NASA continues lunar lander development, while Moonshot Space pioneers electromagnetic acceleration technology
The Artemis II mission has concluded, but the focus now shifts to developing a lander capable of transporting astronauts to the Moon’s surface. NASA is working with two contractors: SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Moonshot Space, an Israeli company, aims to revolutionize space access with its high-power electromagnetic launcher system. This technology could enable cargo deliveries into space at hypersonic speed using electricity instead of chemical fuels.
Rocket Lab has expanded its offerings by adding a high-performance, Hall-effect satellite thruster to its catalog. The company’s production line can manufacture up to 200 xenon-fueled electric thrusters per year.
This technology from Moonshot Space comes with significant challenges, including the potential for extreme accelerations that could damage or destroy satellites. However, the company envisions using this system to shoot raw materials into orbit for in-space manufacturing.
What matters
- SpaceX and Blue Origin make progress on lunar landers
- Moonshot Space to site its first electromagnetic accelerator in Fairbanks, Alaska
- Rocket Lab adds high-performance electric thruster to its catalog of space technologies
Why it matters
Rocket Lab adds high-performance electric thruster to its catalog of space technologies
This GenAI News article was prepared in original wording using reporting and materials published by Ars Technica. Source reference: https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/04/rocket-report-starship-v3-test-fired-esas-tentative-step-toward-crew-launch/.
Drafted by the GenAI News review pipeline.