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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Orbit & environment
ESA Astronaut Completes Third Test of EuroSuit Prototype Aboard ISS
ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot has completed a third and likely final test of EuroSuit, a European intravehicular activity (IVA) spacesuit prototype, aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
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.