SpaceX revives Falcon Heavy after a year-long hiatus, while Russia’s new Soyuz-5 launch vehicle makes its maiden flight

After a year-long hiatus, SpaceX has revived its Falcon Heavy rocket with the STP-27R mission for the US Space Force. The launch marks the first time the powerful rocket has flown since July 2022. Falcon Heavy is one of the most capable launch vehicles in the world, and its return to service is significant news for…

Meanwhile, Russia’s Soyuz-5, a new variant of the Soyuz family, made its maiden flight from Baikonur Cosmodrome on Wednesday. The Soyuz-5 is designed to carry out a variety of missions, including crewed launches to the International Space Station.

The Pentagon’s Golden Dome initiative has gained momentum with the release of a list of dozen companies developing SBIs (Space-Based Interceptors). These companies will contribute to various aspects of prototype development, including design, testing, and production.

While SBIs are seen as a crucial element of the Golden Dome defense system, officials have expressed concerns about their affordability. Gen. Michael Guetlein, director of the Golden Dome program, has stated that if the SBIs cannot be built affordably, they will not proceed with production.

What matters

• Falcon Heavy returns to service after a year-long absence with the STP-27R mission for the US Space Force
• Russia’s Soyuz-5, a new variant of the Soyuz family, successfully launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome
• The dozen companies developing SBIs for the Pentagon’s Golden Dome initiative will contribute to various aspects of p…

Why it matters

The dozen companies developing SBIs for the Pentagon’s Golden Dome initiative will contribute to various aspects of p…

This GenAI News article was prepared in original wording using reporting and materials published by Ars Technica. Source reference: https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/05/rocket-report-falcon-heavy-is-back-russias-soyuz-5-finally-debuts/.

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