LEO News

CNBC

Space-based data centers open a complex new market for insurers

The push to build data centers is extending into lower Earth orbit, creating a potential new market for insurers. Orbital facilities would introduce unfamiliar exposure across launch, spacecraft operations, infrastructure resilience and the increasingly complex risk environment of commercial space.

PaxEx.Aero

High activity

Bluebox and SkyFive target airline connectivity revenue as Blue Origin builds global Quartz ground-station network

Bluebox and SkyFive are partnering to help airlines convert air-to-ground connectivity into stronger ancillary revenue and passenger-experience offerings. Separately, Blue Origin has selected RBC Signals to support its Quartz global ground-station network, which is expected to include nine sites by year-end for missions in low Earth orbit and beyond.

Payload

Space Force awards up to $60 million to five companies to test interoperable satellite network

The U.S. Space Force is funding five companies to demonstrate interoperability across commercial satellite systems for its open-architecture Space Data Network, whose proliferated low-Earth-orbit backbone is being supplied by SpaceX. Separately, Impulse Space received a $28 million SBIR Phase III extension supporting two VICTUS SALO missions.

SpaceNews.com

U.S. Space Command prioritizes offensive capabilities and LEO countermeasures for 2029–33

U.S. Space Command has identified offensive space capabilities and systems to counter proliferated low Earth orbit constellations as its two highest-priority capability needs for fiscal years 2029 through 2033. The ranking highlights perceived gaps in preparing for future conflict in space, according to Gen. Stephen Whiting.

Space Intel Report

AST SpaceMobile targets 45-satellite constellation by early 2026, with U.S. beta D2D service this year

AST SpaceMobile says it expects to expand its low Earth orbit constellation from 13 to 45 satellites by early next year, supporting beta direct-to-device service in the U.S. this year with roughly half-day coverage. Continuous service is targeted for 2027, with 10 missions booked across two launch providers.

Space.com

SpaceX continues Starlink launch cadence while preparing first Starlink V3 deployment on Starship

SpaceX is maintaining a high-tempo Starlink campaign, including Falcon 9 missions carrying 24 and 29 satellites to low Earth orbit, despite a scrub and rescheduled launch. The company is also targeting Starship’s 14th test flight for late August, with a planned first operational deployment of Starlink V3 satellites.

SpaceWatch Global

Eutelsat reports OneWeb growth as Europe strengthens Iris² satellite ambitions

Eutelsat said OneWeb revenue increased 69.5% in the year ended June 30, contrasting with a 6.6% decline in GEO broadband connectivity revenue. The company outlined operations for its first-generation LEO constellation through 2034 and $5.07 billion in planned capital expenditure as Europe advances Iris².

NASA Spaceflight

High activity

Long March 7A fails shortly after liftoff during communications-satellite launch

China’s Long March 7A failed less than 90 seconds after liftoff during an attempted communications-satellite launch, with amateur footage showing an apparent explosion. State media said the payload was lost and the cause was under investigation, marking the rocket family’s second failure this year.