News
Daily coverage of the global space industry with an emphasis on business and political news.
Putin challenges Roscosmos to “drastically improve” on space and launch
Russian President Vladimir Putin called on Roscosmos to meet deadlines for the nation’s future Angara, Soyuz-5 and “super-heavy class” rockets while fixing quality-control issues that have dogged Russian spacecraft and launch vehicles in recent years.
British launch startups optimistic about continued government support
Despite missing out in a U.K. government competition, early-stage launch vehicle developers in the country remain optimistic about their prospects and ability to win future government support.
Advocates cite Morhard’s Senate experience as key strength for NASA post
A week after the White House announced its intent to nominate a Senate aide to the post of NASA deputy administrator, reaction remains muted, but some supporters say his Senate experience will be an asset at the agency.
Ex-Im Bank nominee fairs well in Senate hearing
U.S. satellite manufacturers say they need Ex-Im Bank to have a level playing field with foreign competition. The bank currently lacks enough board members for a quorum, making large satellites, and any other deals over $10 million, bigger than what Ex-Im can finance.
Printing the next generation of rocket engines
For the last several years, aerospace companies have been examining ways to use additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, to aid the production of rocket engines.
British government to promote space industry exports
The British government announced July 19 a new effort to help space companies in the country win business outside of Europe amid concerns about the effects Brexit will have on the industry.
FIRST UP Satcom | Arabsat refutes World Cub piracy involvement • Court lifts ban on Telebras-Viasat deal • Spanish MoD to buy two satellites
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Orbex stakes claim to European smallsat launch market
With about $40 million in hand and an agreement to use a new launch site, British small launch vehicle startup Orbex argues that it’s joined the small group of companies in this sector of the industry that should be taken seriously.
Earth observation startup Planet trims workforce by “less than ten percent”
Earth observation startup Planet laid off dozens of employees July 13. The move affected less than ten percent of the firm's workforce, a company spokesperson said.
Blue Origin successfully tests escape system in latest New Shepard launch
Blue Origin conducted a successful test flight of its New Shepard suborbital vehicle July 18 that demonstrated its crew capsule escape system.
Maxar moves to capture satellite-servicing business in U.K, Europe
Maxar announced a $1.3 million deal with the UK Space Agency to develop space robotics technology in the United Kingdom.
SN Military.Space | Selling U.S. aerospace overseas amid trade tensions • U.S. Air Force excited about U.K. space • Quantum computing as space weapon
Trump administration officials are at the Farnborough Airshow in the United Kingdom this week on a mission to sell American aerospace and weapons.
Astrobotic selects Dynetics for lunar lander propulsion system
As Astrobotic prepares to compete for NASA lunar payload delivery contracts, the company has signed an agreement with Dynetics for the last major component of its lunar lander.
Bridenstine discusses ISS future, exploration cooperation in Europe
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said July 17 that he’s had good discussions with European officials about potential cooperation on NASA’s plans to return to the moon.
Clearer picture emerging of the future of “rapid space”
Lockheed VP: “As the UK develops its space industry further, I think you’ll see bigger economics from the mini-satellites and the value they create from data."
Lockheed Martin yet to select vehicle to launch from British spaceport
While Lockheed Martin continues to suggest it will use Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket at a Scottish launch site announced at the beginning of this week, company officials said July 17 they have yet to formally select a vehicle to fly at the site.
