February 27, 2026

Space Coast Firm Signs to Pursue Spaceport Development in Dominican Republic (Source: LOD)
Launch On Demand's LOD Holdings, a development arm specializing in the planning, financing, and execution of spaceport projects worldwide, has signed an agreement with the government of the Dominican Republic to develop a commercial spaceport near Oviedo in the province of Pedernales.

This initiative began a few years ago with a simple question from the nation's leadership: how can the Dominican Republic leverage the space domain to strengthen its future? Since then, our team has spent time here meeting local leaders, developers, and students. What stands out most is not just the scale of the project, but what it represents for the next generation of Dominicans. The project was announced by the nation's president in his state of the republic address and follows a detailed technical feasibility study. (2/27)

The Fastest Way to Fail an Orbital Program Is to Skip Suborbital (Source: EXOS Aerospace)
Orbital programs fail for many reasons. Not just launch vehicles - but avionics, guidance and navigation systems, payload deployment mechanisms, thermal protection, communications, and mission sequencing. And one of the most preventable failure modes is this: Teams attempt full orbital missions before their systems have experienced real flight. Click here. (2/27)

Isaacman to Shifts SLS and Artemis Architecture for Increased Cadence, Lower Costs (Source: NASA)
NASA has revised its plans for future Artemis missions. A new mission, designated Artemis 3, will dock with lunar landers from Blue Origin and/or SpaceX in low Earth orbit in 2027. The first crewed landing attempt on the moon is now planned for Artemis 4 in early 2028, with a possible second landing on Artemis 5 in late 2028. As part of those changes, NASA said it is abandoning plans to upgrade the Space Launch System after Artemis 3.

"The way forward is to start now by standardizing the SLS to a near-common Block 1 configuration and maintain this architecture across future missions," Jared Isaacman wrote in an agency-wide email Friday. "This approach will reduce cost, improve safety, and allow for an increased launch cadence, which is essential to returning NASA astronauts to the Moon." (2/27)

Blue Origin Snags Former SpaceX Site for Latest Space Coast Expansion (Sources: Orlando Business Journal, SPACErePORT)
Blue Origin expands its aerospace operations in Florida with a $11.5 million land purchase. Blue Origin Manufacturing LLC purchased 20 acres at 850 Cidco Rd. in Cocoa for $11.5 million on Feb. 17, according to a deed posted to Brevard County records. The site was formerly used by SpaceX to develop prototype designs for its Starship launch system, before the establishment of Starbase manufacturing and launch operations in Texas. (2/27)

SLS Block 1 Freeze Will Impact Boeing, Northrop Grumman, L3Harris, Others (Source: SPACErePORT)
NASA's plan to halt major SLS upgrades beyond the Block 1 configuration would impact a significant collection of prime contractors, their subcontractors, and suppliers. Boeing, of course, is the lead contractor for the Exploration Upper Stage, but it's unclear whether this element will continue. Northrop Grumman's advanced solid rocket boosters would be canceled. L3Harris' upgraded RS-25 engines would be canceled. Leidos' development of a new Universal Stage Adapter may be scrapped.

As for spaceport infrastructure, work by Bechtel and others on a new mobile launch platform (ML2) may soon be canceled ; LC-39B cryogenic upgrades by BRPH, Jacobs and others may be canceled; and in the VAB's High Bay 3, modifications led by Hensel Phelps, RS&H, and others may be canceled. (2/27)

Private Space Station Developers Advocate for Multiple Pathways to Secure NASA Approval (Source: Aerospace America)
As NASA mulls the acquisition strategy for the next phase of its commercial space station program, executives from several of the developers urged an approach that offers flexibility for demonstrating they can meet the agency’s requirements. Each of the four companies represented on the panel are employing a slightly different approach to orbiting their stations by 2030, the target date NASA has set for retiring the International Space Station. (2/26)

NIH Releases Update on ISS Tissue Chips Research (Source: Upward)
Six research projects were selected through a joint solicitation from the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as part of the Tissue Chips in Space 2.0 initiative. The ISS National Lab first began collaborating with NIH’s National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) on tissue chips in space nearly a decade ago. (2/26)

UKAEA to Help Pulsar Fusion with Shielding for Nuclear Propulsion System (Source: European Spaceflight)
UK-based in-orbit propulsion systems provider Pulsar Fusion has announced that the UK Atomic Energy Authority will assist the company with the development of neutron shielding and activation modelling for its Sunbird Migratory Transfer Vehicle. (2/26)

