingshot Aerospace. It reaffirms our deep-rooted culture of excellence and our unwavering commitment to protecting the critical data that underpins U.S. and allied space missions,” said Tim Solms, CEO of Slingshot Aerospace, in the company’s release. The inclusion in the 2026 Fast Company list reflects broader organizational growth and a strategic focus on actionable intelligence in contested environments.
“This award reflects the powerful combination of Slingshot’s innovative culture, our talented and empowered team’s creativity, the visionary leadership of our co-founders, and strong investor support. It underscores our commitment to delivering AI solutions that fuse data into actionable insight, enabling faster decisions and confident action in today’s contested space environment,” Solms stated regarding the Fast Company recognition. We observe that Slingshot Aerospace’s transition from commercial space traffic coordination to advanced, AI-driven counterspace training and threat detection aligns closely with broader geopolitical and aerospace trends. The militarization of space has accelerated, with near-peer adversaries advancing autonomous space capabilities and adopting real-time maneuver tactics.
Industry data indicates that as of early 2024, there were over 8,300 active satellites in orbit, a number that continues to grow rapidly due to commercial mega-constellations. Helping operators avoid collisions and dodge space debris has become a critical sector of the space economy. Slingshot’s focus on autonomous space capabilities directly addresses the DoD’s urgent need to monitor and respond to threats in this vital warfighting domain, bridging the gap between commercial space technology and national security.
What category did Slingshot Aerospace win in Fast Company’s 2026 list? What is the Slingshot Global Sensor Network? What is the TALOS AI agent? Sources: Slingshot Aerospace
Slingshot Aerospace Named to Fast Company’s 2026 Most Innovative Companies List
Pioneering Space Operations Intelligence
Global Sensor Network and AI Integration
Recent Milestones Driving the 2026 Recognition
Major Defense and Civil Contracts
Security and Compliance Achievements
Leadership Perspectives on Innovation
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Slingshot Aerospace was recognized in the Defense Tech category for 2026.
It is a distributed space object tracking network comprising over 200 daytime and nighttime optical sensors located across more than 20 sites globally.
TALOS is an autonomous AI agent developed by Slingshot Aerospace to imitate satellite behavior and adversaries for U.S. Space Force training. Its integration is funded by a $27 million contract awarded in January 2026.
Photo Credit: Slingshot Aerospace
Space & Satellites
Pulsar Fusion Achieves First Plasma in Sunbird Fusion Rocket System
Pulsar Fusion successfully demonstrates first plasma in its Sunbird nuclear fusion rocket exhaust, advancing deep-space propulsion technology.
UK-based space propulsion Startups Pulsar Fusion has successfully achieved “first plasma” in its Sunbird nuclear fusion rocket exhaust system, marking a critical milestone in the development of next-generation deep-space travel. In a company press release, Pulsar Fusion announced that the successful test represents the first physical demonstration of plasma confinement within a nuclear fusion exhaust architecture designed specifically for spaceflight.
The breakthrough was showcased live during a dedicated technical session at Amazon’s MARS Conference in Ojai, California. According to the official release, the demonstration offers a glimpse into a future where interplanetary transit times could be drastically reduced, potentially revolutionizing how humanity explores the solar system.
The historic test was conducted by Pulsar Fusion scientists at the company’s headquarters in Bletchley, United Kingdom, and live-streamed to an audience of astronauts, Nobel laureates, and robotics experts at the MARS Conference. In the press release, the company detailed that the experiment utilized a combination of powerful electric and magnetic fields to guide and accelerate charged particles through the exhaust channel.
For this initial series of tests, the engineering team selected krypton gas as the propellant. The official release notes that krypton was chosen due to its relatively high ionization efficiency and inert characteristics at the mass flow rates required for early-stage testing. By successfully generating and confining the superheated plasma, Pulsar Fusion has cleared a major initial hurdle in harnessing fusion power for propulsion.
Current spacecraft rely heavily on chemical propulsion, which provides high thrust but low exhaust velocities, or Electric-Aviation propulsion, which offers high efficiency but very low thrust. Fusion propulsion aims to deliver both. According to the company’s press release, the Sunbird Migratory Transfer Vehicle is designed to provide continuous high-thrust propulsion for faster and more efficient travel.
Industry estimates reported by Gizmodo suggest that Pulsar Fusion’s Dual Direct Fusion Drive (DDFD) engine could achieve a remarkably high specific impulse of 10,000 to 15,000 seconds. Furthermore, according to World Nuclear News, the system is designed to generate 2 megawatts of power, providing both continuous thrust and electricity to run spacecraft systems upon arrival at a destination. With this technology, a fusion rocket could theoretically reach speeds over 500,000 miles per hour, according to reporting by Payload Space. This would allow spacecraft to cut the transit time to Mars by half and potentially reach Pluto in just four years, as outlined by World Nuclear News.
Following the successful first plasma test, Pulsar Fusion plans to gather detailed performance data, including thrust and exhaust velocity measurements, to plan the first official Sunbird mission. The press release outlines upcoming hardware upgrades, including the transition to rare-earth, high-temperature superconducting magnets. These magnets will enable stronger magnetic fields, allowing the team to explore higher plasma density and pressure conditions. To maximize the operational lifespan of the Sunbird engine, Pulsar Fusion has also partnered with the UK Atomic Energy Authority. According to the release, this collaborative research program will study the effects of neutron radiation on reactor walls and magnets, a primary cause of wear in fusion systems. Ultimately, the company aims to transition to aneutronic fusion fuel cycles, utilizing Deuterium and Helium-3. Pulsar Fusion is targeting an in-orbit demonstration of the system’s core components by 2027, with hopes for a production-ready vehicle in the early 2030s, according to timelines published by World Nuclear News.
The successful ignition of plasma in a fusion exhaust system represents a monumental engineering feat, but the road to a flight-ready nuclear fusion rocket remains long. Operating an engine at temperatures hotter than the sun’s core requires materials and containment systems that push the boundaries of current material science. However, the economic incentives are substantial.
“With the space economy projected to exceed $1.8 trillion by 2035, faster in-space transport isn’t just a scientific goal; it’s an economic one.”
, Pulsar Fusion statement, as cited by The Independent
This statement highlights the commercial viability of the project. If fusion propulsion can be mastered, we believe it will not only reduce the health risks for astronauts by shortening their exposure to deep-space radiation and microgravity but also enable rapid cargo delivery and asteroid mining missions that are currently unfeasible with chemical rockets.
In nuclear fusion, “first plasma” refers to the initial successful generation and confinement of superheated, ionized gas (plasma) within a reactor or exhaust system. It is a critical proof-of-concept milestone for fusion technology.
According to industry reports, the Sunbird nuclear fusion rocket could theoretically reach speeds exceeding 500,000 miles per hour, drastically reducing travel times to destinations like Mars and Pluto.
Pulsar Fusion plans to conduct an in-orbit demonstration of the system’s core components in 2027, with the goal of having a production-ready Sunbird vehicle operational in the early 2030s.
Demonstrating the Sunbird Exhaust System
Live from Bletchley to California
Redefining Deep-Space Propulsion
Speed and Efficiency Upgrades
Next Steps and Challenges
Upgrades and In-Orbit Testing
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “first plasma”?
How fast could the Sunbird rocket travel?
When will the Sunbird rocket launch?
Sources
Photo Credit: Pulsar Fusion
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