Overview
- Artemis II lifted off Wednesday from Florida on a roughly 10‑day crewed lunar flyby with four astronauts aboard.
- PR‑2, which flew its first mission Monday in China, delivered three satellites and proved a modular core, smooth‑wall propellant tanks and a flat‑throw fairing separation.
- Built around a Common Booster Core (a standard first stage that can be bundled to raise lift), PR‑2 targets low‑cost constellation and cargo work with about 8 tons to sun‑sync orbit and 12 tons to low Earth orbit.
- Company filings list a heavier reusable PR‑2 for 2028 and a larger fully reusable PR‑3 for 2030, outlining a path to higher capacity and lower launch costs.
- China’s launch market is adding near‑term supply, with a 2026–27 rideshare slate from a state operator and reports that Tianlong‑3 aims for a Thursday debut.