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ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher recently discussed Europe"s shifting position in defence and space at the Defence & Space Summit 2026, highlighting the continent"s growing importance in these sectors. The discussion, hosted by Euronews as part of "The Big Question" series, touched on key aspects of Europe"s role in the global aerospace landscape.
On October 1, SpaceX launched its Transporter-18 mission, a rideshare flight carrying a diverse range of spacecraft. This launch marks another milestone in the company"s efforts to provide affordable and reliable access to space for various customers.
Two companies have been awarded contracts to develop space-based solar power systems, marking a significant step forward in the industry's efforts to harness solar energy in orbit. This development has major implications for the future of renewable energy and the aerospace industry as a whole.
The U.S. Space Force has officially retired its Defense Support Program (DSP) missile-warning constellation, marking the end of an era for the Cold War-era satellite family that provided critical space-based warning of missile attacks for over 50 years. The retirement of the DSP constellation is a significant milestone in the evolution of the U.S. military's space-based surveillance capabilities.
A SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket is set to launch a classified mission for the National Reconnaissance Office, marking the first time the Falcon Heavy will be used for an NRO mission. The launch, scheduled for October 1, 2026, will be the 14th flight of the Falcon Heavy and will follow a north-easterly trajectory from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on October 1, 2026, carrying a crew of four to the International Space Station for a six-month stay. The mission marks a significant milestone in international cooperation and continued human presence in space.
The European Union has announced plans to invest up to $27 billion in a joint military space project, aiming to enhance its military space capabilities through satellite communications, surveillance, and missile warning. This initiative is part of a broader effort to expand the EU's defense capabilities in orbit.
On October 1, SpaceX launched its Crew-13 mission to the International Space Station, marking a significant milestone in the company's ongoing efforts to support human spaceflight. The mission, which was initially delayed due to repairs to the Crew Dragon spacecraft, successfully reached Low Earth Orbit and is now docked at the ISS.
Foundational, a British startup, has emerged from stealth mode with $11 million in funding to upgrade and commercialize Satellite Laser Ranging technology, a decades-old method for pinpointing satellites in orbit. This development aims to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of satellite tracking, with potential implications for the broader aerospace industry.
The US has disclosed the presence of "on-orbit space control weapons" to defend its forces, but the lack of transparency regarding their number, capabilities, and locations creates a dual-use dilemma, posing a risk of miscalculation. This development has significant implications for the broader aerospace industry and global space security.
The US Space Force has finalized a contract with L3Harris Technologies to provide commercial satellite communications for executive aircraft used by senior government and military leaders, valued at $461.9 million. This contract aims to enhance the communication capabilities of these aircraft, ensuring secure and reliable connectivity for high-level officials.
SpaceX has launched its Transporter-18 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base, deploying 130 payloads, including an artificial intelligence prototype and a methane tracker, into a polar orbit. The mission marks the 25th flight for the Falcon 9 booster B1082, which successfully landed back at Landing Zone 4 after the launch.
Blue Origin is seeking to increase the launch rate of its New Glenn vehicle at Cape Canaveral, a move that comes as the company recovers from a recent pad explosion. This development is part of the company's efforts to establish a robust launch presence.
Z-Trak Space, a Chinese launch startup, has secured a new round of funding to support the development of a small reusable rocket, with plans to conduct its first flight in late 2027. This development marks a significant step forward for the company and the broader Chinese aerospace industry.
In a significant development, congressional budget analysts have been briefed on the Pentagon's classified Golden Dome architecture, a program with a substantial estimated budget of $1.2 trillion. This briefing marks a crucial step in the program's progression, providing lawmakers with essential insights into the initiative's scope and objectives.
NASA and SpaceX are set to launch the Crew-13 mission to the International Space Station on October 1, 2026, with a crew of four astronauts led by NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins, marking the latest milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the two organizations. The mission will see the crew embark on a six-month expedition to the ISS, with liftoff scheduled for 11:10 a.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Astranis has secured a significant loan from the Export-Import Bank of the United States to expand its domestic satellite production and launch capabilities, aiming to support both U.S. and international business operations. This development underscores the growing importance of satellite technology in global communications and the strategic investment in the aerospace sector.
Lt. Gen. David Miller Jr. is expected to be nominated as the next commander of US Space Command, a move that will have significant implications for the nation's space operations. The nomination is anticipated to be announced soon, marking a key development in the leadership of the US Space Force.
Sophia Space and Redwire Corp. have announced a partnership to develop space-based computing infrastructure, aiming to create scalable orbital data centers. This collaboration marks a significant step towards advancing space-based computing capabilities.
Astro Digital is planning to go public through a merger with a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) to secure funding for expanding its satellite production capabilities and enhancing its presence in the defense sector. This strategic move aims to capitalize on growing demand for satellite technologies and government contracts.
CAS Space is planning to debut its reusable Lihong-2 suborbital rocket in early 2027, with the initial mission carrying pharmaceutical payloads. This launch marks a significant step for the company as it enters the suborbital launch market.
AstroForge, a space mining company, is set to launch a spacecraft next year that will test full autonomy using artificial intelligence, marking a significant milestone in the development of autonomous space systems. This mission aims to demonstrate the company's capabilities in space mining and pave the way for more efficient and self-sufficient space operations.
The European Space Agency has selected two consortia, led by Airbus Defence and Space and OHB, to conduct parallel studies for a future European-led space station in low Earth orbit. These studies will play a crucial role in defining the requirements and design of the space station, marking a significant step towards its development.
The Pentagon has awarded Parsons an $85 million agreement to oversee the design and construction of the U.S. Space Command's new headquarters in Alabama, marking a significant step in the development of the command's infrastructure. This contract will enable the efficient management of the headquarters' construction, ensuring the U.S. Space Command's operational needs are met.