Recent Posts
News•Feb 25, 2026
The Future of Astronomy Is Both on Earth and in Space
The American Astronomical Society’s presidents rebut a recent call to move astronomy entirely off Earth, arguing that ground‑based observatories remain indispensable. They note that space telescopes, while transformative, are expensive, mission‑specific and unserviceable after launch. In contrast, terrestrial facilities can be upgraded, host larger apertures, and respond quickly to transient events. The statement urges coordinated policy and industry mitigation rather than abandoning the night sky, emphasizing shared stewardship of both ground and orbital environments.
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 25, 2026
In Space Traffic Coordination, the Biggest Challenge May Be Coordination
Satellite operators are increasingly unable to reach each other to avoid collisions, prompting the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs to intervene in two recent incidents involving U.S., Chinese, Malaysian, and North Korean assets. The lack of reliable contact...
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 25, 2026
OQ Technology Secures $30 Million From Europe for Satellite-to-Smartphone Expansion
Europe’s Investment Bank is providing €25 million (≈$30 million) to Luxembourg‑based OQ Technology to expand its direct‑to‑device satellite constellation. The debt will fund the launch of more than 20 small satellites, including OQ’s first C‑band satellite aimed at smartphone connectivity slated for...
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 24, 2026
A Banner Year for Military Space Funding— with an Unclear Path Beyond
Funding for the U.S. Space Force in fiscal 2026 climbs to roughly $42 billion, while total Department of Defense space spending is estimated at $57.7 billion after the One Big Beautiful Bill Act injected $13.8 billion of mandatory reconciliation money. The bulk of the new dollars support...
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 24, 2026
The Commercial Space Federation Releases New White Paper “Perfecting Public-Private Partnerships”
The Commercial Space Federation (CSF) released a new white paper titled “Perfecting Public‑Private Partnerships: The Future of Government Space Contracts.” Authored by Rational Futures, the report offers a playbook for government buyers to maximize outcomes on space PPPs, stressing that...
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 24, 2026
At Colorado Space Firms, Hegseth Casts Pentagon Bureaucracy as the Enemy
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth used a Colorado stop at True Anomaly and Sierra Space to denounce the Pentagon’s acquisition bureaucracy as a "giant swamp" that favors entrenched prime contractors. He framed commercially driven space firms as essential antidotes that...
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 24, 2026
Sophia Space Claims $10 Million in Seed Round
San Francisco‑based startup Sophia Space announced a $10 million seed round led by Alpha Funds, KDDI Green Partners Fund and Unlock Venture Partners. The capital will fund development of its proprietary orbital computing module, called Tile, and associated thermal‑control technology. Tile...
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 24, 2026
Boeing Demonstrates Large Language Model for Space-Grade Hardware
Boeing Space Mission Systems engineers have proven that a large language model can run on commercial off‑the‑shelf hardware and interpret satellite telemetry in natural language. The lab‑based test showed the model can generate human‑readable health reports, reducing latency compared with...
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 24, 2026
Meink, Saltzman Make Case for Space Force Expansion
U.S. Space Force Secretary Troy Meink announced a push for sustained expansion as mission sets broaden, citing the need for more personnel and specialized skills. A key immediate step is enlarging the Space Warfighting Analysis Center to guide force design...
By SpaceNews
Deals•Feb 24, 2026
Sophia Space Raises $10M Seed Round to Accelerate Orbital Data Centers
Sophia Space announced a $10 million seed round led by Alpha Funds, KDDI Green Partners Fund and Unlock Venture Partners. The funding will accelerate development of its space‑based edge computers and orbital data centers, including the Tile compute module. The round...
SpaceNews
News•Feb 23, 2026
AST SpaceMobile Wins $30 Million Contract for Military Broadband Demo
The Space Development Agency awarded AST SpaceMobile a $30 million firm‑fixed‑price contract to demonstrate its BlueBird satellite constellation can deliver resilient, low‑latency broadband directly to military radios. The "Europa" phase of the HALO program requires AST to complete a series of...
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 23, 2026
Israeli Startup Targets the Economics of High-Resolution Earth Observation
Israeli startup Remondo announced its Partial Aperture Imaging System (PAIS), a technology that promises sub‑30 cm resolution from small 12U‑16U cubesats. The company has secured $20 million in private and government funding and targets a first orbital demonstration in 2027. PAIS replaces...
By SpaceNews
Deals•Feb 23, 2026
Israeli Startup Remondo Raises $20M to Develop High‑resolution Small‑satellite Imaging
Remondo, an Israeli space startup, announced it has raised $20 million from private investors and Israeli government grants to develop its partial aperture imaging system (PAIS) for high‑resolution Earth observation from small satellites. Investors include 10D, Ace Capital Partners, 2i, Chartered...
