Oklahoma Aims to Become Top Aerospace,
Defense Hub (Source: Air Cargo Week)
Oklahoma is aiming to become a leading aerospace and defense hub by
leveraging its established aviation base to attract investment in
advanced manufacturing, drones and commercial space. The state boasts
some 1,100 aerospace entities, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs
and has a $44 billion economic impact. The Oklahoma Advanced Space
Initiative and the Infinity One spaceport are part of the state's
strategy to extend its capabilities into new markets. (11/2)
Rocket Lab Backs Alaska Launch Pads
with $22M Investment (Source: Advanced Television)
Rocket Lab is supporting the refurbishment and construction of two
launch pads in Alaska with a $22 million investment from the US
government. The first pad at the Pacific Spaceport Complex on Kodiak
Island is set for completion by January, while construction of the
second will begin soon. This project aims to enhance Rocket Lab's
capacity for missile defense testing under a $266 million US Air Force
contract, as well as its regular Electron launches and development of
the Neutron rocket. (11/2)
Hydrosat Announces Nyktòs Program to
Provide Tactical ISR for Sovereign Customers From New Facility in Europe
(Source: Hydrosat)
Hydrosat announced today its high-resolution mid-wave infrared (MWIR)
program named Nyktòs. Nyktòs will deliver high-resolution thermal
imaging for tactical ISR. The day-and-night imaging capability can be
tasked by customers and is complementary to the wide-area monitoring
provided by Hydrosat’s Osiris constellation. The development of the new
capability will be supported by Hydrosat’s expanded technology and
manufacturing footprint in Europe and is intended for sovereign mission
applications for NATO and allied customers. (11/2)
Voyager 1 Completes Power-Saving Swap
and Regains Contact After Two-Day Silence (Source: Beyond LEO)
Voyager 1 has come through two tests in quick succession. In September,
engineers finished a months-long effort to stretch the spacecraft's
shrinking power supply. Then, in October, the probe fell silent for two
days before its signal returned on its own, before the team had sent
any commands to troubleshoot. (11/2)
China Unveils Two AI Models Built on
Fengyun Satellite Data for Typhoons and Storms (Source: Sky
Nightly)
China has introduced two artificial intelligence models that draw on
data from its Fengyun meteorological satellites to help forecasters
track extreme weather, the state-run China Daily reported. One reads
cloud images of typhoons. The other is meant to give short-term
warnings of severe convective weather. (10/30)
GalaxySpace Test Satellite Takes a 5G
Core Network and Onboard AI Into Orbit (Source: Beyond LEO)
A Chinese test satellite carrying a 5G base station, a mobile core
network and onboard AI computing has reached its planned orbit, the
state-run China Daily reported on 30 October 2026, describing the
launch as recent. The satellite, PEGA-SUS1, also carries
satellite-to-ground laser communication and microwave communication.
China Daily said this is the first time in China that all of these
systems have been carried together on a single technology verification
satellite. (10/30)
United CEO Says Boom Supersonic
Airliner Won't Be Ready This Decade (Source: Air Data News)
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby no longer expects Boom Supersonic 's
Overture airliner to enter service before the end of the decade,
casting doubt on a timeline that has already changed significantly
since the airline became one of the project's first major customers.
His assessment is significant because United was the first US airline
to commit to the Overture. In 2021, the carrier announced an agreement
for 15 aircraft, subject to safety, operating and sustainability
requirements, with options for another 35. (11/2)
Eutelsat Q1 LEO Revenue Rises 30% to
€70.9M as OneWeb Offsets Video Decline (Source: SatNews)
Eutelsat Group reported total first-quarter revenues of €286 million
following the close of market trading on Oct. 29, 2026, driven by
expanding low Earth orbit (LEO) operations that helped cushion ongoing
declines across its legacy geostationary orbit (GEO) video business.
(11/1)
Capacity Limits Approaching at Cape
Canaveral Spaceport (Source: SPACErePORT)
Col. Chatman's briefing at UCF Space Week revealed that, from a
real-estate perspective, we're not far from reaching a maximum capacity
situation at the Cape Canaveral Spaceport. Chatman showed an updated
chart identifying which launch pads are assigned to the various
companies and programs at the spaceport. As SpaceX and Blue Origin
gobble up available pads for their heavy-lift rockets, there are now
only a few locations that can be assigned to new users, with some old
unused pads no longer available due to "blast arcs" from nearby launch
pads.
New smaller rockets might find a home south of LC-46, which used to be
off-limits due to proximity to Port Canaveral. There are four
small-medium launchers working their way to orbit, including Relativity
(LC-16), Stoke (LC-14), and Phantom and Vaya (LC-13). Of these, Phantom
and Vaya appear to be making less progress, so Stoke's plans for a
second launch pad could displace them, as could Blue Origin's northward
expansion. A bit further north, LC-20 is currently labeled for "DOW
testing", which means missile testing and other stuff. This pad could
be reassigned for a new small-medium orbital launcher (including
Firefly or Rocket Lab?). And small air-launch rockets (Starfighters,
etc.) would operate from the Launch & Landing Facility.
What about a new large rocket (like Cowboy Space)? Chatman's map shows
an un-labeled site between LC-37 (SpaceX) and LC-40 (SpaceX) that might
be for Starship, but might also accommodate a new large rocket. LC-48,
between LC-41 (ULA) and LC-39A (SpaceX), is labeled as a "NASA
Multi-User" pad and seems suitable for a new heavy-lifter or smaller
rockets. Further north, NASA had planned long ago for an LC-39C that
would be the northernmost pad on KSC. Whether that remains feasible I
don't know, as it would surely prevent public access to the popular
federally protected Playalinda beaches. Heavy-lift cadence is also a
factor, with huge blast arcs potentially shutting down nearby pads more
than just occasionally. (11/2)
Construction Underway on Kīhei Space
Force Facility as South Maui Leader Calls for Resource Transparency
(Source: Maui Now)
Construction is underway on the US Space Force’s new Secure Integration
Support Laboratory (SISL) in Kīhei at Līpoa on Maui, formerly known as
the Maui Research and Technology Park. The 56,000-square-foot,
two-story facility has drawn both defense of its operational stability
and community scrutiny regarding resource usage and impacts. Military
officials say that the administrative, research, and collaborative
workspace will not function as a commercial data center. The Department
of the Air Force and the US Space Force maintain that they remain
committed to open dialogue and environmental stewardship as
construction progresses. (10/31)
Apple Maps Begins Blurring NASA, Space
Force, and Air Force Bases (Source: Space Explored)
You’re not a real space or aviation nerd unless you’ve taken to a map
service and zoomed on the historic NASA launch pads or your local Air
Force Bases, just for fun, you know? However, a recent change to Apple
Maps now has some of those locations blurred from view, blocking anyone
from seeing fighters on tarmacs or rockets on launch pads. It probably
makes sense as a reasonable security measure, why should some of the
most sensitive locations to the United States be easily seen from
commercial services on anyone’s phone?
What we have discovered are now blurred are a lot of NASA and US Space
Force locations, including Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia, Stennis
Space Center, Mississippi, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida,
and Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. This change looks to have
been rather recent, with no announcement by Apple for the change. On
the contrary, Google Maps, has not blurred any of these military
locations. It is presumed that Apple will continue to role out blurred
map changes to more bases in the future. (10/30)
Military and Civil Satellites are
Watching Fireballs to Help Keep Earth Safe From Space Rocks
(Source: Space.com)
It came from outer space, exploding high above the South Atlantic off
the coast of Argentina. That April 1 event — an incoming meteor, also
termed a bolide — was observed by both U.S. space-based military and
civil sensors. Hush-hush U.S. government satellite sensors detected the
speedy fireball cutting through our atmosphere. The object's brightness
peaked at an altitude of nearly 60 miles (90.5 kilometers) over the
South Atlantic.
That dazzling spectacle was also caught by NOAA's GOES-E and Europe's
Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) Imager-1 satellite. This skyfall show
is among a number of recent episodes that spotlight the value of
combining multi-sensor data to not only portray fireball dynamics but
also to help appreciate human-caused space debris impacts, as well as
strengthening planetary defense knowhow.
An April 2025 fireball over south-central Alaska yielded one of the
most densely recorded "seismoacoustic" datasets ever obtained for a
nature-made bolide en route to busting up. A network of 37 seismic
stations, 16 single infrasound sensors, and four infrasound arrays
recorded 30 ballistic and multiple fragmentation arrivals. All this was
complemented by Doppler weather radar detections of falling meteorites
and independent optical video observations. (11/1)
Chinese Reusable Rocket Developers
Reach Structural and Propulsion Milestones (Source: Space News)
Two Chinese commercial launch companies, Deep Blue Aerospace and
LandSpace, have achieved major hardware and production milestones as
they push toward full reusability. Deep Blue Aerospace completed a
5-meter-diameter stainless-steel first-stage propellant tank for its
upcoming Nebula-2 reusable rocket outside its base in Wuxi. LandSpace
rolled out its 100th TQ-series methane-liquid rocket engine at its
production facility in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, hitting a
triple-digit manufacturing scale for its Zhuque-3 (ZQ-3) reusable
launch vehicle. (10/30)
Golden Dome Uncertainty with Political
Shifts in Congress (Source: Space News)
Companies are growing cautious about betting on the Pentagon's $185
billion Golden Dome missile defense initiative. Executives said last
week that uncertainty over future congressional funding and unresolved
acquisition challenges are making it difficult for companies to justify
investments in manufacturing capacity and technologies. Golden Dome
faces political risks because it has not secured broad bipartisan
support and much of its initial funding came through budget
reconciliation rather than the regular appropriations process. The
comments highlight a challenge for Golden Dome as the Pentagon tries to
turn a major national security initiative into a sustained industrial
effort. (11/2)
Northwood Space Raises $375 Million
for Ground Systems (Source: Space News)
Northwood Space raised $375 million to advance development of ground
systems for satellites. The company announced its Series C round Monday
led by Andreessen Horowitz and DFJ Growth, with participation from
several other investors. The round values the company at $2 billion.
Northwood's network combines antennas with software that schedules
satellite contacts and routes data, allowing commercial and government
operators to buy access to shared ground capacity. The funding will
allow the company to scale up that network. Northwood says it is seeing
strong government and commercial interest in its ground station
network, but did not disclose how its business is divided between the
two markets. (11/2)
China Gives Lunar Plan Details
(Source: Space News)
China has provided more details about its plans to land astronauts on
the moon by 2030. Wang Xiang, deputy chief designer of China's human
spaceflight program and chief designer of the lunar exploration
program, set out the latest sequence of missions for the country's
crewed lunar plans in a keynote at the 7th Manned Space Symposium on
Saturday. The single-stick Long March 10A rocket will first launch the
Mengzhou crew spacecraft on cargo missions to the Tiangong space
station to accumulate data and demonstrate reliability.
The Lanyue lander will separately carry out a test flight on a
tri-core, three-stage Long March 10 to land on and ascend from the
lunar surface. Lanyue and Mengzhou will then launch on separate Long
March 10 rockets and dock in lunar orbit in an uncrewed, full-system
landing rehearsal mission. The outlined sequence appears to include no
crewed lunar flyby or orbital test, suggesting the landing mission
would be Mengzhou's first crewed flight beyond low Earth orbit. (11/2)
Florida Spaceport Upgrades Progress
Despite Near-Term Launch Downturn (Source: Space News)
The Space Force is pushing ahead with upgrades to Cape Canaveral's
launch facilities despite a near-term downturn in launches. The Eastern
Range has hosted 60 orbital launch attempts so far this year, well off
the pace of 2025 when it had a record 109 orbital launches. Speaking at
a conference last week, Space Force Col. Brian Chatman said the
spaceport was continuing upgrade efforts, citing projections of more
than 600 launches annually there by 2035. That work includes new
infrastructure for the spaceport, such as propellant pipelines and
power systems, and finding sites for new launch vehicles.
A chart he showed linked Blue Origin to Space Launch Complex 46, a site
previously used by small launch vehicles and for missile testing. The
Space Force put out a request for information about using that site for
"super-heavy" launch vehicles but had not formally announced assigning
the site to Blue Origin. Editor's Note:
Blue Origin's near-term expansion seems to be focused on a new pad to
the north of their existing one. LC-46 would come into play for them
only if the Navy is able to relocate to the proposed LC-51. Meanwhile,
Blue Origin had also been considering a launch facility in Puerto Rico,
and their plan was provisionally approved by Puerto Rico officials.
(10/31)
November 1, 2026
SpaceX Plans County-Crossing Pipeline
for Starship Fuel (Source: Florida Today)
A natural gas pipeline dedicated for SpaceX operations at Cape Canaveral could extend 32.4 miles across Brevard County, leading from uninhabited country about 1½ miles east of the St. Johns River northward up the State Road 407 corridor past Space Coast Regional Airport to the NASA Causeway. SpaceX would liquify the natural gas for use as rocket fuel. The proposed steel pipeline, slated to measure 16 inches in diameter, would transport natural gas from a Florida Gas Transmission Co. interstate transmission pipeline to the Cape. (10/30)
The Staggering $446 Million Elon Musk has Spent on the US Midterms (Source: The Guardian)
Elon Musk has poured so much money into US politics this midterms election cycle that his donations could fund half a dozen SpaceX rocket launches. Musk, the world’s richest person, has funneled at least $445.77m into Republican-aligned political action committees and groups since last year. The contributions have made him the Republicans’ most prominent financial backer and the largest single-cycle political donor in modern US history.
Musk’s spending is a staggering example of the SpaceX CEO’s political influence, as he seeks to help Donald Trump’s administration retain control of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections, though current polls predict Democrats achieving a majority. The contributions are at a scale that is difficult to fathom and dwarf efforts from big name megadonors like George Soros or Michael Bloomberg, setting a new precedent for how the rich and powerful attempt to shape politics. (10/31)
Where is Artemis' Apollo 10? (Source: CelestiQ)
Artemis II was, roughly speaking, the equivalent of Apollo 8. Apollo 8 entered lunar orbit in 1968; Artemis II followed a different lunar trajectory. Then comes Artemis III, which increasingly looks like Apollo 9. Apollo 9 stayed in Earth orbit and tested the complete Apollo spacecraft configuration. Artemis III will do something conceptually similar in 2027.
Orion will operate in low Earth orbit and rendezvous with test articles representing both commercial lunar landers. The crew is expected to enter Blue Origin's Blue Moon test article and spend significant time inside it. Orion will later dock with SpaceX's Starship HLS test article, although the crew is not currently planned to enter Starship during that demonstration. NASA will instead evaluate docking dynamics, controllability, communications, and integrated software.
After Apollo 9 came Apollo 10, a dress rehearsal. The entire crewed Apollo landing architecture went to the Moon. It tested every component required for a lunar landing mission, except the landing itself. Artemis does not have an Apollo 10. NASA currently plans Artemis IV as the first crewed Artemis lunar landing, targeted for early 2028. (10/27)
NASA Is Forfeiting Its Global Astrobiology Leadership (Source: NASA Watch)
NASA presentations at a National Academies of Science on Tuesday left the panel confused and concerned about what NASA plans to do with its Astrobiology research. NASA did not communicate well – at all. The emergent impression is that Astrobiology will now be spread across all of what Science Mission Directorate does (good) but that Astrobiology’s higher profile will now recede such that it is just another thing that missions do. (10/6)
Russia’s Starlink Rival, Rassvet, Draws Ukrainian Sanctions Against Its Developers (Source: United 24)
Ukraine has imposed new sanctions on Russian companies and individuals involved in developing the Rassvet satellite communications system, which Moscow intends to use in its war against Ukraine, as well as dozens of vessels operating as part of Russia’s shadow fleet. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed the corresponding decrees. The sanctions targeting the Rassvet project cover 10 companies and 19 Russian nationals associated with their activities. (10/30)
Russia’s Starlink Dream Goes Up in Flames as Second Satellite Burns Up (Source: United 24)
Russia’s attempt to build its own alternative to Elon Musk’s Starlink has suffered another setback, with a second Rassvet-3 satellite burning up in Earth’s atmosphere after failing to reach its intended orbit. The satellite, designated Rassvet-3 No. 17 (NORAD 100083), reentered the atmosphere on October 30, just three months and 11 days after its launch aboard a Soyuz-2.1b rocket on July 19. (10/31)
Texas Parks Department Fights to Withhold Draft Agenda Amid fears of Boca Chica Sale to SpaceX (Source: Texas Tribune)
Texas officials tasked with managing and conserving state parks were gearing up this month to cede control of more than 1,000 acres of public land that’s treasured for its natural habitat and beaches along the Gulf coast in Cameron County. An agenda to discuss the issue behind closed doors, which was shared with The Texas Tribune, was drafted for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s commission meeting to be held in early November.
But after the item was pulled from the final agenda, the commission is staying silent on the issue and fighting to prevent a record of that planned discussion from reaching the public’s eyes. Elon Musk’s rocket company has increasingly acquired more land near the park over the last decade. This has stoked fears among locals and environmentalists that the richest man in the world will seize more — or full — control of a place that the community sees as their own. (10/31)
Government Spending on Civil Space Topped $42 Billion in FY2026 (Source: Space Policy Online)
Government spending on civil space activities is more than just NASA. A new Aerospace Corporation report details the $42.6 billion allocated for civil space in FY2026 and compares it to FY2025 and the still-pending request for FY2027. NASA is the largest share, but only 55 percent of the total. Overall, the report characterizes the civil space budget as going through tumultuous times with the White House and Congress out of sync and the FY2027 outcome uncertain. (10/30)
China Plans Standalone Lanyue Lunar Lander Mission and Uncrewed Rehearsal Ahead of Crewed Landing Attempt Before 2030 (Source: Bastille Post)
Uncrewed test flights of the Mengzhou crewed spacecraft and the Lanyue lunar lander are planned ahead of the crewed moon landing mission. Under the previously announced plan, two Long March-10 carrier rockets will launch the Lanyue lunar lander and the Mengzhou spaceship in succession, then the two will conduct a rendezvous and docking in lunar orbit.
