The State of the “Legacy Primes” And a Few Billionaires
Legacy aerospace primes are reshaping their business models as the U.S. Space Force pivots to faster, fixed‑price procurement. Northrop Grumman, after an 8% dip in 2025 space revenue, projects $11 billion in 2026 sales and is now the primary builder for the Space Development Agency, delivering over 150 proliferated satellites. Lockheed Martin focuses on missile‑defense and deep‑space assets such as Artemis II and next‑gen OPIR, positioning itself as the backbone of the Pentagon’s “Golden Dome.” Boeing’s crewed program remains under scrutiny after the 2024 Starliner mishap, and ULA’s Vulcan Centaur rockets have shown reliability issues, threatening the joint venture’s future.
SpaceX’s Most-Flown Falcon Booster Launches on Record 33rd Flight
SpaceX launched its most‑flown Falcon 9 booster, B1067, on its 33rd mission, adding 28 Starlink broadband satellites to a constellation exceeding 9,700 units. The launch from Cape Canaveral’s SLC‑40 occurred at 10:47 p.m. EST under favorable weather conditions and concluded with...
“It’s a GEO, Jim, but Not as We Know It”
Geostationary satellite operators are confronting a paradigm shift as the traditional 6‑tonne GEO platform loses its economic appeal. SES, now the world’s largest GEO fleet after acquiring Intelsat, announced it will replace most of its 100‑satellite roster with sub‑1000 kg “HummingSat”...
Space Organizations in the Asia Pacific
Asia‑Pacific space agencies, from giants like CNSA and ISRO to emerging programs in Indonesia and Peru, are rapidly expanding capabilities across human spaceflight, lunar exploration, and Earth observation. Government bodies are bolstered by growing private‑sector participation, delivering cost‑effective launch services...
Last Chance for Australians to Send Message to the Universe on Voyager Project’s 50th Anniversary
Australia’s Powerhouse Museum is offering a final chance for citizens to record a voice message for deep‑space broadcast in honor of Voyager’s 50th anniversary. The HUMANS (Humanity United with MIT Art and Nanotechnology in Space) project, which already has more...
What Is the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization?
The Asia‑Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO) is an intergovernmental body headquartered in Beijing that unites eight member states and several observers to pool satellite resources, data, and expertise. Since its launch in 2008, APSCO has facilitated shared satellite constellations, a...
FAA Predicts Fatal Space Debris Every Two Years
An FAA report predicts someone will die roughly every 2 years due to incoming space debris. This research could save lives by forecasting danger zones.
Defence at the Final Frontier: Space and U.S.-India Prospects
The $1.5 billion NISAR satellite, a joint NASA‑ISRO venture, showcases the deepening U.S.–India space partnership. India’s Make‑in‑India agenda is accelerating indigenous defense‑related space capabilities, from ISR payloads to resilient communications. Meanwhile, China’s anti‑satellite tests and Pakistan’s growing space ties heighten regional...
Artemis II Delayed; March Launch Ruled Out
Updated with Isaacman's clarification that March definitiely is off the table and they will roll back to the VAB. Artemis II Delayed Due to Upper Stage Problem https://t.co/r8yzfcIJ9Q
Artemis II May Launch in April; SLS Rollback Considered
We might be looking at April for Artemis II. Rollback to the VAB for the SLS rocket is on the table.
Another Artemis II Issue Arises (Update)
NASA had slated a no‑earlier‑than‑March 6 launch for Artemis II, but an unexpected interruption in helium flow through the Space Launch System’s interim cryogenic propulsion stage forced the agency to consider rolling the rocket and Orion spacecraft back to the Vehicle Assembly...
SpaceX Launches 25 More Starlink Satellites
SpaceX launched 25 additional Starlink satellites from Vandenberg aboard a Falcon 9, marking the booster B1063’s 31st flight and successful drone‑ship landing. The launch pushes SpaceX’s 2026 tally to 21 missions, outpacing all other providers combined. Reuse statistics place the B1063...
Starlink Group 17‑25 Launches From Vandenberg at 090
LAUNCH at 0904 UTC Feb 21 of Starlink Group 17-25 from Vandenberg Space Force Base
NASA Flags SLS Upper-Stage Issue, Possible VAB Rollback
NASA just said there's a problem with the SLS upper stage and they may have to roll back to the VAB. https://t.co/jS1avhZOkR
What's the Point of a Space Station Around the Moon?
The Lunar Gateway, a planned orbiting space station, is a cornerstone of NASA’s Artemis program, intended to support crewed lunar missions, scientific research, and technology testing for future Mars trips. Although most international hardware has already been built and is...