SpaceNews
News•Feb 22, 2026
German Defense Firm Said to Be Weighing Bid for Mynaric
Rheinmetall, Germany's largest defence contractor, is weighing a bid for Munich‑based laser‑communications maker Mynaric, potentially derailing Rocket Lab's announced $150 million acquisition. The move reflects Europe’s push to keep critical aerospace and optical‑link technology under domestic control amid heightened scrutiny of...
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 21, 2026
Bruno Says He Joined Blue Origin to Work on ‘Urgent’ National Security Projects
Tory Bruno, former ULA chief, left the company to become president of Blue Origin’s new national‑security group, citing an urgent need for dynamic space operations and missile‑defense capabilities. He believes ULA’s Vulcan rocket is now mature, allowing him to focus...
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 20, 2026
Boeing to Boost Production of Missile-Tracking Sensors for Military Satellites
Boeing has opened a 9,000‑square‑foot production facility at its El Segundo campus to manufacture electro‑optical infrared (EO/IR) sensors for U.S. military satellites. The plant will support Millennium Space Systems’ near‑$1 billion contract portfolio, including 12 missile‑warning satellites and a $414 million award...
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 18, 2026
Why GPS III, and What Comes After It, Still Falls Short in Modern War
The United States is completing its GPS III constellation, the most extensive PNT upgrade in a decade, delivering higher accuracy, stronger signals and improved anti‑jam features. Analysts argue that while GPS III and the upcoming GPS IIIF add incremental resilience, they do not...
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 18, 2026
Vantor Partners with Google AI to Automate Intelligence Reports for Government Agencies
Vantor, a commercial Earth‑observation satellite operator, announced a partnership with Google to run Google Earth AI models inside classified, air‑gapped government networks. The AI will automatically generate text‑based intelligence reports from Vantor’s own, third‑party, or sovereign imagery, cutting analysis time...
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 18, 2026
SpaceX Unveils Space Traffic Management System
SpaceX announced Stargaze, a space‑situational awareness platform that leverages star‑tracker cameras on its nearly 10,000 Starlink satellites to collect about 30 million observations per day. The system generates near‑real‑time conjunction data messages and will be offered free to all satellite operators...
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 18, 2026
UK Caps Launch Liability in Timely Boost for Nascent Domestic Market
On February 18, the UK enacted a €60 million liability cap for launch operators under the Space Industry (Indemnities) Act 2025, replacing the previous unlimited exposure. The cap, which must be included in launch licences, is intended to make the nascent UK...
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 17, 2026
Simera Sense to Offer Larger Cameras and Enhanced Autonomy
Simera Sense, a Belgian Earth‑observation camera maker, is moving beyond its cubesat‑focused xScape100 and xScape200 lines to develop higher‑resolution optical payloads for larger satellites. The new standardized payloads aim to deliver sub‑one‑metre ground‑sample distance imagery, with first deliveries slated for...
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 17, 2026
Global Leaders Meet at Space-Comm Expo in London to Accelerate Future of European Space Industry
Space‑Comm Expo Europe, the continent’s largest space gathering, will take place on 4‑5 March at ExCeL London, drawing over 5,400 delegates, 250 exhibitors and 200 speakers from 50 nations. The event arrives as Europe seeks to leverage the successful Ariane 6 launch...
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 17, 2026
Leonardo Funding Development of Earth Observation Constellation
Leonardo is investing roughly €500 million to develop a 20‑satellite Earth observation constellation slated for launch in 2027‑28. The system will combine high‑resolution optical, synthetic‑aperture radar and communications payloads, built by Thales Alenia Space using its NIMBUS modular bus. The project...
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 16, 2026
The Space Nuclear Power Bottleneck — and How to Fix It
Nuclear power is poised to transform U.S. deep‑space and lunar missions, with NASA targeting a nuclear propulsion test by 2028 and a surface fission reactor on the Moon by 2030. While reactor designs and fuel supplies are mature, the real...
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 16, 2026
Low-Profile Chinese Launch Firm Conducts First Stage Static Fire
Zenk Space performed a first‑stage static‑fire test of its Zhihang‑1 rocket on Feb. 11 from a mobile sea platform off Shandong, confirming engine ignition and thrust stability. The 50‑metre, three‑stage vehicle uses four CASC‑developed YF‑102 kerolox engines and can deliver 4,000 kg...
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 16, 2026
Isaacman Planning to Meet with Head of Roscosmos
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced he intends to attend the upcoming Soyuz MS‑29 crewed launch from Baikonur this summer, marking the first time a NASA chief will be present at a Russian launch since 2018. He also plans to meet with...