The Mengzhou can carry three astronauts between Earth and lunar orbit, with two of them riding the Lanyue lunar lander between lunar orbit and the lunar surface. Aiming at the set goal of landing Chinese astronauts on the Moon, the program will subsequently carry out, as planned, the Long March-10 carrier rocket technology verification flight, the first flights of the Mengzhou spaceship and the Lanyue lunar lander, and important missions such as Chang'e-7. (10/31)
Kenya Appoints Consortium to Study Kipini Spaceport Plan (Source: Africa Business)
The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) has appointed a three-firm consortium to assess the feasibility of building a commercial spaceport on the country’s coast. The facility would allow satellites to be launched from Kenyan soil for the first time in nearly four decades. Salience Consulting, the UAE-based infrastructure advisory firm, will lead the consortium and handle the financial, legal, environmental and social work. French space engineering firm SpaceDreamS will lead technical feasibility and systems engineering, while Gauff Consultants Africa will cover civil and infrastructure engineering. (10/29)
Google in Talks with Pentagon on Data Security for $185B Golden Dome Missile Defense Program (Source: Yahoo! Finance)
Alphabet’s Google is discussing a new data-security effort with the US Defense Department to support Golden Dome, a proposed missile-defense program valued at $185 billion. The talks could bring a major technology company into the program’s security architecture, though the available reports provide no details on scope, contract value or timing. (10/30)
NASA Reopens Search for Commercial Hubble Servicing and Reboost Concepts (Source: Ars Technica)
NASA is seeking ideas for commercial missions to reboost or service the Hubble Space Telescope, reviving an effort more than two years after it rejected similar concepts. The agency’s renewed solicitation puts private providers back in consideration for extending the observatory’s operational life. (10/30)
Justice Department Again Seeks Dismissal of Ligado’s $50 Billion L-band Lawsuit (Source: Space News)
The U.S. Department of Justice argues that Ligado Networks’ L-band license does not grant protected property rights, asking a federal judge to dismiss the bankrupt satellite operator’s roughly $50 billion lawsuit over its derailed wireless network plans. The filing marks another effort by the government to end the case. (10/30)
UK Policy Raises Stakes for Foreign Bidders in Military Space Market (Source: Space News)
A new UK policy is changing the terms for foreign companies seeking business in the country’s military space market. The available report does not specify the policy’s requirements or which bidders and programs are affected, but signals a shift in the conditions governing access to defense-related space opportunities. (10/31)
IRIS², OneWeb and Lightspeed Put Europe’s LEO Ambitions Under Scrutiny on Contracts, Returns and Schedules (Source: Via Satellite)
MDA Space won an initial antenna contract for 66 IRIS² satellites Thales Alenia Space aims to deliver in 2029, as Eutelsat forecasts $11 billion in IRIS² revenue for 2032–40 and OneWeb approaches EBITDA break-even. Telesat, meanwhile, pushed global Lightspeed service back three months to mid-2028 amid falling revenue and looming debt maturities. (10/30)
Turkey Aims for first Moon-Orbiting Mission in 2027 (Source: Spaceflight Now)
Turkey aims to launch its first mission to the Moon in next year, the first in a planned two-mission series, which includes an orbiter and a lander. The First Turkish Lunar Mission (TLM-1) is contracted to launch onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket between April and June with mission managers aiming for an April flight. A launcher for TLM-2 has yet to be selected. If successful, Turkey would become the ninth sovereign nation (or collection of nations as is the case with the European Space Agency) to operate a payload in the lunar environment, following China, ESA, India, Israel, Japan, Russia, South Korea, and the United States. (10/30)
ULA Wins Major NASA Contract as Vulcan Nears Return to Flight (Source: Ars Technica)
NASA confirmed it will contract with United Launch Alliance to develop an upgraded version of its Centaur V upper stage to fly on the Space Launch System rocket. The “extended” Centaur V is a larger version of the upper stage that flies on ULA’s Vulcan rocket. Incorporating the extended Centaur onto the SLS rocket will allow the Orion spacecraft to reach low-lunar orbit, a capability it does not have with the current SLS upper stage. NASA officials said the extended Centaur will be higher-performing than the costly Exploration Upper Stage the agency originally planned to develop as an SLS enhancement. (10/30)
EU Partnership for Orbital Sustainability Welcomes New Member States (Source: EU)
With the signature of the Grant Agreement extension, the EU SST Partnership and DG DEFIS concluded the onboarding of Belgium, Bulgaria, Lithuania and Luxembourg into the EU SST Partnership which now counts a total of 19 Member States. This is another major milestone for the EU SST subcomponent, an important initiative to keep space assets safe from in-orbit collisions in light of increasing space activities.
In cooperation with the SST Front Desk at the EU Agency for the Space Program (EUSPA), they provide three services: Collision Avoidance (CA) assesses risk of collision between satellites or between satellites and space debris and generates collision avoidance alerts. Re-entry Analysis (RE) assesses risk of uncontrolled re-entry of space objects into the Earth’s atmosphere and generates related information. Fragmentation Analysis (FG) detects and characterizes in-orbit fragmentations, break-ups or collisions, and analyses all available information regarding the object(s) involved in the event. (10/29)
A natural gas pipeline dedicated for SpaceX operations at Cape Canaveral could extend 32.4 miles across Brevard County, leading from uninhabited country about 1½ miles east of the St. Johns River northward up the State Road 407 corridor past Space Coast Regional Airport to the NASA Causeway. SpaceX would liquify the natural gas for use as rocket fuel. The proposed steel pipeline, slated to measure 16 inches in diameter, would transport natural gas from a Florida Gas Transmission Co. interstate transmission pipeline to the Cape. (10/30)
The Staggering $446 Million Elon Musk has Spent on the US Midterms (Source: The Guardian)
Elon Musk has poured so much money into US politics this midterms election cycle that his donations could fund half a dozen SpaceX rocket launches. Musk, the world’s richest person, has funneled at least $445.77m into Republican-aligned political action committees and groups since last year. The contributions have made him the Republicans’ most prominent financial backer and the largest single-cycle political donor in modern US history.
Musk’s spending is a staggering example of the SpaceX CEO’s political influence, as he seeks to help Donald Trump’s administration retain control of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections, though current polls predict Democrats achieving a majority. The contributions are at a scale that is difficult to fathom and dwarf efforts from big name megadonors like George Soros or Michael Bloomberg, setting a new precedent for how the rich and powerful attempt to shape politics. (10/31)
Where is Artemis' Apollo 10? (Source: CelestiQ)
Artemis II was, roughly speaking, the equivalent of Apollo 8. Apollo 8 entered lunar orbit in 1968; Artemis II followed a different lunar trajectory. Then comes Artemis III, which increasingly looks like Apollo 9. Apollo 9 stayed in Earth orbit and tested the complete Apollo spacecraft configuration. Artemis III will do something conceptually similar in 2027.
Orion will operate in low Earth orbit and rendezvous with test articles representing both commercial lunar landers. The crew is expected to enter Blue Origin's Blue Moon test article and spend significant time inside it. Orion will later dock with SpaceX's Starship HLS test article, although the crew is not currently planned to enter Starship during that demonstration. NASA will instead evaluate docking dynamics, controllability, communications, and integrated software.
After Apollo 9 came Apollo 10, a dress rehearsal. The entire crewed Apollo landing architecture went to the Moon. It tested every component required for a lunar landing mission, except the landing itself. Artemis does not have an Apollo 10. NASA currently plans Artemis IV as the first crewed Artemis lunar landing, targeted for early 2028. (10/27)
NASA Is Forfeiting Its Global Astrobiology Leadership (Source: NASA Watch)
NASA presentations at a National Academies of Science on Tuesday left the panel confused and concerned about what NASA plans to do with its Astrobiology research. NASA did not communicate well – at all. The emergent impression is that Astrobiology will now be spread across all of what Science Mission Directorate does (good) but that Astrobiology’s higher profile will now recede such that it is just another thing that missions do. (10/6)
Russia’s Starlink Rival, Rassvet, Draws Ukrainian Sanctions Against Its Developers (Source: United 24)
Ukraine has imposed new sanctions on Russian companies and individuals involved in developing the Rassvet satellite communications system, which Moscow intends to use in its war against Ukraine, as well as dozens of vessels operating as part of Russia’s shadow fleet. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed the corresponding decrees. The sanctions targeting the Rassvet project cover 10 companies and 19 Russian nationals associated with their activities. (10/30)
Russia’s Starlink Dream Goes Up in Flames as Second Satellite Burns Up (Source: United 24)
Russia’s attempt to build its own alternative to Elon Musk’s Starlink has suffered another setback, with a second Rassvet-3 satellite burning up in Earth’s atmosphere after failing to reach its intended orbit. The satellite, designated Rassvet-3 No. 17 (NORAD 100083), reentered the atmosphere on October 30, just three months and 11 days after its launch aboard a Soyuz-2.1b rocket on July 19. (10/31)
Texas Parks Department Fights to Withhold Draft Agenda Amid fears of Boca Chica Sale to SpaceX (Source: Texas Tribune)
Texas officials tasked with managing and conserving state parks were gearing up this month to cede control of more than 1,000 acres of public land that’s treasured for its natural habitat and beaches along the Gulf coast in Cameron County. An agenda to discuss the issue behind closed doors, which was shared with The Texas Tribune, was drafted for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s commission meeting to be held in early November.
But after the item was pulled from the final agenda, the commission is staying silent on the issue and fighting to prevent a record of that planned discussion from reaching the public’s eyes. Elon Musk’s rocket company has increasingly acquired more land near the park over the last decade. This has stoked fears among locals and environmentalists that the richest man in the world will seize more — or full — control of a place that the community sees as their own. (10/31)
Government Spending on Civil Space Topped $42 Billion in FY2026 (Source: Space Policy Online)
Government spending on civil space activities is more than just NASA. A new Aerospace Corporation report details the $42.6 billion allocated for civil space in FY2026 and compares it to FY2025 and the still-pending request for FY2027. NASA is the largest share, but only 55 percent of the total. Overall, the report characterizes the civil space budget as going through tumultuous times with the White House and Congress out of sync and the FY2027 outcome uncertain. (10/30)
China Plans Standalone Lanyue Lunar Lander Mission and Uncrewed Rehearsal Ahead of Crewed Landing Attempt Before 2030 (Source: Bastille Post)
Uncrewed test flights of the Mengzhou crewed spacecraft and the Lanyue lunar lander are planned ahead of the crewed moon landing mission. Under the previously announced plan, two Long March-10 carrier rockets will launch the Lanyue lunar lander and the Mengzhou spaceship in succession, then the two will conduct a rendezvous and docking in lunar orbit.
The Mengzhou can carry three astronauts between Earth and lunar orbit, with two of them riding the Lanyue lunar lander between lunar orbit and the lunar surface. Aiming at the set goal of landing Chinese astronauts on the Moon, the program will subsequently carry out, as planned, the Long March-10 carrier rocket technology verification flight, the first flights of the Mengzhou spaceship and the Lanyue lunar lander, and important missions such as Chang'e-7. (10/31)
Kenya Appoints Consortium to Study Kipini Spaceport Plan (Source: Africa Business)
The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) has appointed a three-firm consortium to assess the feasibility of building a commercial spaceport on the country’s coast. The facility would allow satellites to be launched from Kenyan soil for the first time in nearly four decades. Salience Consulting, the UAE-based infrastructure advisory firm, will lead the consortium and handle the financial, legal, environmental and social work. French space engineering firm SpaceDreamS will lead technical feasibility and systems engineering, while Gauff Consultants Africa will cover civil and infrastructure engineering. (10/29)
Google in Talks with Pentagon on Data Security for $185B Golden Dome Missile Defense Program (Source: Yahoo! Finance)
Alphabet’s Google is discussing a new data-security effort with the US Defense Department to support Golden Dome, a proposed missile-defense program valued at $185 billion. The talks could bring a major technology company into the program’s security architecture, though the available reports provide no details on scope, contract value or timing. (10/30)
NASA Reopens Search for Commercial Hubble Servicing and Reboost Concepts (Source: Ars Technica)
NASA is seeking ideas for commercial missions to reboost or service the Hubble Space Telescope, reviving an effort more than two years after it rejected similar concepts. The agency’s renewed solicitation puts private providers back in consideration for extending the observatory’s operational life. (10/30)
Justice Department Again Seeks Dismissal of Ligado’s $50 Billion L-band Lawsuit (Source: Space News)
The U.S. Department of Justice argues that Ligado Networks’ L-band license does not grant protected property rights, asking a federal judge to dismiss the bankrupt satellite operator’s roughly $50 billion lawsuit over its derailed wireless network plans. The filing marks another effort by the government to end the case. (10/30)
UK Policy Raises Stakes for Foreign Bidders in Military Space Market (Source: Space News)
A new UK policy is changing the terms for foreign companies seeking business in the country’s military space market. The available report does not specify the policy’s requirements or which bidders and programs are affected, but signals a shift in the conditions governing access to defense-related space opportunities. (10/31)
IRIS², OneWeb and Lightspeed Put Europe’s LEO Ambitions Under Scrutiny on Contracts, Returns and Schedules (Source: Via Satellite)
MDA Space won an initial antenna contract for 66 IRIS² satellites Thales Alenia Space aims to deliver in 2029, as Eutelsat forecasts $11 billion in IRIS² revenue for 2032–40 and OneWeb approaches EBITDA break-even. Telesat, meanwhile, pushed global Lightspeed service back three months to mid-2028 amid falling revenue and looming debt maturities. (10/30)
Turkey Aims for first Moon-Orbiting Mission in 2027 (Source: Spaceflight Now)
Turkey aims to launch its first mission to the Moon in next year, the first in a planned two-mission series, which includes an orbiter and a lander. The First Turkish Lunar Mission (TLM-1) is contracted to launch onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket between April and June with mission managers aiming for an April flight. A launcher for TLM-2 has yet to be selected. If successful, Turkey would become the ninth sovereign nation (or collection of nations as is the case with the European Space Agency) to operate a payload in the lunar environment, following China, ESA, India, Israel, Japan, Russia, South Korea, and the United States. (10/30)
ULA Wins Major NASA Contract as Vulcan Nears Return to Flight (Source: Ars Technica)
NASA confirmed it will contract with United Launch Alliance to develop an upgraded version of its Centaur V upper stage to fly on the Space Launch System rocket. The “extended” Centaur V is a larger version of the upper stage that flies on ULA’s Vulcan rocket. Incorporating the extended Centaur onto the SLS rocket will allow the Orion spacecraft to reach low-lunar orbit, a capability it does not have with the current SLS upper stage. NASA officials said the extended Centaur will be higher-performing than the costly Exploration Upper Stage the agency originally planned to develop as an SLS enhancement. (10/30)
EU Partnership for Orbital Sustainability Welcomes New Member States (Source: EU)
With the signature of the Grant Agreement extension, the EU SST Partnership and DG DEFIS concluded the onboarding of Belgium, Bulgaria, Lithuania and Luxembourg into the EU SST Partnership which now counts a total of 19 Member States. This is another major milestone for the EU SST subcomponent, an important initiative to keep space assets safe from in-orbit collisions in light of increasing space activities.
In cooperation with the SST Front Desk at the EU Agency for the Space Program (EUSPA), they provide three services: Collision Avoidance (CA) assesses risk of collision between satellites or between satellites and space debris and generates collision avoidance alerts. Re-entry Analysis (RE) assesses risk of uncontrolled re-entry of space objects into the Earth’s atmosphere and generates related information. Fragmentation Analysis (FG) detects and characterizes in-orbit fragmentations, break-ups or collisions, and analyses all available information regarding the object(s) involved in the event. (10/29)
October 31, 2026
ESA and Norway Agree on Projects for
Resilient Satellite Navigation (Source: ESA)
On 27 October at Spaceport Norway in Oslo, the European Space Agency (ESA) signed new contracts with three Norwegian companies under ESA’s Navigation Innovation and Support Program (NAVISP). The projects follow a call for projects via NAVISP funding by the Norwegian Space Agency to support the development of resilient positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) solutions. (10/28)
Blue Origin Launches Earth's First Space Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program (Source: Blue Origin)
Blue Origin announced the launch of ATLAS (Advanced Training & Learning Academy for Space), the first registered apprenticeship program designed specifically for space manufacturing. The program addresses a fundamental challenge facing the space industry: the skilled workforce needed to build flight-ready space hardware does not exist in traditional manufacturing training.
In partnership from Apprenti, the nation’s leading apprenticeship intermediary, ATLAS launches this month in Alabama with 10 machinist apprentices, creating direct career pathways into space manufacturing without requiring a four-year degree. Apprentices earn competitive full-time salaries and benefits from day one while mastering the precision skills needed to build the vehicles that will take humanity to the Moon and beyond. (10/29)
Space Tourism Is Dead — Or Is It? Virgin Galactic To Fly Again In 2027 (Source: Forbes)
The company aims to resume flying paying passengers in early Q2 2027, after its new Delta-class spaceplane, Spaceship Apeiron. The planned comeback comes almost three years after Virgin Galactic’s last commercial flight in June 2024, while rival Blue Origin has also suspended its suborbital tourist flights to focus on developing a lunar lander for NASA, as well as NASA’s Moon Base and a mission to Mars. (10/29)
UCF Astronomer Selected by NASA to Explore Virtual Super Telescope Concept (Source: UCF)
Damodaran is one of 18 researchers selected for Phase I of NASA’s 2026 NIAC program, receiving $175,000 to study the PHOENIX concept. Damodaran collaborated with strategic partners from UCF’s College of Optics and Photonics (CREOL), Florida Space Institute (FSI), Department of Physics and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory on the project. PHOENIX would use advanced photonic technologies developed in collaboration with researchers from CREOL to connect up to 25 spacecraft that could work together as a powerful virtual telescope. (10/29)
UCF Loses Annual "Space Game" in Baylor Blowout (Source: ESPN)
Baylor's interim head coach Joe Klanderman earned his first career win in his debut guiding Baylor, bouncing back from a previous two-game skid. Baylor quarterback DJ Lagway starred in the 41-9 blowout in Orlando throwing for 319 yards and four touchdowns while adding 23 rushing yards.
Fresh off one of the season's biggest upsets last Saturday, UCF kept the good vibes around Orlando rolling in Week 9 -- through the use of uniforms. Once a year for the past decade, the Golden Knights have marked one of their home games as the season's "Space Game," a special event where the school pays homage to its connection to the spacefaring industry. UCF is a longtime partner with NASA, whose Kennedy Space Center is just a 45-minute drive from the Golden Knights' stadium.
This year's "Mission X" uniforms are another strong entry into the annual alternate uniform series. The uniforms have a base white color, with a clean light blue and red trim accenting the jersey, pants and helmets. The look -- which is based upon the 1960s NASA -- contains a number of notable details paying tribute to three foundational programs of that decade: Project Mercury, Project Gemini and the Apollo Program. (10/30)
Mayo Clinic: How Going to Space Ages Astronaut Bones (Source: CBC)
Astronauts on long space missions lose about one to two per cent of their bone mass for every month they spend in microgravity. In a recent study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, Jean Sibonga, a biomedical scientist at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, and her colleagues found that astronauts who spent more than 90 days in space faced a greater risk of hip fracture after they were back on Earth. On average, astronaut hip fractures occurred at a younger age and at a rate that would typically be observed in non-astronauts 8-16 years older. (10/30)
Supersonic Airliner in Doubt as Company Shifts to Powering AI Data Centers (Source: Ars Technica)
Boom Supersonic CEO Blake Scholl recently declared “it’s time for a renaissance in energy and in supersonic flight” as the supersonic airliner company unveiled a Colorado factory dedicated to making gas turbines for AI data centers. But Boom may be facing turbulence after early backers for both ventures have questioned the company’s delivery timeline or backed out entirely.
One of the company’s first customers, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, has expressed doubts about Boom’s original plan to deliver the first Overture supersonic airliner in 2029. Kirby’s latest frank assessment came during an interview with the Office Hours: Business Edition podcast that appeared on October 28, 2026. (10/30)
UK Considers Restoring Use of EGNOS GNSS Overlay (Source: ARPAS)
The Department for Transport is seeking stakeholder input as part of a review assessing the potential costs and benefits of restoring UK access to the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) Safety of Life service. The review will help inform a decision on whether the UK should seek to rejoin EGNOS, with a primary focus on aviation, alongside potential implications for rail, maritime and road transport. (10/22)
Google’s Satellite AI Server Transmits its First Response to Earth (Source: The Verge)
Google’s AI chip-equipped satellite has generated its first response from space. In a blog post on Friday, Google says it successfully booted up the satellite’s Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), allowing the on-board Gemma 4 model to follow through on a prompt to create a haiku about being in space: "Blue marble below. Data streams in silent grace. Starlight feeds my core."
Google says it tried out other space-themed limericks and telemetry prompts as well. The test is part of Google’s Project Suncatcher, an experimental initiative that could eventually put AI data centers in space. Google launched the satellite into orbit earlier this month. “Next, we will continue with a series of tests to evaluate how TPUs perform under thermal stress and radiation exposure in orbit,” Google says. “Verifying our TPUs can reliably execute workloads in space paves the way for our next milestone of twin interconnected satellites in 2027.” (10/30)
Planetary Collisions May Help young Worlds Hold Onto Their Atmospheres (Source: Phys.org)
A new study lets some of the air out of a long-held theory that growing, rocky planets will lose their atmosphere if they smash into a large object in space. In fact, these kinds of collisions often help protoplanets hold on to their hydrogen-rich primordial atmosphere, say researchers.
