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Endeavor Optical Networks emerges from stealth with plans for an optical MEO data-transfer network

Startup Endeavor Optical Networks has emerged from stealth with plans to build an optical satellite network in medium Earth orbit for space-based data transfer. The company’s announcement adds a new entrant to the developing market for high-capacity intersatellite and space-based communications infrastructure.

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SpaceNews.com

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Rubicon advances ASCENT thruster production as Kreios selects NanoAvionics for 2028 VLEO propulsion demonstration

Rubicon Space Systems completed hot-fire testing of its 5-newton ASCENT monopropellant thruster, targeting on-orbit operations in 2027. Separately, Kreios Space contracted Kongsberg NanoAvionics for a microsatellite platform to demonstrate air-breathing electric propulsion across very low Earth orbit in 2028.

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Bloomberg

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SpaceX faces first earnings test as insider lockups expire and short interest reaches $23.6 billion

SpaceX heads into its first post-IPO earnings report as employee and insider lockups expire, creating a fresh test for its private-market valuation. Short interest has reached an estimated $23.6 billion, exceeding Tesla’s, while investor enthusiasm around Elon Musk’s companies faces renewed scrutiny.

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Space launches and defense-backed space services: NRO’s NROL-95 set for a Falcon 9 liftoff from Cape Canaveral; Rocket Lab wins

SpaceX plans to launch the National Reconnaissance Office’s NROL-95 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Rocket Lab also secured up to $266 million from the U.S. Space Force for as many as 18 suborbital missile-defense launches from Alaska.

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Amazon files with the FCC to launch a direct-to-device LEO constellation of more than 5,000 satellites

Amazon has filed a request with the Federal Communications Commission to operate a direct-to-device network in low Earth orbit, targeting a constellation sized at more than 5,000 satellites. The filing signals Amazon’s entry into the direct-to-device satellite communications race and escalates competitive pressure in LEO broadband.

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Space Force awards Rocket Lab a record $266M multi-launch contract for up to 18 suborbital missile-defense missions from Alaska

The U.S. Space Force has awarded Rocket Lab a $266 million multi-launch contract for suborbital missile-defense testing under its Rocket Systems Launch Program. The deal covers 12 missions over three years, with an option for up to six additional launches, starting no earlier than late 2026 from a new launch pad at Kodiak, Alaska.

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SpaceWatch Global

High activity

ESA awards ispace-EUROPE execution contract for MAGPIE lunar polar ice exploration mission phase

ESA has awarded ispace-EUROPE an execution contract for the second phase of the MAGPIE (Mission for Advanced Geophysics and Polar Ice Exploration) program. The agreement advances ESA’s lunar polar ice exploration efforts through the next development and delivery step under the broader MAGPIE contract structure.

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