Space Force Grants SpaceX $2.29 B to Build Satellite‑Based Sensor‑to‑Shooter Network
The U.S. Space Force awarded SpaceX a firm‑fixed‑price $2.29 billion contract on May 26, 2026 to build the Space Data Network (SDN) Backbone, a low‑Earth‑orbit satellite mesh with laser crosslinks. The system will give the Joint Force a secure, low‑latency communications layer that links sensors to shooters worldwide, reshaping U.S. defense space architecture.
Blue Origin’s New Glenn Explodes in Cape Canaveral Static‑fire Test, No Injuries Reported
Blue Origin’s 98‑metre New Glenn rocket detonated during a static‑fire test at Launch Complex 36 on May 29, 2026, killing no one but sparking a multi‑agency probe. Jeff Bezos pledged a rebuild, while rivals and regulators weigh the setback’s impact on the heavy‑lift...
China’s Latest Batch of New and Reusable Rockets Are Close to Launch
China is preparing a wave of new rockets from state‑run CASC and private firms such as Galactic Energy, iSpace and Landspace, with most slated for launch or recovery tests in the first half of 2026. The Long March 12B, a 20‑ton LEO...
When NASA Deliberately Crashed Apollo Hardware Into the Moon, the Seismometers Left Behind Recorded Vibrations for Nearly an Hour —...
Between 1969 and 1972 NASA deliberately crashed spent Apollo hardware—lunar module ascent stages and Saturn V third stages—onto the Moon to create known seismic sources for the four‑station ALSEP network. The Apollo 12 module impact generated a vibration that rose over minutes,...
Flight Path to Profits: American Airlines Bets on SpaceX
American Airlines announced a partnership with SpaceX to equip more than 500 narrow‑body Airbus jets with Starlink satellite Wi‑Fi, with installation slated to start in the first quarter of 2027. The upgrade targets the A319, A320, A321, A321XLR and A321neo...
ESA Greenlights Two Budget-Friendly Earth Observation Missions
The European Space Agency has approved two new Scout‑class Earth observation missions—HiBiDiS and SOVA‑S—each limited to a €35 million (≈ $38 million) budget and a three‑year development window. HiBiDiS, led by Italy’s SITAEL, will use hyperspectral imaging to map understory biodiversity, while OHB...
Blue Origin Rocket Blows Up on Florida Launchpad During Test
Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket suffered a catastrophic explosion during a hot‑fire test on a Florida launchpad Thursday night. The blast damaged the company’s sole launch infrastructure at Cape Canaveral, though all personnel were accounted for. The vehicle was slated to...
Europe Celebrates Its Sovereignty Progress at SmallSat
At SmallSat Europe in Amsterdam, EU officials unveiled a suite of initiatives to cement European sovereignty in orbit. The European Commission proposed reserving at least two‑thirds of satellite spectrum for EU operators, while Italy, Germany and a pan‑European effort announced...
Chemical Rockets Win: Batteries Lack Orbital Energy Density
Elon Musk: "Wish orbital rockets could be [electric], but there's no escaping Newton's Third Law." "If u saw The Simpson's and wonder why SpaceX doesn't use an electric rocket to reach orbit, it is cuz that is impossible." Chemical combustion provides a...
Blue Origin's New Glenn Static Fire Encounters Failure
Blue Origin doing a static fire test of its New Glenn rocket. Something went wrong. video by @spaceflightnow
Blue Origin’s New Glenn Set to Launch 48 Amazon Leo Satellites as Soon as June 4 in Largest Single-Rocket Payload...
Blue Origin’s heavy‑lift New Glenn is slated to lift 48 Amazon broadband satellites as early as June 4, marking the largest single‑rocket payload for the Leo constellation. The FAA closed its investigation of the third New Glenn flight after a cryogenic leak caused...