The new research also sheds light on the predominance of two types of planets beyond Earth's solar system: "super-Earths," exoplanets that are slightly larger than Earth and have no primordial atmosphere, and "sub-Neptunes," which are even larger and do have a primordial atmosphere. (10/29)
South Korea to Select Lunar Landing Sites This Year for 2032 Missions (Source: Arirang)
Korea plans to finalize its lunar landing sites by the end of this year, ahead of two planned missions to the Moon in 2032. The Korea AeroSpace Administration released an analysis of 29 potential landing sites during a conference on Friday. Nine sites are being considered for the test landing planned for the first half of 2032, where the institution will test soft-landing technology and observe the lunar environment. An additional 20 sites are being evaluated for a second landing, set to launch later that year to explore lunar resources. Officials say the final locations will be chosen based on scientific value, landing safety, and mission feasibility. (10/30)
Shotwell’s 2M SpaceX Share Gift to Kids' Trump Accounts Is Underway (Source: Not a Tesla App)
Over 2 million American kids are about to become SpaceX shareholders. SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell said on X that the SpaceX stock she and her husband Robert pledged will be distributed to children’s Trump Accounts starting in December, with the shares “transferring to escrow as we speak.” At today’s price of about $135 per share, the gift is worth roughly $270 million. When Shotwell first announced it in July, SpaceX shares had closed at $162, valuing the pledge at over $324 million. (10/30)
Building the Aerospace Workforce, Region by Region, with Community Partners (Source: GE Aerospace)
In its inaugural year, the GE Aerospace Foundation, through Lifting Futures, is supporting local partners in Dallas-Fort Worth, Southwest Ohio and Alabama’s I-85 corridor. Together, they will add training capacity, build awareness of aerospace careers, and strengthen coordination across each region. These partners are the first of many, as the program aims to train 10,000 workers across multiple communities by 2030, building a stronger workforce for the entire aerospace industry. (10/27)
Satlyt Takes Another Step Toward Turning Satellites Into Space Data Centers (Source: TechCrunch)
Satlyt is building software to turn existing satellites into data processing networks, similar to the orbital data center concept. After 13 months of work, the company had a successful test earlier this month. Working with the University of Houston on a NASA-funded research project, the test showed how the startup’s software can spread out tasks among computers while in orbit based on communication and available compute. (10/30)
MDA Space Gets Initial Contract to Supply Antennas for 66 IRIS² Satellites (Source: Space News)
Canada’s MDA Space has an initial contract to provide antennas for the first 66 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites Thales Alenia Space aims to help deliver in 2029 for IRIS², Europe’s planned multi-orbit sovereign broadband network. (10/30)
Promotions for Space Force’s Second-Highest Enlisted Rank Explode (Source: Air & Space Forces)
Promotions to the Space Force’s second-highest enlisted grade, senior master sergeant, have surged to the highest level in the young service’s history, bolstering the senior NCO corps. Over the next few years, service officials plan to aggressively expand the force and particularly the enlisted corps. The Air Force Personnel Center released the 2026 promotion lists and statistics for both chief master sergeant and senior master sergeant in the Space Force on Oct. 29: For chief master sergeant, 13 Guardians were selected out of 60 eligible, a 21.67 percent race. For senior master sergeant, 56 Guardians were selected out of 396 eligible, a 14.14 percent rate. (10/30)
Moon Landing 2028: Simulations From NASA Ames Help Prepare for Artemis Mission (Source: ABC 11)
As NASA prepares for the first crewed mission to the Moon since 1972, researchers at NASA Ames Research Center are helping develop and test systems that could shape future lunar missions under the Artemis program. Inside the Flight and Guidance Simulation Laboratories at NASA Ames in Mountain View, California, engineers and researchers are using advanced simulators to recreate conditions astronauts could experience during a Moon landing. One of the center's key tools is the Vertical Motion Simulator, which NASA says is the largest simulator of its kind in the world. (10/30)
Not Everything Is Solid In the Solid Rocket Motor Boom (Source: Aviation Week)
It is now a given that solid rocket motor (SRM) demand remains far ahead of supply. What is not certain is that companies can deliver. Companies face major questions regarding whether they can actually fulfill their huge backlogs and what their long-term financial returns will look like. L3Harris acquired Aerojet Rocketdyne for $4.7 billion to establish itself as a major merchant supplier in the SRM market. The Pentagon has heavily backed expansion, including major capital investments and plans to spin off or IPO missile solutions businesses.
Traditional high-cadence or legacy manufacturing is being challenged by new tech-focused players. For instance, Firehawk Defense raised a $150+ million Series D to scale continuous thermoplastic propellant processes that form rocket motors in hours instead of weeks. Other competitors like X-Bow Systems and Ursa Major are also vying for low-cost, alternative SRM production contracts. : Analysts note that while solid rocket motors are ideal for long shelf-life storage and instant-readiness military boosters, they face inherent economic and scaling limits compared to liquid-propellant architectures for high-cadence space launch. (10/29)
UK Ceramics Firm Takes 'Giant Leap' Toward Building on the Moon (Source: BBC)
A company says it has turned Moon dust into "solid pellets", which could pave the way to produce bricks on the Moon's surface. Scientific consultancy firm Lucideon, based in Staffordshire, said the process involved firing electricity directly at the dust, which solidified it. The innovation would help to "lay the foundations for humanity's next giant leap," said the company. "It's not quite bricks yet, but it's on the way," said the company's chief executive, Tony Kinsella. (10/29)
America Needs a Space Academy for the Space Age (Source: Space News)
The United States is moving its space activity outward, from low Earth orbit to the moon, cislunar space and beyond. Rockets and spacecraft are the visible part of that expansion. The harder problem is people. The country needs leaders who can run an enterprise that grows more complicated every year, and a U.S. Space Academy would help supply them. (10/30)
Analysts Say Launch-Capacity Crisis is More Severe Than Anticipated, with No Evidence Starship Will Launch Traditional Satellites (Source: Ars Technica)
Analysts warn that the looming launch crisis is worse than previously understood. They also find no evidence that SpaceX’s Starship will be used to launch traditional satellites, challenging assumptions that the vehicle will soon provide additional capacity for conventional satellite deployment. At a time when the supply of commercial rockets is contracting, demand for satellite launch is soaring, from megaconstellation operators such as Amazon to a flurry of small satellite startups. The report estimates the crunch will become most acute in 2028 but should then slowly improve. (10/30)
Shanghai Plan Targets More Than 3,000 Satellites in Orbit by 2030 (Source: Beyond LEO)
Shanghai has set a target of more than 3,000 satellites in orbit by 2030 under a new action plan to build the city into a satellite internet innovation hub. The plan, unveiled on 27 October, also targets core industry output of more than 80 billion yuan ($11.9 billion) by 2030. The Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization released the document, the Shanghai satellite internet industry innovation and development action plan (2027-2030). (10/30)
CAS Space Aims to Fly Lihong 2 Reusable Spacecraft in First Quarter of 2027 (Source: Beyond LEO)
CAS Space plans to make the first flight of its Lihong 2 reusable spacecraft in the first quarter of 2027, a test meant to show whether the vehicle can climb to about 100 kilometers and land safely back on the ground. Lihong 2 is about 18 meters long and 3.35 meters in diameter and weighs about 60 metric tons at liftoff. It has two parts: a booster rocket and a payload module. Each flight is designed to carry at least 3 tons of payload or up to seven passengers. (10/30)
GalaxySpace Test Satellite Takes a 5G Core Network and Onboard AI Into Orbit (Source: Beyond LEO)
A Chinese test satellite carrying a 5G base station, a mobile core network and onboard AI computing has reached its planned orbit. The satellite, PEGA-SUS1, also carries satellite-to-ground laser communication and microwave communication. China Daily said this is the first time in China that all of these systems have been carried together on a single technology verification satellite. (10/30)
India Launches GSLV Navigation Satellite to Bolster Location-Tracking System (Source: Space.com)
India’s space agency launched a navigation satellite aboard its GSLV rocket, aiming to strengthen the country’s location-tracking system. The available report does not identify the satellite, launch date or technical specifications, limiting assessment of the mission’s specific capabilities and contribution to the existing system. (10/30)
AFRL Targets New Hypersonic Engine Tech Prototypes Within 4 Years (Source: Air & Space Forces Magazine)
The Air Force Research Laboratory wants industry to advance concepts for affordable hypersonic munition engines to prototype demonstrations within three to four years. AFRL released a request for information early this month, seeking white papers on technical requirements by Nov. 16. The notice is one of the first updates in months on its push for affordable rocket engines for hypersonic munitions. (10/26)
AFRL Plans to Award $30M for Cislunar Project Starting Next Spring (Source: Air & Space Forces Magazine)
The Air Force Research Laboratory plans to launch its latest technology challenge next month—a project meant to speed up development of systems that can operate beyond geosynchronous orbit. SpaceWERX is leading the effort, dubbed Cislunar Prime. The space innovation hub is looking for commercial capabilities that could put the Space Force on a faster path toward cislunar operations in three focus areas: space domain awareness; cislunar communications; and positioning, navigation, and timing. The tentative plan, according to an AFRL spokesperson, is to officially announce Cislunar Prime in December, solicit proposals in January, and begin awarding contracts next spring. The program has $30 million to fund 15 direct-to-phase-two Small Business Innovation Research contracts worth $2 million each. (10/29)
Bill Nelson Warns if War Makes it to Space, Everyone Loses (Source: Orlando Sentinel)
Retired from his role as the head of NASA for more than 18 months, former U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson still champions the agency’s accomplishments — but warns that the world’s access to space is threatened by choices by the likes of Russia and China.
“I have for years, as senator, as NASA administrator, warned people and the Department of Defense that the next major war may begin in space,” Nelson said. He noted our society is becoming increasingly reliant on orbital infrastructure such as GPS, communications, banking transactions and missile warning systems. “If those systems were ever targeted, the consequences would ricochet across every sector of American life,” he said. (10/29)
Smithsonian Scientists Recreated the First 2 Billion Years of the Universe (Source: Science Daily)
Scientists have created one of the largest and most detailed simulations of the early universe ever made, offering an extraordinary new glimpse into the cosmos shortly after the Big Bang. Called Lumina, the groundbreaking simulation recreates the universe’s first 2 billion years, showing how dark matter, gas, and radiation interacted to give rise to the earliest stars, galaxies, and black holes. (10/27)
NASA Welcomes Vietnam as Newest Artemis Accords Signatory (Source: NASA)
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam became the 78th nation to sign the Artemis Accords, joining a growing coalition of like-minded nations committed to the peaceful, transparent, and responsible exploration of space. Vietnam’s Minister of Science and Technology Vũ Hải Quân signed the Artemis Accords on behalf of the country during the Vietnam International Digital Week in Ha Long. The United States Ambassador to Vietnam Jennifer Wicks also participated in the signing event. (10/28)
On 27 October at Spaceport Norway in Oslo, the European Space Agency (ESA) signed new contracts with three Norwegian companies under ESA’s Navigation Innovation and Support Program (NAVISP). The projects follow a call for projects via NAVISP funding by the Norwegian Space Agency to support the development of resilient positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) solutions. (10/28)
Blue Origin Launches Earth's First Space Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program (Source: Blue Origin)
Blue Origin announced the launch of ATLAS (Advanced Training & Learning Academy for Space), the first registered apprenticeship program designed specifically for space manufacturing. The program addresses a fundamental challenge facing the space industry: the skilled workforce needed to build flight-ready space hardware does not exist in traditional manufacturing training.
In partnership from Apprenti, the nation’s leading apprenticeship intermediary, ATLAS launches this month in Alabama with 10 machinist apprentices, creating direct career pathways into space manufacturing without requiring a four-year degree. Apprentices earn competitive full-time salaries and benefits from day one while mastering the precision skills needed to build the vehicles that will take humanity to the Moon and beyond. (10/29)
Space Tourism Is Dead — Or Is It? Virgin Galactic To Fly Again In 2027 (Source: Forbes)
The company aims to resume flying paying passengers in early Q2 2027, after its new Delta-class spaceplane, Spaceship Apeiron. The planned comeback comes almost three years after Virgin Galactic’s last commercial flight in June 2024, while rival Blue Origin has also suspended its suborbital tourist flights to focus on developing a lunar lander for NASA, as well as NASA’s Moon Base and a mission to Mars. (10/29)
UCF Astronomer Selected by NASA to Explore Virtual Super Telescope Concept (Source: UCF)
Damodaran is one of 18 researchers selected for Phase I of NASA’s 2026 NIAC program, receiving $175,000 to study the PHOENIX concept. Damodaran collaborated with strategic partners from UCF’s College of Optics and Photonics (CREOL), Florida Space Institute (FSI), Department of Physics and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory on the project. PHOENIX would use advanced photonic technologies developed in collaboration with researchers from CREOL to connect up to 25 spacecraft that could work together as a powerful virtual telescope. (10/29)
UCF Loses Annual "Space Game" in Baylor Blowout (Source: ESPN)
Baylor's interim head coach Joe Klanderman earned his first career win in his debut guiding Baylor, bouncing back from a previous two-game skid. Baylor quarterback DJ Lagway starred in the 41-9 blowout in Orlando throwing for 319 yards and four touchdowns while adding 23 rushing yards.
Fresh off one of the season's biggest upsets last Saturday, UCF kept the good vibes around Orlando rolling in Week 9 -- through the use of uniforms. Once a year for the past decade, the Golden Knights have marked one of their home games as the season's "Space Game," a special event where the school pays homage to its connection to the spacefaring industry. UCF is a longtime partner with NASA, whose Kennedy Space Center is just a 45-minute drive from the Golden Knights' stadium.
This year's "Mission X" uniforms are another strong entry into the annual alternate uniform series. The uniforms have a base white color, with a clean light blue and red trim accenting the jersey, pants and helmets. The look -- which is based upon the 1960s NASA -- contains a number of notable details paying tribute to three foundational programs of that decade: Project Mercury, Project Gemini and the Apollo Program. (10/30)
Mayo Clinic: How Going to Space Ages Astronaut Bones (Source: CBC)
Astronauts on long space missions lose about one to two per cent of their bone mass for every month they spend in microgravity. In a recent study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, Jean Sibonga, a biomedical scientist at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, and her colleagues found that astronauts who spent more than 90 days in space faced a greater risk of hip fracture after they were back on Earth. On average, astronaut hip fractures occurred at a younger age and at a rate that would typically be observed in non-astronauts 8-16 years older. (10/30)
Supersonic Airliner in Doubt as Company Shifts to Powering AI Data Centers (Source: Ars Technica)
Boom Supersonic CEO Blake Scholl recently declared “it’s time for a renaissance in energy and in supersonic flight” as the supersonic airliner company unveiled a Colorado factory dedicated to making gas turbines for AI data centers. But Boom may be facing turbulence after early backers for both ventures have questioned the company’s delivery timeline or backed out entirely.
One of the company’s first customers, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, has expressed doubts about Boom’s original plan to deliver the first Overture supersonic airliner in 2029. Kirby’s latest frank assessment came during an interview with the Office Hours: Business Edition podcast that appeared on October 28, 2026. (10/30)
UK Considers Restoring Use of EGNOS GNSS Overlay (Source: ARPAS)
The Department for Transport is seeking stakeholder input as part of a review assessing the potential costs and benefits of restoring UK access to the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) Safety of Life service. The review will help inform a decision on whether the UK should seek to rejoin EGNOS, with a primary focus on aviation, alongside potential implications for rail, maritime and road transport. (10/22)
Google’s Satellite AI Server Transmits its First Response to Earth (Source: The Verge)
Google’s AI chip-equipped satellite has generated its first response from space. In a blog post on Friday, Google says it successfully booted up the satellite’s Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), allowing the on-board Gemma 4 model to follow through on a prompt to create a haiku about being in space: "Blue marble below. Data streams in silent grace. Starlight feeds my core."
Google says it tried out other space-themed limericks and telemetry prompts as well. The test is part of Google’s Project Suncatcher, an experimental initiative that could eventually put AI data centers in space. Google launched the satellite into orbit earlier this month. “Next, we will continue with a series of tests to evaluate how TPUs perform under thermal stress and radiation exposure in orbit,” Google says. “Verifying our TPUs can reliably execute workloads in space paves the way for our next milestone of twin interconnected satellites in 2027.” (10/30)
Planetary Collisions May Help young Worlds Hold Onto Their Atmospheres (Source: Phys.org)
A new study lets some of the air out of a long-held theory that growing, rocky planets will lose their atmosphere if they smash into a large object in space. In fact, these kinds of collisions often help protoplanets hold on to their hydrogen-rich primordial atmosphere, say researchers.
The new research also sheds light on the predominance of two types of planets beyond Earth's solar system: "super-Earths," exoplanets that are slightly larger than Earth and have no primordial atmosphere, and "sub-Neptunes," which are even larger and do have a primordial atmosphere. (10/29)
South Korea to Select Lunar Landing Sites This Year for 2032 Missions (Source: Arirang)
Korea plans to finalize its lunar landing sites by the end of this year, ahead of two planned missions to the Moon in 2032. The Korea AeroSpace Administration released an analysis of 29 potential landing sites during a conference on Friday. Nine sites are being considered for the test landing planned for the first half of 2032, where the institution will test soft-landing technology and observe the lunar environment. An additional 20 sites are being evaluated for a second landing, set to launch later that year to explore lunar resources. Officials say the final locations will be chosen based on scientific value, landing safety, and mission feasibility. (10/30)
Shotwell’s 2M SpaceX Share Gift to Kids' Trump Accounts Is Underway (Source: Not a Tesla App)
Over 2 million American kids are about to become SpaceX shareholders. SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell said on X that the SpaceX stock she and her husband Robert pledged will be distributed to children’s Trump Accounts starting in December, with the shares “transferring to escrow as we speak.” At today’s price of about $135 per share, the gift is worth roughly $270 million. When Shotwell first announced it in July, SpaceX shares had closed at $162, valuing the pledge at over $324 million. (10/30)
Building the Aerospace Workforce, Region by Region, with Community Partners (Source: GE Aerospace)
In its inaugural year, the GE Aerospace Foundation, through Lifting Futures, is supporting local partners in Dallas-Fort Worth, Southwest Ohio and Alabama’s I-85 corridor. Together, they will add training capacity, build awareness of aerospace careers, and strengthen coordination across each region. These partners are the first of many, as the program aims to train 10,000 workers across multiple communities by 2030, building a stronger workforce for the entire aerospace industry. (10/27)
Satlyt Takes Another Step Toward Turning Satellites Into Space Data Centers (Source: TechCrunch)
Satlyt is building software to turn existing satellites into data processing networks, similar to the orbital data center concept. After 13 months of work, the company had a successful test earlier this month. Working with the University of Houston on a NASA-funded research project, the test showed how the startup’s software can spread out tasks among computers while in orbit based on communication and available compute. (10/30)
MDA Space Gets Initial Contract to Supply Antennas for 66 IRIS² Satellites (Source: Space News)
Canada’s MDA Space has an initial contract to provide antennas for the first 66 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites Thales Alenia Space aims to help deliver in 2029 for IRIS², Europe’s planned multi-orbit sovereign broadband network. (10/30)
Promotions for Space Force’s Second-Highest Enlisted Rank Explode (Source: Air & Space Forces)
Promotions to the Space Force’s second-highest enlisted grade, senior master sergeant, have surged to the highest level in the young service’s history, bolstering the senior NCO corps. Over the next few years, service officials plan to aggressively expand the force and particularly the enlisted corps. The Air Force Personnel Center released the 2026 promotion lists and statistics for both chief master sergeant and senior master sergeant in the Space Force on Oct. 29: For chief master sergeant, 13 Guardians were selected out of 60 eligible, a 21.67 percent race. For senior master sergeant, 56 Guardians were selected out of 396 eligible, a 14.14 percent rate. (10/30)
Moon Landing 2028: Simulations From NASA Ames Help Prepare for Artemis Mission (Source: ABC 11)
As NASA prepares for the first crewed mission to the Moon since 1972, researchers at NASA Ames Research Center are helping develop and test systems that could shape future lunar missions under the Artemis program. Inside the Flight and Guidance Simulation Laboratories at NASA Ames in Mountain View, California, engineers and researchers are using advanced simulators to recreate conditions astronauts could experience during a Moon landing. One of the center's key tools is the Vertical Motion Simulator, which NASA says is the largest simulator of its kind in the world. (10/30)
Not Everything Is Solid In the Solid Rocket Motor Boom (Source: Aviation Week)
It is now a given that solid rocket motor (SRM) demand remains far ahead of supply. What is not certain is that companies can deliver. Companies face major questions regarding whether they can actually fulfill their huge backlogs and what their long-term financial returns will look like. L3Harris acquired Aerojet Rocketdyne for $4.7 billion to establish itself as a major merchant supplier in the SRM market. The Pentagon has heavily backed expansion, including major capital investments and plans to spin off or IPO missile solutions businesses.
