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SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Space Force FY27 request ramps Space Data Network ambitions and PNT/SATCOM funding

The Pentagon’s fiscal 2027 request includes billions for the Space Data Network (SDN), positioning a sprawling network of military and commercial data relay satellites as core space-enabled sensing and communications infrastructure. Officials also seek significant increases across SATCOM, missile tracking, and position, navigation and timing (PNT) RDT&E and procurement.

2026-04-28T13:23:42.142183-07:00

Via Satellite

MaiaSpace pushes launch momentum with Eutelsat OneWeb multi-launch contract; CEO frames first mission path as “start later, run

2026-04-28T13:39:06.853427-07:00

Via Satellite

MaiaSpace CEO: “Start later, run faster” as European small-launcher targets first mission

2026-04-28T13:23:35.894238-07:00

NASA Spaceflight

SpaceX scrubs Falcon Heavy ViaSat-3 F3 launch; Falcon Heavy returns target set for April 29

2026-04-27T13:34:36.097316-07:00

News Timeline

Via Satellite

MaiaSpace pushes launch momentum with Eutelsat OneWeb multi-launch contract; CEO frames first mission path as “start later, run MaiaSpace CEO says the company is pursuing a “start later, run faster” approach as its small launcher works toward its first mission. The strategy arrives after MaiaSpace secured a multi-launch contract with Eutelsat OneWeb earlier this year, bolstering confidence in European launch delivery timelines.

2026-04-28T13:39:06.853427-07:00

MaiaSpace pushes launch momentum with Eutelsat OneWeb multi-launch contract; CEO frames first mission path as “start later, run

SpaceNews.com

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Space Force FY27 request ramps Space Data Network ambitions and PNT/SATCOM funding The Pentagon’s fiscal 2027 request includes billions for the Space Data Network (SDN), positioning a sprawling network of military and commercial data relay satellites as core space-enabled sensing and communications infrastructure. Officials also seek significant increases across SATCOM, missile tracking, and position, navigation and timing (PNT) RDT&E and procurement.

2026-04-28T13:23:42.142183-07:00

Space Force FY27 request ramps Space Data Network ambitions and PNT/SATCOM funding

Via Satellite

MaiaSpace CEO: “Start later, run faster” as European small-launcher targets first mission MaiaSpace’s CEO says the company will pursue a “start later, run faster” approach as its small orbital launcher works toward its first mission. The strategy builds on early momentum, including a multi-launch contract win with Eutelsat OneWeb earlier this year.

2026-04-28T13:23:35.894238-07:00

MaiaSpace CEO: “Start later, run faster” as European small-launcher targets first mission

NASA Spaceflight

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SpaceX scrubs Falcon Heavy ViaSat-3 F3 launch; Falcon Heavy returns target set for April 29 SpaceX postponed its Falcon Heavy launch of the ViaSat-3 F3 satellite to an updated target date after unfavorable weather forced a last-minute scrub at Kennedy Space Center’s LC-39A. The rescheduled attempt is expected to follow shortly as Falcon Heavy returns after a hiatus since October 2024.

2026-04-27T13:34:36.097316-07:00

SpaceX scrubs Falcon Heavy ViaSat-3 F3 launch; Falcon Heavy returns target set for April 29

Space.com

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ULA Atlas V launches 29 Amazon Leo (Leo 6) satellites on Cape Canaveral mission United Launch Alliance deployed 29 Amazon Leo satellites on its Atlas V mission (Leo 6), marking the constellation’s sixth launch for Amazon via ULA. Liftoff occurred from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral, reinforcing Amazon Leo’s push to build in-orbit capacity for broadband service.

2026-04-27T08:04:50.804813-07:00

ULA Atlas V launches 29 Amazon Leo (Leo 6) satellites on Cape Canaveral mission

AeroTime

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Dassault selects Arkadia Space to supply “RCS” propulsion for reusable VORTEX-D spaceplane demonstrator Dassault Aviation has chosen Spain’s Arkadia Space to provide the VORTEX-D demonstrator’s propulsion system. The selected RCS architecture is based on Arkadia’s ARIEL 250 N thrusters, using hydrogen peroxide as a “green” propellant aimed at improving safety and efficiency for orbital missions.

2026-04-27T07:20:32.597847-07:00

Dassault selects Arkadia Space to supply “RCS” propulsion for reusable VORTEX-D spaceplane demonstrator

SpaceNews.com

FAA set to collect first user fees for commercial launches and reentries under its U.S. licensing framework The FAA is preparing to begin collecting user fees for commercial space launches and reentries for the first time, a shift that could generate millions of dollars annually. The move follows the FAA’s transition to 14 CFR Part 450, consolidating launch and reentry licensing into a single framework.

2026-04-27T05:09:31.875937-07:00

FAA set to collect first user fees for commercial launches and reentries under its U.S. licensing framework

DefenseNews.com

US Air Force certifies SpaceX for military space launches The U.S. Air Force announced that SpaceX has been certified to conduct military space launches. The decision broadens the pool of government-approved launch providers, a move that comes as the Space Force is actively increasing demand for more capable rocket launches.

2026-04-27T04:04:32.918556-07:00

US Air Force certifies SpaceX for military space launches

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Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation News

Space Force FY27 request ramps Space Data Network ambitions and PNT/SATCOM funding

MaiaSpace pushes launch momentum with Eutelsat OneWeb multi-launch contract; CEO frames first mission path as “start later, run

MaiaSpace CEO: “Start later, run faster” as European small-launcher targets first mission

SpaceX scrubs Falcon Heavy ViaSat-3 F3 launch; Falcon Heavy returns target set for April 29

News Timeline