Articles
European Space Agency Invests €100 Million in Satellite-Mobile Convergence Initiative
The European Space Agency (ESA) has announced a €100 million funding initiative to accelerate the convergence of satellite and terrestrial communications, aiming to strengthen Europe's position in the emerging direct-to-device (D2D) market. This investment will support projects in four key areas, including AI-enabled network management and early 6G technologies.
Intuitive Machines Secures $175 Million in Funding to Advance Deep Space Communications
Intuitive Machines has raised $175 million through a stock sale, which will be used to support the development of a deep space communications network and expand its revenue streams. The funding will also contribute to the company's ongoing projects, including the establishment of a lunar satellite network.
Airbus and Leonardo See Significant Growth in Space Revenues for 2025
Airbus and Leonardo have reported substantial increases in their space revenues for 2025, with Airbus" Defence and Space division seeing an 11% increase to 13.4 billion euros and Leonardo"s Space division reporting a revenue of slightly above 1 billion euros. This growth underscores the expanding role of these companies in the global aerospace industry.
NordSpace Founder Invests in Wyvern to Advance Canada's Sovereign Space Capabilities
Rahul Goel, founder of NordSpace, has invested in Earth observation operator Wyvern through a new venture arm, aiming to enhance Canada's space capabilities. This investment will support the launch of a sixth satellite in Wyvern's hyperspectral imagery constellation.
Phantom Space Acquires Vector Launch Assets to Enhance Daytona Rocket Capabilities
Phantom Space has acquired launch assets from Vector Launch, which will be integrated into its Daytona vehicle architecture, a two-stage rocket designed for payloads up to 500 kilograms. This acquisition marks a significant step forward for Phantom Space as it aims to develop satellites and an in-orbit data-backhaul service called Phantom Cloud.
CesiumAstro Expands Capabilities with Acquisition of Vidrovr to Integrate AI into Space Communications
CesiumAstro has acquired Vidrovr, a company specializing in artificial intelligence for multimodal signals analysis, to accelerate the development of AI-native space systems and embed AI in space telecommunications and intelligence infrastructure. This move aims to enhance the capabilities of CesiumAstro's software-defined phased-array communications systems.
California Company Vast to Launch Astronauts to International Space Station in 2027
NASA has awarded a contract to Vast, a California-based company, to conduct the sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, scheduled to launch no earlier than summer 2027. This mission marks a significant milestone in the growing commercial space industry.
Vast Awarded Contract for Private Astronaut Mission to International Space Station
NASA has selected Vast to conduct a private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2027, marking the sixth such mission awarded by the agency. The mission will utilize a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft and spend two weeks at the ISS.
Amazon Expands Partnership with SpaceX for Satellite Constellation Launches
Amazon has secured an additional 10 Falcon 9 launches from SpaceX to support the rapid deployment of its Amazon Leo broadband satellite constellation, aiming to meet regulatory deadlines. This move underscores the company's commitment to establishing a robust presence in the low-Earth orbit communications sector.
Transcelestial Partners with Gilmour Space to Demonstrate Satellite Laser Communication Technology
Transcelestial has partnered with Gilmour Space to test its laser communication technology on a satellite launching later this year, aiming to deliver high-speed data transmission from spacecraft to ground at the lowest cost per bit. The demonstration will take place on SpaceX’s Transporter-18 rideshare mission.
US Space Force Awards $52.5 Million Contract for Satellite Deorbiting Mission
The US Space Force has awarded a $52.5 million contract to Starfish Space to deorbit satellites in Low Earth Orbit using its Otter spacecraft, marking a significant step in the development of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. This mission aims to demonstrate the capability to safely remove satellites from orbit, enhancing the resilience and sustainability of space operations.
Eutelsat Partners with MaiaSpace for OneWeb Satellite Launches
Eutelsat has entered into a multi-launch agreement with French startup MaiaSpace to launch its OneWeb replenishment satellites, with the first launches expected to begin in 2027. This partnership marks a significant development in the low Earth orbit satellite launch market.
Interstellar Technologies Secures $130 Million in Funding for Zero Small Launch Vehicle Development
Japanese launch company Interstellar Technologies has raised $130 million in Series F funding to continue development of its Zero small launch vehicle, which is designed to place up to 1,000 kilograms into low Earth orbit. The first launch of Zero is targeted for 2027, with eight customers already signed for the inaugural launch.
Landspace Wins Contracts for China's Ambitious Megaconstellation Projects
Chinese commercial launch startup Landspace has secured contracts to launch satellites for the Guowang and Qianfan megaconstellation projects, marking a significant milestone in the country's space ambitions. The company's reusable Zhuque-3 rocket, powered by methane-liquid oxygen propulsion, will play a key role in deploying these constellations.
L3Harris Sells Majority Stake in Space Propulsion and Power Systems Business to AE Industrial Partners
L3Harris has announced the sale of a majority stake in its Space Propulsion and Power Systems business to AE Industrial Partners for $845 million, with the new entity, named Rocketdyne, focusing on the RL10 engine and international expansion. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2026 and will have significant implications for the aerospace industry.
US Space Force Embarks on Extensive Network Modernization Effort
The US Space Force has initiated a comprehensive overhaul of its computer networks under a $12.5 billion contract vehicle, aiming to enhance cybersecurity and support advanced cloud-based applications. This modernization effort will upgrade both classified and unclassified network infrastructure across its bases.
Private Equity Deal Revives Rocketdyne, Shaping the Future of US Space Propulsion
A private equity deal has led to the revival of Rocketdyne, a historic US manufacturer of large liquid-fueled rocket engines, with AE Industrial Partners acquiring a 60% stake in L3Harris' propulsion and power business for $845 million. This development is expected to have significant implications for the broader aerospace industry, particularly in the context of NASA's Artemis Moon program.
