"Space Updates: Ariane 6 Test Delayed, Virgin Galactic Announces 5th Commercial Spaceflight Date, and More"
SpaceX is pushing for faster launch licensing by the Federal Aviation Administration as it awaits final regulatory approval for its Starship rocket's second flight test, which could occur in the first half of November. Virgin Galactic plans to fly its sixth mission in six months on November 2, continuing its impressive monthly cadence. Small launch companies are struggling to compete with SpaceX's dominant position in the launch market, particularly due to Falcon 9's low prices for rideshare launch opportunities. Representatives from SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic have urged lawmakers to extend the nearly 20-year moratorium on federal safety regulations for commercial human spaceflight missions, as they believe the industry is not yet mature enough for new regulations.