ASTS Delays Satellite Timeline, Offers No Clarity
What a debacle. They can't even promise to complete the "40 satellites equivalent of microns" until "first half of 2026" compared to "early 2026" previously. With no clarity on when any completed satellites will be ready to ship. Also dropped references to the custom ASIC
Isaacman's Revamp Targets 2028 Lunar Landing, Not Delay
The non-space press missed the key elements of Isaacman’s revamp of Artemis. They perceived it as some sort of delay, which is wrong. Technically it was Sean Duffy who moved the lunar landing to 2028 last year. But in reality,...
JAXA's HTV‑X1 Leaves ISS Friday, Begins Months‑Long Science
JAXA's HTV-X1 cargo ship will depart ISS on Friday, Mar 6, 12:00 pm ET. Watch starting 11:45 am ET. (Canadarm2 will unberth it the day before. No live coverage of that, only of the release on Friday.) It'll remain in...
EchoStar 10‑K Reveals Limited Non‑European Satellite Assets
Lots of useful detail in EchoStar 10-K on foreign assets transferred (see pp415-418). Outside Europe there's just SIRION-1 Australian filing plus licenses in Brazil, Chile & Mexico (but Brazil is specific to Lyra, Chile is non-exclusive, Mexico is GEO) https://t.co/mHJqFgkMzd
Starlink's German Pivot: Why Lufthansa and DT Switched Fast
My new blog post on Starlink's German alignment: why have both Lufthansa and DT changed their minds in short order? https://t.co/KFmPPokCry
Starlink Hints at Extended Viasat/EchoStar 2GHz Licenses
Starlink is effectively confirming (or at least treating as a fait accompli) what I've been told previously, that the incumbent Viasat and EchoStar 2GHz licenses will be extended for a period of time beyond 2027
Starlink's Consumer Antenna Thrives Amid Warzone Jamming
Ukraine, @Starlink on maintaining connectivity of a network designed for consumer broadband in a war zone. Example: Starlink antenna, designed to avoid interruption from foliage, is also good for maneuvering around electromagnetic jamming attempts.https://t.co/l2cyeqqLWW https://t.co/tkv4jUz8s4
UnseenLabs Denies Being GomSpace’s Unpaid‑invoice Customer
Space-based signals-intelligence provider @UnseenLabs: We are not the unnamed custormer referenced by @GomSpaceGroup regarding unpaid invoices.https://t.co/vmIO8qFe9l https://t.co/QsoV6TiaCl
Starlink Mobile Unveils
Starlink Mobile @ #MWC26 -showed a video call on D2D -10M monthly active D2D users today. -Mexican operator coming shortly -V2 constellation to provide 5G experience - 150 Mbps -V2 coming mid 2027 -NR NTN standard -1,200 satellites initially -“complementary” to terrestrial https://t.co/cxxT3XpFev
Starshield: Distinct, Classified Constellation Separate From Starlink
How many Starshield satellites are there? How many Starlink satellites are needed to provide continuous service? https://t.co/qIfvwWuPIy
New Rocket Aims for Record-High Dummy Satellite Release
Can't wait for this baby to fly. Could be the hottest entry yet with hints that the altitude for the dummy sat release is higher than any previous mission.
Even Experts Find Focal Length Deceptively Misleading
I was geolocating the July 2025 Typhon launch from Australia last summer and--even though I teach my students that focal length can mislead--I was somehow still surprised by how misleading focal length can be. Around -15.32, 130.49° at 8:04:03 UTC+9:30....
Space Data Centers Offer Sustainable, Resource‑Free Computing
Great to see @FT exploring the complexities of orbital data centres & our work w/ @Google on Suncatcher. Just a quick response here. Generally, space-based AI is a lofty goal, but it's a more sustainable long-term solution in comparison to...
Space Firms May
Recall that two years ago Rivada blamed Oct 7 for delays in securing funding for their contract with Terran Orbital. I'm wondering which space company will be the first to use the current Middle East conflict as an excuse for...
Mystery Pipes on Ship 39 Likely Heat Exchanger
I'm still scratching my head over these pipes. They're not part of the stand. Definitely a part of Ship 39. I've heard all sorts of theories. A new Flap drive. Chill lines. Vent lines. But none of it really fits, especially...