Sunbird Promises Ultra‑Fast Interplanetary Travel
Sunbird Could Redefine How Fast We Travel Beyond Earth by @spaceandtech_ #SpaceTech #AI #Engineering #Innovation #Technology https://t.co/NU7Ctmx8jL
New Glenn Launch Ends in Catastrophic Failure
Based on a handful of sources, this is what I've been able to glean about the New Glenn failure this evening in Florida. TL;DR, it's freaking bad. https://t.co/df6BcfpyF4
Live Coverage: SpaceX to Launch 29 Starlink Satellites on Falcon 9 Rocket From Cape Canaveral
SpaceX will lift off on Oct. 22, 2024 at 8:57 a.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral to deploy 29 Starlink broadband satellites as part of the 10‑53 mission, expanding its low‑Earth‑orbit network beyond 10,000 spacecraft. The launch will use Falcon 9 booster B1085...
Cobham Satcom Expands GMDSS Choice with New SAILOR 7200 Terminal
Cobham Satcom unveiled the SAILOR 7200 terminal, its first Iridium‑based GMDSS solution, at Posidonia 2026. The new unit joins the existing SAILOR mini‑C for Inmarsat, giving shipowners the ability to select between two satellite safety ecosystems without network lock‑in. Featuring an omni‑directional...
NASA Releases Draft RFP for Landsat 10
NASA said today the "2026-2030 Landsat Science Team" met earlier this month in Sioux Falls to discuss future of Landsat incl Landsat 10. https://t.co/a5EQw1tBnh Ystrdy it released Draft RFP for Landsat 10. https://t.co/AKyiXgJWKy
NASA Awards $200M+ Lunar Rover Contracts to Blue Origin, Astrolab and Lunar Outpost
NASA announced contracts worth more than $200 million each to Blue Origin, Astrolab and Lunar Outpost for lunar landers and rover systems, marking a major step in the Artemis program’s push for a permanent Moon base. The awards expand the commercial...
Orbital Data Centers Must Tackle Chip Lifespan, Launch Availability, and Cybersecurity Challenges
Experts at SmallSat Europe examined the hype around orbital data centers, noting that space‑based compute promises unlimited energy but requires custom silicon and massive launch capacity. Dr. Paul Struhsaker warned that rapid AI ASIC turnover shortens chip lifespans to two...
Blue Origin Bounces Back Quickly, Boosting New Glenn Cadence
Blue Origin's return to flight so soon after an upper stage anomaly is seriously impressive. It looks like they're making good on efforts to improve New Glenn cadence. https://t.co/UNeARJtu3u
Space Solar Teams Up With Lonestar For Orbital Data Storage
Space Solar, a UK‑based in‑space power developer, signed a Letter of Intent with U.S. data‑in‑space pioneer Lonlonestar on 27 May 2026. The agreement creates a joint technical team to explore missions, investments and joint ventures for orbital data storage. Lonestar recently...
Canadian Consortium Led by NordSpace Awarded $3.2M From NGen for AI-Powered Space Propulsion Manufacturing
Markham‑based NordSpace Corp. is leading a Canadian consortium that secured CAD $3.2 million (≈US $2.4 million) from Next Generation Manufacturing Canada to fund an $8 million (≈US $5.9 million) AI‑powered hybrid additive‑subtractive manufacturing line for space propulsion. The partnership with Miltera, Pegmatis, Prime Powders and Bear Paw...
NASA Astronaut Andrew Morgan Retires
Former NASA astronaut and Army Brig. Gen. Andrew R. Morgan announced his retirement from NASA after a 12‑year tenure that included 272 days aboard the International Space Station. Morgan logged more than 115 million miles, completed 4,300 Earth orbits and performed seven...
SpaceX Targets $1.75T Valuation, Eyes AI Infrastructure IPO
SpaceX has filed paperwork for a reported $75 billion IPO at a $1.75 trillion valuation, potentially dwarfing Saudi Aramco’s record offering. Beyond rockets, the company is pitching itself as AI infrastructure provider, with Anthropic reportedly paying $15 billion a year...
Revolv Space Enters In-Orbit Servicing Market with Infinite Orbits Deal
Revolv Space, the Italian‑Dutch satellite hardware firm, has secured a contract with French in‑orbit services provider Infinite Orbits to supply its Solar Array Drive Assemblies (SADAs) for geostationary orbit (GEO) servicing missions. The deal marks Revolv’s first entry into the...