Traditional high-cadence or legacy manufacturing is being challenged by new tech-focused players. For instance, Firehawk Defense raised a $150+ million Series D to scale continuous thermoplastic propellant processes that form rocket motors in hours instead of weeks. Other competitors like X-Bow Systems and Ursa Major are also vying for low-cost, alternative SRM production contracts. : Analysts note that while solid rocket motors are ideal for long shelf-life storage and instant-readiness military boosters, they face inherent economic and scaling limits compared to liquid-propellant architectures for high-cadence space launch. (10/29)
UK Ceramics Firm Takes 'Giant Leap' Toward Building on the Moon (Source: BBC)
A company says it has turned Moon dust into "solid pellets", which could pave the way to produce bricks on the Moon's surface. Scientific consultancy firm Lucideon, based in Staffordshire, said the process involved firing electricity directly at the dust, which solidified it. The innovation would help to "lay the foundations for humanity's next giant leap," said the company. "It's not quite bricks yet, but it's on the way," said the company's chief executive, Tony Kinsella. (10/29)
America Needs a Space Academy for the Space Age (Source: Space News)
The United States is moving its space activity outward, from low Earth orbit to the moon, cislunar space and beyond. Rockets and spacecraft are the visible part of that expansion. The harder problem is people. The country needs leaders who can run an enterprise that grows more complicated every year, and a U.S. Space Academy would help supply them. (10/30)
Analysts Say Launch-Capacity Crisis is More Severe Than Anticipated, with No Evidence Starship Will Launch Traditional Satellites (Source: Ars Technica)
Analysts warn that the looming launch crisis is worse than previously understood. They also find no evidence that SpaceX’s Starship will be used to launch traditional satellites, challenging assumptions that the vehicle will soon provide additional capacity for conventional satellite deployment. At a time when the supply of commercial rockets is contracting, demand for satellite launch is soaring, from megaconstellation operators such as Amazon to a flurry of small satellite startups. The report estimates the crunch will become most acute in 2028 but should then slowly improve. (10/30)
Shanghai Plan Targets More Than 3,000 Satellites in Orbit by 2030 (Source: Beyond LEO)
Shanghai has set a target of more than 3,000 satellites in orbit by 2030 under a new action plan to build the city into a satellite internet innovation hub. The plan, unveiled on 27 October, also targets core industry output of more than 80 billion yuan ($11.9 billion) by 2030. The Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization released the document, the Shanghai satellite internet industry innovation and development action plan (2027-2030). (10/30)
CAS Space Aims to Fly Lihong 2 Reusable Spacecraft in First Quarter of 2027 (Source: Beyond LEO)
CAS Space plans to make the first flight of its Lihong 2 reusable spacecraft in the first quarter of 2027, a test meant to show whether the vehicle can climb to about 100 kilometers and land safely back on the ground. Lihong 2 is about 18 meters long and 3.35 meters in diameter and weighs about 60 metric tons at liftoff. It has two parts: a booster rocket and a payload module. Each flight is designed to carry at least 3 tons of payload or up to seven passengers. (10/30)
GalaxySpace Test Satellite Takes a 5G Core Network and Onboard AI Into Orbit (Source: Beyond LEO)
A Chinese test satellite carrying a 5G base station, a mobile core network and onboard AI computing has reached its planned orbit. The satellite, PEGA-SUS1, also carries satellite-to-ground laser communication and microwave communication. China Daily said this is the first time in China that all of these systems have been carried together on a single technology verification satellite. (10/30)
India Launches GSLV Navigation Satellite to Bolster Location-Tracking System (Source: Space.com)
India’s space agency launched a navigation satellite aboard its GSLV rocket, aiming to strengthen the country’s location-tracking system. The available report does not identify the satellite, launch date or technical specifications, limiting assessment of the mission’s specific capabilities and contribution to the existing system. (10/30)
AFRL Targets New Hypersonic Engine Tech Prototypes Within 4 Years (Source: Air & Space Forces Magazine)
The Air Force Research Laboratory wants industry to advance concepts for affordable hypersonic munition engines to prototype demonstrations within three to four years. AFRL released a request for information early this month, seeking white papers on technical requirements by Nov. 16. The notice is one of the first updates in months on its push for affordable rocket engines for hypersonic munitions. (10/26)
AFRL Plans to Award $30M for Cislunar Project Starting Next Spring (Source: Air & Space Forces Magazine)
The Air Force Research Laboratory plans to launch its latest technology challenge next month—a project meant to speed up development of systems that can operate beyond geosynchronous orbit. SpaceWERX is leading the effort, dubbed Cislunar Prime. The space innovation hub is looking for commercial capabilities that could put the Space Force on a faster path toward cislunar operations in three focus areas: space domain awareness; cislunar communications; and positioning, navigation, and timing. The tentative plan, according to an AFRL spokesperson, is to officially announce Cislunar Prime in December, solicit proposals in January, and begin awarding contracts next spring. The program has $30 million to fund 15 direct-to-phase-two Small Business Innovation Research contracts worth $2 million each. (10/29)
Bill Nelson Warns if War Makes it to Space, Everyone Loses (Source: Orlando Sentinel)
Retired from his role as the head of NASA for more than 18 months, former U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson still champions the agency’s accomplishments — but warns that the world’s access to space is threatened by choices by the likes of Russia and China.
“I have for years, as senator, as NASA administrator, warned people and the Department of Defense that the next major war may begin in space,” Nelson said. He noted our society is becoming increasingly reliant on orbital infrastructure such as GPS, communications, banking transactions and missile warning systems. “If those systems were ever targeted, the consequences would ricochet across every sector of American life,” he said. (10/29)
Smithsonian Scientists Recreated the First 2 Billion Years of the Universe (Source: Science Daily)
Scientists have created one of the largest and most detailed simulations of the early universe ever made, offering an extraordinary new glimpse into the cosmos shortly after the Big Bang. Called Lumina, the groundbreaking simulation recreates the universe’s first 2 billion years, showing how dark matter, gas, and radiation interacted to give rise to the earliest stars, galaxies, and black holes. (10/27)
NASA Welcomes Vietnam as Newest Artemis Accords Signatory (Source: NASA)
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam became the 78th nation to sign the Artemis Accords, joining a growing coalition of like-minded nations committed to the peaceful, transparent, and responsible exploration of space. Vietnam’s Minister of Science and Technology Vũ Hải Quân signed the Artemis Accords on behalf of the country during the Vietnam International Digital Week in Ha Long. The United States Ambassador to Vietnam Jennifer Wicks also participated in the signing event. (10/28)
October 30, 2026
NASA's Isaacman Talks Spaceport Launch
Cadence, Says 'I'll Be Fired' if China Beats US to Moon (Source:
Florida Today)
As NASA accelerates its Artemis program with launches of more than 20 crewed and uncrewed moon-base missions, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman looks forward to a parallel wave of private space-company investment powering up Florida's Space Coast within the next five years: “You're going to see very big rockets launching nearly all the time."
"It will be such a spaceport," Isaacman said, drawing contrast with sluggish activity after the end of NASA's shuttle era. “We now have such demand for every parcel of land here and every launch pad because of the opportunity that's being presented to us across this great frontier. You're going to see Starships launching all the time. You're going to see Blue Origins launching all the time," Isaacman said. "You’ll see Stoke launching all the time. You're going to see Relativity launching all the time. You're still going to have SLS launches probably every year as we continue to send astronauts to the moon. So it's going to be a lot of activity around here,” he said.
"People look at the moon, and they’re like, ‘Wow, it's a big moon. Isn't it enough for all of us?’ The south pole (is) critical. That south pole is the size of Washington, D.C. That is your training ground, with the water ice in those craters to prepare for Mars. We know that. The Chinese know that," Isaacman said. "Hey, you know, if the Chinese beat us back to the moon, I'll be fired," Isaacman said. (10/29)
NASA’s Dragonfly Moving Through Integration and Testing at APL (Source: Aerospace America)
Under the bright lights of sterile clean rooms here on the Johns Hopkins University campus, NASA’s Dragonfly rotorcraft is taking shape, as technicians navigate integration and testing of the probe’s primary structure. Several days before my visit on Oct. 21, technicians had installed the first pieces of bright orange insulation around the body of the car-sized probe, scheduled to launch toward Saturn’s moon Titan in 2028. (10/30)
Eutelsat Expects $11 Billion Revenue After EU's Starlink Rival Comes Online (Source: Reuters)
Eutelsat expects commercial services revenue of more than €10 billion ($11.1 billion) between 2032 and 2040 as it takes a leading role in the European Union's planned alternative to Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service, it said on Thursday. The Franco-British operator had been chosen to lead the low Earth orbit (LEO) segment of the EU's IRIS² network that will feature 330 satellites. (10/30)
Ground Qualification Testing Begins for Callisto Reusable Rocket Demonstrator (Source: European Spaceflight)
The French space agency CNES has announced the start of ground qualification testing for the Callisto reusable rocket demonstrator at the Guiana Space Centre. A full-scale mockup of the vehicle has been erected at the space centre’s former Diamant launch facility, which is being redeveloped to support the program. In a 29 October announcement, CNES explained that the full-scale mockup, manufactured by French company CIPAL, will be used to test and validate ground systems, interfaces between the vehicle and ground infrastructure, and associated operational procedures. (10/30)
Caltech Names Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman as NASA JPL Deputy (Source: NASA)
Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman has been named Caltech associate vice president and deputy director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. The emeritus astronaut and retired U.S. Navy captain begins his new role at NASA’s center of excellence for robotics and deep space exploration and at Caltech, which manages JPL for NASA, on Nov. 30. The emeritus NASA astronaut and retired Navy captain will be responsible for the strategic leadership, stewardship, and continuous improvement of laboratory operations. (10/28)
US Rocket Motor Maker with Trump Family Ties (and Space Coast Heritage) Valued at $1.4 Billion (Source: Reuters)
Donald Trump Jr.-backed defense startup Firehawk Defense was valued at more than $1.4 billion in a new financing round, it said on Wednesday, as private capital seeks to profit from shortages in tactical munitions. By the end of 2027, the Dallas-based startup expects to become the largest producer of artillery motors and the third-largest producer of rocket propellant by weight in the United States, challenging an industrial base long dominated by a duopoly of legacy defense prime contractors, L3Harris and Northrop Grumman.
Unlike legacy suppliers that mix and cure propellants over weeks, Firehawk uses a continuous thermoplastic process that can mold propellant into the solid fuel cores of motors within hours. The company is focusing strictly on high-volume, small-diameter munitions under 13 inches (33 cm) — such as 155mm artillery base-bleed motors, rocket-assisted take-off motors and Hydra-70 rockets. Firehawk plans to produce over 100,000 artillery motors next year under an agreement with General Dynamics.
Editor's Note: Firehawk initially launched on the Space Coast. It was started by Ron Jones who previously co-founded Rocket Crafters with former astronaut Sid Gutierrez. They were developing a space launch vehicle featuring patents for 3D-printed hybrid solid propellant. Jones took the patents when he started Firehawk, while Rocket Crafters established new patents and ultimately re-branded as Vaya Space. Both Firehawk and Vaya have largely re-focused on munitions development. (10/28)
Telesat Delaying Lightspeed Broadband Rollout (Source: Space News)
Telesat is delaying the global rollout of its Lightspeed broadband constellation because of issues with pathfinder satellites. The company announced in an earnings call Thursday that it was pushing back the start of global service three months to around the end of the second quarter of 2028. Telesat CEO Dan Goldberg said the first two of 225 low Earth orbit satellites Canada's MDA Space is building for the company are still being assembled and need more software work, after previously being slated to launch in December. The company now expects to launch them on a SpaceX rideshare mission in June 2027. Those satellites would go through a 60-day test campaign before dedicated constellation launches begin in September. Telesat has previously said about 96 Lightspeed satellites would be enough for initial global coverage for government and enterprise markets, with the full 225-satellite system in orbit by the end of 2028. (10/30)
NRO Considers New Approach for Radar Imagery (Source: Space News)
The NRO is reconsidering how it buys commercial radar satellite imagery amid growing demand and pressure from suppliers for more predictable revenue. Justin Langlois, deputy director of the NRO's Commercial Systems Program Office, said the agency is looking at how foreign governments structure contracts with commercial satellite operators, some of which have secured substantial multiyear agreements overseas. He said the NRO is trying to balance the industry's need for long-term commitments against intelligence customers' demands for flexibility as collection priorities change. Demand for radar imagery has grown so much that he said the NRO was nearing a "legal limit" on earlier contracts with companies, leading to new contracts with several companies awarded in August. (10/30)
Reinhard to Lead FCC Space Bureau (Source: Space News)
The FCC announced Thursday a new head of its Space Bureau. Courtney Reinhard is taking over as head of the Space Bureau, more than two months after the departure of Jay Schwarz. The bureau, which oversees satellite and ground station licensing, had been led on an acting basis since Schwarz's departure by deputy Space Bureau chief Jennifer Gilsenan. Reinhard was an FCC adviser who left the commission in 2014 to work for Verizon. Last year she was named legislative director for Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and then became chief telecommunications counsel to the Senate Commerce Committee. (10/30)
China's Landspace to Launch Spaceplane for Government (Source: Space News)
Commercial launch firm Landspace won a competition to launch a Chinese spaceplane. The AVIC Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute, known as the 611 Institute, published the results of a tender for a launch service for "a certain flight vehicle" Wednesday, with Landspace offering the lowest bid at 95 million yuan ($14.3 million). The announcement did not disclose the vehicle to be launched, but the 611 Institute has only one publicly known spacecraft project, the 10-meter-long, 7,000-kilogram Haolong reusable spaceplane for cargo. Haolong is one of commercial cargo vehicles under development to support the Tiangong space station. (10/30)
Midterm Elections to Reshape Military Spending (Source: Space News)
The midterm elections would reshape the Trump administration's approach to military space spending. Democrats are increasingly likely to win a majority in the House and/or the Senate in Tuesday's elections, complicating the administration's efforts to more than double the U.S. Space Force's budget in fiscal 2027. Democratic control of at least one chamber would effectively block budget reconciliation packages, which the administration had planned to use to provide additional defense funding. A change in control of Congress could also affect funding for the Golden Dome missile defense system. (10/30)
Satellogic Extends HEO Contract for Space-Object Imaging (Source: Space News)
Satellogic has extended a contract with HEO to provide imagery of other space objects using its satellites. The companies announced Thursday a three-year deal where HEO will buy imagery of space objects taken by Satellogic's satellites. The agreement has a "seven-figure" value per year. HEO and Satellogic have been working together on what is known as non-Earth imaging since 2020, with Satellogic providing more than 1,600 images of other satellites and debris last year alone. That work augments Satellogic's primary use of its satellites for geospatial intelligence. (10/30)
Anthropic is SpaceX's Largest Customer (Source: Bloomberg)
SpaceX's largest customer is now another AI company. Anthropic is believed to be the "Customer B" named in SpaceX's filings last week where it disclosed that customer provided a third of SpaceX's revenues in the third quarter buying AI data center capacity. Anthropic displaces the U.S. government, which had been SpaceX's biggest customer through launches and satellite services. Anthropic has a contract where it would spend $3.1 billion per month on data center services with SpaceX, but could cancel that contract on 90 days' notice. (10/30)
Asher to Direct Armstrong in California (Source: NASA)
NASA named a new director of the Armstrong Flight Research Center in California. NASA said Thursday that Troy Asher will take over the position of director on a permanent basis after serving as acting director since March. Asher joined NASA in 2008 as a test pilot and aerospace engineer and had been the California center's director of flight operations when he was tapped to be acting director. (10/30)
Pentagon Prepares for $400B Cut to Trump's Defense Budget (Source: Politico)
The Pentagon is preparing for a $400 billion reduction to President Donald Trump's record $1.5 trillion military budget request. While the administration has publicly pushed for the substantial increase to secure weapons stockpiles and realize ambitious projects such as a missile shield and nuclear-powered battleships, officials are drafting a $1.1 trillion defense budget in response to political headwinds. The move indicates skepticism about the likelihood of the full budget being approved. (10/29)
Honeywell Aerospace to Invest $500M in Arizona Facility (Source: Military & Aerospace Electronics)
Honeywell Aerospace has announced a $500 million investment in a 300,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Tempe, Ariz., to build commercial aviation and defense products. The facility, scheduled to open in 2029, will feature advanced technologies such as modular robotics and digital twins, create 600 jobs and support $15 billion in control systems programs. (10/30)
SpaceX Buying Out 418 Homes Near Flagship AI Data Center, But Only if They Drop Participation in Lawsuit (Source: Tom's Hardware)
SpaceX's data center business powering Grok, is reportedly buying 418 properties in Mississippi, about half a mile from the powerplant that the company will use to power its data centers in the area. Real estate agents have been going door to door, offering owners deals on behalf of the company provided that they do not join a class-action lawsuit over the noise pollution coming from the gas turbines that power its GPUs. SpaceXAI also has offered a 50% Starlink discount to placate data center neighbors. (10/29)
Spacewalkers Install Roll-Out Solar Array for Power Generation (Source: NASA)
NASA astronaut Anil Menon and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Joshua Kutryk concluded their spacewalk outside the International Space Station. During the 7-hour, 11-minute spacewalk, Menon and Kutryk installed and deployed an International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array (IROSA) on the station’s 2A electrical power channel. The array is the seventh IROSA installed on the station and will provide additional power to support critical operations, including a safe and controlled deorbit. (10/29)
NASA’s X-59 QueSST Heads to Kennedy Space Center (Source: The Aviationist)
On Oct. 28, 2026, NASA’s experimental X-59 QueSST (Quiet SuperSonic Technology) celebrated a year since its first flight as part of the agency’s program which will pave the way for the return of supersonic airliners. On the same day, the aircraft departed for its first journey east from California. Editor's Note: I'm guessing the aircraft is coming to Florida for the MAX POWER airshow and exposition at KSC. (10/29)
SpaceX to FCC: T-Mobile Is Just an Incumbent Out to Stifle Satellite Services (Source: PC Mag)
T-Mobile has dismissed and criticized SpaceX’s bid to become a major mobile carrier in the US. But SpaceX is now throwing its own shade, framing T-Mobile as one of the many “incumbents” out to stifle competition from satellite-to-phone services. The Elon Musk-led company threw the subtle jab in a filing with the Federal Communications Commission that accuses T-Mobile of pushing “antiquated technical rules” for traditional ground-based cell sites. (10/29)
OceanSound Invests in Radiation-Hardened Space Electronics Maker Iris Technology (Source: Beyond LEO)
New York private equity firm OceanSound Partners has made a strategic investment in Iris Technology Corporation, a California company that builds the electronics running sensing payloads on national security satellites. The size of the investment and the stake involved were not disclosed. Iris, based in Irvine and founded in 1986, announced the completed deal on 28 October 2026. Founder and chief executive Ed O'Rourke keeps a significant ownership interest and will continue to run the company with its existing management team. (10/29)
What a Dem Congress Would Mean for NASA (Source: Politico)
If Democrats return to power after next week’s elections, they’ve got plans to beat back Trump administration efforts to gut NASA’s science programs. Also on their to-do list: investigating DOGE’s impact on the agency and taking a close look at NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman’s new programs he unveiled this year.
