Commercial Space News

Space Intel Report

Commercial ISR Satellite Providers Expand Globally as Nations Seek Sovereign Intelligence Capacity

Commercial intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance satellite providers are expanding internationally as governments seek more than access to foreign constellations. Nations increasingly want dedicated capacity—and eventually the ability to build ISR satellites domestically—reshaping competition in commercial space, national security and sovereign aerospace capabilities.

Via Satellite

SES outlines multi-orbit satellite strategy and new MEO capabilities

SES Vice President of Product Development Engineering David Mathewson discusses the company’s plans for satellite development, the strategic advantages of operating across multiple orbits and the capabilities being introduced on its medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites.

Breaking Defense

Sources: SpaceX given unique access to classified DoD space-tracking data

Commercial space-monitoring firms are concerned that SpaceX’s reported unique access to the Defense Department’s best classified space-tracking data could give the company an advantage in a competitive market. The arrangement, disclosed by sources to Breaking Defense, raises questions about access and competitive neutrality.

Space.com

High activity

SpaceX targets Sept. 28 for Starship Flight 14 orbital launch attempt

SpaceX has stacked the Starship vehicle for Flight 14 and is targeting Sept. 28 for the rocket’s first orbital launch attempt. The live preparations mark the latest step in the company’s development of a fully reusable launch system, subject to final readiness and regulatory conditions.

Space.com

High activity

AstroForge Plans Fully Autonomous Asteroid-Mining Mission for 2027

AstroForge plans to launch what it describes as the first fully autonomous asteroid-mining mission in 2027. The mission could mark a significant step for commercial space exploration by demonstrating whether spacecraft can independently conduct an asteroid-focused operation without direct human control.

Bloomberg

Hubble Network raises $200 million at $1.6 billion valuation for space-based Bluetooth

Satellite startup Hubble Network raised $200 million, reaching a $1.6 billion valuation as it develops a spacecraft network designed to provide global Bluetooth connectivity. The funding makes Hubble the latest commercial space company to attract significant capital for satellite-enabled communications services.

Payload

High activity

Vast establishes Lunar Programs division to support NASA’s Moon Base ambitions

Vast, the space infrastructure company, is establishing a Lunar Programs division to support NASA’s ambitions for a Moon Base. The move gives the company a dedicated organizational focus for lunar activities, though the announcement provides no further details on scope, schedule or specific programs.

Payload

Outpost to Launch In-Space Manufacturing Service, Targeting 2028 StarFiber Mission

Outpost plans to make its Space Factory platform the first dedicated user of the company’s in-space manufacturing service. The platform is expected to produce StarFiber, a next-generation metal fluoride optical fiber, during a mission targeted for no earlier than 2028.