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CSF report flags U.S. launch-infrastructure limits as satellite launches could reach 7,000+ annually by mid-2030s

The Commercial Space Federation (CSF), with Rational Futures, released SCRUBBED: America’s Launch Capacity Challenge, a data-driven assessment of how scaling U.S. launch throughput may strain existing infrastructure. The report projects potential growth to 7,000+ satellite launches annually by the mid-2030s and outlines the resulting infrastructure constraints.

2026-05-18T05:10:27.640159-07:00

Ars Technica

US space ecosystem awaits Starship delivery as questions persist over when the program will start reliably delivering

2026-05-18T04:09:33.740356-07:00

SpaceNews.com

Zenk Space secures 180 million yuan ($26M) for Zhihang-1 debut orbital launch in June

2026-05-17T19:41:10.645260-07:00

SpaceNews.com

Cowboy Space files with FCC for up to 20,000 LEO “orbital data centers” as it raises $275M

2026-05-14T15:06:34.545853-07:00

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SpaceNews.com

CSF report flags U.S. launch-infrastructure limits as satellite launches could reach 7,000+ annually by mid-2030s The Commercial Space Federation (CSF), with Rational Futures, released SCRUBBED: America’s Launch Capacity Challenge, a data-driven assessment of how scaling U.S. launch throughput may strain existing infrastructure. The report projects potential growth to 7,000+ satellite launches annually by the mid-2030s and outlines the resulting infrastructure constraints.

2026-05-18T05:10:27.640159-07:00

CSF report flags U.S. launch-infrastructure limits as satellite launches could reach 7,000+ annually by mid-2030s

Ars Technica

US space ecosystem awaits Starship delivery as questions persist over when the program will start reliably delivering Reporting frames the US space enterprise as “desperately waiting” for SpaceX’s Starship to finally deliver, highlighting an uneven run of highs and lows as stakeholders look for schedule and performance certainty. The question centers on whether Starship can move from test-cycle variability to operational dependability.

2026-05-18T04:09:33.740356-07:00

US space ecosystem awaits Starship delivery as questions persist over when the program will start reliably delivering

SpaceNews.com

Zenk Space secures 180 million yuan ($26M) for Zhihang-1 debut orbital launch in June China’s Zenk Space has raised 180 million yuan (about $26 million) ahead of the planned June debut of its Zhihang-1 kerolox rocket, the company’s first attempt to reach orbit. The funding underpins the lead-up to the mission launch window as Zenk moves from development toward inaugural flight.

2026-05-17T19:41:10.645260-07:00

Zenk Space secures 180 million yuan ($26M) for Zhihang-1 debut orbital launch in June

Space Intel Report

Avio reports Q1 earnings surge on space and defense propulsion growth; CEO urges Europe to fund current launch systems Avio SpA said revenue rose 19% and EBITDA rose 30% for the three months ended March 31, driven by continued growth in both its space business and tactical defense propulsion hardware. The CEO also argued Europe should invest in today’s rocket capacity rather than delaying with long-startup cycles.

2026-05-15T07:52:56.927246-07:00

Avio reports Q1 earnings surge on space and defense propulsion growth; CEO urges Europe to fund current launch systems

Universe Today

Artemis III: NASA’s next crewed Moon mission must prove mission architecture and systems readiness after Artemis II Artemis III is positioned as the pivotal step that must succeed before NASA can return humans to the lunar surface. The cluster looks back at Artemis II’s crewed, around-the-Moon mission as the latest global benchmark for deep-space human operations—and a proof point for what Artemis III has to de-risk next.

2026-05-15T00:10:25.542881-07:00

Artemis III: NASA’s next crewed Moon mission must prove mission architecture and systems readiness after Artemis II

SpaceNews.com

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Cowboy Space files with FCC for up to 20,000 LEO “orbital data centers” as it raises $275M Cowboy Space—backed by a $275M round led by Index Ventures—has filed FCC plans for a “Stampede” constellation of up to 20,000 satellites intended to serve as an orbital data-center network. The company’s rockets would host compute in upper stages, targeting an “AI in orbit” architecture.

2026-05-14T15:06:34.545853-07:00

Cowboy Space files with FCC for up to 20,000 LEO “orbital data centers” as it raises $275M

CNBC

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SpaceX IPO set for a record $1.75tn valuation, with Mars-linked control provisions and shifting investor exit mechanics SpaceX’s IPO is moving toward a potential next-month debut at an expected ~$1.75tn valuation, with investors weighing governance trade-offs including weak shareholder rights and a Mars-linked pay/control deal for Elon Musk. The filing reportedly also changes how investors can buy, structure acquisitions/SPACs, and exit holdings, as Blue Origin considers external fundraising.

2026-05-14T13:54:43.782572-07:00

SpaceX IPO set for a record $1.75tn valuation, with Mars-linked control provisions and shifting investor exit mechanics

SpaceNews.com

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China steps up Qianfan growth with improved Zhuque-2E Y5 return-to-flight and fresh Long March 6A satellite group LandSpace returned the upgraded Zhuque-2E (Y5) carrier rocket to flight after an inert customized test load, proving new systems during an orbital demonstration. Separately, China lofted a new batch of satellites for the Qianfan megaconstellation, underscoring accelerating commercial constellation deployment via both LandSpace’s vehicles and Long March 6A launches from Taiyuan.

2026-05-14T03:09:16.277854-07:00

China steps up Qianfan growth with improved Zhuque-2E Y5 return-to-flight and fresh Long March 6A satellite group

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Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation News

CSF report flags U.S. launch-infrastructure limits as satellite launches could reach 7,000+ annually by mid-2030s

US space ecosystem awaits Starship delivery as questions persist over when the program will start reliably delivering

Zenk Space secures 180 million yuan ($26M) for Zhihang-1 debut orbital launch in June

Cowboy Space files with FCC for up to 20,000 LEO “orbital data centers” as it raises $275M

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