News

Space.com • Andrew Jones

China previews Xuntian 2‑meter space telescope with mock observations ahead of 2027 launch

China has published mock observations demonstrating the performance of Xuntian, a 2‑meter‑class space telescope designed to operate near its space station, as the program advances toward a planned 2027 launch. The tests aim to validate imaging capability and science readiness ahead of final integration.

2026-01-19T08:05:33.624949-08:00

Space.com

Massive CME to strike within 24 hours — auroras possible across 24 US states

2026-01-19T07:27:30.138704-08:00

Space.com

X‑class solar flare sends fast CME toward Earth; aurora surge likely within 24 hours

2026-01-19T03:07:40.503752-08:00

SpaceNews.com

Atomic-oxygen-resistant material could extend VLEO satellite lifetimes

2026-01-16T07:26:05.330871-08:00

News Timeline

Space.com

China previews Xuntian 2‑meter space telescope with mock observations ahead of 2027 launch China has published mock observations demonstrating the performance of Xuntian, a 2‑meter‑class space telescope designed to operate near its space station, as the program advances toward a planned 2027 launch. The tests aim to validate imaging capability and science readiness ahead of final integration.

2026-01-19T08:05:33.624949-08:00

China previews Xuntian 2‑meter space telescope with mock observations ahead of 2027 launch

Space.com

Massive CME to strike within 24 hours — auroras possible across 24 US states A massive coronal mass ejection is forecast to impact Earth within 24 hours, with auroras expected across as many as 24 U.S. states from Alaska to Colorado tonight. Space‑weather forecasters are tracking the incoming CME as it approaches the magnetosphere.

2026-01-19T07:27:30.138704-08:00

Massive CME to strike within 24 hours — auroras possible across 24 US states

Space.com

X‑class solar flare sends fast CME toward Earth; aurora surge likely within 24 hours An X‑class solar flare has launched a large coronal mass ejection toward Earth, with forecasters estimating possible impact within 24 hours. Space‑weather models predict enhanced auroral activity tonight (Jan. 19), raising odds of vivid northern‑lights displays at high and mid‑latitude locations.

2026-01-19T03:07:40.503752-08:00

X‑class solar flare sends fast CME toward Earth; aurora surge likely within 24 hours

SpaceNews.com

Atomic-oxygen-resistant material could extend VLEO satellite lifetimes Researchers have developed an atomic-oxygen‑resistant material that significantly reduces surface erosion in very-low Earth orbit (VLEO). The coating could extend operational lifetimes for satellites operating in VLEO, enabling more persistent low-altitude missions and reducing AO-driven degradation.

2026-01-16T07:26:05.330871-08:00

Atomic-oxygen-resistant material could extend VLEO satellite lifetimes

Ars Technica

Senate staffer urges NASA to accelerate commercial station development to avoid gap in crewed LEO presence A Senate staffer urged NASA to speed development of commercial space stations to guarantee continuous human presence in low Earth orbit and avoid a gap in crewed operations, saying private habitats must be ready to take over as the current orbital laboratory transitions.

2026-01-15T07:19:03.087955-08:00

Senate staffer urges NASA to accelerate commercial station development to avoid gap in crewed LEO presence

SpaceNews.com

TrustPoint demonstrates non‑GPS navigation for LEO satellites TrustPoint demonstrated a non‑GPS navigation system for low‑Earth‑orbit satellites, validating onboard positioning that does not rely on GNSS signals. The test shows an alternative PNT capability for LEO spacecraft operating where GPS is degraded, denied, or spoofed, enabling greater autonomy and resilience for constellations.

2026-01-15T06:32:08.798823-08:00

TrustPoint demonstrates non‑GPS navigation for LEO satellites

European Spaceflight

ESA expands Phase 2 of LEO Cargo Return Services to include demonstrations to commercial space stations The European Space Agency has broadened Phase 2 of its LEO Cargo Return Services initiative to include demonstration missions to future commercial space stations. The change steers agency funding and technical support toward validating cargo-return systems, logistical interfaces and commercial cooperation with nascent private LEO platforms.

2026-01-13T04:19:22.107318-08:00

ESA expands Phase 2 of LEO Cargo Return Services to include demonstrations to commercial space stations

Space.com

❗️

Space Forge activates first commercial semiconductor factory in orbit Space Forge has activated the first commercial semiconductor factory in low Earth orbit, conducting chip-grade materials manufacturing previously limited to experiments aboard the International Space Station. The milestone signals a shift toward commercial on-orbit manufacturing platforms for high-value semiconductor production.

2026-01-11T07:12:00.263558-08:00

Space Forge activates first commercial semiconductor factory in orbit

Menu

LEO News

China previews Xuntian 2‑meter space telescope with mock observations ahead of 2027 launch

Massive CME to strike within 24 hours — auroras possible across 24 US states

X‑class solar flare sends fast CME toward Earth; aurora surge likely within 24 hours

Atomic-oxygen-resistant material could extend VLEO satellite lifetimes

News Timeline