The State of ISAM 2026
The 2026 State of ISAM report breaks the sector into three pillars— in‑space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing—each at a distinct maturity level. Servicing is moving beyond demos with early GEO refueling missions for the US Space Force, yet contracts remain bespoke and government‑driven. Assembly remains conceptual, tied to NASA’s Ignition lunar‑base plans and future orbital data‑center needs. Manufacturing is closest to a commercial market, buoyed by a surge in re‑entry vehicles and the prospect of lower launch costs from Starship.
Czech Radiation Chips on Artemis II Bring ISS Experience
Czech sensor firm ADVACAM is flying six Hybrid Electronic Radiation Assessor (HERA) chips on Artemis II to measure cosmic‑ray exposure for both astronauts and Orion’s electronics. The detectors build on ISS‑tested Timepix technology and will validate the spacecraft’s shielding during the...
Advocates Ready For NASA Science Funding Fight, Part II
NASA faces a proposed $18.8 billion FY26 budget that slashes its science portfolio to $3.89 billion, a $3.4 billion reduction that would eliminate more than 40 missions, including the Mars Sample Return. The cut leaves only modest funding for flagship projects such as...
Starfish Closes $100M+ Series B
Starfish Space announced a Series B round exceeding $100 million, led by Point72 Ventures and co‑led by Activate Capital and Shield Capital, with participation from several other investors. The capital will fund the company’s first full‑scale Otter mission, expand production capacity,...
The State of EO 2026
The Earth observation (EO) market is shifting toward sovereign satellite capabilities as nations seek independent data amid geopolitical tensions, highlighted by recent wars in Ukraine and Iran. Companies such as BlackSky, Vantor, and Planet secured multi‑million‑dollar contracts, with BlackSky alone...
How Earthlings Got Views of the Lunar Fly By
Redwire has equipped NASA’s Orion crew capsule with 11 high‑resolution cameras positioned inside and outside the vehicle. The interior lenses will stream crew window and instrument panel views, while exterior cameras will document key events such as service module separation,...
The State of Satcom 2026
SpaceX Starlink and Amazon Leo are reshaping satellite communications, with Starlink surpassing 10 million users and operating over 10,000 LEO satellites, while Amazon Leo targets service in 100 countries by 2028. Their massive capital, spectrum purchases, and low‑cost launch capability are...
Artemis II Supplier Series: Orion’s Windows
McDanel Advanced Materials, after acquiring Rayotek, will provide every Orion spacecraft window for Artemis II and the next four missions. The windows use a multi‑layer construction that shields against micrometeoroid impacts, radiation, and microbial growth while meeting strict mass limits. McDanel’s...
Insurance Is Commercial Space Nuclear’s Biggest Headache
Commercial space nuclear power faces a critical obstacle: insurance. While reactors remain inert until they reach orbit, insurers are reluctant to underwrite launches involving radioactive material because of uncertain re‑entry risks. Industry leaders argue that government indemnification—through Department of Energy...
Charts Defining the Space Industry in Q1 2026
Q1 2026 saw a robust rebound in the commercial space sector, with launch activity climbing 12% year‑over‑year to 84 missions. Total satellite revenue reached roughly $9 billion, driven by megaconstellations and high‑throughput services. Venture capital poured an estimated $3.2 billion into space...
CLPS Companies Excited For NASA’s ‘Opportunity Bomb’ Lunar Plan
NASA released a draft RFP for CLPS 2.0, outlining a $6 billion budget cap, a ten‑year ordering window, larger landers, and support for lunar‑night power and sample return. The agency aims to begin monthly uncrewed lunar deliveries as early as next year,...
Phantom Space Acquires Thermal Management Technologies
Phantom Space announced the acquisition of Thermal Management Technologies (TMT), a specialist in satellite thermal components, to strengthen its in‑orbit data‑center project called Phantom Cloud. TMT will operate as a Phantom subsidiary with founder Scott Schick remaining as general manager,...