AIA Plans Recommendations for Resilient Space Supply Chain (Source: Breaking Defense)
The Aerospace Industries Association is studying the space sector supply chain via discussions with AIA members amid a global rush for satellites and launch capacity for both commercial and defense functions. AIA's Jordan Tomaszewski has characterized the current cycle as "the year of the supply chain." Based on the current discussion AIA plans to issue recommendations for strengthening the space supply chain. (2/25)

L3Harris Overhauls Space Force Telescope in Australia (Source: Defense Post)
L3Harris Technologies, is leading a significant update of the primary mirror of the US Space Force's Space Surveillance Telescope in Australia. The project, which included enhancements to mirrors, extends the telescope's operational life and improves its performance in tracking objects in geostationary orbit. The telescope is crucial to the US-Australia space situational awareness partnership. (2/26)

Four Scottish Space Companies (Source: Space Scotland)
Space Scotland, the industry group that unites, supports, and promotes the rapidly growing Scottish space sector, has announced the winners of the Pivot into Space program. The Scotland-wide initiative is designed to help companies prepare for selling into the growing space supply chain by adapting and scaling their technologies. The program, part-funded by the UK Space Agency (UKSA), helps organizations from advanced manufacturing, robotics, photonics, life sciences and other adjacent sectors to develop space-ready technologies, unlock new commercial opportunities, and strengthen the UK and Scotland's space capabilities.

The four winners are: CEXAL based in Edinburgh, specializing in Biotechnology; LumiAIres based in Glasgow, specializing in Photonic AI Processors; PowerPhotonic, based in Dunfermline, specializing in Advanced Manufacturing; and Thistle Design, based in Loanhead, specializing in Electronics Manufacturing. Each company will deliver a sprint R&D project, supported by grants of up to £25,000, covering 50–70% of project costs. Projects commenced in January and will be completed by 23 March 2026, ensuring rapid progression from concept to commercial opportunity. (2/27)

BlackSky Reports Mixed Financial Results (Source: Via Satellite)
BlackSky’s 2025 financial performance was a mixed bag, with an increase in fourth quarter revenue and a 32% increase in backlog, despite an increase in the company’s net loss and a second consecutive year of contracting growth. BlackSky posted $106.6 million in full year revenue in 2025, a 4.4% year-over-year increase from 2024. It marks a second year of sliding YoY growth, after 8% growth in 2024 and 45% growth in 2023. (2/26)

Redwire Emphasizes Defense Pivot and Maturing Capabilities in 2025 Results (Source: Via Satellite)
Jacksonville FL-based Redwire grew revenue by 10.3% in 2025, which the company attributed to its business maturing and capabilities advancing from development into production. In its fourth quarter 2025 results released Wednesday, Redwire reported $335.4 million full year revenue. The fourth quarter in particular had 56% year-over-year growth to $108.8 million in revenue. (2/26)

Canada’s NordSpace Opens VC Arm for Sovereign Space Investments (Source: Payload)
While NordSpace is working on building a Canadian sovereign launch capability, it’s also establishing a small VC business to invest in strategic partners. The company has launched NordSpace Ventures, which will make investments in “Canadian space, defense, and dual-use technologies”. “This was the fastest way to have a direct interest in, and impact on, Canadian companies that are intertwined with NordSpace’s own future,” a spokesperson said. (2/26)

Phantom Space Reclaims Former Vector Launch Technology (Sources: Space News, SPACErePORT)
Remnants of Vector Launch have made it back to one of its original architects after Phantom Space bought launch assets that were sold off in 2020 during the small rocket developer’s bankruptcy. Both Vector and Phantom were founded by Jim Cantrell, an early SpaceX rocketeer. The assets had been purchased post-bankruptcy by TLS Bidco for just over $1 million, with plans to restart the company. The newly reacquired IP and assets will help Phantom speed up development of its Daytona rocket.

