SpaceNews.com
• Jason Rainbow
France has authorized U.S.-based Globalstar to launch and operate a 54-satellite next-generation constellation designed for direct-to-device connectivity. The company aims to begin deploying the satellites next year, marking a regulatory step toward expanding its space-based service.
Commercial Space
Latest source-backed stories
High activity
France has authorized U.S.-based Globalstar to launch and operate a 54-satellite next-generation constellation designed for direct-to-device connectivity. The company aims to begin deploying the satellites next year, marking a regulatory step toward expanding its space-based service.
High activity
High activity
The UK Government has completed a £30 million investment in SaxaVord Spaceport, securing an ownership stake of more than 25%. The transaction gives the government a significant equity position in a UK spaceport, though the announcement provides no further details on governance or how the funds will be used.
Earth-observation company Planet has booked launches with Stoke Space, adding a launch provider as it seeks to diversify access to space for its imaging spacecraft. The announcement links a satellite operator’s launch planning with a new launch provider, though the articles provide no schedule, vehicle, or contract details.
High activity
Rocket Factory Augsburg has confirmed that the first flight of its RFA ONE launch vehicle from SaxaVord is now scheduled for 2027. The update moves the rocket’s inaugural launch later than previously planned, extending the timeline for the company’s entry into orbital launch operations.
China’s commercial launch sector logged second flights for both the Ceres-2 and Kinetica-2 rockets, with Ceres-2 reaching orbit and Kinetica-2 carrying Qianfan satellites. The launches came alongside two Long March missions for state programs, underscoring activity across both commercial and government launch providers.
Blue Origin has unveiled a new rocket engine and a third stage for its New Glenn program, while confirming the vehicle’s return to flight will slip into early 2027. The delay reflects continued work to rebuild the launch pad, following an earlier target of returning before year-end.
Create a free account to see more recent Commercial Space stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
