News
Daily coverage of the global space industry with an emphasis on business and political news.
Lynk Global finalizing ground station for direct-to-smartphone services
Lynk Global is close to completing a ground station in Hawaii as part of plans to connect its growing constellation of small satellites to standard smartphones this spring.
SpaceX preparing for Super Heavy static-fire test
SpaceX could attempt a long-awaited static-fire test of all 33 Raptor engines in its Super Heavy booster as soon as next week, one of the final technical milestones before an orbital launch attempt, a company executive said Jan. 27.
Satellite billed as the ‘future GPS’ begins key tests
L3Harris announced Jan. 26 it delivered the Navigation Technology Satellite-3 to the U.S. Air Force
L3Harris ‘optimistic’ Aerojet Rocketdyne acquisition will close in 2023
Christopher Kubasik, CEO of L3Harris Technologies, said Jan. 27 regulators continue to review the company’s proposed $4.7 billion acquisition of Aerojet Rocketdyne and expects the merger to close in 2023.
NASA still working on long-term plans for ISS seat barters
As NASA prepares to launch another commercial crew mission with a Russian cosmonaut on board, the agency says it has yet to work out an agreement with Roscosmos on future crew swaps.
Hispasat invests in reforestation to drive sustainability expansion strategy
After recently investing in Spain’s largest reforestation project, Madrid-based operator Hispasat hopes to use a satellite SpaceX is launching next month to support other sustainability projects across Latin America.
Janus considering alternative missions after losing original ride
A NASA asteroid smallsat mission that lost its original ride to space is considering alternative missions while also accommodating performance issues with its propulsion system.
U.S. sanctions Chinese satellite firm for allegedly supplying SAR imagery to Russia’s Wagner Group
The U.S. has sanctioned a Chinese small satellite manufacturer for allegedly supplying Russia's Wagner Group with radar satellite imagery of Ukraine to support its combat operations
Senators press Defense Secretary Austin to keep Space Command in Colorado
Colorado Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper met with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Jan. 26 and urged him to reverse the Air Force’s decision to relocate U.S. Space Command headquarters
Supporting military operations on Earth to remain U.S. Space Force’s top priority
Top acquisition executive Frank Calvelli said the Space Force must focus on advancing satellites systems for military operations on Earth
NASA adds asteroid flyby to Lucy mission
NASA has added another asteroid flyby to its Lucy mission later this year that will provide a test of its capabilities for future encounters.
NEO Surveyor launch delayed despite funding boost
While Congress provided more funding than NASA requested for an asteroid mission, agency officials said it will not prevent a two-year slip in its launch.
Lamborn named chair of House Armed Services strategic forces subcommittee
Rep. Doug Lamborn, a Republican representing Colorado Springs, was named chairman of the House Armed Services Committee’s strategic forces subcommittee.
ESA is no longer planning to send astronauts to China’s Tiangong space station
ESA’s director general says the agency does not have the budgetary capacity nor the political intention to send its astronauts to China’s space station.
Spaceflight books dedicated Isar Aerospace launch in 2026
U.S.-based launch services provider Spaceflight said Jan. 25 it has booked a dedicated launch in 2026 from Isar Aerospace, the German rocket developer aiming to perform the first test flight of its Spectrum vehicle this year.
Astrobotic completes Peregrine testing
Astrobotic Technologies said that it has completed testing of its Peregrine lunar lander and it ready to ship it to Cape Canaveral for launch.
