Rocket Lab announced its biggest launch services agreement yet: a 20-mission contract with Synspective, a Japanese radar-imaging satellite operator. The deal brings Synspective's total bookings with Rocket Lab to 47 launches, including 13 already flown on the Electron rocket. Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck called the agreement a vote of confidence in the company's launch cadence and reliability.
SpaceX also marked a major milestone this week, with Starship completing its first orbital flight on the 14th attempt. The mission deployed 26 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites, which the source says unlocks significant growth potential for SpaceX's broadband network. The flight had previously come close to orbit but was held back by safety concerns about stranding the vehicle in space.
In other business news, Portugal's Omnidea has acquired the assets and intellectual property of Orbex, the Scottish rocket developer that collapsed earlier this year. Omnidea plans to base its UK operations at Orbex's former facility and hire some ex-Orbex employees, but the source notes the Prime rocket will not be revived. Separately, Canada Rocket Company said it will skip small rockets and pursue a medium-lift vehicle, following advice from engineers that smaller rockets do not reduce development risk.