This week's Rocket Report highlights significant launch contracts and regulatory developments. Rocket Lab secured its largest contract to date, a $266 million deal with the US Space Force for 12 suborbital launches using its Electron rocket, with options for six more, primarily from a new site in Alaska starting in late 2026.

SpaceX was awarded two task orders totaling $1.6 billion for 18 Falcon 9 launches supporting the Space Force's Space Based Sensing and Targeting portfolio, all launching from Vandenberg Space Force Base by the end of 2027. Meanwhile, Rocket Factory Augsburg delayed its RFA One debut launch due to an issue discovered during testing.

The Department of Transportation is proposing to exempt commercial space launch licensing from several environmental regulations, including the National Environmental Policy Act, a move supported by industry but opposed by environmental groups. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg indicated that the Starliner spacecraft's redesign is progressing well, with a potential launch this year.