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The third and final ViaSat-3 broadband satellite has entered service over the Americas, providing high-speed internet connectivity to the region. This milestone marks the completion of the ViaSat-3 constellation and coincides with the conclusion of SES" O3b mPower launch campaign.
The European Space Agency (ESA) is seeking support from its member states for a human spaceflight program and other key initiatives, with a critical meeting scheduled for December in Paris. The ESA head is optimistic about securing backing for these plans, which have major implications for the future of European space exploration.
Astra is planning to launch its new Rocket 4.0 vehicle in early 2027, aiming to reenter a market with increasing demand for launch capacity. This milestone marks a significant step for the company as it seeks to establish itself as a reliable launch services provider.
The US Space Command has highlighted the necessity for improved satellite tracking abilities, connecting this information to command systems and weapons, in preparation for potential combat in space. This enhancement is crucial for maintaining superiority in space-based operations.
SpaceX's initial public offering (IPO) has had a significant impact on the satellite broadband industry, with mixed effects on other operators. The IPO has brought both opportunities and challenges to the sector, as companies navigate the changing landscape.
Icarus Robotics has completed a series of tests for its free-flying platform, Joy, in Canada, demonstrating the robot's performance in microgravity conditions, with plans for a demonstration on the International Space Station in 2027. The successful tests mark a significant milestone for the company and have major implications for the broader aerospace industry.
Eight African countries have signed the Artemis Accords, a significant agreement that aims to promote cooperation in space exploration and development, with a focus on addressing critical challenges such as food insecurity, climate resilience, and digital isolation. This partnership between the United States and African nations marks an important step towards a more inclusive and collaborative global space effort.
Intuitive Machines is investigating opportunities in the emerging market for orbital data centers, leveraging satellite capabilities gained through a recent acquisition. The company's move marks a new area of focus, with potential implications for the broader aerospace industry.
The European Space Agency (ESA), Airbus, and European partners have conducted field trials for the Exomars Rosalind Franklin Mars mission in the Tabernas desert, Almería, Spain, testing the rover"s autonomous navigation system and simulating scientific activities. The trials, which took place on 1 October 2026, are a crucial step in preparing for the mission"s launch in 2030.
China has conducted four launches within a 48-hour period from its Jiuquan and Hainan spaceports, as well as a maritime mission from the East China Sea, showcasing its expanding launch capabilities. This series of launches highlights China's growing presence in the aerospace industry and its ability to diversify its launch options.
Rocket Lab is poised to finalize its acquisition of Iridium in the second quarter of next year, marking a significant expansion of its capabilities in the aerospace industry. This $8 billion deal is expected to have major implications for the company's future operations and the broader space sector.
Vantor has awarded a contract to EnduroSat and CACI International to develop a 24-satellite Earth imaging constellation capable of revisiting locations at intervals as short as 15 minutes. This partnership aims to provide high-frequency imaging services, marking a significant advancement in Earth observation technology.
Hydrosat has announced the development of its Osiris constellation, a next-generation satellite system designed to provide thermal infrared observations for government and commercial customers. The project aims to deliver high-quality thermal intelligence through a combination of commercial data and sovereign satellites.
The United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket is set to return to flight with an Amazon Leo mission, but the Space Force will require a separate review before clearing the rocket for national security launches. This review process will assess the rocket's performance and reliability in commercial flights before approving it for military missions.
Impulse Space, an in-space mobility company, has raised an additional $308 million, adding to its previously announced $500 million funding round, bringing the total to $808 million. This significant investment underscores the company's growing presence in the aerospace industry and its potential to shape the future of space exploration and development.
L3Harris Technologies has begun producing a missile-tracking satellite developed for the Missile Defense Agency, with minimal design modifications, for the Golden Dome program. This production phase marks a significant step forward in enhancing the capabilities of the US missile defense system.
The US Space Force has awarded SpaceX a $2.3 billion contract to design and develop a new low-Earth orbit satellite network, giving the company significant latitude in determining the network's architecture. The contract marks a major investment in the development of advanced space-based capabilities for military purposes.
The European Space Agency's PANGAEA programme is training astronauts for future exploration missions to the Moon and Mars, with a focus on scientific and geological fieldwork. On Saturday, 26 September 2026, ESA astronaut Pablo Álvarez will meet with media in Lanzarote, Canary Islands, to discuss the programme and provide a glimpse into the training process.
Space Cargo Unlimited has signed a contract with SpaceX to fly microgravity payloads on the Starfall reentry vehicle, enabling research and manufacturing in microgravity environments. This partnership marks a significant collaboration between the two companies in the field of microgravity research and development.
European countries are bolstering their domestic space capabilities and strengthening alliances in response to increasing threats to space systems, as highlighted at the Novaspace Space Security and Defense Summit in Paris. This move aims to improve coordination and resilience in the face of evolving space security challenges.
Isar Aerospace has successfully conducted a test flight of its Spectrum rocket, paving the way for commercial launches. The German launch startup will now begin offering commercial launch services using the Spectrum rocket.
The German Federal Ministry of the Interior has awarded a contract to Planet Labs Germany to provide dedicated Earth-observation capacity, with the agreement announced on September 16. This contract highlights the growing importance of satellite-based Earth observation for governmental purposes.
Djibouti has become the latest country to sign the Artemis Accords, a bilateral agreement aimed at promoting cooperation in space exploration, as the US State Department unveiled a new space partnership program to foster international collaboration in the aerospace sector. This development marks a significant step forward in the global effort to establish a unified framework for space exploration and development.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman emphasized the importance of the US returning to the moon, citing national security implications and the potential impact on global alliances and technological standards. The remarks highlight the growing competition in lunar exploration, particularly with China.