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Bloomberg • Loren Grush

Observable Space raises $90M debut round to commercialize laser satellite communications for data-to-Earth links

Observable Space has secured $90 million in its debut funding round to develop laser-based satellite communications. The company aims to use optical links to move information between satellites and Earth, with an eye toward supporting “orbiting data centers” that would exchange data with terrestrial networks.

2026-05-28T07:07:11.079641-07:00

The Economist

Taxing space businesses: how off-planet commerce is forcing “orbit-and-beyond” tax rules

2026-05-28T03:19:03.291450-07:00

SpaceWatch Global

EarthDaily partners with Geospatial Intelligence Pty Ltd to expand science-grade Earth observation data and analytics access acr

2026-05-28T00:07:58.543695-07:00

SpaceNews.com

Virgin Galactic returns VSS Unity to flight for glide training ahead of next-generation Spaceship test

2026-05-27T23:46:05.863637-07:00

News Timeline

Bloomberg

Observable Space raises $90M debut round to commercialize laser satellite communications for data-to-Earth links Observable Space has secured $90 million in its debut funding round to develop laser-based satellite communications. The company aims to use optical links to move information between satellites and Earth, with an eye toward supporting “orbiting data centers” that would exchange data with terrestrial networks.

2026-05-28T07:07:11.079641-07:00

Observable Space raises $90M debut round to commercialize laser satellite communications for data-to-Earth links

The Economist

Taxing space businesses: how off-planet commerce is forcing “orbit-and-beyond” tax rules As space activity commercializes, tax frameworks are struggling to keep pace with new models for “businesses in orbit,” raising questions about jurisdiction, liability, and how revenues and assets should be taxed beyond Earth. The piece argues that off-planet finance will expand alongside the space economy, requiring clearer rules.

2026-05-28T03:19:03.291450-07:00

Taxing space businesses: how off-planet commerce is forcing “orbit-and-beyond” tax rules

Bloomberg

Quantum Systems and Destinus weigh early-2027 IPOs as defense UAS demand pulls in underwriting discussions Quantum Systems and Destinus are in talks to line up advisers for potential IPOs as soon as early 2027, according to people familiar with the matter. The drone makers are seeking to tap surging demand for unmanned defense assets, signaling a push toward public-market funding for UAS scale-up.

2026-05-28T03:16:36.693511-07:00

Quantum Systems and Destinus weigh early-2027 IPOs as defense UAS demand pulls in underwriting discussions

Payload

Stellar Alpina raises $4.5M to develop rotating detonation engines for next-generation propulsion European propulsion startup Stellar Alpina has raised $4.5M to build rotating detonation engines, aiming to introduce a different thrust approach to the market. The funding targets engine development as the company works toward translating the technology from concept into deliverable propulsion hardware.

2026-05-28T00:43:08.242121-07:00

Stellar Alpina raises $4.5M to develop rotating detonation engines for next-generation propulsion

SpaceWatch Global

EarthDaily partners with Geospatial Intelligence Pty Ltd to expand science-grade Earth observation data and analytics access acr EarthDaily and Geospatial Intelligence Pty Ltd have entered a new partnership to broaden access to science-grade Earth observation data and analytics for customers across Australia. The deal further integrates EO data distribution and processing into local workflows as EO volumes and analytic demand continue to accelerate.

2026-05-28T00:07:58.543695-07:00

EarthDaily partners with Geospatial Intelligence Pty Ltd to expand science-grade Earth observation data and analytics access acr

SpaceNews.com

Virgin Galactic returns VSS Unity to flight for glide training ahead of next-generation Spaceship test Virgin Galactic says VSS Unity—the prototype spaceplane used for its first commercial flights—has returned to the skies above Spaceport America, N.M., for a first set of glide flights. The program is intended to train pilots and support the run-up to the first flight test of its next-generation Spaceship.

2026-05-27T23:46:05.863637-07:00

Virgin Galactic returns VSS Unity to flight for glide training ahead of next-generation Spaceship test

Space.com

❗️

China integrates robotic Chang’e lunar activities into human spaceflight for Moon landings by 2030; NASA arms Artemis with crewe China is reshaping its lunar program by merging Chang’e robotic probe work with its human spaceflight plans to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030. Separately, NASA has selected Venturi Astrolab and Lunar Outpost to supply Artemis crewed lunar terrain vehicles (LTVs), with student teams developing lunar robotics for 2026.

2026-05-27T11:13:00.583858-07:00

China integrates robotic Chang’e lunar activities into human spaceflight for Moon landings by 2030; NASA arms Artemis with crewe

SpaceNews.com

Geopolitics opens a “sovereign launch” window for SpinLaunch, CEO says SpinLaunch CEO Massimiliano “Massi” Ladovaz argues the space industry is being reshaped as much by geopolitics and sovereignty requirements as by engineering progress. He positions the company’s low-cost, rapid-access approach as a fit for customers seeking assured, time-bound orbital capability.

2026-05-27T09:12:42.327373-07:00

Geopolitics opens a “sovereign launch” window for SpinLaunch, CEO says

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Commercial Space News

Observable Space raises $90M debut round to commercialize laser satellite communications for data-to-Earth links

Taxing space businesses: how off-planet commerce is forcing “orbit-and-beyond” tax rules

EarthDaily partners with Geospatial Intelligence Pty Ltd to expand science-grade Earth observation data and analytics access acr

Virgin Galactic returns VSS Unity to flight for glide training ahead of next-generation Spaceship test

News Timeline