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Payload • Douglas Gorman

Astrolight to fly three optical‑comm payloads on SpaceX Transporter‑16 as Exolaunch manifests 57 satellites

Astrolight will fly three optical-communications payloads on SpaceX's Transporter‑16 rideshare to demonstrate space-to-ground laser links. Exolaunch will deploy 57 customer satellites on the same mission, highlighting continued commercial demand for high-volume microsatellite launches and laser‑comm demonstrations.

2026-02-05T22:08:22.933306-08:00

NASA Spaceflight

Despite early launch failures, China heads into a busy 2026 spaceflight slate

2026-02-05T10:24:26.773669-08:00

European Spaceflight

The Exploration Company completes Nyx splashdown test campaign with subscale mockup

2026-02-05T07:03:48.154976-08:00

SpaceNews.com

spaceNEXT: shaping in‑space manufacturing, refueling and new space supply chains

2026-02-05T08:03:33.594098-08:00

News Timeline

Payload

Astrolight to fly three optical‑comm payloads on SpaceX Transporter‑16 as Exolaunch manifests 57 satellites Astrolight will fly three optical-communications payloads on SpaceX's Transporter‑16 rideshare to demonstrate space-to-ground laser links. Exolaunch will deploy 57 customer satellites on the same mission, highlighting continued commercial demand for high-volume microsatellite launches and laser‑comm demonstrations.

2026-02-05T22:08:22.933306-08:00

Astrolight to fly three optical‑comm payloads on SpaceX Transporter‑16 as Exolaunch manifests 57 satellites

NASA Spaceflight

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Despite early launch failures, China heads into a busy 2026 spaceflight slate China suffered two launch failures early in the year, but multiple major launches and missions remain scheduled for 2026, leaving Beijing with a crowded spaceflight manifest. Observers will watch vehicle fixes, schedule resilience and the outcomes of several high‑profile missions as the year unfolds.

2026-02-05T10:24:26.773669-08:00

Despite early launch failures, China heads into a busy 2026 spaceflight slate

SpaceNews.com

spaceNEXT: shaping in‑space manufacturing, refueling and new space supply chains spaceNEXT convened industry leaders to define the new‑space economy, concentrating on in‑space manufacturing, refueling infrastructure, space‑driven logistics and emergent supply chains for resources, research and orbital homesteads. Sessions highlighted technical, commercial and industrial pathways to scale fabrication, fuel depots and in‑orbit logistics.

2026-02-05T08:03:33.594098-08:00

spaceNEXT: shaping in‑space manufacturing, refueling and new space supply chains

European Spaceflight

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The Exploration Company completes Nyx splashdown test campaign with subscale mockup The Exploration Company completed a splashdown test campaign using a subscale mockup of its Nyx capsule, validating components of the vehicle's water‑landing recovery profile. The tests mark a development milestone in the company's capsule verification program ahead of larger‑scale trials.

2026-02-05T07:03:48.154976-08:00

The Exploration Company completes Nyx splashdown test campaign with subscale mockup

Space Intel Report

Europe warns national space initiatives risk fragmenting collective launcher and satellite programmes European Commission officials are pressing for greater Brussels involvement as multiple member states launch parallel national space and launcher programmes. ESA and EU leaders warn the surge of national initiatives risks fragmenting collective projects — from new launchers to satellite constellations — just as geopolitical tensions demand greater European coherence.

2026-02-05T06:36:06.720962-08:00

Europe warns national space initiatives risk fragmenting collective launcher and satellite programmes

SpaceWatch Global

OHB establishes European Moonport Company in Bavaria to centralize lunar mission capabilities OHB has launched the European Moonport Company in Bavaria to consolidate its lunar-mission and lunar-surface infrastructure activities, moving the company from concept toward plans for a start-and-landing base on the Moon. The step comes as ESA pushes to accelerate European lunar initiatives.

2026-02-04T23:55:58.415854-08:00

OHB establishes European Moonport Company in Bavaria to centralize lunar mission capabilities

SpaceNews.com

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SpaceX Dragon prepares to berth with the ISS — first private spacecraft to reach the station SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, launched on a Falcon 9, is preparing to berth with the International Space Station, marking the first time a private spacecraft has reached the station. The approach represents a major milestone in commercial operations supporting station logistics and on-orbit presence.

2026-02-04T22:14:00.073201-08:00

SpaceX Dragon prepares to berth with the ISS — first private spacecraft to reach the station

smallsatnews.com

Muon Space pivots to sustained multi‑mission constellations, targets 20 launches in 20 months Muon Space announced on Feb. 4, 2026 that it is shifting from discrete satellite missions to sustained deployment of multi‑mission constellations. The company, reporting 100% year‑over‑year revenue growth, plans 20 launches in 20 months to build multi‑mission capability and accelerate operational service delivery.

2026-02-04T09:55:19.880330-08:00

Muon Space pivots to sustained multi‑mission constellations, targets 20 launches in 20 months

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Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation News

Astrolight to fly three optical‑comm payloads on SpaceX Transporter‑16 as Exolaunch manifests 57 satellites

Despite early launch failures, China heads into a busy 2026 spaceflight slate

The Exploration Company completes Nyx splashdown test campaign with subscale mockup

spaceNEXT: shaping in‑space manufacturing, refueling and new space supply chains

News Timeline