News Archives - SpaceNews https://spacenews.com/section/news-archive/ Covering the business and politics of space Sun, 13 Jul 2025 14:46:33 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://spacenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/cropped-SN_forza_star-32x32.png News Archives - SpaceNews https://spacenews.com/section/news-archive/ 32 32 80681979 Congress to push Pentagon to fund commercial satellite intelligence program https://spacenews.com/congress-to-push-pentagon-to-fund-commercial-satellite-intelligence-program/ https://spacenews.com/congress-to-push-pentagon-to-fund-commercial-satellite-intelligence-program/#respond Sun, 13 Jul 2025 14:46:29 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=529882

The Tactical Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Tracking (TacSRT) program was left out of the 2026 defense budget

The post Congress to push Pentagon to fund commercial satellite intelligence program appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/congress-to-push-pentagon-to-fund-commercial-satellite-intelligence-program/feed/ 0 529882
Senate Armed Services’ defense bill includes mandates on space launch, missile defense, spectrum protection https://spacenews.com/senate-armed-services-defense-bill-includes-mandates-on-space-launch-missile-defense-spectrum-protection/ https://spacenews.com/senate-armed-services-defense-bill-includes-mandates-on-space-launch-missile-defense-spectrum-protection/#respond Sun, 13 Jul 2025 08:19:24 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=529817

Committee directs Air Force to study heavy-lift launch capacity, LOX-methane safety protocols

The post Senate Armed Services’ defense bill includes mandates on space launch, missile defense, spectrum protection appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/senate-armed-services-defense-bill-includes-mandates-on-space-launch-missile-defense-spectrum-protection/feed/ 0 529817
Firefly Aerospace files to go public https://spacenews.com/firefly-aerospace-files-to-go-public/ https://spacenews.com/firefly-aerospace-files-to-go-public/#respond Sun, 13 Jul 2025 00:46:13 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=529780 Blue Ghost 1 shadow

Firefly Aerospace has filed paperwork to go public, seeking to raise an unspecified amount of money as part of a trend of space companies taking traditional approaches to public markets.

The post Firefly Aerospace files to go public appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/firefly-aerospace-files-to-go-public/feed/ 0 529780
Varda Space Industries raises $187 million https://spacenews.com/varda-space-industries-raises-187-million/ https://spacenews.com/varda-space-industries-raises-187-million/#respond Fri, 11 Jul 2025 23:35:20 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=529566

Varda Space Industries, a company developing spacecraft for microgravity life sciences and hypersonics research, has raised $187 million to expand the scope and cadence of its missions.

The post Varda Space Industries raises $187 million appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/varda-space-industries-raises-187-million/feed/ 0 529566
Experimental Chinese satellite turns up in unexpected orbit https://spacenews.com/experimental-chinese-satellite-turns-up-in-unexpected-orbit/ https://spacenews.com/experimental-chinese-satellite-turns-up-in-unexpected-orbit/#respond Fri, 11 Jul 2025 11:56:49 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=529115 A Long March 4C rocket lifts off from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in a forested mountainous region of southwest China, trailing flames and smoke as it carries the Shiyan-28B (01) satellite into orbit on July 3, 2025.

A Chinese Shiyan satellite appears in a low-inclination orbit never before used by the country, after a week-long detection delay and uncertainty over its mission.

The post Experimental Chinese satellite turns up in unexpected orbit appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/experimental-chinese-satellite-turns-up-in-unexpected-orbit/feed/ 0 529115
NASA considering flying only cargo on next Starliner mission https://spacenews.com/nasa-considering-flying-only-cargo-on-next-starliner-mission/ https://spacenews.com/nasa-considering-flying-only-cargo-on-next-starliner-mission/#respond Fri, 11 Jul 2025 11:02:33 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=529082 Starliner at ISS

NASA officials say there is a “strong chance” that the next test flight of Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner commercial crew vehicle will be uncrewed.

The post NASA considering flying only cargo on next Starliner mission appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/nasa-considering-flying-only-cargo-on-next-starliner-mission/feed/ 0 529082
Senate spending bill that overrides proposed NASA cuts held up in committee https://spacenews.com/senate-spending-bill-that-overrides-proposed-nasa-cuts-held-up-in-committee/ https://spacenews.com/senate-spending-bill-that-overrides-proposed-nasa-cuts-held-up-in-committee/#respond Fri, 11 Jul 2025 02:05:53 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=528960

A Senate appropriations bill that rejected the administration’s proposed cuts to NASA is in limbo after a dispute among senators about an unrelated provision.

