SpaceWatch Global
• Torsten Kriening
Isar Aerospace is preparing a second attempt to reach orbit with its Spectrum rocket from Norway after its first vehicle fell into the sea roughly 30 seconds after liftoff. Separately, India’s GSLV-F17 successfully deployed the 2,367-kg EOS-05 dedicated geo-imaging satellite into geosynchronous orbit.
Commercial Space
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Katalyst Space is wrapping up operations on a spacecraft intended to reboost NASA’s Swift observatory. Although the mission did not achieve its original objective, the vehicle became a technology demonstration for satellite servicing, offering an operational data point for emerging commercial in-space support capabilities.
High activity
Isar Aerospace is preparing a second attempt to reach orbit with its Spectrum rocket from Norway after its first vehicle fell into the sea roughly 30 seconds after liftoff. Separately, India’s GSLV-F17 successfully deployed the 2,367-kg EOS-05 dedicated geo-imaging satellite into geosynchronous orbit.
High activity
Blue Origin is broadening its Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral footprint with a new Merritt Island test site, Rocket Park production buildings, the rebuild of Launch Complex 36 and early work on nearby processing facilities, reinforcing its long-term launch and manufacturing presence in Florida.
High activity
France is minimizing the significance of SpaceX and Blue Origin skipping next week’s Paris space summit, an event organized by President Emmanuel Macron. The gathering faces broader headwinds as Europe seeks to strengthen its space position amid intense competition from U.S. commercial providers.
ST Engineering iDirect demonstrated a pilot version of its INT3000 user equipment modem at the European Space Agency’s 5G NTN Forum. The multi-waveform 5G New Radio Non-Terrestrial Network device is intended to extend iDirect’s satellite networking technology into the broader 5G ecosystem, including aircraft connectivity applications.
Planet’s revenue increased nearly 60% year over year in the second quarter of 2026, while the satellite-imagery company narrowed its net loss. The results point to growing momentum in sovereign agreements with governments worldwide and continued demand for commercial Earth-observation services.
SpaceX is targeting Sept. 15 for its next Starship flight, placing the launch ahead of a Sept. 9 share unlock that is drawing investor attention. The timing also revives scrutiny of the stock’s summer post-IPO air pocket and the company’s valuation.
A private spacecraft came within nine miles of NASA’s Swift Observatory, an aging mission described as doomed, and captured images during an attempt to assess or enable a rescue. The close approach marks a rare effort to intervene with an operational scientific spacecraft in distress.
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