SpaceNews.com
• Miguel A. Lopez-Medina
As spacecraft become software-defined and more autonomous, conventional protection tools can miss how cyberattacks, equipment failures and environmental hazards overlap in orbit. A defense approach that treats these risks together could better address threats that may present similar symptoms to operators.
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The Space Development Agency is evaluating sensor technologies for future satellites designed to detect and track targets throughout their flight. The exploration points to a continuing focus on expanding space-based missile warning and tracking capabilities, though the report provides no details on specific technologies or program timelines.
As spacecraft become software-defined and more autonomous, conventional protection tools can miss how cyberattacks, equipment failures and environmental hazards overlap in orbit. A defense approach that treats these risks together could better address threats that may present similar symptoms to operators.
Solstar Space says its Wi-Fi technology connected NASA’s R5-S10 CubeSat with Momentus’ Vigoride-7 orbital service vehicle during proximity operations, relaying data to NASA’s Johnson Space Center. The Oct. 20 announcement documents an in-orbit connectivity demonstration involving a spacecraft and an orbital servicing vehicle.
Craft Prospect says it has spent recent months in discussions across the UK, Europe, Japan and the United States on the future of secure communications as quantum technologies advance. The company’s account highlights growing international engagement around space-based quantum key distribution (QKD), but provides no specific project commitments or timelines.
Chinese startup Sinxbot has raised tens of millions of dollars from investors including Alibaba and China Mobile to develop robotic arms for on-orbit satellite refueling and deorbit services. The funding brings major Chinese technology and telecom investors into a venture targeting emerging in-space servicing capabilities.
A Russian satellite conducted a close approach to a privately operated U.S. Earth-observation spacecraft, prompting questions about the purpose of the maneuver. The available reporting describes the encounter as risky and controversial but provides no further details on the satellites, distance or stated intent.
Members of Congress are calling for an investigation into restrictions on Starshield’s capabilities for Ukraine, while the White House and SpaceX deny involvement in the decision. The dispute surfaces as Russia intensifies missile and drone attacks and Kyiv seeks satellite intelligence and Patriot missiles from the United States and its allies.
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The Italian geospatial intelligence company says the funding will support development of its agentic Earth observation and Physical AI capabilities, alongside international growth. The announcement signals continued investment in applying AI to Earth-observation data, though the company did not disclose further details in the available report.
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