Point-to-point rocket cargo delivery development

Hop Aero unveils container-launched cargo rocket

Inversion Space's Ray test vehicle failed to complete its mission due to a deorbit engine malfunction.

In January 2023, Inversion Space's Ray test vehicle failed to complete its intended mission. The failure was attributed to a malfunction in the vehicle's deorbit engine.

The specific cause of the deorbit engine failure was identified as a short circuit that prevented ignition.

Astrobotic bought Masten Space Systems' assets.

In September 2022, Astrobotic acquired the assets of Masten Space Systems for $4.5 million.

The acquisition occurred after Masten Space Systems filed for Chapter 11 in July 2022. At the time, the company was developing its Xogdor vehicle specifically for point-to-point payload transport.

Masten Space Systems filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Masten Space Systems was actively developing the Xogdor vehicle, a craft specifically designed for point-to-point payload transport, prior to its financial restructuring.

The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July 2022. This occurred after Masten Space Systems had conducted more than 600 vertical takeoff and landing flights over a period of 18 years.

The US Air Force awarded SpaceX $102 million to work on the Rocket Cargo concept with Starship.

In January 2022, the US Air Force awarded SpaceX a $102 million contract. This agreement was intended to advance the development of the Rocket Cargo concept through the use of Starship.

The US Air Force Research Laboratory made Rocket Cargo a Vanguard program.

In June 2021, the US Air Force Research Laboratory designated Rocket Cargo as a Vanguard program.