Rocket Report: A new Starship moves to the pad, Iran’s surprise launch

Enlarge / The Electron launch vehicle is ready to soar. (credit: Rocket Lab)

Welcome to Edition 2.41 of the Rocket Report! Lots of news this week, topped by the ascent of the Falcon 9 rocket to the status of "most experienced" rocket now active in the United States. Not bad for a booster that's been flying for less than a decade. We also have news of Iran's surprise launch this week and much more.

As always, we welcome reader submissions, and if you don't want to miss an issue, please subscribe using the box below (the form will not appear on AMP-enabled versions of the site). Each report will include information on small-, medium-, and heavy-lift rockets as well as a quick look ahead at the next three launches on the calendar.

Iran Guard reveals secret space program. Iran's Revolutionary Guard launched its first satellite into space Wednesday, the AP reports. This action dramatically showcased what experts described as a secret military space program that could advance its ballistic missile development amid wider tensions between the Islamic Republic and the United States.