“If the American people give us the majority on November 3, the administration and its agencies will no longer be able to ignore Congress' constitutional roles and responsibilities. New programmatic concepts will once again be subject to congressional review and approval, and we intend to be a co-equal partner in that process,” said Rep. George Whitesides (D-CA), vice ranking member of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee. (10/30)
Florida's Lonestar Space Teams with Leviathan to Serve Ecuador Space Ambitions (Source: Lonestar Space)
Lonestar Space has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Leviathan Space to explore bringing StarVault’s secure, space-based data storage services to Ecuador. The collaboration will initially focus on Ecuadorian government pilots, alongside opportunities in banking, healthcare, telecommunications, energy and other critical infrastructure sectors.
Together, we will assess customer needs, local infrastructure and connectivity requirements, and potential deployment models—helping organizations protect critical information while reducing exposure to terrestrial disruption and concentration risk. The MOU also provides for reserving up to 20 petabytes of StarVault capacity for potential Ecuadorian government applications, with future deployments and commercial arrangements subject to separate agreements. (10/30)
NRO Reconsiders Commercial Radar-Imagery Contracts as Demand Grows (Source: Space News)
The National Reconnaissance Office is reviewing how it contracts for commercial radar satellite imagery, a senior official said Oct. 28. The rethink comes as demand rises and suppliers press for more predictable revenue, putting the agency’s purchasing approach in focus. (10/29)
Artemis III Core Stage Joins Its Boosters at KSC (Source: New Space Economy)
NASA has reported the integration of the Artemis III Space Launch System core stage between its two solid rocket boosters at Kennedy Space Center. The agency published the update on October 28, 2026. The 212-foot core stage was integrated in High Bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building. Together, the core stage and boosters form the rocket configuration described as the SLS short stack. (10/29)
Astroscale Awarded £15 million MOD Contract as UK Government Strengthens Focus on Resilience in Space (Source: Astroscale)
Astroscale’s UK subsidiary has been awarded a £15 million contract by the UK Ministry of Defense (MoD) as Prime Contractor for LEDA, a new defense program that builds on the company’s experience developing capabilities to understand, protect and operate in space. The contract has been awarded to Astroscale, with BAE Systems and Open Cosmos supporting as key partners.
The recently published UK Space Strategy identifies defense and national security as a central priority, with a focus on protecting critical space infrastructure and building a more resilient space sector. With the knowledge that satellites underpin the communications, navigation and intelligence services on which the UK relies, the strategy emphasizes the capabilities needed to understand activity in orbit, respond to threats and maintain secure access to space. (10/28)
Virginia Workforce Programs Support Defense, Aerospace (Source: Area Development)
Virginia is addressing the demand for skilled defense and aerospace workers through programs such as the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville. The program, supported by the US Navy, aims to train up to 1,000 students annually in 16 weeks. The Hampton Roads Maritime Training System, in collaboration with local community colleges, produces up to 10,000 workers annually for shipbuilding and repair. (10/17)
Astroscale Wins UK Defense Contract for Orbital Protection (Source: Via Satellite)
The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded Astroscale a contract to lead Project LEDA, a defense initiative aimed at enhancing space security. BAE Systems and Open Cosmos will partner with Astroscale on the project, which builds on Astroscale's previous missions to approach and inspect objects in orbit. The investment is part of the UK's Defense Investment Plan, which allocates $4.3 billion for space through 2030. (10/28)
Kratos Wins $33.6 Million Contract for NASA’s Nuclear-Powered Mars Mission (Source: Telemetry Today)
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has secured a $33.6 million contract to design, build and deliver the power conversion system for NASA’s Space Reactor-1 Freedom (SR-1 Freedom) mission. Kratos will perform the work as a subcontractor to Sierra Lobo, Inc. under NASA’s SpaceDOC III contract. Targeted for launch in 2028, the mission aims to demonstrate nuclear electric propulsion beyond Earth orbit on a journey to Mars.
Kratos will supply a compact, space-qualified closed Brayton cycle power conversion system that converts heat generated by the spacecraft’s fission reactor into electricity. The system will provide power for spacecraft operations and the electric propulsion subsystem, which is designed to enable sustained thrust over long periods. (10/29)
Draper Strategic Enhanced Ground Testing Facility to Open on Space Coast in November (Source: Draper)
A grand opening and naming ceremony will be held November 17th for the Draper Strategic Enhanced Ground Testing Facility (SEGTF), a 51,010 square foot purpose-built complex that will provide engineering services and advanced testing capabilities for U.S. military and space programs. (10/29)
Pentagon Watchdog Declines to Probe Ukraine Intel, Starlink Cuts (Source: Bloomberg)
The Pentagon’s inspector general declined to investigate the disruption of US intelligence sharing with Ukraine and Kyiv’s access to the Starlink and Starshield systems and characterized the incident as a business dispute beyond his purview. The inspector general, Platte Moring III, told a group of senators that Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby “has informed me that the reported disruptions concern a contractual matter under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Air Force and the US Space Force.” (10/29)
US Space Industry Will Suffer for Ukraine’s Starlink Outage (Source: Defense One)
Elon Musk’s decision to hobble satellite services to Ukraine’s military, and his shifting explanations for doing so, have undermined the U.S. space industry and the country’s diplomatic and intelligence partnerships, say lawmakers, foreign officials, and former senior members of the U.S. military. “I'm an American. You're an American. We want American companies to be the most competitive,” said one former senior military official who worked in space policy, operations, and acquisitions. Episodes like the Starlink scandal “create an environment where you make more competitors.” (10/29)
Florida Congressional Staff Members Visit Space Launch Delta 45 to Learn About Ongoing Launch Efforts (Source: USSF)
On Oct. 28, Florida congressional staff members visited Cape Canaveral Space Force Station to gain a firsthand understanding of the Eastern Range launch mission and the infrastructure projects supporting its future. During the visit, staff members toured the Morrell Operations Center, where they received an overview of the organizations, capabilities, and infrastructure required to execute launch operations across the Eastern Range.
The tour included the Mission Control Room, where the 1st Range Operations Squadron oversees launches from the Eastern Range. Staff members also met with U.S. Air Force Col. Douglas Oltmer, commander of the 45th Weather Squadron, to learn how weather forecasting and monitoring support safe and successful launch operations. (10/29)
As NASA accelerates its Artemis program with launches of more than 20 crewed and uncrewed moon-base missions, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman looks forward to a parallel wave of private space-company investment powering up Florida's Space Coast within the next five years: “You're going to see very big rockets launching nearly all the time."
"It will be such a spaceport," Isaacman said, drawing contrast with sluggish activity after the end of NASA's shuttle era. “We now have such demand for every parcel of land here and every launch pad because of the opportunity that's being presented to us across this great frontier. You're going to see Starships launching all the time. You're going to see Blue Origins launching all the time," Isaacman said. "You’ll see Stoke launching all the time. You're going to see Relativity launching all the time. You're still going to have SLS launches probably every year as we continue to send astronauts to the moon. So it's going to be a lot of activity around here,” he said.
"People look at the moon, and they’re like, ‘Wow, it's a big moon. Isn't it enough for all of us?’ The south pole (is) critical. That south pole is the size of Washington, D.C. That is your training ground, with the water ice in those craters to prepare for Mars. We know that. The Chinese know that," Isaacman said. "Hey, you know, if the Chinese beat us back to the moon, I'll be fired," Isaacman said. (10/29)
NASA’s Dragonfly Moving Through Integration and Testing at APL (Source: Aerospace America)
Under the bright lights of sterile clean rooms here on the Johns Hopkins University campus, NASA’s Dragonfly rotorcraft is taking shape, as technicians navigate integration and testing of the probe’s primary structure. Several days before my visit on Oct. 21, technicians had installed the first pieces of bright orange insulation around the body of the car-sized probe, scheduled to launch toward Saturn’s moon Titan in 2028. (10/30)
Eutelsat Expects $11 Billion Revenue After EU's Starlink Rival Comes Online (Source: Reuters)
Eutelsat expects commercial services revenue of more than €10 billion ($11.1 billion) between 2032 and 2040 as it takes a leading role in the European Union's planned alternative to Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service, it said on Thursday. The Franco-British operator had been chosen to lead the low Earth orbit (LEO) segment of the EU's IRIS² network that will feature 330 satellites. (10/30)
Ground Qualification Testing Begins for Callisto Reusable Rocket Demonstrator (Source: European Spaceflight)
The French space agency CNES has announced the start of ground qualification testing for the Callisto reusable rocket demonstrator at the Guiana Space Centre. A full-scale mockup of the vehicle has been erected at the space centre’s former Diamant launch facility, which is being redeveloped to support the program. In a 29 October announcement, CNES explained that the full-scale mockup, manufactured by French company CIPAL, will be used to test and validate ground systems, interfaces between the vehicle and ground infrastructure, and associated operational procedures. (10/30)
Caltech Names Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman as NASA JPL Deputy (Source: NASA)
Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman has been named Caltech associate vice president and deputy director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. The emeritus astronaut and retired U.S. Navy captain begins his new role at NASA’s center of excellence for robotics and deep space exploration and at Caltech, which manages JPL for NASA, on Nov. 30. The emeritus NASA astronaut and retired Navy captain will be responsible for the strategic leadership, stewardship, and continuous improvement of laboratory operations. (10/28)
US Rocket Motor Maker with Trump Family Ties (and Space Coast Heritage) Valued at $1.4 Billion (Source: Reuters)
Donald Trump Jr.-backed defense startup Firehawk Defense was valued at more than $1.4 billion in a new financing round, it said on Wednesday, as private capital seeks to profit from shortages in tactical munitions. By the end of 2027, the Dallas-based startup expects to become the largest producer of artillery motors and the third-largest producer of rocket propellant by weight in the United States, challenging an industrial base long dominated by a duopoly of legacy defense prime contractors, L3Harris and Northrop Grumman.
Unlike legacy suppliers that mix and cure propellants over weeks, Firehawk uses a continuous thermoplastic process that can mold propellant into the solid fuel cores of motors within hours. The company is focusing strictly on high-volume, small-diameter munitions under 13 inches (33 cm) — such as 155mm artillery base-bleed motors, rocket-assisted take-off motors and Hydra-70 rockets. Firehawk plans to produce over 100,000 artillery motors next year under an agreement with General Dynamics.
Editor's Note: Firehawk initially launched on the Space Coast. It was started by Ron Jones who previously co-founded Rocket Crafters with former astronaut Sid Gutierrez. They were developing a space launch vehicle featuring patents for 3D-printed hybrid solid propellant. Jones took the patents when he started Firehawk, while Rocket Crafters established new patents and ultimately re-branded as Vaya Space. Both Firehawk and Vaya have largely re-focused on munitions development. (10/28)
Telesat Delaying Lightspeed Broadband Rollout (Source: Space News)
Telesat is delaying the global rollout of its Lightspeed broadband constellation because of issues with pathfinder satellites. The company announced in an earnings call Thursday that it was pushing back the start of global service three months to around the end of the second quarter of 2028. Telesat CEO Dan Goldberg said the first two of 225 low Earth orbit satellites Canada's MDA Space is building for the company are still being assembled and need more software work, after previously being slated to launch in December. The company now expects to launch them on a SpaceX rideshare mission in June 2027. Those satellites would go through a 60-day test campaign before dedicated constellation launches begin in September. Telesat has previously said about 96 Lightspeed satellites would be enough for initial global coverage for government and enterprise markets, with the full 225-satellite system in orbit by the end of 2028. (10/30)
NRO Considers New Approach for Radar Imagery (Source: Space News)
The NRO is reconsidering how it buys commercial radar satellite imagery amid growing demand and pressure from suppliers for more predictable revenue. Justin Langlois, deputy director of the NRO's Commercial Systems Program Office, said the agency is looking at how foreign governments structure contracts with commercial satellite operators, some of which have secured substantial multiyear agreements overseas. He said the NRO is trying to balance the industry's need for long-term commitments against intelligence customers' demands for flexibility as collection priorities change. Demand for radar imagery has grown so much that he said the NRO was nearing a "legal limit" on earlier contracts with companies, leading to new contracts with several companies awarded in August. (10/30)
Reinhard to Lead FCC Space Bureau (Source: Space News)
The FCC announced Thursday a new head of its Space Bureau. Courtney Reinhard is taking over as head of the Space Bureau, more than two months after the departure of Jay Schwarz. The bureau, which oversees satellite and ground station licensing, had been led on an acting basis since Schwarz's departure by deputy Space Bureau chief Jennifer Gilsenan. Reinhard was an FCC adviser who left the commission in 2014 to work for Verizon. Last year she was named legislative director for Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and then became chief telecommunications counsel to the Senate Commerce Committee. (10/30)
China's Landspace to Launch Spaceplane for Government (Source: Space News)
Commercial launch firm Landspace won a competition to launch a Chinese spaceplane. The AVIC Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute, known as the 611 Institute, published the results of a tender for a launch service for "a certain flight vehicle" Wednesday, with Landspace offering the lowest bid at 95 million yuan ($14.3 million). The announcement did not disclose the vehicle to be launched, but the 611 Institute has only one publicly known spacecraft project, the 10-meter-long, 7,000-kilogram Haolong reusable spaceplane for cargo. Haolong is one of commercial cargo vehicles under development to support the Tiangong space station. (10/30)
Midterm Elections to Reshape Military Spending (Source: Space News)
The midterm elections would reshape the Trump administration's approach to military space spending. Democrats are increasingly likely to win a majority in the House and/or the Senate in Tuesday's elections, complicating the administration's efforts to more than double the U.S. Space Force's budget in fiscal 2027. Democratic control of at least one chamber would effectively block budget reconciliation packages, which the administration had planned to use to provide additional defense funding. A change in control of Congress could also affect funding for the Golden Dome missile defense system. (10/30)
Satellogic Extends HEO Contract for Space-Object Imaging (Source: Space News)
Satellogic has extended a contract with HEO to provide imagery of other space objects using its satellites. The companies announced Thursday a three-year deal where HEO will buy imagery of space objects taken by Satellogic's satellites. The agreement has a "seven-figure" value per year. HEO and Satellogic have been working together on what is known as non-Earth imaging since 2020, with Satellogic providing more than 1,600 images of other satellites and debris last year alone. That work augments Satellogic's primary use of its satellites for geospatial intelligence. (10/30)
Anthropic is SpaceX's Largest Customer (Source: Bloomberg)
SpaceX's largest customer is now another AI company. Anthropic is believed to be the "Customer B" named in SpaceX's filings last week where it disclosed that customer provided a third of SpaceX's revenues in the third quarter buying AI data center capacity. Anthropic displaces the U.S. government, which had been SpaceX's biggest customer through launches and satellite services. Anthropic has a contract where it would spend $3.1 billion per month on data center services with SpaceX, but could cancel that contract on 90 days' notice. (10/30)
Asher to Direct Armstrong in California (Source: NASA)
NASA named a new director of the Armstrong Flight Research Center in California. NASA said Thursday that Troy Asher will take over the position of director on a permanent basis after serving as acting director since March. Asher joined NASA in 2008 as a test pilot and aerospace engineer and had been the California center's director of flight operations when he was tapped to be acting director. (10/30)
Pentagon Prepares for $400B Cut to Trump's Defense Budget (Source: Politico)
The Pentagon is preparing for a $400 billion reduction to President Donald Trump's record $1.5 trillion military budget request. While the administration has publicly pushed for the substantial increase to secure weapons stockpiles and realize ambitious projects such as a missile shield and nuclear-powered battleships, officials are drafting a $1.1 trillion defense budget in response to political headwinds. The move indicates skepticism about the likelihood of the full budget being approved. (10/29)
Honeywell Aerospace to Invest $500M in Arizona Facility (Source: Military & Aerospace Electronics)
Honeywell Aerospace has announced a $500 million investment in a 300,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Tempe, Ariz., to build commercial aviation and defense products. The facility, scheduled to open in 2029, will feature advanced technologies such as modular robotics and digital twins, create 600 jobs and support $15 billion in control systems programs. (10/30)
SpaceX Buying Out 418 Homes Near Flagship AI Data Center, But Only if They Drop Participation in Lawsuit (Source: Tom's Hardware)
SpaceX's data center business powering Grok, is reportedly buying 418 properties in Mississippi, about half a mile from the powerplant that the company will use to power its data centers in the area. Real estate agents have been going door to door, offering owners deals on behalf of the company provided that they do not join a class-action lawsuit over the noise pollution coming from the gas turbines that power its GPUs. SpaceXAI also has offered a 50% Starlink discount to placate data center neighbors. (10/29)
Spacewalkers Install Roll-Out Solar Array for Power Generation (Source: NASA)
NASA astronaut Anil Menon and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Joshua Kutryk concluded their spacewalk outside the International Space Station. During the 7-hour, 11-minute spacewalk, Menon and Kutryk installed and deployed an International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array (IROSA) on the station’s 2A electrical power channel. The array is the seventh IROSA installed on the station and will provide additional power to support critical operations, including a safe and controlled deorbit. (10/29)
NASA’s X-59 QueSST Heads to Kennedy Space Center (Source: The Aviationist)
On Oct. 28, 2026, NASA’s experimental X-59 QueSST (Quiet SuperSonic Technology) celebrated a year since its first flight as part of the agency’s program which will pave the way for the return of supersonic airliners. On the same day, the aircraft departed for its first journey east from California. Editor's Note: I'm guessing the aircraft is coming to Florida for the MAX POWER airshow and exposition at KSC. (10/29)
SpaceX to FCC: T-Mobile Is Just an Incumbent Out to Stifle Satellite Services (Source: PC Mag)
T-Mobile has dismissed and criticized SpaceX’s bid to become a major mobile carrier in the US. But SpaceX is now throwing its own shade, framing T-Mobile as one of the many “incumbents” out to stifle competition from satellite-to-phone services. The Elon Musk-led company threw the subtle jab in a filing with the Federal Communications Commission that accuses T-Mobile of pushing “antiquated technical rules” for traditional ground-based cell sites. (10/29)
OceanSound Invests in Radiation-Hardened Space Electronics Maker Iris Technology (Source: Beyond LEO)
New York private equity firm OceanSound Partners has made a strategic investment in Iris Technology Corporation, a California company that builds the electronics running sensing payloads on national security satellites. The size of the investment and the stake involved were not disclosed. Iris, based in Irvine and founded in 1986, announced the completed deal on 28 October 2026. Founder and chief executive Ed O'Rourke keeps a significant ownership interest and will continue to run the company with its existing management team. (10/29)
What a Dem Congress Would Mean for NASA (Source: Politico)
If Democrats return to power after next week’s elections, they’ve got plans to beat back Trump administration efforts to gut NASA’s science programs. Also on their to-do list: investigating DOGE’s impact on the agency and taking a close look at NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman’s new programs he unveiled this year.
