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SpaceX aborted the launch of its Starship test flight, Flight 13, on July 16 due to engine ignition issues, with two Raptors set to be removed and replaced for the next attempt. The mission aims to carry 20 functioning Starlink V3 satellites into suborbital space.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket has launched 21 satellites into low Earth orbit as part of the Space Force’s Space Development Agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, marking a significant milestone in the development of the US military’s first operational low Earth orbit data network. The launch restarts the deployment of the network after a months-long pause due to hardware and software issues.
SpinLaunch, a pioneering company in the aerospace industry, is developing a novel launch system that aims to reimagine the way spacecraft are launched into orbit. This new approach has significant implications for the global space community, particularly in building constellations and adapting to changing customer demands.
Swissto12 has raised $70 million to accelerate its small geostationary satellite manufacturing business, with plans to utilize the funds to meet growing demand and complete projects such as the HummingSat for SES by 2027. This investment is expected to have significant implications for the aerospace industry, particularly in the realm of small satellite technology.
SpaceX is preparing to launch its Starship rocket on a suborbital test flight, marking the debut of its Starlink Version 3 satellites and testing various mission objectives. The launch, scheduled for July 16, 2026, will not include recovery of the booster or upper stage, as the company focuses on achieving a monthly launch cadence.
On July 16, 2026, SpaceX will launch a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 21 communications satellites designed to enhance secure communication between the US military and its allies. The satellites are part of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) constellation and will operate in Low Earth Orbit.
The US Space Force has awarded Slingshot Aerospace a $69.2 million contract to develop artificial intelligence-based training environments, enabling military operators to rehearse complex satellite defense missions. This investment aims to address the challenges of training personnel for potential conflict scenarios in orbit.
Gen. Chance Saltzman, the US Space Force chief, has cautioned that a conflict in space would put every nation's satellites at risk and emphasized the importance of building military capabilities to deter such a war. The US Space Force is focusing on developing space control and counterspace capabilities to protect its interests and those of its allies.
A Florida-based startup, Satellite Orbital Access and Removal (SOAR), has partnered with the University of Texas, El Paso, to develop a passive system for capturing small space debris, addressing a critical issue in the aerospace industry. This collaboration seeks to counter the growing problem of orbital debris, which poses significant risks to operational satellites and spacecraft.
NASA and its stakeholders are engaged in comprehensive planning for a human mission to Mars, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches across multiple disciplines to overcome the significant challenges involved. The success of this endeavor relies on lessons learned from the Artemis missions to the moon and careful consideration of key factors such as planetary protection.
Icarus Robotics has selected KULR Technology Group to provide battery systems for its Joy free-flying platform, which is set to launch to the International Space Station in early 2027. The partnership will enable the development of advanced robotic capabilities in space, with KULR"s batteries meeting NASA"s stringent safety requirements.
NASA is moving forward with preparations for the Artemis III mission, which will launch four astronauts into low Earth orbit in 2027, marking the second crewed mission of the Artemis program. The mission will pave the way for future lunar exploration and development of commercial lunar lander vehicles.
A team of researchers has discovered a sugar compound called erythrulose in the interstellar medium near the center of the Milky Way galaxy, a finding that could provide insights into the origins of life. This detection is significant as it suggests that the building blocks of life are widespread in the universe.
NASA astronaut Jessica Meir has captured a remarkable image of glaciers flowing down the northern slopes of the Himalayas from the International Space Station, providing a unique perspective on these slow-moving rivers of ice. The photograph offers valuable insights into the region's glacial dynamics and highlights the importance of monitoring climate change from space.
A team of astronomers has successfully detected the faintest exoplanet ever seen from Earth, named Beta Pictoris d, which is approximately 100 times fainter than its sibling planet and has a mass around 2.4 times that of Jupiter. This discovery not only sets a new record for direct imaging of exoplanets but also sheds light on the planetary system's mysterious disk of dust and debris.
The Japanese government has set a goal to increase its launch rate to 30 launches per year by the early 2030s, a significant jump from its current rate of about 2-3 launches annually. This ambitious plan involves both government and commercial launches, with various players including Space One and Firefly Aerospace contributing to the effort.
Investment in satellite companies has reached a record $8.1 billion in the first half of 2026, surpassing all previous annual totals, with SpaceX completing the largest liquidity event in venture capital history and total investment across infrastructure, distribution, and applications surging to $67.7 billion. This significant influx of funding is expected to have major implications for the broader aerospace industry.
A Soyuz-2.1a rocket successfully launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome, carrying a new crew to the International Space Station, with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman in attendance, marking a significant moment in continued cooperation between NASA and Roscosmos. The mission highlights the ongoing collaboration between the two space agencies, with implications for the future of space exploration.
SpaceX is set to launch its Starship rocket on a crucial test flight, marking the 13th test launch of the vehicle since 2023, with the mission aiming to deploy the first batch of upgraded Starlink Version 3 satellites into space. The launch window opens on July 16 at 6:45 p.m. EDT and will be livestreamed on SpaceX's website.
SpaceX launched its Starship megarocket on a suborbital test flight from Starbase, Texas, marking the second flight of the company's new V3 Starship and a crucial step towards developing the vehicle for crewed missions to the moon and beyond. The test aimed to reach Earth orbit for in-flight fueling tests, demonstrating the capabilities of the 400-foot-tall rocket.
A portable X-ray machine was successfully tested in space on the Fram2 mission, capturing images of various objects and body parts, and paving the way for potential medical applications in future lunar missions. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the development of space-based medical technology.
The Trump administration's nominees for key space acquisition and intelligence positions testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee, highlighting the importance of closer coordination between the Space Force and intelligence agencies. They also called for increased use of commercial technology and faster action on acquisition programs.
SpaceX successfully launched two Falcon 9 missions, deploying 56 Starlink satellites into Low Earth Orbit and marking the 600th flight of a flight-proven booster, a significant milestone in reusable rocket technology. This achievement demonstrates the company's continued progress in reducing launch costs and increasing efficiency.
Using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, astronomers have discovered four white dwarf stars hiding behind red dwarf companion stars within 65 light-years of Earth, shedding new light on the population of these stellar remnants in the Milky Way. This finding marks a significant advancement in our understanding of white dwarfs and their role in the galaxy.