Third Attempt at Kairos Tonight— Hoping for Better Results
Third try for Kairos tonight. Let's see if it goes any better than the last two times...
Starlink's Growth Hinges on Terrestrial Competition, Not Physics
The future growth of Starlink revenues is absolutely *not* just a matter of "math and physics". SpaceX can provide ample capacity, they don't even need Starship to do that. It's now a matter of competing with terrestrial providers, which has...
Starlink's $1B Ukraine Deal Sparks Renewed Debate
Seems like we had this debate before re Starlink and Ukraine...so how does it play into the DoW's ~$1B per year contract with Starlink? https://t.co/vRYy6SwnTe
Disappointed by Lack of Unique Views in Mission
Bummer. No unique views that we would have loved to see in this mission around stage sep. I thought they would cut away but had hoped we would see a little more.
Rocket Lab HASTE Suborbital Launch with Australian Scramjet
Suborbital LAUNCH of Rocket Lab HASTE with the Australian DART-AE Scramjet at about 0000:00 UTC Feb 28 from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at Wallops Island, Virginia
Cruz Bill Sneaks Anti‑SpaceX Clause Into NASA Funding
I guess we know who successfully placed the anti-SpaceX provision in the Cruz reauthorization legislation for NASA. https://t.co/O05CGCT5vM
Starlink Now Nearly Dominates US Satellite Fleet
For comparison, here is the number of US operational satellites over time. (As of today, 9,814 of these are Starlink satellites.) US Operational Satellites https://t.co/9TBifWiomp
NASA's Lunar Plan: Three Super‑Heavy Rockets, Two Landers, One Transport
Key elements of NASA's lunar exploration architecture and milestones: (three dissimilar super-heavy launchers, two piloted lunar landers, one crew transport):
China Has Far Fewer Operational Satellites than Claimed
I see stories out today saying that China has 1,900 satellites. That's not true. Even if you include all Chinese satellites (commercial, military, civil), it only adds up to 1,187 operational satellites. In comparison, the US has 11,323 operational satellites....
Boost SLS Cadence, Cancel EUS, Keep Boeing Satisfied
I wonder if the way to speed up production of SLS, cancel EUS AND keep contractors (Boeing) happy to avoid a lawsuit is to simply order up more SLS rockets at a premium for cadence to offset the contract loss.
Artemis Announcement Signals Needed Shift After Years of Neglect
Today's Artemis announcement by Jared Isaacman is bold and necessary. Astute observers have recognized serious flaws in Artemis for years, but NASA officials have largely whistled beyond the graveyard. Now, possibly, that could change.
NASA Plans Annual Artemis Flights, Simplified Moon Missions
A significant announcement coming from nasa right now about Moon landings. Simplifying the rocket/spaceship, increasing the number of Artemis flights, and launching them at least once per year. Meanwhile the SLS rocket is back in the barn getting its helium...
Dragon CRS-33 Completes Deorbit, Trunk Jettison, Splashdown
The Dragon CRS-33 cargo ship made its deorbit burn around 0652 UTC Feb 27, and jettisoned the Boost Trunk at about 0710 UTC. The Trunk reentered over the Pacific near 127W 25N at ca. 0725-0730 UTC and the CRS-33 capsule...
Which Rocket Will Carry Orion to LEO for Artemis III?
So the big question, what rocket is going to launch Orion into LEO for Artemis III?! 👀 certainly they won’t waste an SLS rocket for a LEO mission.
Jared Isaacman Unveils Major Overhaul of Artemis Program
NASA's Jared Isaacman just announced sweeping changes to the Artemis Program. Here's what is happening: https://t.co/Hq3zpK2fv2
NASA to Standardize SLS Near Block 1, Boost Flight Rate
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announces at a briefing this morning plans to standardize the SLS to a "near Block 1" configuration (no Block 1B) as part of efforts to increase flight rate.
