Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation News

NASA Spaceflight

High activity

NASA’s Roman Space Telescope deploys solar array and communications systems after Falcon Heavy launch

NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope successfully launched Aug. 30 from Kennedy Space Center aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy. After reaching space, the observatory deployed its solar array and communications systems and powered on its Coronagraph Instrument, marking early progress in commissioning the mission.

Via Satellite

MaiaSpace signs first long-term Asian launch deal with SAR operator iQPS

French launch provider MaiaSpace has secured its first long-term Asian customer agreement with Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space (iQPS), which plans to use the company to launch a range of synthetic-aperture radar satellites. The deal gives MaiaSpace an anchor customer as it builds its commercial launch business.

Payload

Inversion Space wins NASA contract to study aerocapture for interplanetary travel

NASA awarded Inversion Space a contract to study aerocapture, a concept that uses a planetary atmosphere to slow an incoming spacecraft. The work could examine a new approach to interplanetary travel by reducing the need for conventional propulsion during spacecraft arrival.

Reuters

Europe advances sovereign AI and space capabilities with Mistral funding, Isar launch and major satellite deals

A €3 billion raise by Mistral, Isar Aerospace’s first orbital success, Eutelsat’s expanded LEO data-downlink partnership with Skynopy and Aerospacelab’s €2.4 billion IRIS² satellite contract underscore Europe’s push to control critical AI, launch, connectivity and secure-communications infrastructure.

CNBC

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Europe expands launch capacity and sovereign space ambitions as Amazon commits to 24 Ariane 6 launches

Amazon Leo has expanded its Arianespace partnership to 24 contracted Ariane 6 launches, while the European Launcher Challenge awards €544 million to three rocket developers. An ICEYE-Arianespace agreement and proposed Airbus-Leonardo-Thales satellite merger plans further underscore Europe’s push for independent space access and industrial scale.

European Spaceflight

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The Exploration Company books Ariane 6 launch for Nyx demonstration mission

The Exploration Company has reserved an Ariane 6 flight for the Nyx demonstration mission through the European Space Agency’s ALADDIN cargo program. The booking links the company’s in-space transportation vehicle to Europe’s institutional launch framework and adds a commercial cargo mission to Ariane 6’s manifest.

SpaceNews.com

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European space players line up ISS, GEO, LEO and VLEO missions through 2028

The Exploration Company won an ESA contract worth up to €760 million for a 2028 Nyx demonstration mission to the ISS, while Eutelsat advanced GEO life extension and IRIS² manufacturing plans. NewOrbit also secured a Q3 2028 launch slot for commercial payloads in very low Earth orbit.

NASA Spaceflight

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SpaceX moves Super Heavy Booster 22 and Ship 42 to Massey’s for Flight 15 testing

SpaceX has moved Super Heavy Booster 22 and Ship 42 to Massey’s for cryogenic proof testing ahead of their planned use on Starship Flight 15. The mission could launch roughly one month after Flight 14, assuming the earlier flight proceeds successfully.