NASA May Delay Artemis II Launch, Rolling Back to VAB
Bad news for Artemis 2: "NASA is taking steps to potentially roll back the Artemis II rocket and Orion spacecraft to the Vehicle Assembly Building… This will almost assuredly impact the March launch window." https://t.co/rS2SqwVMwD
Russia Equips Molniya with Geran‑style Mesh Modems
According to Serhii Flash, Russia has installed mesh modems on Molniya similar to the ones used on Geran and Gerbera. https://t.co/0MrbFEDbvA https://t.co/NYuN8bvpH6
A Low-Cost Microscope to Study Living Cells in Zero Gravity
Researchers at Newcastle University have unveiled FlightScope, a low‑cost, rugged microscope capable of real‑time cell imaging in zero‑gravity environments. Built on an open‑source Stanford design, the instrument costs under $5,000 and includes vibration damping and microfluidic handling for parabolic flights....
Starlink Satellite Train Tracker: The Ultimate Guide to Spotting the Sky Train in 2026
SpaceX’s V2‑Mini Starlink launches create a temporary “satellite train” of 20‑23 bright objects that streak across the sky for 24‑48 hours before dispersing. Launch cadence in winter 2025‑2026 reaches one mission every 3‑4 days, giving observers frequent but brief viewing...
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...
Servair Sends Culinary Creations by Anne-Sophie Pic to Space
Servair is sending a curated menu created by Michelin‑starred chef Anne‑Sophie Pic to the International Space Station for astronaut Sophie Adenot’s first long‑term mission. Over a year of R&D, the team adapted gourmet recipes to meet the constraints of microgravity,...
NASA Report Declares Starliner Incident a Type A Mishap
NASA announced that the 2024 Boeing Starliner crewed flight test has been classified as a Type A mishap, the same designation used for the Challenger and Columbia disasters. The mishap stemmed from thruster failures, Boeing propulsion design flaws, and NASA’s overly...
VanEck Launches $WARP Space ETF, Joins UFO Rivals
NEW: @vaneck_us files for a space ETF. Will have an awesome ticker -- $WARP. This will compete on some level with a handful of products like $UFO, $ARKX & $UFOD https://t.co/POFTNx77Nb
DoD Wants Space-Based Commercial Imagery Solutions For Domain Awareness In GEO
The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has issued a solicitation for commercial space‑to‑space imaging solutions to monitor satellites in geosynchronous orbit (GEO). The contract calls for a minimum viable product delivering high‑resolution electro‑optical images within two years, enabling object identification and...
February 20, 2026 Quick Space Links
The post shares three space‑related items: Starlab’s full‑scale mock‑up displayed at Johnson Space Center, a reminder that Atlantis delivered the Destiny module to the ISS 25 years ago after three spacewalks, and the launch of Robert Zimmerman’s book *Genesis: the...
Researchers Examine How We Could Achieve Sustainable Water Systems for Space
Researchers led by David Bamidele Olawade reviewed sustainable water systems for space habitats. They note that the ISS’s Environmental Control and Life Support System already recovers 93% of water from urine, sweat and humidity but still faces power, durability and...
Axelspace and Synspective Lock In Imagery Contracts for Japanese Constellation
Japanese Ministry of Defense awarded imagery contracts to Axelspace and Synspective as part of its privately‑run satellite constellation. Axelspace will supply optical data under a 48 billion‑yen ($310 million) deal, while Synspective will provide SAR imagery for 105.6 billion yen ($681 million). The contracts,...
Space Money: Tariffs, SCOTUS, Carveouts, And Space Business
In this episode, Laura Winter discusses with legal experts Bailey Reichelt and Nick Baker how the Supreme Court’s decision deeming President Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs unconstitutional impacts businesses, including those in the...
India Negotiating a Possible Gaganyaan Docking at ISS
India’s space agency ISRO is in talks with NASA to conduct an uncrewed docking of the Gaganyaan orbital module to the International Space Station. The agreement would include extensive astronaut and ground‑crew training, as well as joint work on docking,...
Humans Returning to Deep Space Within Two Weeks
We might be just two weeks from sending humans back into deep space. For 75 percent of the world's population, it will be the first time this has happened in their lifetimes. Can't wait to see it.
GomSpace Posts Sharp 2025 Profit Rise Despite Payment Dispute
Smallsat builder @GomSpaceGroup: Revenue, profit up sharply in 2025; CEO confident that invoice nonpayment by major customer will be resolved soon, says deliveries on the 18-sat contract continue. @UnseenLabs @KpsZSU. https://t.co/vmIO8qFe9l https://t.co/owCDCmRzCj
The Optical Engineering Required to Photograph an Earth Twin
Researchers at NASA Goddard have identified a 1.52 µm infrared sweet spot for the upcoming Habitable Worlds Observatory, allowing a 20 % bandwidth up to 1.68 µm without requiring a complex cryogenic cooling system. Their BARBIE IV analysis shows that high methane levels obscure...
NASA Eyes March 6 Launch for Artemis 2 After Rehearsal
NASA says they are targeting March 6 as the earliest launch opportunity for Artemis 2 after yesterday's wet dress rehearsal. Still work ahead, as well as a flight readiness review next week.
Celebrating 40 Years of Mir with Virtual Reconstruction
40 YEARS AGO TODAY: The USSR launches the 1st element of the Mir orbital complex. To mark the occasion, I am working on the complete virtual reconstruction of the spacecraft, which will be used to illustrate 15 years of Mir's operation:...
