Commercial Space News

SpaceWatch Global

Vaduz Space Dialogue calls for Europe to federate secure satellite connectivity as spectrum becomes strategic infrastructure

The 2026 Vaduz Space Dialogue argues that Europe should move quickly to federate secure satellite connectivity rather than await a perfect institutional framework or build another standalone constellation. The discussion positions spectrum as strategic infrastructure and federation as a potential answer to Europe’s connectivity-security challenge.

SpaceWatch Global

Star Catcher, Google and Blackwing Space to Fly New Orbital Technologies on Transporter-18

Transporter-18 will carry Star Catcher’s Protostar, Google’s Suncatcher, Blackwing Space’s Baby Bird and other commercial space technologies, placing multiple early-stage orbital systems on a shared rideshare mission. The payload mix highlights continued private-sector development of spacecraft and in-orbit infrastructure.

The Air Current

NASA invests in Boeing while courting new entrants to replace SpaceX’s Dragon

NASA is signaling a broader approach to crewed space transportation, investing in Boeing while encouraging commercial-space entrants to develop alternatives to SpaceX’s Dragon. Isaacman framed the move as a clear demand signal, suggesting the agency wants more competition and resilience in future human-spaceflight services.

Via Satellite

Beeline Kazakhstan partners with Starlink Mobile to bring satellite connectivity to Kazakhstan

Beeline Kazakhstan is partnering with Starlink Mobile to provide satellite-based mobile connectivity across Kazakhstan. The agreement will extend access to Starlink connectivity for the country’s population, marking a commercial deployment of satellite communications through a local telecommunications operator.

Payload

Meridian Space spins out of SpinLaunch to develop 250-satellite broadband constellations

Meridian Space is separating from kinetic launch technology developer SpinLaunch to independently pursue flat, reflect-array satellites designed to launch up to 250 at a time on a Falcon 9. The company is targeting governments, regional satellite operators and telecom companies with turnkey networks priced below $1 billion.

Payload

Star Catcher’s Orbital Power-Beaming Prototype Readied for SpaceX Transporter Mission

Star Catcher says its prototype orbital power node is prepared for launch on a SpaceX Transporter mission targeted for no earlier than Oct. 1. The mission will demonstrate the company’s power-beaming technology in orbit.

SpaceNews.com

Deep Blue Aerospace raises nearly $300 million to advance reusable Nebula rockets

Chinese launch startup Deep Blue Aerospace has secured nearly $300 million to support development of its reusable Nebula rocket family. The company is also testing an upgraded rocket engine, combining fresh capital with propulsion work as it advances its commercial launch ambitions.

SpaceWatch Global

High activity

SpaceX’s Starship reaches orbit on first orbital flight, deploys 26 Starlink satellites despite engine shutdown

Starship reached orbit for the first time on its 14th test flight and deployed 26 V3 Starlink satellites using its “Pez dispenser” system. An engine shutdown forced SpaceX to end the planned 10-hour mission early, bringing the fully reusable vehicle home ahead of schedule.