More Opposition to the EU’s New Space Law, This Time From European Companies
European aerospace leaders at SmallSat Europe voiced strong opposition to the EU’s draft Space Act, calling it monopolistic, slow and overly rigid. They warned that a twelve‑month licensing process would cripple the fast‑moving commercial space sector. Critics argue the legislation...
NewSpace Systems Announces European Expansion with New Netherlands Subsidiary
NewSpace Systems announced the creation of a European subsidiary in the Netherlands during the SmallSat Europe conference, marking a key step in its continental growth strategy. The new entity will initially focus on business development, customer engagement, and technical support...
Japan’s IHI Begin to Benefit From ICEYE SAR Imagery
Japan’s IHI corporation will start using ICEYE’s synthetic‑aperture‑radar (SAR) imagery as the first two of a four‑satellite constellation become operational. The procurement, signed in October 2025, covers four Japan‑built SAR satellites with an option for 20 more. The high‑resolution radar data...
Germany Pushes European Military Space Command Initiative
Germany has unveiled a proposal to create a European Space Component Command, to be hosted in Germany and open to allied participation. The plan seeks to coordinate military space operations across Europe, preventing redundant capabilities such as multiple satcom constellations...
FAA Grounds Starship/Superheavy Pending Completion of SpaceX’s Investigation
The FAA has grounded SpaceX's Starship and SuperHeavy launch system following a mishap on the May 22 Flight 12 mission, where the SuperHeavy booster experienced engine failure during its return to the Gulf of America. The agency requires SpaceX to conduct a...
Observable Space Raises $90M Series A
Observable Space, formed by the merger of PlaneWave Instruments and OurSky, closed a $90 million Series A round led by Lux Capital. The funding will expand laser‑communication ground stations, ground‑based sensing, and in‑space optical payload production, including new manufacturing capacity in Detroit....
Inside Nasa's Plans for a Lunar Base
NASA’s Artemis program is moving toward a permanent lunar presence, with a crewed landing slated for 2025 and a surface habitat to follow by the late 2020s. The agency plans to use the Lunar Gateway as an orbital staging point,...
Experts Say Space Nuclear Power’s Biggest Obstacles Are Logistical, Not Technical
A workshop at AIAA’s ASCEND event highlighted that the primary barriers to space nuclear power are logistical, not technical. Experts noted that despite $20 billion spent over six decades, mission planning, policy continuity, and regulatory frameworks have repeatedly stalled progress. The...
Isar Aerospace Signs Agreement to Launch From Future Canadian Spaceport
German launch provider Isar Aerospace announced a letter of intent with Maritime Launch Services to conduct launches from a planned spaceport in Nova Scotia, targeting mid‑ to high‑inclination orbits for commercial and government customers. The deal follows a separate partnership...
SpaceX Starship From V1 to V4
SpaceX’s Starship program has progressed through four distinct vehicle families, moving from early atmospheric prototypes to the V3 configuration that debuted on May 22 2026. V3 introduced Raptor 3 engines, a redesigned Super Heavy booster, docking interfaces and propellant‑transfer hardware, marking a shift...
Satellite Laser Communications Primer
NASA’s Artemis II mission demonstrated a laser‑based optical terminal that moved 484 GB of high‑definition video, images, and telemetry between Orion and Earth, marking the first crewed lunar‑distance use of satellite laser communications. Recent demonstrations such as TBIRD’s 200 Gbps downlink (4.8 TB in...
The Propulsion Imperative Behind Golden Dome
Golden Dome redefines U.S. missile defense by centering propulsion in a massive satellite constellation equipped with sensors, interceptors, and AI‑driven command nodes. The program envisions thousands of orbiting assets that must maneuver quickly and survive contested environments, making propulsion the...
The Orbital Data Center Thesis Just Became an Economics Question.
At SmallSat Europe 2026, experts shifted the orbital data‑center debate from hype to hard economics. Dr. Paul Struhsaker argued that a megawatt‑class space data centre can only succeed with custom silicon, a plug‑in modular architecture, and launch costs under $300 per...
The Pixel War Is Over. The Integration War Is What Comes Next.