“If the American people give us the majority on November 3, the administration and its agencies will no longer be able to ignore Congress' constitutional roles and responsibilities. New programmatic concepts will once again be subject to congressional review and approval, and we intend to be a co-equal partner in that process,” said Rep. George Whitesides (D-CA), vice ranking member of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee. (10/30)
Florida's Lonestar Space Teams with Leviathan to Serve Ecuador Space Ambitions (Source: Lonestar Space)
Lonestar Space has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Leviathan Space to explore bringing StarVault’s secure, space-based data storage services to Ecuador. The collaboration will initially focus on Ecuadorian government pilots, alongside opportunities in banking, healthcare, telecommunications, energy and other critical infrastructure sectors.
Together, we will assess customer needs, local infrastructure and connectivity requirements, and potential deployment models—helping organizations protect critical information while reducing exposure to terrestrial disruption and concentration risk. The MOU also provides for reserving up to 20 petabytes of StarVault capacity for potential Ecuadorian government applications, with future deployments and commercial arrangements subject to separate agreements. (10/30)
NRO Reconsiders Commercial Radar-Imagery Contracts as Demand Grows (Source: Space News)
The National Reconnaissance Office is reviewing how it contracts for commercial radar satellite imagery, a senior official said Oct. 28. The rethink comes as demand rises and suppliers press for more predictable revenue, putting the agency’s purchasing approach in focus. (10/29)
Artemis III Core Stage Joins Its Boosters at KSC (Source: New Space Economy)
NASA has reported the integration of the Artemis III Space Launch System core stage between its two solid rocket boosters at Kennedy Space Center. The agency published the update on October 28, 2026. The 212-foot core stage was integrated in High Bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building. Together, the core stage and boosters form the rocket configuration described as the SLS short stack. (10/29)
Astroscale Awarded £15 million MOD Contract as UK Government Strengthens Focus on Resilience in Space (Source: Astroscale)
Astroscale’s UK subsidiary has been awarded a £15 million contract by the UK Ministry of Defense (MoD) as Prime Contractor for LEDA, a new defense program that builds on the company’s experience developing capabilities to understand, protect and operate in space. The contract has been awarded to Astroscale, with BAE Systems and Open Cosmos supporting as key partners.
The recently published UK Space Strategy identifies defense and national security as a central priority, with a focus on protecting critical space infrastructure and building a more resilient space sector. With the knowledge that satellites underpin the communications, navigation and intelligence services on which the UK relies, the strategy emphasizes the capabilities needed to understand activity in orbit, respond to threats and maintain secure access to space. (10/28)
Virginia Workforce Programs Support Defense, Aerospace (Source: Area Development)
Virginia is addressing the demand for skilled defense and aerospace workers through programs such as the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville. The program, supported by the US Navy, aims to train up to 1,000 students annually in 16 weeks. The Hampton Roads Maritime Training System, in collaboration with local community colleges, produces up to 10,000 workers annually for shipbuilding and repair. (10/17)
Astroscale Wins UK Defense Contract for Orbital Protection (Source: Via Satellite)
The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded Astroscale a contract to lead Project LEDA, a defense initiative aimed at enhancing space security. BAE Systems and Open Cosmos will partner with Astroscale on the project, which builds on Astroscale's previous missions to approach and inspect objects in orbit. The investment is part of the UK's Defense Investment Plan, which allocates $4.3 billion for space through 2030. (10/28)
Kratos Wins $33.6 Million Contract for NASA’s Nuclear-Powered Mars Mission (Source: Telemetry Today)
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has secured a $33.6 million contract to design, build and deliver the power conversion system for NASA’s Space Reactor-1 Freedom (SR-1 Freedom) mission. Kratos will perform the work as a subcontractor to Sierra Lobo, Inc. under NASA’s SpaceDOC III contract. Targeted for launch in 2028, the mission aims to demonstrate nuclear electric propulsion beyond Earth orbit on a journey to Mars.
Kratos will supply a compact, space-qualified closed Brayton cycle power conversion system that converts heat generated by the spacecraft’s fission reactor into electricity. The system will provide power for spacecraft operations and the electric propulsion subsystem, which is designed to enable sustained thrust over long periods. (10/29)
Draper Strategic Enhanced Ground Testing Facility to Open on Space Coast in November (Source: Draper)
A grand opening and naming ceremony will be held November 17th for the Draper Strategic Enhanced Ground Testing Facility (SEGTF), a 51,010 square foot purpose-built complex that will provide engineering services and advanced testing capabilities for U.S. military and space programs. (10/29)
Pentagon Watchdog Declines to Probe Ukraine Intel, Starlink Cuts (Source: Bloomberg)
The Pentagon’s inspector general declined to investigate the disruption of US intelligence sharing with Ukraine and Kyiv’s access to the Starlink and Starshield systems and characterized the incident as a business dispute beyond his purview. The inspector general, Platte Moring III, told a group of senators that Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby “has informed me that the reported disruptions concern a contractual matter under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Air Force and the US Space Force.” (10/29)
US Space Industry Will Suffer for Ukraine’s Starlink Outage (Source: Defense One)
Elon Musk’s decision to hobble satellite services to Ukraine’s military, and his shifting explanations for doing so, have undermined the U.S. space industry and the country’s diplomatic and intelligence partnerships, say lawmakers, foreign officials, and former senior members of the U.S. military. “I'm an American. You're an American. We want American companies to be the most competitive,” said one former senior military official who worked in space policy, operations, and acquisitions. Episodes like the Starlink scandal “create an environment where you make more competitors.” (10/29)
Florida Congressional Staff Members Visit Space Launch Delta 45 to Learn About Ongoing Launch Efforts (Source: USSF)
On Oct. 28, Florida congressional staff members visited Cape Canaveral Space Force Station to gain a firsthand understanding of the Eastern Range launch mission and the infrastructure projects supporting its future. During the visit, staff members toured the Morrell Operations Center, where they received an overview of the organizations, capabilities, and infrastructure required to execute launch operations across the Eastern Range.
The tour included the Mission Control Room, where the 1st Range Operations Squadron oversees launches from the Eastern Range. Staff members also met with U.S. Air Force Col. Douglas Oltmer, commander of the 45th Weather Squadron, to learn how weather forecasting and monitoring support safe and successful launch operations. (10/29)
October 29, 2026
China and the US Are Competing for
Space Dominance (Source: Bloomberg)
It’s Oct. 1, 2049, the centennial of the People’s Republic of China, and celebrations are truly otherworldly. Chinese researchers are marking the occasion at the nation’s permanent bases on the moon, including a flagship station that opened near the lunar south pole in the 2030s. The outposts are part of the country’s wide-scale investment in space infrastructure that includes orbital data centers, solar power stations and navigation satellites. Chinese astronauts are even commemorating the anniversary from Mars, achieving a decades-in-the-works goal to send a crewed mission to the red planet by midcentury.
At least, that’s the future envisioned by President Xi Jinping and other officials as they try to surpass the US in today’s space race, a competition that’s mostly centered on which superpower will send people to the moon for the first time since the final Apollo mission in 1972. NASA is targeting 2028, before the China Manned Space Agency’s goal of doing so by 2030. The US’s plans, however, hinge on spacecraft made by Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, which face daunting engineering challenges, prompting critics such as Jim Bridenstine, NASA chief during President Donald Trump’s first administration, to warn that the US is at risk of ceding its lead to China. (10/29)
Putin Praises Musk as Russia Develops a Starlink Rival and Says Moscow is Coordinating with US Partners (Source: The Independent)
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow is coordinating on low-Earth-orbit satellite networks with Elon Musk and other US partners, while Russia works to develop its own answer to Starlink. His remarks underscore the strategic value of large satellite-internet constellations for civilian and military use, amid reports that Starlink access for Ukraine had recently been slowed. (10/28)
Perseverance Detects Ultrafine Martian Dust and Samples a Potentially Ancient Rock (Source: Reuters)
NASA’s Perseverance rover has measured ultrafine dust particles on materials designed to represent spacesuit surfaces, sharpening concerns about crew exposure during future Mars missions. Separately, the rover collected a sample from a rock dubbed Singita that may be more than 3.9 billion years old. (10/28)
Flexell Space and Satoro Plan 2027 and 2028 Demonstrations of Next-Generation Solar Cells (Source: Space News)
South Korea’s Flexell Space and Singapore-based Satoro have agreed to demonstrate and validate next-generation space solar cells in orbit, with missions planned aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 launches in 2027 and 2028. Flexell will supply solar cells and test modules; Satoro will provide a satellite-as-a-service solution. (10/28)
Components Ready for Starfighters’ F-104 Mach 2 Testbed (Source: AIN)
Component manufacturing is complete for the first two underwing carriers that Starfighters Space plans to fly on its Lockheed F-104 Starfighters for Mach 2 test flights, the Florida-based company announced on October 8. Robby Moto Engineering, based in Casalmaggiore in northern Italy’s Lombardy region, manufactured the parts, which have been received at the company's base at the Kennedy Space Center for assembly.
The underwing carriers form the core of what Starfighters Space calls Wind Tunnel in the Sky, a service that offers customers several minutes of sustained flight at Mach 2 for testing hardware, while a run in a ground wind tunnel typically lasts a minute or less.
Each assembled carrier will measure 12 feet long and 7 inches in diameter, matching the size of the AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile that the carrier resembles. Interchangeable nose sections, tail assemblies, fins, and internal payload compartments let the company adapt each carrier to a customer’s hardware while keeping the same external shape. While an airplane may need hardware under both wings to stay balanced, a carrier under one wing can be paired with a different type of store under the other. (10/28)
SpaceX No Longer Needs NASA, and that’s a Problem for America’s Space Agency (Source: Ars Technica)
For nearly a quarter of a century, Elon Musk and his essential partner at SpaceX, Gwynne Shotwell, viewed the United States government as El Dorado, the mythical city of gold. Over time, against long odds, the pair cleared a path for SpaceX to contracts at NASA and the US military. They sued when things did not go their way. They hollered about unfair playing fields. Most importantly, they delivered quality space products to the US government for less.
Then they started winning everything. So much so that the relationship between the customer and contractor began to change. Slowly at first, but ever more quickly, SpaceX went from needing the US government as an indispensable customer to becoming an indispensable contractor for the nation. The pendulum has swung so far now that SpaceX seems increasingly disinterested in the US government for most contracts outside of data services, such as Starshield for military communications and observations.
Musk believes the government moves too slowly and simply isn’t ambitious enough when it comes to space. Often, in meetings at SpaceX, he will describe working with the US government as “like wearing lead shoes and walking through molasses.” Instead, Musk wants to build bigger things, like Starship. Reaching stratospheric financial targets requires launching incredible numbers of Starlink and Starmind satellites, all of which can be dispensed like Pez candy into space. Launch services for third parties, which include NASA and other Moon Base customers, represent a rounding error in SpaceX’s revenue in the post-IPO world. (10/29)
Cape Canaveral Braces for its New "Boom Cycle" (Source: Axios)
Last year, Space Launch Delta 45, the military command overseeing the Cape, supported 109 orbital liftoffs from the base — the most in its history. In April, Space Launch Delta 45 oversaw five different rocket launches for unique missions, breaking a record set at the height of the U.S.-Soviet space race in the 1960s. Space Force officials estimate that the number of Cape launches could rise from the 109 it reached in 2025 to "approximately 1,200 by 2036" annually, according to the service's vision plan. (10/29)
Seraphim Space Launches Space Academy (Source: Payload)
Thinking of going back to school? Seraphim Space is taking applications. The space-focused venture capital firm today announced the launch of the Seraphim Academy, a new program for early-stage space startups offering courses in fundraising, scaling, and operations. The program comes with up to a year of support, and $150,000 of investment for each company that takes part. (10/29)
UCF Planning Suborbital Launch From Seagate's Launch Barge (Source: Orlando Sentinel)
During "Space Week" at UCF, the university announced plans to launch a rocket to space, combining the efforts of two rocket clubs on campus. The project is aiming to work with St. Petersburg-based Seagate Space and launch an 18-foot-tall, two-stage rocket off Florida’s Gulf Coast on Seagate’s in-development launch barge.
That may not come until 2028, but the clubs are planning a test launch with a smaller rocket working with the Florida Institute of Oceanography on a barge in summer next year. Shelby Wooten, a UCF junior majoring in mechanical engineering representing the Students for the Exploration and Development of Space club said that launch “technically makes us the first U.S. rocket launch from sea, even though we’re collegiate, and if you’re not including some defense companies like Lockheed Martin.” (10/29)
Annual UCF-Baylor Football Game is a Florida-Texas Space Rivalry (Source: UCF)
UCF's Space Week culminates with a football rivalry when the Knights take on Baylor. The UCF football team hosts Baylor for the annual "Space Game" on Friday, Oct. 30, at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN. The Space Game has grown annually since it debuted in 2017, paying tribute to the university’s origin story as a provider of talent for nearby Kennedy Space Center and the U.S. space program in the 1960s. The game features space themed uniforms for the UCF Knights. (10/28)
Firefly Aerospace Says Space Systems Command Using FORGE for WFOV Satellite (Source: Defense Daily)
U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command System Delta 84 has used the Future Operationally Resilient Ground Evolution (FORGE) system developed by Firefly Aerospace's [FLY] SciTec subsidiary, according to the company. "The latest milestone incorporates data from the SSC’s wide field of view [WFOV] space vehicle in geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) and expands the system’s observational reach to strengthen missile warning and defense," according to the company. (10/28)
Space Force Missile-Tracking Satellite Launch Slips to 2027 as SDA Reassesses Acquisition Approach (Source: Space News)
The U.S. Space Force’s first operational missile-tracking satellites are now expected to launch in spring 2027, nearly two years later than originally planned, as the government considers additional flight demonstrations before committing to large purchases of next-generation sensors. (10/28)
BAE Systems Buys a New Colorado Manufacturing Facility (Source: Aerospace Colorado)
BAE Systems completed the purchase of a 130,000-square-foot production facility in Weld County to expand manufacturing of space hardware and sensor systems. The company expects to hire more than 200 employees over 12–24 months, with potential employment of approximately 600 at full capacity. Production is expected to begin in early 2028. This is one of the clearest new manufacturing investments in Colorado's space industry this week. The expansion could create opportunities for local suppliers in precision machining, electronics, testing, equipment, and specialized manufacturing. (10/26)
Metrea Special Aerospace, ISR Inc Awarded Defense Contract (Source: Aerospace Colorado)
A contract notice posted October 22 identifies an $80 million award to Metrea Special Aerospace, ISR Inc. for contractor-operated airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance services supporting border-security operations. The listed place of performance is Colorado Springs. This is a relevant defense-services award in Colorado Springs, although the awardee is headquartered in Florida. (10/26)
Kompsat-6 Illustrates the Schedule Risks of Booking a Shared Launch (Source: Space Intel Report)
South Korea’s Kompsat-6 radar-observation satellite has become an example of the risks of launching as a co-passenger rather than buying a dedicated mission. The case highlights the tradeoff satellite operators face between the lower cost of a shared ride and the greater control of a dedicated launch. Kompsat-6 was to be a co-passenger instead of riding on a dedicated launch. The 1,750-kg Kompsat-6 has been fully built and in storage since August 2022. Its planned 2022 launch on Russia’s Angara rocket was scrapped following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. (10/28)
NASA Confirms $590 Million UVEX Space Telescope, Targeting Launch by January 2031 (Source: Universe Today)
NASA has confirmed the Ultraviolet Explorer mission with a total lifecycle budget of $590 million and a commitment to launch by January 2031. The telescope is designed to survey the ultraviolet universe and is described as about 100 times more powerful than GALEX, whose mission ended in 2013. (10/28)
Spaceport Siting Proposal Focuses on Usable Launch Capacity (Source: New Space Economy)
A Foundation for Defense of Democracies submission recommends evaluating spaceport capacity through the missions a facility can support, rather than treating the number of launch sites as a sufficient measure of national capability. The October 26 document addresses the FAA's request for information on new spaceport locations and priority airspace for designated launch corridors. It recommends comparing expansion at existing facilities, including Kodiak and Wallops, with the development of new sites.
Supporting facilities also determine whether a site can conduct a mission. Payload processing, tracking, utilities, and trained personnel contribute to usable capacity. A launch pad without the supporting systems required by its operator is not equivalent to a fully prepared launch capability. (10/28)
Comparing KSC, Starbase Construction Timelines to Understand the Development of Starbase, Louisiana (Source: NSF)
NASA built the Kennedy Space Center in about five and a half years, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station took 14 months, and Starbase, Texas, has taken about four and a half years thus far. With SpaceX’s recently announced Starbase site in Louisiana planned to support its first launch in approximately three years, a closer look at how other launch sites were built could offer insights into when we might expect the world’s latest spaceport to become operational. Click here. (10/28) https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2026/10/construction-timeline-comparisons/
Space Force Missile-Tracking Satellites Slip to Spring 2027 as SDA Reconsiders Acquisition Approach (Source: Space News)
The U.S. Space Force’s first operational missile-tracking satellites are now expected to launch in spring 2027, nearly two years behind the original plan. The delay comes as the Space Development Agency considers additional flight demonstrations before committing to large purchases of next-generation sensors. (10/28)
Delegation Urges Trump to Put Space Academy in Tennessee (Source: Rep. Van Epps)
Rep. Van Epps, Governor Lee, Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty, and Rep. Scott DesJarlais announced Tennessee’s intention to pursue having the United States Space Academy in the Volunteer State. The initiative, established by President Trump to strengthen America’s space superiority, presents an opportunity to build on Tennessee’s existing strengths and prepare the next generation of leaders for America’s future in space. (10/28)
Far EasTone Partners with Elveo Mobile to Pursue Satellite-to-Phone Service in Taiwan (Source: Beyond LEO)
Taiwanese telecom operator Far EasTone (FET) has announced a partnership with Elveo Mobile, a company offering direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity, with the stated aim of advancing satellite services that reach ordinary mobile phones in Taiwan. The announcement, made on October 27, sets out a direction rather than a product. No service, launch date, price, satellites or spectrum for Taiwan were named, and no financial terms were disclosed. (10/28)
Turkey Detains 85 After Raids on Gang Suspected Over Starlink Fire in Poland (Source: TVP World)
Police in Turkey have arrested 85 people in nationwide raids on an organized crime group suspected of involvement in crimes including an arson attack on a Starlink facility in Poland. Police conducted raids in 30 Turkish provinces on Tuesday, taking the suspects—including 35 minors—into custody for questioning. The suspects are believed to be connected with the ‘Dalton’ gang, an Istanbul-based crime group accused, among other things, of recruiting young people via social media to commit criminal acts. (10/27)
U.S. Space Force Wants Multivendor ‘GPS Gen’ Constellation (Source: Aviation Week)
As the U.S. Space Force contemplates the future of its GPS constellation, the service says it wants a multivendor and integrated architecture that can operate in a more contested environment and adapt to future needs. (10/27)
SpaceX Starlink Shift Sends California Past Florida in Launches (Source: Florida Today)
Move over Florida. California raced past a new launch record with no slowdown in sight — all while Cape Canaveral launch activity remains quiet. SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket early Oct. 27 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. It was a routine Starlink mission but clocked in as the 72nd rocket launch of 2026 from California, breaking the state’s all-time yearly launch record. It also put California well ahead of Florida, which has only counted 60 launches as of late October.