The post Senate spending bill that overrides proposed NASA cuts held up in committee appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/senate-spending-bill-that-overrides-proposed-nasa-cuts-held-up-in-committee/feed/ 0 528960
Space industry sticks with single-use satellite model despite new technologies https://spacenews.com/space-industry-sticks-with-single-use-satellite-model-despite-new-technologies/ https://spacenews.com/space-industry-sticks-with-single-use-satellite-model-despite-new-technologies/#respond Thu, 10 Jul 2025 16:03:18 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=528650

A new GAO report highlights slow adoption of orbital servicing capabilities

The post Space industry sticks with single-use satellite model despite new technologies appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/space-industry-sticks-with-single-use-satellite-model-despite-new-technologies/feed/ 0 528650
UK joins Eutelsat capital boost to maintain strategic LEO stake https://spacenews.com/uk-joins-eutelsat-capital-boost-to-maintain-strategic-leo-stake/ https://spacenews.com/uk-joins-eutelsat-capital-boost-to-maintain-strategic-leo-stake/#respond Thu, 10 Jul 2025 13:53:14 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=528539 Illustration of a Eutelsat OneWeb LEO satellite. Credit: Eutelsat OneWeb

The U.K. plans to inject $191 million into Eutelsat’s capital raise this year to maintain its 10.89% stake in the French multi-orbit satellite operator.

The post UK joins Eutelsat capital boost to maintain strategic LEO stake appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/uk-joins-eutelsat-capital-boost-to-maintain-strategic-leo-stake/feed/ 0 528539
Investors double down on space infrastructure as exits return https://spacenews.com/investors-double-down-on-space-infrastructure-as-exits-return/ https://spacenews.com/investors-double-down-on-space-infrastructure-as-exits-return/#respond Thu, 10 Jul 2025 12:00:38 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=528424

Economic headwinds did not stop investments in core space companies from reaching their highest level in more than a year at $3.2 billion for the second quarter of 2025, according to early-stage investor Space Capital.

The post Investors double down on space infrastructure as exits return appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/investors-double-down-on-space-infrastructure-as-exits-return/feed/ 0 528424
China’s orbital maneuvers blur the line between peaceful and provocative https://spacenews.com/chinas-orbital-maneuvers-blur-the-line-between-peaceful-and-provocative/ https://spacenews.com/chinas-orbital-maneuvers-blur-the-line-between-peaceful-and-provocative/#respond Thu, 10 Jul 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=527258 A member of the 18th Space Defense Combat Squadron of the U.S. Space Force observes orbital data at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. Credit: U.S. Space Command

U.S. Space Force looks to private-sector capabilities to track and interpret China’s spacecraft moves.

The post China’s orbital maneuvers blur the line between peaceful and provocative appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/chinas-orbital-maneuvers-blur-the-line-between-peaceful-and-provocative/feed/ 0 527258
Orienspace targets 2025 test flight of Gravity-2 after engine test https://spacenews.com/orienspace-targets-2025-test-flight-of-gravity-2-after-engine-test/ Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:37:08 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=528389

Chinese commercial launch firm Orienspace is aiming for a late 2025 debut of its Gravity-2 rocket following a recent first-stage engine hot fire test.

The post Orienspace targets 2025 test flight of Gravity-2 after engine test appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
528389
Japan’s Interstellar secures $62 million in series F funding https://spacenews.com/japans-interstellar-secures-62-million-in-series-f-funding/ Thu, 10 Jul 2025 08:15:48 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=528348

Interstellar Technologies raised 8.9 billion yen ($61.8 million) to boost development of its Zero rocket and research and development of satellite systems.

The post Japan’s Interstellar secures $62 million in series F funding appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
528348
Secretary of Transportation Duffy named acting NASA administrator https://spacenews.com/secretary-of-transportation-duffy-named-acting-nasa-administrator/ https://spacenews.com/secretary-of-transportation-duffy-named-acting-nasa-administrator/#respond Thu, 10 Jul 2025 01:47:31 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=528190 Duffy

In an unprecedented move, President Donald Trump announced late July 9 that he has named Transportation Sec. Sean Duffy as interim NASA administrator.

The post Secretary of Transportation Duffy named acting NASA administrator appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/secretary-of-transportation-duffy-named-acting-nasa-administrator/feed/ 0 528190
Space BD and Gilmour Space to partner on launch and satellite services https://spacenews.com/space-bd-and-gilmour-space-to-partner-on-launch-and-satellite-services/ Wed, 09 Jul 2025 22:13:54 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=528097 Eris

Japan’s Space BD has signed an agreement with Australian launch vehicle developer Gilmour Space ahead of that company’s first orbital launch attempt.

The post Space BD and Gilmour Space to partner on launch and satellite services appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
528097
Budget reconciliation bill includes tax break for spaceport bonds https://spacenews.com/budget-reconciliation-bill-includes-tax-break-for-spaceport-bonds/ Wed, 09 Jul 2025 21:24:22 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=528063 Cape Canaveral from space

Spaceport advocates won a tax break in the budget reconciliation bill that they hope will spur investment, but the provision has also generated a political backlash.

The post Budget reconciliation bill includes tax break for spaceport bonds appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
528063
Starlink gets key India approval, but other regulatory hurdles stand in the way of service https://spacenews.com/starlink-gets-key-india-approval-but-other-regulatory-hurdles-stand-in-the-way-of-service/ Wed, 09 Jul 2025 18:49:28 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=527955

India’s space regulator has approved services from Starlink, although SpaceX’s low Earth orbit network still needs spectrum and other clearances before it can provide broadband in the world’s most populous nation.