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 13, 2026
Senate Committee Advances FCC Satellite Licensing Bill After Changes
The Senate Commerce Committee voted to advance a revised Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act, softening the original bill's automatic‑approval clause for satellite licenses. The amendment, crafted by Ranking Member Maria Cantwell and Chairman Ted Cruz, requires the FCC to develop...
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 13, 2026
Startup Bets on New Approach to Space-Based Missile Defense
California startup Wardstone has closed a $5 million seed round to develop space‑based kinetic interceptors. The company plans to test its first prototype on a suborbital sounding rocket in late April, employing a novel “buckshot” particle‑cloud approach to counter hypersonic missiles....
By SpaceNews
Deals•Feb 13, 2026
ISpace Raises $729M in Record Fundraising Round for Reusable Rockets
China’s iSpace, a leading launch firm, announced a record $729 million fundraising round to develop reusable rockets. The capital injection marks the largest raise for a Chinese space launch company to date, underscoring growing investor interest in the country's space...
SpaceNews
News•Feb 10, 2026
Satellite Manufacturers See Emerging Market for ‘Mini-Constellations’
Small‑sat manufacturers are reporting a surge in interest for “mini‑constellations” ranging from a handful to a few hundred satellites, aimed at governments and enterprises that want tailored services without relying on megaconstellations like Starlink. Executives at the SmallSat Symposium highlighted...
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 10, 2026
Laser-Linked Satellite Networks Moving From Concept to Capability
Laser‑linked satellite constellations are transitioning from theory to operational capability, highlighted by Kepler Communications' recent deployment of ten optical‑relay satellites. The network pairs high‑capacity laser terminals with on‑orbit computing, allowing hosted payloads—such as OroraTech's wildfire‑monitoring sensors—to stream thermal data in...
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 10, 2026
Australia Space Innovation Institute Applies Space Technologies to Address Terrestrial Challenges
The Australasian Space Innovation Institute (ASII) launched in January, inheriting intellectual property from the SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre as its $270 million, six‑year Australian government funding cycle ends in June. ASII will act as a not‑for‑profit backbone for Australia’s sovereign space...
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 10, 2026
ULA Seeks to Rebuild Launch Cadence After CEO’s Exit
United Launch Alliance announced the departure of longtime CEO Tory Bruno after a 12‑year tenure, appointing former Boeing executive John Elbon as interim chief. Elbon stressed that ULA’s strength lies in its 3,000‑person engineering and production workforce rather than any...
By SpaceNews
Social•Feb 10, 2026
Veteran Aerospace Exec Leads NASA
After 23 years with Royal Canadian Air Force, and positions at the Satellite Industry Association and Astroscale, Charity Weeden was appointed associate administrator to lead NASA’s Office of Technology, Policy and Strategy in September 2023. She worked there until OTPS...
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 10, 2026
Non-Venture Space Startup Investment Hits Post-SPAC High
Non‑venture investment in space startups surged to a record $10 billion in 2025, the highest level since the 2021 SPAC boom, driven primarily by traditional IPOs and expanding debt financing. Venture capital also rose to $8.6 billion, up from $7.3 billion the prior...
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 10, 2026
Apolink and Galaxia Team up to Improve Planned Data Relay Capability
Apolink and Canadian startup Galaxia have announced a collaborative study for a 2027 nanosatellite aimed at enhancing Apolink's in‑orbit data relay services. The partnership will explore mission definition, system design, and RF link development to push downlink speeds from kilobits...
By SpaceNews
Social•Feb 9, 2026
Europe Needs Will to Achieve Sovereign Space Intelligence
There’s a way forward for sovereign European space intel, but is there the will? https://t.co/XDdwupELW0 https://t.co/WjgzvswSML
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 9, 2026
There’s a Way Forward for Sovereign European Space Intel, but Is There the Will?
German intelligence leaders are urging the creation of a European spy network to curb reliance on U.S. satellite intelligence after Washington halted data sharing with Ukraine. Europe currently operates only 17% of NATO’s military satellites, leaving a capability gap that...
By SpaceNews
Social•Feb 8, 2026
SpaceX Proposes Million‑satellite Orbital Data Center Network
In a filing with the FCC late Jan. 30, SpaceX proposed an orbital data center constellation of up to one million satellites in low Earth orbit. The satellites would operate at altitudes between 500 and 2,000 kilometers, in 30-degree and...