Exclusive: In-Orbit Manufacturing Startup Dispatch Emerges From Stealth
Dispatch, a Y Combinator‑backed startup, emerged from stealth with $500,000 seed funding to develop an uncrewed orbital manufacturing station. The company will use in‑house designed, single‑use reentry vehicles to ferry payloads, starting with a 30 kg test flight in 2027 and...
Antaris Raises $28M Series A
Antaris announced a $28 million Series A round led by WestWave Capital, with participation from Lockheed Martin Ventures and other investors. The capital will accelerate development of its AI‑powered Antaris Intelligence platform, especially the TrueTwin digital‑twin tool that simulates satellite operations before...
Top Space Lawmaker on Moon Base, Artemis Plans
Rep. Mike Haridopolos, chair of the House space subcommittee, voiced strong congressional backing for NASA’s expanded lunar agenda, which includes a permanent Moon base, monthly uncrewed landings beginning in 2027, and a crewed return in 2028. He highlighted Artemis II’s upcoming...
Q&A With Lunar Base Manager Carlos Garcia-Galan
NASA has appointed Carlos Garcia‑Galan as the program executive overseeing its accelerated plan to build a lunar surface base. He outlined a shift in the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program toward tighter NASA‑commercial collaboration and a two‑phase Lunar Terrain...
Starcloud Raises $170M Series A at $1.1B Valuation
Starcloud, a Redmond‑based orbital data‑center startup, closed a $170 million Series A round that values the company at $1.1 billion. The financing, led by Benchmark and EQT Ventures with participation from institutional and angel investors, follows the successful November launch of Starcloud‑1, which...
Lawmakers Question NASA’s Shifting Vision for CLDs
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman unveiled a new plan to transition from the International Space Station to Commercial LEO Destinations (CLDs) by adding a core module that can power and support up to two commercial segments before detaching. Lawmakers on the...
Airbase Emerges From Stealth With $5M to Automate Spectrum Allocation
Airbase announced its emergence from stealth with a $5 million Series A round led by Andreessen Horowitz, joined by Squadra Ventures and Founders You Should Know. The startup aims to automate the Federal Communications Commission’s outdated, manual spectrum‑allocation workflow that relies on...
One-On-One With SDA’s GP Sandhoo
The Space Development Agency’s first operational satellite tranche is running three months behind schedule, as Acting Director Gurpartap “GP” Sandhoo explained. A “strategic pause” was imposed to address a collection of minor technical glitches and a 45‑day government shutdown that...
Symphony Space Unveils Adagio Hosted Payload Platform
Symphony Space introduced Adagio, a reusable hosted‑payload satellite that lets customers swap payloads in orbit via robotic arms and orbital transfer vehicles. The platform targets a $10,000 per kilogram price point—significantly lower than the traditional two‑to‑five‑times higher rates. Symphony aims...
Ramon.Space, Ingrasys Aim To Fly Prototype Orbital Data Center In 2027
Ramon.Space and Taiwan‑based Ingrasys announced plans to launch a prototype orbital data‑center in 2027, with additional flights slated for 2028. The partnership builds on a 2023 agreement to produce radiation‑hardened electronics in high volume, aiming to create scalable computing infrastructure...
Beyond the Rocket: The Digital Infrastructure of the Artemis II Mission
Artemis II will showcase not only NASA’s most powerful launch vehicle but also a modernized digital backbone built by Booz Allen. The contractor is delivering upgraded communications, cloud‑based ground systems, edge‑computing capabilities, and AI tools that let spacecraft operate with limited Earth...
Contrivian Launches New Product Bundling Amazon Leo & Starlink
Contrivian, a California‑based managed connectivity provider, unveiled Contrivian Constellation, a bundled service that merges Amazon Leo and Starlink satellite networks under a single data plan, contract, and IP address. The system leverages the company’s Lighthouse technology to continuously evaluate both...
High Fire Volume Systems: An Alternative to Space-Based Interceptors
Payload Space’s latest analysis highlights high‑fire‑volume missile defense systems as a viable alternative to costly space‑based interceptors. The piece argues that ground‑based rapid‑launch batteries can engage multiple threats simultaneously, reducing reliance on orbital platforms. It cites recent test data showing...