The Space Race Is Being Rewritten by AI – and Europe Risks Falling Behind
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping satellite operations, enabling real‑time capacity management and on‑orbit data processing. Smaller, agile constellations now require decision speeds that outpace human operators, prompting a shift toward AI‑driven bandwidth allocation and autonomous payload control. By processing imagery...
Iridium's Certus Trials Aim to Disrupt Aviation Safety
Iridium sees an opportunity to ‘disrupt the status quo’ in aviation now that its next-generation Certus satcom service is undergoing flight trials to support aircraft safety services and its joint venture partner Aireon is pursuing space-based VHF. https://t.co/0ZuGYpAleV
Artemis II Crew Completes T‑38 Training Flight
Artemis II Crew Trains on T-38 https://t.co/v2u5ToYOw5 NASA/Brendan Finnegan NASA astronaut Christina Koch and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen take off on a T-38 training flight from Ellington Field on Feb. 11, 2026, as a waning crescent… https://t.co/Czq00UOLNV
Feb. 20, 1962: John Glenn’s First Trip to Space
On February 20, 1962, NASA launched Mercury‑Atlas 6, sending John Glenn aboard the Friendship 7 capsule into orbit. Glenn completed three Earth orbits in 4 hours 55 minutes, becoming the first American to orbit the planet. The mission faced a sensor fault and required manual piloting for the...
Orbital Data, Niche Markets Give Space Solar a New Shimmer
Space‑based solar power (SBSP) is shifting from grand‑scale grid concepts to niche markets such as orbital data centers, remote military sites, and lunar installations. Startups like Aetherflux and Overview Energy are leveraging laser‑based power‑beaming and large‑satellite designs, backed by DoD...
Avalanche Technology Introduces Next-Gen VNX+ Storage Module for Space and Military Applications
Avalanche Technology unveiled its VNX+ storage module, combining Space Grade MRAM with Lattice’s CertusPro‑NX FPGA to deliver true radiation immunity without sacrificing density, speed, or endurance. The solution is engineered for military and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) applications and satisfies...
Boeing Adds Production Line to Boost Space Force’s Missile Warning Push
Boeing has inaugurated a 9,000‑square‑foot electro‑optical infrared (EO/IR) production line at its El Segundo satellite facility to support the Space Force’s Resilient Missile Warning and Tracking (MWT) program. The line will help Millennium Space Systems deliver 12 medium‑Earth‑orbit satellites by 2027,...
Could One of Europe's Most Important Wetlands Really Vanish? Satellites Show It May Happen in Our Lifetime
Doñana National Park, Spain’s flagship wetland, is losing surface water at an accelerating pace, according to ESA Sentinel‑2 satellite analysis. Researchers using machine‑learning classification found a marked decline in wet area, volume and depth since 2005, projecting potential desiccation within...
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...
Reach for the Stars to Boost Britain's Space Industry
Orbex, a UK‑based rocket developer once valued at $220 million, entered administration after the government withdrew a planned funding round despite earlier £26 million support. The collapse underscores the repeated failure of state‑led investment in Britain’s nascent space sector. Meanwhile, the global...
NASA Moves Forward with Artemis II Tanking Test that Could Set up Moonshot Mission
NASA will begin a 700,000‑gallon cryogenic propellant load on the Space Launch System at Kennedy Space Center as part of a second wet‑dress rehearsal for Artemis II. The test follows a February 2 leak of liquid hydrogen that forced a pause in...
WATCH: Space as the Backbone of Integrated Defense
The U.S. Space Force is accelerating its integrated‑defense agenda across multiple fronts. Boeing opened a dedicated production line for electro‑optical infrared sensors to bolster missile‑warning capabilities, while the service is streamlining the transition of battle‑management tools from labs to operators....
SpaceX Launch to Feature Rare Booster Landing in Bahamas
SpaceX will launch the Falcon 9 Starlink 10‑36 mission from Cape Canaveral on Thursday night, targeting a 95% favorable weather window. The first‑stage booster, on its 26th flight, will attempt a downrange landing on the droneship Just Read the Instructions stationed off...
Smile Sets Sail for Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana
The ESA‑China SMILE spacecraft has completed its Atlantic crossing and arrived at Kourou’s Europe’s Spaceport, ready for integration with a Vega‑C launcher. A launch window from 8 April to 7 May 2026 has been set, targeting a comprehensive study of Earth’s response...
A Great Idea for Space? EUSPA CASSINI Challenge Could Help, Jana Kominek Vecerkova
The European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) has opened the CASSINI Challenge to attract innovative startup ideas for upcoming EU satellite launches. The competition seeks concepts that can transition quickly from prototype to market‑ready solutions, offering participants access...
Artemis Spacesuits Technical Overview
NASA’s Artemis program has introduced the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU), a next‑generation lunar spacesuit designed for the harsh South Pole environment. The suit adopts a commercial xEVAS procurement model, giving private partner Axiom Space ownership and the ability to...