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Via Satellite • Rachel Jewett

Convergence Comes of Age: 2026 Turns Direct-to-Device Satellites and 3GPP NTNs into Commercial Reality

With the first commercial direct-to-device constellations scaling into service and 3GPP non‑terrestrial network standards reaching maturity, 2026 marks the year connectivity between satellites and cellular networks begins to blur. Operators and telcos will increasingly deploy integrated NTN-D2D solutions that make terrestrial versus space links functionally indistinguishable.

2026-01-16T12:11:31.570302-08:00

Via Satellite

Bipartisan Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act introduced to speed satellite licensing

2026-01-16T12:11:30.808132-08:00

SpaceNews.com

China completes static fire of reusable Long March 12B ahead of planned test flight

2026-01-16T10:26:20.173577-08:00

SpaceNews.com

Atomic-oxygen-resistant material could extend VLEO satellite lifetimes

2026-01-16T07:26:05.330871-08:00

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SpaceNews.com

China suffers dual launch failures as Long March 3B loses classified Shijian and Ceres‑2 maiden flight fails China experienced two launch failures Friday: a Long March 3B lost a classified Shijian satellite, and the debut Ceres‑2 rocket failed on its maiden flight, with both missions failing to place their payloads into orbit. The twin setbacks affect both an established launcher and a new vehicle.

2026-01-17T02:45:55.426807-08:00

China suffers dual launch failures as Long March 3B loses classified Shijian and Ceres‑2 maiden flight fails

Via Satellite

Convergence Comes of Age: 2026 Turns Direct-to-Device Satellites and 3GPP NTNs into Commercial Reality With the first commercial direct-to-device constellations scaling into service and 3GPP non‑terrestrial network standards reaching maturity, 2026 marks the year connectivity between satellites and cellular networks begins to blur. Operators and telcos will increasingly deploy integrated NTN-D2D solutions that make terrestrial versus space links functionally indistinguishable.

2026-01-16T12:11:31.570302-08:00

Convergence Comes of Age: 2026 Turns Direct-to-Device Satellites and 3GPP NTNs into Commercial Reality

Via Satellite

Bipartisan Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act introduced to speed satellite licensing Senators Ted Cruz and Peter Welch introduced the bipartisan Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act to shorten federal satellite licensing timelines and deliver greater regulatory predictability. The Satellite Industry Association has endorsed the bill, saying it will strengthen the commercial satellite sector and accelerate approvals for space and ground infrastructure.

2026-01-16T12:11:30.808132-08:00

Bipartisan Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act introduced to speed satellite licensing

SpaceNews.com

China completes static fire of reusable Long March 12B ahead of planned test flight China’s main space contractor performed a static fire test Friday of a new reusable Long March 12B rocket, completing a key ground check ahead of a planned test flight. The hot-fire verifies engine and stage systems as Beijing advances reusable-launch capabilities.

2026-01-16T10:26:20.173577-08:00

China completes static fire of reusable Long March 12B ahead of planned test flight

SpaceNews.com

Atomic-oxygen-resistant material could extend VLEO satellite lifetimes Researchers have developed an atomic-oxygen‑resistant material that significantly reduces surface erosion in very-low Earth orbit (VLEO). The coating could extend operational lifetimes for satellites operating in VLEO, enabling more persistent low-altitude missions and reducing AO-driven degradation.

2026-01-16T07:26:05.330871-08:00

Atomic-oxygen-resistant material could extend VLEO satellite lifetimes

SpaceNews.com

ESA launches Zero Debris Charter, kicking off a countdown to clean orbits ESA has launched a Zero Debris Charter, initiating a coordinated effort to clean low Earth orbit and reduce collision risk. The charter establishes a timeline and commitments for member states, industry and international partners to accelerate debris mitigation and removal activities.

2026-01-16T06:11:52.712571-08:00

ESA launches Zero Debris Charter, kicking off a countdown to clean orbits

Universe Today

Using Mars' thin atmosphere to 3D-print metal parts could cut mission costs by millions A University of Arkansas preprint by Zane Mebruer and Wan Shou shows that additive manufacturing on Mars can leverage the planet's thin CO2‑rich atmosphere to assist metal 3D‑printing, potentially reducing launch mass and cutting mission costs by millions of dollars. The paper examines the underlying chemistry and practical implications.

2026-01-16T04:53:15.673114-08:00

Using Mars' thin atmosphere to 3D-print metal parts could cut mission costs by millions

SpaceNews.com

Interstellar Technologies raises nearly $130M to advance Zero small launch vehicle Interstellar Technologies has raised nearly $130 million to continue development of its Zero small launch vehicle, securing new capital to sustain program advancement and engineering work at the Japanese launch startup as it progresses toward operational readiness and upcoming development milestones.

2026-01-16T03:30:33.192523-08:00

Interstellar Technologies raises nearly $130M to advance Zero small launch vehicle

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Commercial Space News

Convergence Comes of Age: 2026 Turns Direct-to-Device Satellites and 3GPP NTNs into Commercial Reality

Bipartisan Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act introduced to speed satellite licensing

China completes static fire of reusable Long March 12B ahead of planned test flight

Atomic-oxygen-resistant material could extend VLEO satellite lifetimes

News Timeline