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European Spaceflight • Andrew Parsonson

ESA awards Rocket Factory Augsburg two RFA One launches under Flight Ticket Initiative

The European Space Agency has awarded Rocket Factory Augsburg a Flight Ticket Initiative contract to launch two missions aboard its RFA One rocket. The deal secures two dedicated flights for the German small-launch developer under ESA's commercial procurement scheme, supporting future orbital missions.

2026-01-23T21:11:29.526862-08:00

Via Satellite

Spire to provide satellite weather intelligence to AiDash for vegetation, storm and grid monitoring

2026-01-23T11:55:53.544380-08:00

SpaceNews.com

House appropriator: NASA FY2027 budget must be strengthened, should build on FY2026 gains

2026-01-23T04:55:43.744107-08:00

SpaceNews.com

Space Force accelerates warfighting shift with commercial MTI, STARCOM build-up and personnel growth

2026-01-22T12:36:41.111022-08:00

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SpaceWatch Global

2026 NDS elevates space — Space Force workforce rebuild and budget shifts to reshape satellites The 2026 U.S. National Defense Strategy elevates space from a peripheral concern to a core warfighting domain, driving immediate changes in doctrine, budget priorities and force structure. The Space Force is prioritizing workforce rebuilding while a major budget plan signals altered pacing for satellite acquisition and operations.

2026-01-24T13:14:38.671937-08:00

2026 NDS elevates space — Space Force workforce rebuild and budget shifts to reshape satellites

European Spaceflight

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ESA awards Rocket Factory Augsburg two RFA One launches under Flight Ticket Initiative The European Space Agency has awarded Rocket Factory Augsburg a Flight Ticket Initiative contract to launch two missions aboard its RFA One rocket. The deal secures two dedicated flights for the German small-launch developer under ESA's commercial procurement scheme, supporting future orbital missions.

2026-01-23T21:11:29.526862-08:00

ESA awards Rocket Factory Augsburg two RFA One launches under Flight Ticket Initiative

Via Satellite

Spire to provide satellite weather intelligence to AiDash for vegetation, storm and grid monitoring Spire will supply satellite-derived weather intelligence to AiDash, integrating its data into AiDash’s vegetation, storm and ignition-risk intelligence and SatelliteFirst grid-monitoring offerings. The deal aims to enhance situational awareness for vegetation management and grid resilience by adding satellite weather products to AiDash’s operational toolset.

2026-01-23T11:55:53.544380-08:00

Spire to provide satellite weather intelligence to AiDash for vegetation, storm and grid monitoring

SpaceNews.com

Startups book 2027 Falcon 9 rideshares to offer low‑cost memorial 'ashes in orbit' services Two startups are turning funerary services into rideshare payloads: Space Beyond has booked a slot on SpaceX's October 2027 Falcon 9 rideshare and will begin building its first memorial cubesat next week, while AstroRemains plans to place the ashes of 1,000 people into orbit in 2027 for $2,500 each.

2026-01-23T10:01:47.000520-08:00

Startups book 2027 Falcon 9 rideshares to offer low‑cost memorial 'ashes in orbit' services

SpaceNews.com

Launch operators are the rocket fuel required to galvanize spaceports in Europe Europe's nascent spaceports need committed launch operators to convert facilities into sustainable hubs. Consistent launch cadence, commercial customers and operator-led operational expertise are the catalysts that will attract investment, accelerate regulatory approvals and turn dispersed launch infrastructure into functioning access-to-orbit ecosystems.

2026-01-23T05:15:59.377468-08:00

Launch operators are the rocket fuel required to galvanize spaceports in Europe

SpaceNews.com

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House appropriator: NASA FY2027 budget must be strengthened, should build on FY2026 gains With the FY2026 appropriations process effectively closed, a senior House appropriator says NASA's FY2027 budget must be strengthened and should build on this year’s restored funding levels and program wins. The lawmaker urged targeted increases to protect science programs and sustain strategic initiatives.

2026-01-23T04:55:43.744107-08:00

House appropriator: NASA FY2027 budget must be strengthened, should build on FY2026 gains

SpaceWatch Global

WSW 2026: SSC's Armelle Frenea Schmidt on science and suborbital flights At WSW 2026, Daniela Jovic sits down with Armelle Frenea Schmidt, Business Development Director for Science Services at Swedish Space Corporation, to discuss SSC's role in science and suborbital flight services. The interview focuses on SSC's capabilities and market approach for research-focused suborbital missions.

2026-01-22T22:53:30.226021-08:00

WSW 2026: SSC's Armelle Frenea Schmidt on science and suborbital flights

SpaceNews.com

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Blue Origin to reuse New Glenn booster on NG‑3 carrying AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird Blue Origin will perform the first reuse of a New Glenn booster on the NG‑3 mission, scheduled NET late February, carrying AST SpaceMobile's next‑generation BlueBird direct‑to‑device satellite. The flight advances New Glenn's operational cadence and supports AST's rollout of space‑based cellular broadband; Blue Origin confirmed NG‑3 will not carry a lunar lander.

2026-01-22T15:37:12.595782-08:00

Blue Origin to reuse New Glenn booster on NG‑3 carrying AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird

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Commercial Space News

ESA awards Rocket Factory Augsburg two RFA One launches under Flight Ticket Initiative

Spire to provide satellite weather intelligence to AiDash for vegetation, storm and grid monitoring

House appropriator: NASA FY2027 budget must be strengthened, should build on FY2026 gains

Space Force accelerates warfighting shift with commercial MTI, STARCOM build-up and personnel growth

News Timeline