This marks the first time since the 1970s that California has surpassed Florida’s yearly rocket launch cadence. Like Florida’s record-breaking 109 launches in 2025, California’s launch surge has been mostly SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets on Starlink missions. (10/28)
Starlink Brinkmanship Is Driving Allies to Rethink US Reliance (Source: Bloomberg)
European officials have intensified discussions about ways to reduce their reliance on the US and American defense contractors following the recent blame game around Ukraine’s Starlink restrictions, according to people familiar with the matter. After days of finger-pointing about changes to Starlink’s speed in Ukraine, Elon Musk said in a post on X that the company had acted after Ukraine violated the company’s rules by using Starlink for offensive drone strikes. (10/27)
SpaceX Pauses Florida Rocket Launches for 6 Weeks (Source: Florida Today)
A company official has indicated that SpaceX is completely pausing rocket launches for a period of six weeks in Florida. “I think you Floridians are noticing we’re not launching Falcon 9 as much right now, right?” SpaceX vice president Kiko Dontchev said on Oct. 21. "We have a six-week gap before the next Falcon 9." The reason for the ongoing six-week launch drought in Florida is much the same for why SpaceX phased out its Falcon 9 rocket in the first place. The company is in the final stretch of setting the stage for the highly anticipated Florida debut of its massive Starship rocket. (10/27)
Virgin Galactic Unveils Spaceship Apeiron (Source: Virgin Galactic)
Virgin Galactic announced the name of its new Spaceship will be Apeiron (A'-per-on). Drawn from the ancient Greek concept of the boundless, Apeiron embodies the infinite possibilities that spaceflight brings to each of us individually and all of us collectively. The name was chosen by a public vote that drew thousands of responses from around the world. This included 83 countries and six continents, giving the global space community a direct role in shaping the identity of the company’s lead Spaceship. (10/28)
India Aims to Expand Space Economy From $8.4 Billion to $44 Billion (Source: Economic Times)
Rising demand for low Earth orbit satellites is expected to enhance India's space industry growth. A new Small Satellite Launch Vehicle launch pad will increase launch capacity in Tamil Nadu. The government's reforms have facilitated increased private participation in space activities. Various funds and technology transfers aim to support startups and enhance their capabilities. The Indian space economy is targeted to expand significantly over the next decade. (10/27)
NASA, Agriculture Department Partner On Space Data Sharing (Source: Payload)
NASA and the Department of Agriculture signed an agreement on Saturday to cooperate on EO and geospatial analytics to improve the data available to American farmers. The MoU is the second this month signed by the space agency to boost collaboration among government agencies. (10/27)
Deadline for the 2026 Sacknoff Prize for Space History - 25 November 2026 (Source: Space 3.0)
The deadline for the Sacknoff Prize for Space History is 25 November 2026. Awarded since 2011, the Prize is designed to encourage original research by university students in the field of space history. Undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to submit their original manuscript for consideration! Click here. (10/28)
Democrats Want to Punish Elon Musk. Nationalizing SpaceX Would Punish Innovation (Source: Reason)
Elon Musk is under attack! Countless Democrats are admitting they plan to investigate or even jail him if they take back power on Congress in the midterms. They can't tell you what he specifically did wrong, but they'll come up with something. Just as bad, or even worse, however, is that some of his critics want to nationalize his companies, including Starlink, which provides crucial infrastructure to Ukraine. Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich, a far-left populist Democrat, thinks Starlink is too important to be left under Musk's control, and that the federal government would do a better job administering it. (10/27)
ULA Plans November Return To Flight for Vulcan, Carrying Amazon Leo Satellites (Source: Space News)
United Launch Alliance plans to resume Vulcan launches in mid-November after a nine-month hiatus caused by a solid rocket booster anomaly. The rocket will carry 40 Amazon Leo satellites to low Earth orbit no earlier than Nov. 13. (10/28)
Ukraine's Himera Starts Testing with GomSpace for Proposed Constellation (Source: Space News)
A Ukrainian startup has started testing a communications satellite as part of a proposed constellation. Himera announced Tuesday its Obria Nano satellite, built by Danish company GomSpace, is undergoing tests after a launch on a SpaceX rideshare mission earlier this month. The companies plan to design a constellation that would provide communications coverage across Ukraine. It is one of at least two European-backed initiatives aimed at giving Ukraine greater control over satellite communications following disruptions this month to SpaceX's Starlink and Starshield services that affected Ukrainian military operations. Finnish companies Iceye and Nokia announced an agreement with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense earlier this month to study a broadband satellite constellation. (10/28)
NASA Astrophysics Mission EVEX Passes Review (Source: Space News)
A NASA astrophysics mission has cleared a key review. NASA announced Tuesday that the Ultraviolet Explorer (UVEX) mission passed its Key Decision Point C review, allowing the mission to go into full-scale development. UVEX is scheduled to launch no later than January 2031 with a total cost of $590 million. UVEX will perform an all-sky survey at ultraviolet wavelengths and will also be able to rapidly observe events like supernova explosions. NASA is proceeding with UVEX despite omitting funding for the mission in its fiscal year 2026 and 2027 budget proposals. The project's principal investigator said recently the mission is working through challenges such as communications for the spacecraft, which will be in a highly elliptical orbit, and how it will be launched given the projected retirement of Falcon 9. (10/28)
Blue Origin Pad Rebuild Ready by December for Potential Launch (Source: Space News)
Blue Origin expects to complete repairs to its New Glenn launch pad in Florida by December. A company executive said at a conference this week that the rebuilt pad at Launch Complex 36 should be activated by early to mid-December. That would clear the way for a return-to-flight of the rocket by the end of the year. FAA planning documents show a notional Dec. 28 date for that launch. The company has nearly 1,200 people working on the pad around the clock. NASA officials recently said they were impressed with Blue Origin's speed while noting that launch could slip to January. (10/28)
India's NVS-03 Satellite to Fly with Open Valve (Source: The Federal)
An Indian navigation satellite launching this week will fly with a problematic valve left open. The NVS-03 satellite is scheduled to launch as soon as Friday on a GSLV Mark 2. Its predecessor, NVS-02, was stranded in a transfer orbit last year when a pyro valve in an oxidizer line failed to open. Indian space agency officials said NVS-03 will launch with that valve open, relying instead on a different valve elsewhere in the line to keep oxidizer from leaking. Some officials said that while this prevents a repeat of the previous failure, it creates new risks for the spacecraft because of the increased reliance on the other valve. (10/28)
Germany's OHB Investing in MediaMobil (Source: OHB)
German satellite manufacturer OHB is investing in a provider of satellite communications solutions. OHB announced this week it is taking a 25% stake in MediaMobil, a Germany company that develops technologies for satellite communications in remote locations. The companies have been working together since 2020 on concepts for an offshore launch platform in the North Sea. OHB said the investment will help it expand across more of the satellite value chain. (10/28)
Blue Origin Plans Manufacturing Expansion in Washington (Source: KING 5)
Blue Origin will make Des Moines WA the site of a new manufacturing facility. The company's expansion in King County will include a mix of lab, development, and light production, Blue Origin said, adding that, at full capacity, the facility is expected to support hundreds of employees. Commercial real estate brokerage Newmark announced a full-building lease for the 265,922-square-foot industrial facility last week, indicating the deal had brought Prologis' holdings in the Des Moines Creek industrial corridor to 100% occupancy. (10/27)
U.S. Ambassador Hoekstra Makes the Case for Canada’s Sovereign Push (Source: SpaceQ)
U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra came to Space Canada’s SpaceBound conference in Gatineau last Tuesday with a message for Ottawa, one he delivered many times: Canada is making a mistake by going its own way. By the time the “fireside chat” was over, he had completed his task and inadvertently made the case for Canada’s push for sovereign space capabilities.
Hoekstra pointed to 67 years of space collaboration between the two countries, which he dated to 1959. He described the U.S. vision for space, from returning to the moon to turning research into business. And he described Canada’s role, transitioning from space to politics. “Now we’re waiting for where Canada wants to go,” he said. “[The] Prime Minister [and the] minister this morning have indicated that Canada maybe sees a different future than what we do... We’re talking to people around the world, we’ve got lots of people that want to partner with the United States, that will work with us in space… If it’s not Canada, the space will be filled."
When Hoekstra says “Canada wants to go somewhere else,” he isn’t talking about the moon. Canada has been an all-in Artemis partner for years, and spent money on a Lunar Gateway the U.S. unilaterally shelved after politely telling its partners it had changed plans mid-stream. That’s partly why Canada is hedging. People were shaking their heads, and the applause at the end was brief and polite. Some said they felt insulted. (10/27)
China has Tripled its Satellite Fleet Since 2018 (Source: Breaking Defense)
A new report by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) finds that China has tripled its fleet of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) satellites since 2018 and continues to expand capabilities to detect, track and target US and allied forces on the ground and at sea. (10/27)
'They Smoke Us': Why a Moon Astronaut Thinks F1 is Ahead of NASA (Source: ESPN)
How does NASA compare to Formula 1? The answer was surprising. "Oh, they crush us," Reid Wiseman replied. "I mean, the level of engineering here, they smoke us." Wiseman's view is rooted in the priorities of the two disciplines. NASA places a premium on proven technology and backup systems, even if that means carrying additional weight into space to ensure the mission objectives are met. Formula 1, meanwhile, is about the relentless pursuit of performance and pushing the boundaries of engineering in search of even the smallest advantage.
As we spoke, we were surrounded by Mercedes' race operation -- engineers, mechanics, media team, performance coaches, who have impressed him as much as the technology. "In spaceflight, what we really need is tried and true, redundancy, and we can accept a little bit of a mass penalty," he said. "Here, they're just pushing everything to the next level, and just every single thing is ... it's not just the cars, it's the humans. You know, everybody's walking around with WHOOP straps, and monitoring everything about themselves. They're all basically athletes. They're all going all in at all times. I love the way they deal with human performance and mechanical performance." (10/27)
Astroscale Proposes Feet of 'Bodyguard' Spacecraft to Protect Satellites From Orbital Attacks (Source: Space.com)
Technologies developed and tested in orbit to remove space junk and fix broken satellites can be speedily repurposed to build fleets of bodyguard spacecraft to protect important satellites from adversary attacks, space clean-up company Astroscale thinks. Astroscale made history with its 2024 up-close in-orbit inspection of a discarded Japanese rocket stage during the pioneering ADRAS-J mission in low Earth orbit (LEO), the region of space below altitudes of 1,200 miles (2,000 kilometers).
The firm's ELSA-D mission, which ran from 2021 to 2024, was the first commercial endeavor to demonstrate orbital capture technologies in LEO. Now, this technology can come in handy as Western space assets face increasing threats from Russia. (10/27)
Vancouver Company has Bagged a $3 Million Task Order From NASA (Source: National Post)
A Canadian space organization has received a $3-million task order from NASA to evaluate how its commercial satellite data can be used to complement data recorded by Landsat. Landsat is the longest-running continuous U.S. Earth observation program, dating back to 1972, and the data it records is accessible to anyone across the world. Vancouver-based EarthDaily, which launched in 2021, will provide Earth observation data to NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), who both assist in operating Landsat. (10/27)
SpaceX Is Raising Raptor’s Sea-Level Thrust While Holding Engine Mass Steady (Source: Teslarati)
SpaceX’s Raptor engine family has steadily increased sea-level thrust while simultaneously reducing mass, turning iterative engineering gains into substantially higher performance for the Super Heavy booster. Raptor 1 delivered 185 metric tons of thrust at roughly 2,080 kilograms, while Raptor 2 raised that to 230 tons while cutting mass to about 1,630 kilograms. SpaceX data for Raptor 3 lists a target of 280 tons at 1,525 kilograms (with further reductions in associated vehicle hardware), while operational flight ratings have been cited near 250 tons.
Elon Musk stated that Raptor 4 is expected to reach 300 tons of sea-level thrust at roughly the same mass as Raptor 3. Across these versions, thrust has risen by more than 60 percent from the first engines while engine mass has fallen, producing a sharp improvement in thrust-to-weight ratio. With 33 engines on SuperHeavy, the jump from earlier versions to a 300-ton Raptor 4 would produce roughly 9,900 metric tons of total liftoff thrust, nearly three times the Saturn V’s approximately 3,400 metric tons from its five F-1 engines.
For Starship’s architecture, the practical effects are large. Greater liftoff thrust supports heavier vehicles, larger propellant loads, and higher payloads to low Earth orbit, figures SpaceX has targeted in the 100-plus-ton reusable range. That capacity underpins orbital refueling, lunar missions, and eventual Mars cargo and crew flights. Continued growth in sea-level thrust therefore tightens the gap between theoretical rocket performance and the high flight rates and reusability needed to make large-scale space transport practical. (10/26)
Boeing to be Awarded Sole-Source Deal Worth up to $946 Million to Maintain Military Satellites (Source: Space News)
The U.S. Space Force plans to award Boeing a sole-source contract worth up to $945.9 million to maintain and modernize military communications satellites and ground systems, citing the company’s ownership of proprietary technical data and software needed to perform the work. (10/28)
It’s Oct. 1, 2049, the centennial of the People’s Republic of China, and celebrations are truly otherworldly. Chinese researchers are marking the occasion at the nation’s permanent bases on the moon, including a flagship station that opened near the lunar south pole in the 2030s. The outposts are part of the country’s wide-scale investment in space infrastructure that includes orbital data centers, solar power stations and navigation satellites. Chinese astronauts are even commemorating the anniversary from Mars, achieving a decades-in-the-works goal to send a crewed mission to the red planet by midcentury.
At least, that’s the future envisioned by President Xi Jinping and other officials as they try to surpass the US in today’s space race, a competition that’s mostly centered on which superpower will send people to the moon for the first time since the final Apollo mission in 1972. NASA is targeting 2028, before the China Manned Space Agency’s goal of doing so by 2030. The US’s plans, however, hinge on spacecraft made by Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, which face daunting engineering challenges, prompting critics such as Jim Bridenstine, NASA chief during President Donald Trump’s first administration, to warn that the US is at risk of ceding its lead to China. (10/29)
Putin Praises Musk as Russia Develops a Starlink Rival and Says Moscow is Coordinating with US Partners (Source: The Independent)
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow is coordinating on low-Earth-orbit satellite networks with Elon Musk and other US partners, while Russia works to develop its own answer to Starlink. His remarks underscore the strategic value of large satellite-internet constellations for civilian and military use, amid reports that Starlink access for Ukraine had recently been slowed. (10/28)
Perseverance Detects Ultrafine Martian Dust and Samples a Potentially Ancient Rock (Source: Reuters)
NASA’s Perseverance rover has measured ultrafine dust particles on materials designed to represent spacesuit surfaces, sharpening concerns about crew exposure during future Mars missions. Separately, the rover collected a sample from a rock dubbed Singita that may be more than 3.9 billion years old. (10/28)
Flexell Space and Satoro Plan 2027 and 2028 Demonstrations of Next-Generation Solar Cells (Source: Space News)
South Korea’s Flexell Space and Singapore-based Satoro have agreed to demonstrate and validate next-generation space solar cells in orbit, with missions planned aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 launches in 2027 and 2028. Flexell will supply solar cells and test modules; Satoro will provide a satellite-as-a-service solution. (10/28)
Components Ready for Starfighters’ F-104 Mach 2 Testbed (Source: AIN)
Component manufacturing is complete for the first two underwing carriers that Starfighters Space plans to fly on its Lockheed F-104 Starfighters for Mach 2 test flights, the Florida-based company announced on October 8. Robby Moto Engineering, based in Casalmaggiore in northern Italy’s Lombardy region, manufactured the parts, which have been received at the company's base at the Kennedy Space Center for assembly.
The underwing carriers form the core of what Starfighters Space calls Wind Tunnel in the Sky, a service that offers customers several minutes of sustained flight at Mach 2 for testing hardware, while a run in a ground wind tunnel typically lasts a minute or less.
Each assembled carrier will measure 12 feet long and 7 inches in diameter, matching the size of the AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile that the carrier resembles. Interchangeable nose sections, tail assemblies, fins, and internal payload compartments let the company adapt each carrier to a customer’s hardware while keeping the same external shape. While an airplane may need hardware under both wings to stay balanced, a carrier under one wing can be paired with a different type of store under the other. (10/28)
SpaceX No Longer Needs NASA, and that’s a Problem for America’s Space Agency (Source: Ars Technica)
For nearly a quarter of a century, Elon Musk and his essential partner at SpaceX, Gwynne Shotwell, viewed the United States government as El Dorado, the mythical city of gold. Over time, against long odds, the pair cleared a path for SpaceX to contracts at NASA and the US military. They sued when things did not go their way. They hollered about unfair playing fields. Most importantly, they delivered quality space products to the US government for less.
Then they started winning everything. So much so that the relationship between the customer and contractor began to change. Slowly at first, but ever more quickly, SpaceX went from needing the US government as an indispensable customer to becoming an indispensable contractor for the nation. The pendulum has swung so far now that SpaceX seems increasingly disinterested in the US government for most contracts outside of data services, such as Starshield for military communications and observations.
Musk believes the government moves too slowly and simply isn’t ambitious enough when it comes to space. Often, in meetings at SpaceX, he will describe working with the US government as “like wearing lead shoes and walking through molasses.” Instead, Musk wants to build bigger things, like Starship. Reaching stratospheric financial targets requires launching incredible numbers of Starlink and Starmind satellites, all of which can be dispensed like Pez candy into space. Launch services for third parties, which include NASA and other Moon Base customers, represent a rounding error in SpaceX’s revenue in the post-IPO world. (10/29)
Cape Canaveral Braces for its New "Boom Cycle" (Source: Axios)
Last year, Space Launch Delta 45, the military command overseeing the Cape, supported 109 orbital liftoffs from the base — the most in its history. In April, Space Launch Delta 45 oversaw five different rocket launches for unique missions, breaking a record set at the height of the U.S.-Soviet space race in the 1960s. Space Force officials estimate that the number of Cape launches could rise from the 109 it reached in 2025 to "approximately 1,200 by 2036" annually, according to the service's vision plan. (10/29)
Seraphim Space Launches Space Academy (Source: Payload)
Thinking of going back to school? Seraphim Space is taking applications. The space-focused venture capital firm today announced the launch of the Seraphim Academy, a new program for early-stage space startups offering courses in fundraising, scaling, and operations. The program comes with up to a year of support, and $150,000 of investment for each company that takes part. (10/29)
UCF Planning Suborbital Launch From Seagate's Launch Barge (Source: Orlando Sentinel)
During "Space Week" at UCF, the university announced plans to launch a rocket to space, combining the efforts of two rocket clubs on campus. The project is aiming to work with St. Petersburg-based Seagate Space and launch an 18-foot-tall, two-stage rocket off Florida’s Gulf Coast on Seagate’s in-development launch barge.