Inside Austria’s Small But Mighty Space Ecosystem
Austria is accelerating its space ambitions, boosting its ESA contribution by 48% to €336 million and commissioning its first military satellite. The Vienna‑based ESA Phi‑Lab is nurturing a wave of startups such as GATE Space, R‑Space and Another Earth, delivering early‑stage...
Portal, Paladin Team On Debris Removal Service
Portal Space Systems and Paladin Space have formed a partnership to launch a Debris Removal as a Service (DRAAS) offering that can capture and dispose of 20‑50 pieces of orbital junk per mission. The solution combines Portal’s maneuverable Starburst spacecraft...
HyImpulse Signs Launch Agreement with SaxaVord
Germany’s HyImpulse Technologies signed a launch service agreement to fly its SR75 hybrid suborbital rocket from SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands, targeting a Q3 2026 lift‑off. SaxaVord, equipped with three pads, telemetry, and a UK Civil Aviation Authority licence...
Apex Signs First Japanese Bus Contract With NEC
Apex Space announced its first Japanese contract, selling an Aries satellite bus to NEC for a 2027 low‑Earth‑orbit optical communications demo. NEC plans to merge its long‑standing payload expertise with Apex’s standardized, rapid‑development platform to accelerate the mission. The deal...
Modified Vulcan Expected to Launch This Summer
United Launch Alliance (ULA) plans to launch its first modified Vulcan rocket this summer, after accelerating pre‑planned upgrades to the engine nozzle and solid rocket boosters. The enhancements aim to improve performance margins and address issues highlighted by a February...
How Congress Can Grow the Space Supply Chain
Demand for satellite constellations, lunar missions and private launches is surging, but the space supply chain lags behind, creating costly delays. The Aerospace Industries Association and PwC released a report outlining gaps and policy fixes, including a two‑way demand‑signaling system...
Viasat’s HaloNet: The Innovation of Reprogrammable Space Crypto
Viasat unveiled a reprogrammable, space‑qualified cryptographic engine for its HaloNet network, allowing post‑launch updates of algorithms, including quantum‑resistant protections. The module secures telemetry, TT&C, TRANSEC and mission data across S‑, L‑, Ka‑ and optical links, while remaining network‑agnostic and low‑SWaP....
A Recap of Payload’s Space Stage
At the Tectonic Defense Summit, Payload launched its inaugural Space Stage, featuring nine panels and two dozen speakers focused on national security and space. CisLunar Industries announced the close of its seed round, marking a shift from prototype to low‑quantity...
Who’s Working With China on Space?
China is rapidly expanding its international space network, now engaging with over 60 countries across Africa, Latin America and beyond. The strategy relies on low‑cost, turnkey packages that bundle satellite design, launch, financing and training, often delivered through state‑owned Great...
ICEYE Smashes Its Own Revenue Projections
ICEYE, the Finnish synthetic‑aperture radar (SAR) satellite operator, posted 2025 revenue above €250 million, more than doubling its 2024 sales and beating its own forecast by 25%. EBITDA topped €100 million and cash on hand exceeded €350 million, underscoring strong profitability and liquidity....
Q&A With Laurent Jaffart, ESA’s Director of Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity
The European Space Agency has launched a new Directorate for Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity (RNC) under Laurent Jaffart, following a historic €22.3 billion budget and a €1.2 billion defense allocation. The RNC will oversee the European Resilience from Space (ERS) programme, aiming...
Mantis Space Emerges From Stealth with $10M Seed
Mantis Space announced its emergence from stealth with a $10 million seed round led by Rule 1 Ventures, supplemented by Montauk Capital and $25 million in state incentives. The startup is developing satellite‑to‑satellite laser power beaming, targeting a prototype payload launch in early...
The Investment Theses Behind Vast and Sierra’s $500M+ Mega Rounds
Vast and Sierra each closed mega‑fundraising rounds exceeding $500 million, marking some of the largest venture capital commitments of the year. The capital will be deployed into deep‑tech sectors where both firms see outsized growth potential, such as AI‑driven data infrastructure...
