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I've come to appreciate boring hotfires. Our BE-7 team recently completed a 2,500 second hotfire test at 10klbf on a development engine, setting the record for the longest-duration turbo pump-fed liquid rocket engine hotfire. This built on some of the most rigorous testing in the history of propulsion, with the previous record set by the RS-25 engine that powered the Space Shuttle. They recorded two 2,017 second tests in 1988. It's not lost on us that we're following a path those engineers blazed, and we're grateful for it. Grab the popcorn and enjoy watching 41 minutes of hotfire goodness.
Rocket Lab Flatellite job listing posted, outlining 'hundreds [of satellites], on rate', as well as a mention for being the 'point of contact for assigned commercial constellation operators' 😏
Long $RKLB 🚀
Another delay for the second Spectrum flight. Isar Aerospace decided not to go ahead with yesterday's launch attempt "after continuing to detect off-nominal behaviour in the vehicle's fluid systems." No new launch date has been announced.
$RKLB Are we observing a Quiet Period between @viasat and @RocketLab?
Correct me if I’m wrong but, I continue to see 🛰️ an interesting pattern forming around $RKLB and $VSAT, adding to the layered continuous relationship between the two companies.
Viasat just won a U.S. Space Force PTS-G Swarm 1 contract, with Rocket Lab named as bus supplier according to @SpaceNews_Inc.
No press release from Rocket Lab.
The press release from Viasat did not mention Rocket Lab.
A small start-up, K2 Space, publicly confirmed and claimed their PTS-G bus provider role for SES (who was also awarded).
The relationship between Viasat and Rocket Lab runs deep:
⚪️2022: Rocket Lab builds L-band radio for Inmarsat
⚪️2023: Viasat acquires Inmarsat
⚪️2024: Viasat picks Rocket Lab for NASA CSP bus
⚪️June 2026: Rocket Lab selected as Viasat's Space Force GEO bus provider
Meanwhile, Viasat + Space42 (UAE) are building Equatys, a 2,800-satellite D2D constellation and are looking for JV partners, or in the very least; a bus/component provider for the constellation.
A company in quiet period negotiations does not put out press releases involving the company they are setting up business with.
No press release from Rocket Lab.
ViaSat’s Press Release did not mention Rocket Lab.
Just speculating. But the dots are connecting. 👀
Let me know if I’ve missed something or what you think.
#RKLB #VSAT #Equatys #Space