At SmallSat Europe 2026, industry leaders announced that Earth‑observation is entering an integration era, where fused multi‑physics data replaces the historic pixel‑by‑pixel model. ESA is issuing an invitation‑to‑tender to fund small‑sat missions that feed a common tasking and integration layer,...
AI Just Reached Production in European Space. The Trust Problem Is What Comes Next.
European space AI moved from demos to deployed products at SmallSat Europe 2026. Dublin‑based Ubotica demonstrated onboard hyperspectral processing that cut decision cycles from hours to ten minutes. Defence panel highlighted automation boundaries, stressing that sub‑second decisions must be automated...
Space Markets Emerges From Stealth With Coinbase Ventures Investment
Space Markets, a stealth‑mode startup founded in December, announced its public debut and secured investment from Coinbase Ventures. The platform will run on Coinbase’s Ethereum Layer‑2 network and aims to launch futures contracts for orbital commodities such as satellite bandwidth,...
UK Achieves First Laser Data Download From Satellite with Deployable Ground Station
On 27 May British engineers achieved the United Kingdom’s first optical downlink from space, using a deployable laser communications ground station built by Archangel Lightworks for Dstl. The TERRA‑M system, only 1.1 m tall and 0.7 m in diameter, transferred multiple gigabytes...
UK Government Allocates £57 Million to Upgrade Wi‑Fi on 1,400 Trains via Satellite
The UK transport secretary announced a £57 million programme to fit more than 1,400 main‑line trains with low‑Earth‑orbit satellite Wi‑Fi, aiming to lift on‑board connectivity from roughly 50‑60% to at least 90%. The rollout will use Starlink technology and is part...
Telenor IoT Announces Partnership with Sateliot
Norwegian telecom operator Telenor IoT has entered a partnership with Spanish satellite startup Sateliot to leverage its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) 5G‑compatible constellation. The collaboration will allow standard NB‑IoT devices to switch seamlessly between terrestrial cellular and satellite links without...
FAA Orders SpaceX to Investigate Starship Booster Mishap, Halting Tests Ahead of IPO
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has ordered SpaceX to investigate a booster failure that occurred during the May 22 Starship test flight, grounding the vehicle until a FAA‑approved report is submitted. The move comes as SpaceX prepares for a mid‑June...
How to Tax Businesses in Orbit and Beyond
The Economist examines the emerging challenge of taxing commercial activities beyond Earth as private firms launch satellites, offer space‑based broadband, and plan asteroid mining and tourism. Governments in the United States and Europe are drafting tax rules, including income‑tax treatment...
Space, and Earth Observation
Private equity is rapidly moving into the space and earth‑observation sector as capital inflows hit historic highs. Recent transactions include DigitalBridge’s $1.05 billion acquisition of ArcLight and Alpine‑backed Apex Service Partners targeting a $10 billion valuation in a minority‑stake sale. ...
Russia Plans to Launch Crewed Spacecraft From Baikonur in July
Russia announced its first crewed launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome this year, slated for July 14, 2026. The mission will carry three astronauts, including two Russian cosmonauts and a NASA astronaut, marking the first joint Russian‑American crew launched from Kazakhstan...
NASA Picks Astrolab for Artemis Lunar Rover Mission
NASA has chosen California‑based Astrolab as one of two providers for a crewed lunar rover under the Artemis program. Astrolab’s CLV‑1 rover folds to about 2 m for launch, then expands to roughly 4 m on the Moon and can travel up...
Geespace’s Next Test Is Building a Business Case for Satellite Infrastructure
Geespace has moved from building and scaling its 64‑satellite LEO constellation to the value‑realization stage, securing commercial partnerships in over 20 countries and targeting 72 satellites by year‑end. The company focuses on medium‑ and low‑speed satellite services for IoT, automotive,...
The SpaceX “Super-Cycle”: Why Mega-Funds Are Positioning Around the Largest Liquidity Event in History:
SpaceX is being eyed for a potential public offering that could value the company at $1.75‑2 trillion, making it one of the world’s most valuable firms. Hedge funds, mutual funds and private‑market allocators are already reallocating capital to prepare for the...