Launch
China's Landspace Recovers Booster with Second Orbital Launch of Zhuque-3 Rocket
Landspace successfully landed the first stage of its Zhuque-3 rocket following the second launch of the rocket from the Gobi Desert.
SpaceNews
Staff reporter at Burn and Coast, covering Space Tech.
Orbit & environment
Rocket Lab to Test Space Force Data Network Connection in Orbit in 2027
Rocket Lab plans to use one of its Photon spacecraft for an in-orbit demonstration of the U.S. Space Force's Space Data Network in 2027.
Orbit & environment
Lynk and Omnispace Merge to Advance Direct-to-Device Services
Elveo Mobile, the merged entity of Lynk Global and Omnispace, aims to expand direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services beyond basic messaging with the addition of globally coordinated S-band spectrum.
Industry & policy
Space Nuclear Programs Face Challenges Amid Growing Interest
Industry officials say space nuclear programs are experiencing a moment of growth, but face near-term challenges and longer-term concerns.
Missions & payloads
Space Force Budget Surge Targets Key Missions, Report Finds
A new analysis reveals the Trump administration's proposed 120% increase in Space Force funding is concentrated in classified programs, moving-target tracking, missile warning, and command-and-control initiatives. The $71.3 billion request faces uncertainty but signals long-term priorities.
Launch
NRO Expands Use of Commercial Satellite Intelligence
The National Reconnaissance Office has awarded HawkEye 360 a new contract to provide commercial radio-frequency intelligence, marking the next stage of an effort to supplement government intelligence systems with commercially operated satellites.
Launch
Eoptic, Inc. Selected to Supply DeepScan Imaging Payloads for 2027 Launches
Eoptic, Inc. has been selected as an approved supplier for strategic space imaging initiatives, with multiple DeepScan imaging payloads scheduled for delivery and launch in early 2027.
Orbit & environment
HEO Partners with Planet to Enhance Non-Earth Imaging Capabilities
Australian company HEO has signed an agreement with Planet to access the latter's high-resolution SkySat satellites for non-Earth imaging, expanding its capabilities in space object observation.
Orbit & environment
Lunar Disposal Guidelines Lacking as Crewed Landings Approach
As the US and China plan for crewed missions to the moon by 2030, concerns are growing about the lack of guidelines for disposing of space debris on the lunar surface.
Industry & policy
EU Sanctions Target Leaders of Russia's Space Industry
The European Union has imposed sanctions on five Russian defense industry executives, including the head of a Roscosmos subsidiary developing a synthetic aperture radar satellite system for the Russian military.
Launch
China Launches Guowang Satellites and UAE's SEO Satellite Amid Recent Rocket Failure
China's Long March 12 rocket successfully launched a batch of Guowang megaconstellation satellites and the UAE's SEO satellite, despite a recent failure of a Long March 7A rocket.
Orbit & environment
The 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026) to Unite Global Space Community in Antalya, Türkiye
The International Astronautical Congress (IAC) is set to take place in Antalya, Türkiye from 5 - 9 October 2026, marking the first time in history that the event will be hosted in Türkiye.
Launch
United Launch Alliance Names New CEO Amid Challenges
United Launch Alliance (ULA) has named Mark Peller as its new chief executive, effective immediately. Peller has been with ULA and related companies for over 35 years and has a background in both ULA's business and technical offerings.
Orbit & environment
SEOPS Expands Waymaker Rideshare Lineup with Mid-Inclination Mission
SEOPS announced a second Waymaker rideshare flight, Waymaker-1, targeting a mid-inclination orbit in early 2028, complementing the already-planned Waymaker-2 to sun-synchronous orbit later that year. The move responds to growing demand and uncertainty around SpaceX’s upcoming rideshare schedule.
Orbit & environment
L3Harris appoints space chief Sam Mehta as CEO amid abrupt leadership change
L3Harris Technologies has named Sam Mehta, head of its Space & Mission Systems division, as chief executive following the immediate resignation of Christopher Kubasik over conduct concerns. The move comes as the company reshapes its business units and prepares for increased Pentagon spending on missile defense and space programs.
Launch
Satellite Operators Secure Launch Deals Amid Constrained Market
Amid a constrained launch market, satellite operators are emphasizing to investors and customers that they have secured launch capacity, even if it is uncertain when those vehicles will be available.
Orbit & environment
U.S. Space Force Expands Surveillance Capabilities with Second Sensor in Japanese Constellation
The U.S. Space Force has completed the deployment of a second space-surveillance sensor aboard a Japanese navigation satellite, expanding its ability to monitor objects in geosynchronous orbit.
Orbit & environment
NOAA Awards Contracts to Spire and PlanetiQ for Radio-Occultation Data
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has awarded contracts to Spire Global and PlanetiQ to provide radio occultation data for terrestrial and space weather forecasts.
Launch
Wallops Prepares for Increased Launch Activity
As companies like Firefly Aerospace and Rocket Lab plan to launch more missions from Wallops Island, Virginia, the facility is working to improve its infrastructure and prepare for the expected surge in activity.
Orbit & environment
U.S. Defense Agencies Explore Commercial Satellite Disposal Options
The U.S. Defense Innovation Unit and the Space Development Agency have selected three companies to study options for providing satellite deorbiting services to the U.S. government.
Missions & payloads
NASA to Award Three More Lunar Missions Through CLPS Program
NASA plans to award three more lunar missions this year through the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, including a lunar orbiter that would replace the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.