Cold War Lunar Lander Reappears After 55 Years
55 YEARS AGO: The Soviet lunar lander for a single cosmonaut reappears in the Earth's orbit. Details on the site (subscription)... https://t.co/aJuVReTuyb
First Demo Flight Launches K2Space High-Power MEO Constellation
.@SES_Satellites: 1st demo flight for future multi-mission MEO constellation using @K2SpaceCo's big, high-power buses launches this spring. @defis_eu @esa.https://t.co/yVAGU89DCy https://t.co/sZUmRowhGb
2025: Satcom Gains, AI Losses Near End
.@space42ai in 2025: A good year for Al Yah fixed & @ThurayaTelecom mobile satcom offset by what co hopes is final year of losses for its AI/geospatial Smart Solutions business. Status of #Equatys D2D JV w/ @viasat should clarify this...
Starship V3 Lands Twice,
Two clean soft landings in the Indian Ocean for Starship v3 until we can expect a catch. The rule is still in place. Earliest for a ship catch: Flight 14 👍
Roscosmos Completes Solar Array Tests, Site 31 Repairs Near Finish
Roskosmos reports completion of solar array tests in the ongoing Progress MS-33 launch campaign in Baikonur, while construction crews are finishing repairs at Site 31: https://t.co/mN4Hi2mIUG https://t.co/ih3V7RDbih
User Seeks ID: Possible Starlink Antenna, Not RCS Block
Which smarty McSmarty pants out there can tell me what exactly this is. I assume Starlink antenna based on its general shape, but I want it to be a pop out RCS block cuz that’d be sick 😂 (it’s not)...
Missed Feb 19 ISS Boost, Thanks Katya for the Heads‑up
I had missed this ISS orbit boost on Feb 19, thanks Katya for keeping an eye on these
U.S. Space Force Plans Offensive Satellite Use Against China
U.S. Space Force looking to offensive use of satellites in any future space battle with China. https://t.co/8p2HpilCCx
CRS-33 Dragon Cargo Ship Undocks, Splashdown Expected Tomorrow
Dragon cargo ship CRS-33 undocked from IDA-2 at 1705 UTC Feb 26. Splashdown off the California coast is expected around 0744 UTC Feb 27.
Senate Commerce Schedules NASA Deputy Admin Hearing March 5
Senate Commerce will hold a nomination hrg for Matt Anderson to the NASA Deputy Admin (and one other non-NASA nominee) on Thursday, March 5, 10:00 am ET. Webcast.
Neutron Launch Delayed to Q4 2026 After Tank Test Failure
From the earnings release: “Updated the Neutron development schedule following the stage 1 tank test failure, with Neutron’s first launch now targeted for Q4 2026.”
New Video Explores Starship HLS Refuel Reduction Strategies
I just cut out 7 pages of script from my Artemis deep dive to make a full standalone run down on what SpaceX could potentially do with Starship HLS to try and reduce the number of refilling trips, including the...
China’s Spy Satellite Surge Forces Space Force to Strike
China’s Growing Armada Of Spy Satellites Is Pushing Space Force To Go On The Offensive "You can't run away from a bully forever. Sometimes you got to turn around and punch," Space Force Combat Forces boss says. https://t.co/bcXu5Jsyyp
GPS Satellite Ready for Launch, Vehicle Still Undecided
The next GPS satellite is at Cape Canaveral, preparing for launch. Whether it flies on Vulcan or Falcon 9 is up in the air. https://t.co/XxmkgevJk3
NASA Announces Artemis II Next Steps in Tomorrow’s Conference
NASA will hold a news conference tomorrow, Friday, Feb 27, at 10:00 am ET at KSC to discuss next steps for the Artemis II campaign. Watch on YouTube. https://t.co/G97rjQNnsk
NASA Mars Spacecraft Contract Competition Heats Up
The contest for the contract to build NASA’s next Mars spacecraft is getting spicy. 🌶️ https://t.co/RhlVdkCXDG
Orbital Data Centers: AI Power Solution or $50B Gamble
Can orbital data centers solve AI’s massive power crisis? Tech titans like Musk, Bezos, and Pichai are betting on $51B satellite networks to move AI processing off-planet. The goal: Unlimited, 24/7 solar power. Is it a brilliant move or a...
Training Turns Sensor Failure Into Safe Space Docking
Flying a spaceship up to dock with a space station is an extreme event. During this docking with Mir our range sensors failed, so we had to use eyeball visuals & a stopwatch to figure the angles & speeds. Hit...
Overture's Built‑In WiFi Eliminates Bumps and Fuel Burn
Fun fact: we are designing WiFi into Overture, so there will be no bump at all and no fuel burn impact.