That may not come until 2028, but the clubs are planning a test launch with a smaller rocket working with the Florida Institute of Oceanography on a barge in summer next year. Shelby Wooten, a UCF junior majoring in mechanical engineering representing the Students for the Exploration and Development of Space club said that launch “technically makes us the first U.S. rocket launch from sea, even though we’re collegiate, and if you’re not including some defense companies like Lockheed Martin.” (10/29)
Annual UCF-Baylor Football Game is a Florida-Texas Space Rivalry (Source: UCF)
UCF's Space Week culminates with a football rivalry when the Knights take on Baylor. The UCF football team hosts Baylor for the annual "Space Game" on Friday, Oct. 30, at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN. The Space Game has grown annually since it debuted in 2017, paying tribute to the university’s origin story as a provider of talent for nearby Kennedy Space Center and the U.S. space program in the 1960s. The game features space themed uniforms for the UCF Knights. (10/28)
Firefly Aerospace Says Space Systems Command Using FORGE for WFOV Satellite (Source: Defense Daily)
U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command System Delta 84 has used the Future Operationally Resilient Ground Evolution (FORGE) system developed by Firefly Aerospace's [FLY] SciTec subsidiary, according to the company. "The latest milestone incorporates data from the SSC’s wide field of view [WFOV] space vehicle in geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) and expands the system’s observational reach to strengthen missile warning and defense," according to the company. (10/28)
Space Force Missile-Tracking Satellite Launch Slips to 2027 as SDA Reassesses Acquisition Approach (Source: Space News)
The U.S. Space Force’s first operational missile-tracking satellites are now expected to launch in spring 2027, nearly two years later than originally planned, as the government considers additional flight demonstrations before committing to large purchases of next-generation sensors. (10/28)
BAE Systems Buys a New Colorado Manufacturing Facility (Source: Aerospace Colorado)
BAE Systems completed the purchase of a 130,000-square-foot production facility in Weld County to expand manufacturing of space hardware and sensor systems. The company expects to hire more than 200 employees over 12–24 months, with potential employment of approximately 600 at full capacity. Production is expected to begin in early 2028. This is one of the clearest new manufacturing investments in Colorado's space industry this week. The expansion could create opportunities for local suppliers in precision machining, electronics, testing, equipment, and specialized manufacturing. (10/26)
Metrea Special Aerospace, ISR Inc Awarded Defense Contract (Source: Aerospace Colorado)
A contract notice posted October 22 identifies an $80 million award to Metrea Special Aerospace, ISR Inc. for contractor-operated airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance services supporting border-security operations. The listed place of performance is Colorado Springs. This is a relevant defense-services award in Colorado Springs, although the awardee is headquartered in Florida. (10/26)
Kompsat-6 Illustrates the Schedule Risks of Booking a Shared Launch (Source: Space Intel Report)
South Korea’s Kompsat-6 radar-observation satellite has become an example of the risks of launching as a co-passenger rather than buying a dedicated mission. The case highlights the tradeoff satellite operators face between the lower cost of a shared ride and the greater control of a dedicated launch. Kompsat-6 was to be a co-passenger instead of riding on a dedicated launch. The 1,750-kg Kompsat-6 has been fully built and in storage since August 2022. Its planned 2022 launch on Russia’s Angara rocket was scrapped following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. (10/28)
NASA Confirms $590 Million UVEX Space Telescope, Targeting Launch by January 2031 (Source: Universe Today)
NASA has confirmed the Ultraviolet Explorer mission with a total lifecycle budget of $590 million and a commitment to launch by January 2031. The telescope is designed to survey the ultraviolet universe and is described as about 100 times more powerful than GALEX, whose mission ended in 2013. (10/28)
Spaceport Siting Proposal Focuses on Usable Launch Capacity (Source: New Space Economy)
A Foundation for Defense of Democracies submission recommends evaluating spaceport capacity through the missions a facility can support, rather than treating the number of launch sites as a sufficient measure of national capability. The October 26 document addresses the FAA's request for information on new spaceport locations and priority airspace for designated launch corridors. It recommends comparing expansion at existing facilities, including Kodiak and Wallops, with the development of new sites.
Supporting facilities also determine whether a site can conduct a mission. Payload processing, tracking, utilities, and trained personnel contribute to usable capacity. A launch pad without the supporting systems required by its operator is not equivalent to a fully prepared launch capability. (10/28)
Comparing KSC, Starbase Construction Timelines to Understand the Development of Starbase, Louisiana (Source: NSF)
NASA built the Kennedy Space Center in about five and a half years, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station took 14 months, and Starbase, Texas, has taken about four and a half years thus far. With SpaceX’s recently announced Starbase site in Louisiana planned to support its first launch in approximately three years, a closer look at how other launch sites were built could offer insights into when we might expect the world’s latest spaceport to become operational. Click here. (10/28) https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2026/10/construction-timeline-comparisons/
Space Force Missile-Tracking Satellites Slip to Spring 2027 as SDA Reconsiders Acquisition Approach (Source: Space News)
The U.S. Space Force’s first operational missile-tracking satellites are now expected to launch in spring 2027, nearly two years behind the original plan. The delay comes as the Space Development Agency considers additional flight demonstrations before committing to large purchases of next-generation sensors. (10/28)
Delegation Urges Trump to Put Space Academy in Tennessee (Source: Rep. Van Epps)
Rep. Van Epps, Governor Lee, Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty, and Rep. Scott DesJarlais announced Tennessee’s intention to pursue having the United States Space Academy in the Volunteer State. The initiative, established by President Trump to strengthen America’s space superiority, presents an opportunity to build on Tennessee’s existing strengths and prepare the next generation of leaders for America’s future in space. (10/28)
Far EasTone Partners with Elveo Mobile to Pursue Satellite-to-Phone Service in Taiwan (Source: Beyond LEO)
Taiwanese telecom operator Far EasTone (FET) has announced a partnership with Elveo Mobile, a company offering direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity, with the stated aim of advancing satellite services that reach ordinary mobile phones in Taiwan. The announcement, made on October 27, sets out a direction rather than a product. No service, launch date, price, satellites or spectrum for Taiwan were named, and no financial terms were disclosed. (10/28)
Turkey Detains 85 After Raids on Gang Suspected Over Starlink Fire in Poland (Source: TVP World)
Police in Turkey have arrested 85 people in nationwide raids on an organized crime group suspected of involvement in crimes including an arson attack on a Starlink facility in Poland. Police conducted raids in 30 Turkish provinces on Tuesday, taking the suspects—including 35 minors—into custody for questioning. The suspects are believed to be connected with the ‘Dalton’ gang, an Istanbul-based crime group accused, among other things, of recruiting young people via social media to commit criminal acts. (10/27)
U.S. Space Force Wants Multivendor ‘GPS Gen’ Constellation (Source: Aviation Week)
As the U.S. Space Force contemplates the future of its GPS constellation, the service says it wants a multivendor and integrated architecture that can operate in a more contested environment and adapt to future needs. (10/27)
SpaceX Starlink Shift Sends California Past Florida in Launches (Source: Florida Today)
Move over Florida. California raced past a new launch record with no slowdown in sight — all while Cape Canaveral launch activity remains quiet. SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket early Oct. 27 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. It was a routine Starlink mission but clocked in as the 72nd rocket launch of 2026 from California, breaking the state’s all-time yearly launch record. It also put California well ahead of Florida, which has only counted 60 launches as of late October.
This marks the first time since the 1970s that California has surpassed Florida’s yearly rocket launch cadence. Like Florida’s record-breaking 109 launches in 2025, California’s launch surge has been mostly SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets on Starlink missions. (10/28)
Starlink Brinkmanship Is Driving Allies to Rethink US Reliance (Source: Bloomberg)
European officials have intensified discussions about ways to reduce their reliance on the US and American defense contractors following the recent blame game around Ukraine’s Starlink restrictions, according to people familiar with the matter. After days of finger-pointing about changes to Starlink’s speed in Ukraine, Elon Musk said in a post on X that the company had acted after Ukraine violated the company’s rules by using Starlink for offensive drone strikes. (10/27)
SpaceX Pauses Florida Rocket Launches for 6 Weeks (Source: Florida Today)
A company official has indicated that SpaceX is completely pausing rocket launches for a period of six weeks in Florida. “I think you Floridians are noticing we’re not launching Falcon 9 as much right now, right?” SpaceX vice president Kiko Dontchev said on Oct. 21. "We have a six-week gap before the next Falcon 9." The reason for the ongoing six-week launch drought in Florida is much the same for why SpaceX phased out its Falcon 9 rocket in the first place. The company is in the final stretch of setting the stage for the highly anticipated Florida debut of its massive Starship rocket. (10/27)
Virgin Galactic Unveils Spaceship Apeiron (Source: Virgin Galactic)
Virgin Galactic announced the name of its new Spaceship will be Apeiron (A'-per-on). Drawn from the ancient Greek concept of the boundless, Apeiron embodies the infinite possibilities that spaceflight brings to each of us individually and all of us collectively. The name was chosen by a public vote that drew thousands of responses from around the world. This included 83 countries and six continents, giving the global space community a direct role in shaping the identity of the company’s lead Spaceship. (10/28)
India Aims to Expand Space Economy From $8.4 Billion to $44 Billion (Source: Economic Times)
Rising demand for low Earth orbit satellites is expected to enhance India's space industry growth. A new Small Satellite Launch Vehicle launch pad will increase launch capacity in Tamil Nadu. The government's reforms have facilitated increased private participation in space activities. Various funds and technology transfers aim to support startups and enhance their capabilities. The Indian space economy is targeted to expand significantly over the next decade. (10/27)
NASA, Agriculture Department Partner On Space Data Sharing (Source: Payload)
NASA and the Department of Agriculture signed an agreement on Saturday to cooperate on EO and geospatial analytics to improve the data available to American farmers. The MoU is the second this month signed by the space agency to boost collaboration among government agencies. (10/27)
Deadline for the 2026 Sacknoff Prize for Space History - 25 November 2026 (Source: Space 3.0)
The deadline for the Sacknoff Prize for Space History is 25 November 2026. Awarded since 2011, the Prize is designed to encourage original research by university students in the field of space history. Undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to submit their original manuscript for consideration! Click here. (10/28)
Democrats Want to Punish Elon Musk. Nationalizing SpaceX Would Punish Innovation (Source: Reason)
Elon Musk is under attack! Countless Democrats are admitting they plan to investigate or even jail him if they take back power on Congress in the midterms. They can't tell you what he specifically did wrong, but they'll come up with something. Just as bad, or even worse, however, is that some of his critics want to nationalize his companies, including Starlink, which provides crucial infrastructure to Ukraine. Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich, a far-left populist Democrat, thinks Starlink is too important to be left under Musk's control, and that the federal government would do a better job administering it. (10/27)
ULA Plans November Return To Flight for Vulcan, Carrying Amazon Leo Satellites (Source: Space News)
United Launch Alliance plans to resume Vulcan launches in mid-November after a nine-month hiatus caused by a solid rocket booster anomaly. The rocket will carry 40 Amazon Leo satellites to low Earth orbit no earlier than Nov. 13. (10/28)
Ukraine's Himera Starts Testing with GomSpace for Proposed Constellation (Source: Space News)
A Ukrainian startup has started testing a communications satellite as part of a proposed constellation. Himera announced Tuesday its Obria Nano satellite, built by Danish company GomSpace, is undergoing tests after a launch on a SpaceX rideshare mission earlier this month. The companies plan to design a constellation that would provide communications coverage across Ukraine. It is one of at least two European-backed initiatives aimed at giving Ukraine greater control over satellite communications following disruptions this month to SpaceX's Starlink and Starshield services that affected Ukrainian military operations. Finnish companies Iceye and Nokia announced an agreement with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense earlier this month to study a broadband satellite constellation. (10/28)
NASA Astrophysics Mission EVEX Passes Review (Source: Space News)
A NASA astrophysics mission has cleared a key review. NASA announced Tuesday that the Ultraviolet Explorer (UVEX) mission passed its Key Decision Point C review, allowing the mission to go into full-scale development. UVEX is scheduled to launch no later than January 2031 with a total cost of $590 million. UVEX will perform an all-sky survey at ultraviolet wavelengths and will also be able to rapidly observe events like supernova explosions. NASA is proceeding with UVEX despite omitting funding for the mission in its fiscal year 2026 and 2027 budget proposals. The project's principal investigator said recently the mission is working through challenges such as communications for the spacecraft, which will be in a highly elliptical orbit, and how it will be launched given the projected retirement of Falcon 9. (10/28)
Blue Origin Pad Rebuild Ready by December for Potential Launch (Source: Space News)
Blue Origin expects to complete repairs to its New Glenn launch pad in Florida by December. A company executive said at a conference this week that the rebuilt pad at Launch Complex 36 should be activated by early to mid-December. That would clear the way for a return-to-flight of the rocket by the end of the year. FAA planning documents show a notional Dec. 28 date for that launch. The company has nearly 1,200 people working on the pad around the clock. NASA officials recently said they were impressed with Blue Origin's speed while noting that launch could slip to January. (10/28)
India's NVS-03 Satellite to Fly with Open Valve (Source: The Federal)
An Indian navigation satellite launching this week will fly with a problematic valve left open. The NVS-03 satellite is scheduled to launch as soon as Friday on a GSLV Mark 2. Its predecessor, NVS-02, was stranded in a transfer orbit last year when a pyro valve in an oxidizer line failed to open. Indian space agency officials said NVS-03 will launch with that valve open, relying instead on a different valve elsewhere in the line to keep oxidizer from leaking. Some officials said that while this prevents a repeat of the previous failure, it creates new risks for the spacecraft because of the increased reliance on the other valve. (10/28)
Germany's OHB Investing in MediaMobil (Source: OHB)
German satellite manufacturer OHB is investing in a provider of satellite communications solutions. OHB announced this week it is taking a 25% stake in MediaMobil, a Germany company that develops technologies for satellite communications in remote locations. The companies have been working together since 2020 on concepts for an offshore launch platform in the North Sea. OHB said the investment will help it expand across more of the satellite value chain. (10/28)
Blue Origin Plans Manufacturing Expansion in Washington (Source: KING 5)
Blue Origin will make Des Moines WA the site of a new manufacturing facility. The company's expansion in King County will include a mix of lab, development, and light production, Blue Origin said, adding that, at full capacity, the facility is expected to support hundreds of employees. Commercial real estate brokerage Newmark announced a full-building lease for the 265,922-square-foot industrial facility last week, indicating the deal had brought Prologis' holdings in the Des Moines Creek industrial corridor to 100% occupancy. (10/27)
U.S. Ambassador Hoekstra Makes the Case for Canada’s Sovereign Push (Source: SpaceQ)
U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra came to Space Canada’s SpaceBound conference in Gatineau last Tuesday with a message for Ottawa, one he delivered many times: Canada is making a mistake by going its own way. By the time the “fireside chat” was over, he had completed his task and inadvertently made the case for Canada’s push for sovereign space capabilities.
Hoekstra pointed to 67 years of space collaboration between the two countries, which he dated to 1959. He described the U.S. vision for space, from returning to the moon to turning research into business. And he described Canada’s role, transitioning from space to politics. “Now we’re waiting for where Canada wants to go,” he said. “[The] Prime Minister [and the] minister this morning have indicated that Canada maybe sees a different future than what we do... We’re talking to people around the world, we’ve got lots of people that want to partner with the United States, that will work with us in space… If it’s not Canada, the space will be filled."
When Hoekstra says “Canada wants to go somewhere else,” he isn’t talking about the moon. Canada has been an all-in Artemis partner for years, and spent money on a Lunar Gateway the U.S. unilaterally shelved after politely telling its partners it had changed plans mid-stream. That’s partly why Canada is hedging. People were shaking their heads, and the applause at the end was brief and polite. Some said they felt insulted. (10/27)
China has Tripled its Satellite Fleet Since 2018 (Source: Breaking Defense)
A new report by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) finds that China has tripled its fleet of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) satellites since 2018 and continues to expand capabilities to detect, track and target US and allied forces on the ground and at sea. (10/27)
'They Smoke Us': Why a Moon Astronaut Thinks F1 is Ahead of NASA (Source: ESPN)
How does NASA compare to Formula 1? The answer was surprising. "Oh, they crush us," Reid Wiseman replied. "I mean, the level of engineering here, they smoke us." Wiseman's view is rooted in the priorities of the two disciplines. NASA places a premium on proven technology and backup systems, even if that means carrying additional weight into space to ensure the mission objectives are met. Formula 1, meanwhile, is about the relentless pursuit of performance and pushing the boundaries of engineering in search of even the smallest advantage.
As we spoke, we were surrounded by Mercedes' race operation -- engineers, mechanics, media team, performance coaches, who have impressed him as much as the technology. "In spaceflight, what we really need is tried and true, redundancy, and we can accept a little bit of a mass penalty," he said. "Here, they're just pushing everything to the next level, and just every single thing is ... it's not just the cars, it's the humans. You know, everybody's walking around with WHOOP straps, and monitoring everything about themselves. They're all basically athletes. They're all going all in at all times. I love the way they deal with human performance and mechanical performance." (10/27)
Astroscale Proposes Feet of 'Bodyguard' Spacecraft to Protect Satellites From Orbital Attacks (Source: Space.com)
Technologies developed and tested in orbit to remove space junk and fix broken satellites can be speedily repurposed to build fleets of bodyguard spacecraft to protect important satellites from adversary attacks, space clean-up company Astroscale thinks. Astroscale made history with its 2024 up-close in-orbit inspection of a discarded Japanese rocket stage during the pioneering ADRAS-J mission in low Earth orbit (LEO), the region of space below altitudes of 1,200 miles (2,000 kilometers).
The firm's ELSA-D mission, which ran from 2021 to 2024, was the first commercial endeavor to demonstrate orbital capture technologies in LEO. Now, this technology can come in handy as Western space assets face increasing threats from Russia. (10/27)
Vancouver Company has Bagged a $3 Million Task Order From NASA (Source: National Post)
A Canadian space organization has received a $3-million task order from NASA to evaluate how its commercial satellite data can be used to complement data recorded by Landsat. Landsat is the longest-running continuous U.S. Earth observation program, dating back to 1972, and the data it records is accessible to anyone across the world. Vancouver-based EarthDaily, which launched in 2021, will provide Earth observation data to NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), who both assist in operating Landsat. (10/27)
SpaceX Is Raising Raptor’s Sea-Level Thrust While Holding Engine Mass Steady (Source: Teslarati)
SpaceX’s Raptor engine family has steadily increased sea-level thrust while simultaneously reducing mass, turning iterative engineering gains into substantially higher performance for the Super Heavy booster. Raptor 1 delivered 185 metric tons of thrust at roughly 2,080 kilograms, while Raptor 2 raised that to 230 tons while cutting mass to about 1,630 kilograms. SpaceX data for Raptor 3 lists a target of 280 tons at 1,525 kilograms (with further reductions in associated vehicle hardware), while operational flight ratings have been cited near 250 tons.
Elon Musk stated that Raptor 4 is expected to reach 300 tons of sea-level thrust at roughly the same mass as Raptor 3. Across these versions, thrust has risen by more than 60 percent from the first engines while engine mass has fallen, producing a sharp improvement in thrust-to-weight ratio. With 33 engines on SuperHeavy, the jump from earlier versions to a 300-ton Raptor 4 would produce roughly 9,900 metric tons of total liftoff thrust, nearly three times the Saturn V’s approximately 3,400 metric tons from its five F-1 engines.
For Starship’s architecture, the practical effects are large. Greater liftoff thrust supports heavier vehicles, larger propellant loads, and higher payloads to low Earth orbit, figures SpaceX has targeted in the 100-plus-ton reusable range. That capacity underpins orbital refueling, lunar missions, and eventual Mars cargo and crew flights. Continued growth in sea-level thrust therefore tightens the gap between theoretical rocket performance and the high flight rates and reusability needed to make large-scale space transport practical. (10/26)
Boeing to be Awarded Sole-Source Deal Worth up to $946 Million to Maintain Military Satellites (Source: Space News)
The U.S. Space Force plans to award Boeing a sole-source contract worth up to $945.9 million to maintain and modernize military communications satellites and ground systems, citing the company’s ownership of proprietary technical data and software needed to perform the work. (10/28)
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