After raising tens of millions of dollars for its launch vehicle and GalacticSky satellite operations software, and failing to fulfill an Air Force launch contract, Vector filed for bankruptcy in 2019. Along the way, Vector sued Lockheed Martin for GalacticSky patent infringement, and after losing the legal battle ended up selling GalacticSky to Lockheed in 2020. Cantrell also alleged he was wrongfully terminated from Vector in 2019. Following Vector's bankruptcy, the bankruptcy trustee sued Cantrell, alleging he had "systematically looted" Vector for personal gain. (2/26)

Sierra Space Names Dan Jablonsky CEO (Source: Space News)
Sierra Space announced that longtime defense executive Dan Jablonsky has been appointed chief executive officer, effective March 2. He previously led rocket engine maker Ursa Major. Also effective March 2, according to a Feb. 20 announcement, Jablonsky will join the board of directors at BWX Technologies. (2/26)

BWXT Expands on Space Coast (Source: Investing.com)
BWX Technologies, Inc. announced the opening of a new Digital Center in Melbourne, Florida. This 11,600-square-foot facility will be pivotal for the company’s digital transformation, focusing on smart operations, AI, automation, and cybersecurity. Additionally, BWXT has inaugurated its Centrifuge Manufacturing Development Facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, aimed at enhancing U.S. uranium enrichment capabilities for national security. (2/20)

China's Asteroid Mission On Track (Source: Space News)
China's Tianwen-2 spacecraft is operating normally on its way to a near-Earth asteroid later this year. The spacecraft, launched last May, is scheduled to arrive later this year at the asteroid 469219 Kamo'oalewa. It will collect samples of the asteroid and return them to Earth by November 2027, a Chinese official said in a presentation to the United Nations' Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space earlier this month. After returning the samples to Earth, Tianwen-2 will use Earth's gravity to send it on a course for main-belt comet 311P/PANSTARRS, arriving in 2034. (2/26)

Space Force Pauses Use of ULA Vulcan Pending Anomaly Investigation (Source: Space News)
The Space Force is pausing use of United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket after an anomaly on a launch earlier this month. The service said Wednesday that it will not fly national security missions on Vulcan while an investigation continues into the USSF-87 launch Feb. 12, when ULA reported an "observation" with one of the rocket's strap-on boosters. The incident was similar to one on Vulcan's second flight in October 2024, when a nozzle on one of the solid boosters came off in flight. A halt in national security launches is a setback for ULA as it seeks to increase Vulcan's flight rate and establish a steady operational tempo. The company recently projected 18 to 22 launches this year. (2/26)

Bowersox Retiring From NASA (Source: Space News)
A top NASA official is retiring from the agency. Ken Bowersox, NASA associate administrator for space operations, said at the end of a speech at the ASCENDxTexas conference Wednesday that he would be retiring. He did not give a reason for the retirement or a timeframe, but suggested it would be imminent. Bowersox leads NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate, responsible for the International Space Station, commercial crew and other programs. His announcement came less than a week after NASA released an independent report in the 2024 Starliner crewed test flight that identified problems with how NASA managed the issue. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said when the report was released that "there will be leadership accountability" but didn't elaborate. (2/26)

Seraphim Exceeds $100M Fundraise for Venture Fund (Source: Space News)
Seraphim Space announced Feb. 25 it has completed fundraising for its second private early-stage venture fund. The British firm declined to disclose the fund's final size but said it exceeded a goal of $100 million. New investors include Saudi satellite operator Arabsat and the U.K. government-backed British Business Bank and National Security Strategic Investment Fund. They join existing strategic partners that include Eutelsat, SKY Perfect JSAT and Japanese technology company NEC. The new fund, named Seraphim Space Ventures II, has already invested in startups such as small geostationary satellite maker AscendArc and Hubble Networks, which is developing a constellation to connect Bluetooth devices. (2/26)

Golden Dome Will Require Unprecedented Command Coordination (Source: Space News)
The Golden Dome missile defense initiative will require unprecedented coordination among existing combatant commands. Leaders of U.S. Northern Command, Space Command and Strategic Command said they are part of an executive council supporting Gen. Michael Guetlein, the Golden Dome program manager. Golden Dome will have a significant space component, while Northern Command is responsible for defending the U.S. and Canada from attack and Strategic Command has global missile defense responsibilities. The leaders of the three organizations said Guetlein has been a "fantastic partner" in developing requirements for Golden Dome that could help accelerate deployment of the system. (2/26)

Starlink Mission Launches From Vandenberg on Wednesday (Source: Spaceflight Now)
A California launch placed more Starlink satellites into orbit Wednesday. A Falcon 9 lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base, deploying 25 Starlink satellites. With this mission SpaceX has launched more than 500 Starlink satellites this year. (2/26)

