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Space.com • Robert Z Pearlman

SpaceX lofts 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral in pre-dawn Falcon 9 launch

A Falcon 9 lifted off from Cape Canaveral Feb. 16 at 2:59 a.m. EST, deploying 29 Starlink satellites and returning its reusable first stage to the droneship. The flight, flown after a passing cold front, capped a short two‑launch run that began with a Feb. 14 Vandenberg Starlink mission.

2026-02-16T07:50:54.045309-08:00

European Spaceflight

Rocket Factory Augsburg readies SaxaVord for inaugural RFA ONE orbital launch

2026-02-16T07:19:49.282076-08:00

SpaceNews.com

The space nuclear power bottleneck — and how to fix it

2026-02-16T06:12:44.830314-08:00

SpaceNews.com

Zenk Space completes first-stage static fire of Zhihang-1 ahead of planned launch

2026-02-16T04:04:33.424059-08:00

News Timeline

Space.com

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SpaceX lofts 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral in pre-dawn Falcon 9 launch A Falcon 9 lifted off from Cape Canaveral Feb. 16 at 2:59 a.m. EST, deploying 29 Starlink satellites and returning its reusable first stage to the droneship. The flight, flown after a passing cold front, capped a short two‑launch run that began with a Feb. 14 Vandenberg Starlink mission.

2026-02-16T07:50:54.045309-08:00

SpaceX lofts 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral in pre-dawn Falcon 9 launch

European Spaceflight

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Rocket Factory Augsburg readies SaxaVord for inaugural RFA ONE orbital launch Rocket Factory Augsburg has begun commissioning its SaxaVord launch pad as it prepares for the inaugural orbital flight of its RFA ONE rocket, advancing the German small‑launcher toward its first UK launch campaign. Teams are completing ground checks and pad integration ahead of liftoff.

2026-02-16T07:19:49.282076-08:00

Rocket Factory Augsburg readies SaxaVord for inaugural RFA ONE orbital launch

SpaceNews.com

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The space nuclear power bottleneck — and how to fix it This analysis identifies bottlenecks constraining spacecraft nuclear power — limited production of reactors and radioisotope sources, constrained test facilities, and regulatory hurdles — and proposes steps to expand manufacturing, testing and licensing. Accelerating these fixes is framed as essential to enable high‑power satellites, nuclear propulsion and future deep‑space missions.

2026-02-16T06:12:44.830314-08:00

The space nuclear power bottleneck — and how to fix it

SpaceNews.com

Zenk Space completes first-stage static fire of Zhihang-1 ahead of planned launch Low-profile Chinese launch startup Zenk Space has completed a first-stage static-fire test of its Zhihang-1 rocket, a key pre-launch milestone as the company prepares for a planned orbital mission. The test advances vehicle readiness and highlights rising activity among China’s emerging commercial launch firms.

2026-02-16T04:04:33.424059-08:00

Zenk Space completes first-stage static fire of Zhihang-1 ahead of planned launch

SpaceNews.com

Pentagon pauses portions of LEO constellation as acquisition reviews proceed The Pentagon has placed portions of its planned low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation on hold while acquisition reviews proceed, pausing contract awards and scheduled deployments. The hold delays program timelines and contractor selection as officials reassess procurement next steps.

2026-02-16T03:17:22.289906-08:00

Pentagon pauses portions of LEO constellation as acquisition reviews proceed

Bloomberg

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Artemis II crew to test Orion on first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years NASA will return astronauts to the lunar neighborhood for the first time in more than 50 years with Artemis II, a crewed lunar flyby that will validate the Orion spacecraft systems and operational procedures central to future Artemis lunar-return missions.

2026-02-15T19:59:39.920485-08:00

Artemis II crew to test Orion on first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years

Universe Today

Solar Oberth mission concept aims to intercept interstellar object 3I/ATLAS A team from the Initiative for Interstellar Studies (i4is) proposes using a Solar Oberth manoeuvre (SOM) to intercept 3I/ATLAS, the third confirmed interstellar object. The paper maps trajectories and propulsion requirements for a fast flyby that could directly sample the object's composition and constrain its origin.

2026-02-15T16:52:30.152879-08:00

Solar Oberth mission concept aims to intercept interstellar object 3I/ATLAS

SpaceNews.com

NASA administrator Jared Isaacman seeks meeting with Roscosmos chief, may attend upcoming Soyuz launch NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said he wants to meet with his Roscosmos counterpart and is considering attending an upcoming Soyuz launch, signalling a willingness for direct engagement with Russia's crewed-launch operations. He made the remarks while outlining early priorities for his NASA tenure.

2026-02-15T16:12:32.247694-08:00

NASA administrator Jared Isaacman seeks meeting with Roscosmos chief, may attend upcoming Soyuz launch

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Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation News

SpaceX lofts 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral in pre-dawn Falcon 9 launch

Rocket Factory Augsburg readies SaxaVord for inaugural RFA ONE orbital launch

The space nuclear power bottleneck — and how to fix it

Zenk Space completes first-stage static fire of Zhihang-1 ahead of planned launch

News Timeline