Former ULA CEO Tory Bruno Joins Blue Origin to Lead National Security Efforts
Tory Bruno, the former CEO of United Launch Alliance (ULA), has joined Blue Origin to oversee national security projects, bringing nearly 12 years of experience in leading ULA to his new role. This move marks a significant shift in the aerospace industry, with implications for the development and deployment of launch vehicles for national security missions.
Celestis Partners with Stoke Space for Historic Deep Space Memorial Mission
Celestis Inc. has selected Stoke Space and its reusable Nova rocket to launch the "Infinite Flight" mission, a deep space voyage carrying human remains and DNA samples into a permanent heliocentric orbit, scheduled for late 2026 from Cape Canaveral. This mission marks the second commercial deep space memorial flight, following the "Enterprise Flight" in 2024.
CACI International Acquires ARKA Group for $2.6 Billion, Expanding Space-Based Sensing Capabilities
CACI International has announced the acquisition of space technology firm ARKA Group in an all-cash transaction valued at $2.6 billion, expanding its footprint in space-based sensing and intelligence systems. The move is expected to enhance CACI's capabilities in supporting national security missions through advanced space-based sensors and ground-based software processing.
Former ULA CEO Tory Bruno Joins Blue Origin as President of National Security Group
Tory Bruno, the former President and CEO of United Launch Alliance (ULA), has joined Blue Origin as the president of its National Security Group, bringing significant experience to the company. This move comes as Blue Origin continues to expand its presence in the national security launch market.
US Space Force Awards $3.5 Billion Contract for Advanced Missile Tracking Satellite Constellation
The US Space Force has awarded a $3.5 billion contract to four companies to develop and launch 72 satellites for the Tracking Layer Tranche 3 of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture constellation, which will provide critical missile warning and tracking capabilities. The satellite constellation is expected to launch in fiscal year 2029 and will operate in low Earth orbit.
Germany Awards $1.9 Billion Contract for Space-Based Surveillance Constellation
The German government has awarded a joint venture between Rheinmetall and Iceye a contract worth over $1.9 billion to develop and operate a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation, providing persistent surveillance and reconnaissance data for the German military. This deal marks a significant investment in Germany's national space-based defense capabilities.
HawkEye 360 Expands Defense Capabilities with Acquisition of Innovative Signal Analysis
HawkEye 360 has acquired Innovative Signal Analysis, a move that deepens its push into military and intelligence markets, supported by a $150 million Series E equity and debt financing round. This acquisition is expected to enhance HawkEye 360's signals intelligence capabilities, particularly in RF geolocation.
K2 Satellite Startup Secures $250 Million in Funding for High-Power Satellite Development
K2, a startup focused on designing high-power satellites, has raised $250 million to support the production and launch of its first major demonstration mission, Gravitas, scheduled for March 2026. This investment will enable K2 to test advanced technologies, including a 20-kilowatt Hall-effect thruster and in-space computing capabilities.
European Space Agency Awards Contract for Development of Argonaut Lunar Lander
The European Space Agency has selected a consortium led by Thales Alenia Space to develop the Argonaut Lunar Descent Element, a crucial component of the Argonaut lunar lander, which is slated to launch on an Ariane 64 rocket in 2030. This development marks a significant step forward in the agency"s efforts to establish a human presence on the Moon as part of the broader Artemis program.
Global Geostationary Satellite Orders Reach Six for the Year
Oman's first geostationary communications satellite order has brought the global tally for this year to six, matching the total for all of 2024 with a month still remaining. This development reflects shifting trends in the aerospace industry, including declining demand for traditional TV broadcasts and growing competition from low Earth orbit broadband megaconstellations.
European Space Agency Unveils Argonaut Lunar Descent Element Consortium
The European Space Agency (ESA) has announced the formation of an industrial consortium for the Argonaut programme, a lunar lander mission aimed at providing Europe with autonomous access to the Moon. This development marks a significant step towards supporting European-led missions to study the Moon and de-risk key technologies for human exploration.
ESA Signs Exploitation Arrangements for Ariane 6 and Vega-C Launchers
The European Space Agency (ESA) has signed arrangements with key industry partners to ensure the exploitation of its next-generation Ariane 6 and Vega-C launch vehicles, securing Europe"s autonomous access to space. This development marks a significant step forward in the agency"s efforts to maintain its position in the global launch market.
ESA Awards Contracts for Lunar Lander Programme Argonaut
The European Space Agency (ESA) has signed contracts with several companies to develop its lunar lander programme Argonaut, a key part of its lunar strategy to support future robotic and crewed missions. This programme will contribute to international efforts to establish a long-term human presence on the Moon.
NATS and Bayanat Partner to Enhance Air Traffic Management in the Middle East and Africa
NATS Services and Bayanat Engineering have formed a partnership to deliver advanced air traffic management solutions across the Middle East and Africa, focusing on digital tower technology and modernised airspace systems. This collaboration aims to support the region’s growing requirements for efficient air traffic management.
Archer Aviation to Conduct eVTOL Trials in Saudi Arabia
Archer Aviation has signed an agreement with The Helicopter Company and Red Sea Global to develop, test, and potentially integrate its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into projects in Saudi Arabia. The trials will examine the aircraft's performance in operational settings and support Saudi Arabia's efforts to develop sustainable, advanced aviation.
ZeroAvia and Hybrid Air Vehicles Collaborate on Hydrogen-Electric Airlander 10 Development
ZeroAvia has partnered with Hybrid Air Vehicles to develop a hydrogen-electric version of the Airlander 10 aircraft, aiming to achieve zero-emission in-flight operations for aircraft capable of carrying over 100 passengers. This collaboration marks a significant step towards reducing emissions in the aerospace industry.