Space.com
• Mike Wall
SpaceX is scheduled to launch 130 payloads into orbit on Oct. 1 aboard the Transporter-18 rideshare mission, including a prototype Google artificial-intelligence satellite. The mission underscores the continuing expansion of shared launch services for deploying diverse commercial and technology-demonstration spacecraft.
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SpaceX is scheduled to launch 130 payloads into orbit on Oct. 1 aboard the Transporter-18 rideshare mission, including a prototype Google artificial-intelligence satellite. The mission underscores the continuing expansion of shared launch services for deploying diverse commercial and technology-demonstration spacecraft.
Nokia and Finnish satellite operator ICEYE will jointly develop secure, broadband low-Earth-orbit communications systems that governments and defense contractors can own and operate. The systems are intended for military, border-security, emergency-services and disaster-response missions, with the first satellites expected to launch in 2028.
High activity
Rocket Lab reported record revenue and backlog, guided to another record quarter and completed its 97th Electron mission as it secured a 20-launch Synspective contract. Shareholders also approved the company’s acquisition of Iridium, underscoring its expanding role across launch services and space systems.
Ukraine is asking Washington to sanction several Russian entities it says are helping develop Rassvet, a domestic satellite network intended as an alternative to SpaceX’s Starlink. The appeal underscores the network’s strategic significance and Kyiv’s effort to constrain Russia’s access to space-based communications capabilities.
The FCC advanced its deregulation agenda with two decisions: exempting certain space activities from federal environmental regulations and making 1,000 megahertz of spectrum available. The actions could reduce regulatory requirements for affected space activities while expanding access to communications capacity.
High activity
SpaceX’s Starship Flight 14 completed its mission despite engine losses on both stages: Booster 21 flew its full profile, while Ship 41 reached orbit, deployed 26 Starlink V3 satellites and safely returned to the Pacific Ocean north of Hawaii. Preparations for Flight 15 are now underway.
British Airways has restarted its rollout of free, ultra-fast Starlink in-flight Wi‑Fi after a nearly four-month pause during the peak summer travel period. Airbus A350s are now among the aircraft being equipped first, providing an updated view of the airline’s installation priorities.
High activity
The U.S. Space Force selected five companies in August to help develop a next-generation Space Data Network designed to connect commercial satellite systems through standardized interfaces. The architecture aims to improve interoperability while reducing the government’s dependence on any single commercial provider.
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