Anduril To Acquire ExoAnalytic
Anduril Industries announced it will acquire ExoAnalytic Solutions, effectively doubling its space workforce. The deal adds ExoAnalytic’s 130‑plus engineers and a network of over 400 telescopes, enhancing Anduril’s space‑situational‑awareness (SSA) offerings for Department of Defense and Space Force customers. Anduril...
Commercial Space Law Takes Center Stage at DC Moot Court
The American Space Law Foundation will host its inaugural moot court in Washington, D.C., on March 20‑21, where law students will argue a realistic commercial space law dispute. The hypothetical case involves Interra LLC, a fictional megaconstellation operator, challenging an...
Lux Aeterna Closes $10M Seed to Build Reusable Sats
Lux Aeterna, a Colorado‑based startup founded by former Starlink engineer Brian Taylor, closed a $10 million seed round led by Konvoy Ventures to develop its reusable satellite platform Delphi. The 200‑kg demo satellite, built with COTS parts and a NASA‑partnered heat...
Astrobotic Wins Lunar Wheel Contract For Italian Habitat
Astrobotic has won a contract from Thales Alenia Space to build the wheel assemblies for the Italian Space Agency’s Multi‑Purpose Habitation, a driveable lunar habitat designed for a ten‑year mission. The undisclosed‑value deal pairs Astrobotic’s lunar‑mobility expertise with Thales Alenia’s...
Seraphim Space Investment Trust Posts Record Results
Seraphin Space Investment Trust reported record H2 2025 results, with net asset value climbing 20% to £337.5 million and fair‑value multiples exceeding 200% of cost for the first time. The top ten holdings delivered 79% revenue growth year‑over‑year, while more than 85%...
The Promise Of A World of Low Launch Prices Is Still Far Off
The article argues that despite hype around reusable rockets, truly low‑cost launch prices remain elusive. It examines why SpaceX’s sub‑$5 kg target is still out of reach for most customers, citing technical bottlenecks, limited launch cadence, and regulatory hurdles. The piece...
Heritage Foundation Rates Space Force ‘Marginal’
The Heritage Foundation’s 2026 Index of US Military Strength gave the U.S. Space Force a marginal overall grade, citing severe shortfalls in resources, capacity, and readiness for contested space operations. The report highlights deficiencies in communications, weather forecasting, space domain...
Senate Tees Up NASA Reauthorization, Deputy Hearings
The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee will markup the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025, a bipartisan reauthorization bill that extends the International Space Station to 2032 and directs NASA to build a permanent lunar base. A separate hearing...
Space Was ‘First Mover’ In Iran Conflict, Top General Says
U.S. Space Command, alongside USCYBERCOM, launched non‑kinetic operations that disabled Iran’s satellite‑based communications and sensor networks during the opening hours of Operation Epic Fury, which began on Feb. 28. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Dan Caine said these coordinated space‑and‑cyber actions prevented...
Exclusive: Starpath Unveils New Ultra-Thin Space Solar Panels
Starpath Space introduced Starlight Air, an ultra‑thin space solar panel that weighs just 73 g per square meter and sells for about $15 per watt. The panel uses a nanometer‑scale crystalline photovoltaic layer printed on a fabric substrate, delivering the same...
Austria Commissions Its First Military Sat
Austria has commissioned BEACONSAT, its first military‑operated satellite, slated for launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 in February 2027. The one‑year mission will monitor GNSS signals to detect jamming and spoofing, addressing growing navigation interference threats. The project is financed by a...
Inside Starcloud and SpaceX’s Orbital Data Centers FCC Filings
Starcloud and SpaceX have each submitted FCC applications to launch orbital data centers, outlining satellite constellations, orbital parameters, communication architectures, and disposal strategies. The filings reveal Starcloud’s plan for a 120‑satellite low‑Earth‑orbit (LEO) network and SpaceX’s proposal for a 300‑satellite...