By SpaceNews
Social•Feb 8, 2026
SpaceX Acquires xAI to Build Orbital Data Centers
In a statement Feb. 2, SpaceX said it acquired xAI, which develops artificial intelligence technologies and operates the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, as part of its efforts to develop orbital data centers. https://t.co/NxQmbWiybc
By SpaceNews
Social•Feb 8, 2026
Blue Origin Pauses New Shepard Flights for Lunar Focus
Blue Origin announced Jan. 30 that it will halt flights of its New Shepard suborbital vehicle for at least two years as it shifts its focus to human lunar exploration. https://t.co/tQGS3qMWtt
By SpaceNews
Social•Feb 7, 2026
House Science Committee Unanimously Advances NASA Reauthorization Act
The House Science Committee voted 37-0 to favorably report the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026, sending it to the full House for consideration after adopting dozens of amendments. The legislation largely reaffirms existing NASA programs and policies. https://t.co/4Km1g6A5Rs
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 7, 2026
SpaceX IPO Could Drive Investor Interest in Other Space Companies
Investor Kirk Konert said a potential SpaceX IPO this summer could unlock unprecedented capital for the space sector, with the launch expected to raise tens of billions at a valuation above $1.5 trillion. Recent IPOs of Firefly Aerospace and York Space...
By SpaceNews
Social•Feb 7, 2026
China to Test Mengzhou Abort, Advancing 2030 Moon Goal
China appears set for an in-flight abort test of its new-generation Mengzhou spacecraft next week in a key step for the country's human spaceflight plans. The demonstration will be a crucial step in China's plans to attempt to land astronauts...
By SpaceNews
Social•Feb 7, 2026
Space Force Grants $54.5M for GEO Servicing Vehicle
Space Force awards $54.5 million contract to Starfish Space for GEO servicing vehicle https://t.co/EDgpAh3l68 https://t.co/2B7dPXaZFG
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 7, 2026
Space Force Awards $54.5 Million Contract to Starfish Space for GEO Servicing Vehicle
The U.S. Space Force awarded Starfish Space a $54.5 million contract to build and operate its Otter space‑tug for geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) missions. The five‑year contract, with two optional extension years, covers manufacturing, testing, launch and on‑orbit commissioning of a...
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 7, 2026
China Launches Reusable Spaceplane on Fourth Secretive Orbital Mission
China launched its experimental reusable spaceplane for the fourth time on Feb. 7 using a Long March 2F T rocket from Jiuquan. The mission, shrouded in secrecy, will conduct technological verification and likely repeat satellite releases and rendezvous operations seen in earlier flights....
By SpaceNews
News•Feb 6, 2026
‘People Knew that They Could Come to Us to Figure Out How to Get Things Done.’
In 2025, the federal space workforce shrank by 13%, with 322,000 civil servants leaving, marking the steepest post‑World‑War II decline. The interview with Shawn Phillips, a 27‑year veteran of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Rocket Propulsion Division, illustrates this exodus as he...
By SpaceNews
Social•Feb 5, 2026
Space Force Must Adapt to Crowded, Contested Frontier
The future of the Space Force in a competitive, congested and contested space environment https://t.co/mdoxUaVypX https://t.co/0CobrnTYUE
By SpaceNews
Deals•Feb 5, 2026
Morpheus Space Secures $15M Series A+ Funding Led by Alpine Space Ventures
Morpheus Space announced a $15 million Series A+ funding round on Feb. 5, 2026, led by Alpine Space Ventures. The round also included the European Investment Fund, Lavrock Ventures, Morpheus Ventures, Pallas Ventures and Vsquared Ventures. The capital will be used to scale...
SpaceNews
Deals•Jan 28, 2026
Space Asset Acquisition Corp. Raises $200M in IPO, Begins Trading on Nasdaq
Space Asset Acquisition Corp., a SPAC targeting the global space economy, priced its initial public offering at $10 per unit, raising $200 million, and started trading on Nasdaq under the ticker SAAQU on Jan. 28, 2026. The offering was underwritten by BTIG. The...
SpaceNews
Deals•Jan 22, 2026
D-Orbit Secures $124M in Series D Funding to Expand Orbital Logistics
Italian space logistics specialist D-Orbit announced it has closed the first tranche of its Series D round, raising $124 million. The capital will fund strategic acquisitions, expand its orbital logistics infrastructure, and scale in‑orbit transportation services. The round was announced...
SpaceNews
Deals•Jan 20, 2026
Gilmour Space Raises $146 Million in Series E Funding Round
Australian launch vehicle and satellite maker Gilmour Space Technologies announced a $146 million Series E funding round, co‑led by the National Reconstruction Fund Corp. and Hostplus. The round makes Gilmour Space the first Australian space‑tech unicorn, valued at over $1 billion,...
SpaceNews
Deals•Jan 8, 2026
Firefly Aerospace Acquires SciTech to Integrate AI Capabilities Into Its Hardware and Mission Software
Firefly Aerospace announced the recent acquisition of SciTech, a software firm with 500 employees and 45 years of AI algorithms. The deal aims to embed AI-driven software into Firefly's rockets and lunar missions, strengthening its position in the space‑software market.
SpaceNews