SLS Rolled Back to VAB for Helium System Repair (Source: CBS)
Artemis 2 is back in the Vehicle Assembly Building for repairs. NASA rolled back the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft from Launch Complex 39B Wednesday, taking more than 10 hours to complete the trip. Once back in the VAB, engineers will examine a problem with the helium pressurization system in the rocket's upper stage. There are several potential causes for the problem, and NASA has not estimated how long the repairs might take. NASA will also replace batteries in the rocket. The next available launch window for the Artemis 2 mission is in early April. (2/26)

Houston Hopes to Host IAC 2029 (Source: AIAA)
Houston is bidding to host a major space conference in 2029. AIAA announced Wednesday its intent to bid on the 2029 International Astronautical Congress, one of the largest space conferences worldwide. AIAA said it is working with local organizations to host the conference, timed to the 60th anniversary of Apollo 11. Organizers hope to break the IAC attendance record of 12,000 set in 2024 in Milan, adding it has received more than 160 letters of support from agencies and organizations. The International Astronautical Federation will select the site of the 2029 conference at the 2026 IAC in Turkey in October. (2/26)

Airbus and Leonardo Report Increased Space Revenues for 2025 (Source: Space News)
Airbus Defense and Space and Leonardo reported increased 2025 revenues in their space divisions, following a challenging 2024. Airbus saw an 11% revenue rise to €13.4 billion ($14.5 billion), while Leonardo's Space division exceeded €1 billion in revenue, also up roughly 11%. Both are in talks to merge space assets with Thales. (2/26)

NASA Reveals Mars Orbiter Objectives (Source: Ars Technica)
NASA released a “pre-solicitation” for what is expected to be a hotly contested contract to develop a spacecraft to orbit Mars and relay communications from the red planet back to Earth. US Senator Ted Cruz, R-TX, supported $700 million for NASA to develop the orbiter and specified the funding had to be awarded “not later than fiscal year 2026,” which ends Sep. 30, 2026. This legislation was seemingly crafted by Cruz’s office to favor a single contractor, Rocket Lab. However, multiple sources say it was poorly written and therefore the competition is more open than intended. Click here. (2/26)

Sorry SpaceX: It’s Getting Too Crowded Up There (Source: New York Times)
SpaceX, recently asked the U.S. government for permission to launch one million satellites. The idea is to put solar-powered data centers into orbit, an ambition shared by other tech giants. But Earth orbit is already packed with spacecraft and space junk. And greenhouse gas emissions are affecting the upper atmosphere in ways that could significantly increase the clutter in space. By the end of the century, half as many satellites might safely fit in Earth orbit, researchers have found. (2/26)

CesiumAstro Announces Acquisition of Vidrovr (Source: Business Wire)
CesiumAstro announced the acquisition of Vidrovr, an artificial intelligence (AI) company specializing in real-time multimodal signal analysis. The acquisition accelerates CesiumAstro’s strategy to embed AI directly into space telecommunications and ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) infrastructure. (2/26)

Old Apollo Rocks Shed New Light on the Moon’s Magnetic Field (Source: AP)
Lunar rocks collected by Apollo astronauts more than half a century ago are providing a fresh take on the moon’s mysterious magnetic field, scientists reported Wednesday. Samples to be retrieved by future moonwalkers in NASA’s new Artemis program should yield even more clues. The study suggests that while the moon’s magnetic field has been weak during most of its existence, it strengthened and even exceeded Earth’s magnetic activity during extremely brief periods 3 billion to 4 billion years ago. (2/25)

Congress to Weigh Extending Space Station Life, NASA Moon Base (Source: Reuters)
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation next week will consider extending the planned life of the ISS by two years to give companies more time to develop a replacement, one of a few changes to a NASA bill focused on rivaling China's growing footprint in space. The bill would also require that NASA build a base on the moon's surface as part of its Artemis program. (2/25)

Space ISAC Launches New Quantum Initiative (Source: Via Satellite)
The issue of quantum computing is becoming more important in the space cybersecurity community, and Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Space ISAC) is now launching a new initiative in this area. It is announcing its first Quantum Community of Interest (COI) meeting this year with co-host MITRE. Space ISAC, through the Quantum COI and other initiatives aims to lead in the development of awareness of quantum sciences, sensing, security, and education of the COI membership. (2/25)