The post Starlink gets key India approval, but other regulatory hurdles stand in the way of service appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
527955
EnduroSat USA names former DARPA official as CEO to lead U.S. expansion https://spacenews.com/endurosat-usa-names-former-darpa-official-as-ceo-to-lead-u-s-expansion/ https://spacenews.com/endurosat-usa-names-former-darpa-official-as-ceo-to-lead-u-s-expansion/#respond Wed, 09 Jul 2025 16:04:18 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=527854

Paul "Rusty" Thomas was tapped as chief executive of EnduroSat USA, as the company scales up operations.

The post EnduroSat USA names former DARPA official as CEO to lead U.S. expansion appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/endurosat-usa-names-former-darpa-official-as-ceo-to-lead-u-s-expansion/feed/ 0 527854
Synspective signs multi-launch agreement with Exolaunch https://spacenews.com/synspective-signs-multi-launch-agreement-with-exolaunch/ https://spacenews.com/synspective-signs-multi-launch-agreement-with-exolaunch/#respond Wed, 09 Jul 2025 09:02:05 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=527598 Signing ceremony

Synspective, a Japanese company developing a radar imaging constellation, has signed an agreement with Exolaunch to launch 10 of the company’s satellites.

The post Synspective signs multi-launch agreement with Exolaunch appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/synspective-signs-multi-launch-agreement-with-exolaunch/feed/ 0 527598
Honda still in R&D phase of reusable launch vehicle technology https://spacenews.com/honda-still-in-rd-phase-of-reusable-launch-vehicle-technology/ https://spacenews.com/honda-still-in-rd-phase-of-reusable-launch-vehicle-technology/#respond Tue, 08 Jul 2025 22:30:20 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=527433 Honda RLV test

Despite a successful test flight of a reusable launch vehicle prototype last month, Honda has yet to decide whether to pursue development of an operational vehicle.

The post Honda still in R&D phase of reusable launch vehicle technology appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/honda-still-in-rd-phase-of-reusable-launch-vehicle-technology/feed/ 0 527433
Neuraspace tackles GNSS signal noise with ESA-funded satellite collision avoidance project https://spacenews.com/neuraspace-tackles-gnss-signal-noise-with-esa-funded-satellite-collision-avoidance-project/ https://spacenews.com/neuraspace-tackles-gnss-signal-noise-with-esa-funded-satellite-collision-avoidance-project/#respond Tue, 08 Jul 2025 22:26:31 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=527427

Neuraspace is developing AI-powered software with support from the European Space Agency to help operators better harness navigation signals for satellite tracking and collision avoidance, the Portuguese space traffic management startup announced July 8.

The post Neuraspace tackles GNSS signal noise with ESA-funded satellite collision avoidance project appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/neuraspace-tackles-gnss-signal-noise-with-esa-funded-satellite-collision-avoidance-project/feed/ 0 527427
Space Force unveils first international strategy, while GAO flags barriers to space cooperation https://spacenews.com/space-force-unveils-first-international-strategy-while-gao-flags-barriers-to-space-cooperation/ https://spacenews.com/space-force-unveils-first-international-strategy-while-gao-flags-barriers-to-space-cooperation/#respond Tue, 08 Jul 2025 18:54:36 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=527290

The strategy reflects a growing recognition that the U.S. cannot go it alone in orbit — especially as space becomes more congested, contested and militarized.

The post Space Force unveils first international strategy, while GAO flags barriers to space cooperation appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/space-force-unveils-first-international-strategy-while-gao-flags-barriers-to-space-cooperation/feed/ 0 527290
Northrop Grumman stakes role in Golden Dome missile shield https://spacenews.com/northrop-grumman-stakes-role-in-golden-dome-missile-shield/ https://spacenews.com/northrop-grumman-stakes-role-in-golden-dome-missile-shield/#respond Tue, 08 Jul 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=526765

The company's Golden Dome efforts are led by Raymond Sharp, vice president of Northrop Grumman’s missile defense solutions business unit

The post Northrop Grumman stakes role in Golden Dome missile shield appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/northrop-grumman-stakes-role-in-golden-dome-missile-shield/feed/ 0 526765
Maxar secures $205 million in satellite imaging deals with governments in Middle East and Africa https://spacenews.com/maxar-secures-205-million-in-satellite-imaging-deals-with-governments-in-middle-east-and-africa/ https://spacenews.com/maxar-secures-205-million-in-satellite-imaging-deals-with-governments-in-middle-east-and-africa/#respond Tue, 08 Jul 2025 10:30:00 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=525601

New contracts highlight growing global appetite for real-time geospatial intelligence

The post Maxar secures $205 million in satellite imaging deals with governments in Middle East and Africa appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/maxar-secures-205-million-in-satellite-imaging-deals-with-governments-in-middle-east-and-africa/feed/ 0 525601