Axios
• Alex Fitzpatrick
NASA has abandoned an effort to save a failing space telescope, leaving the spacecraft destined to reenter and burn up in Earth’s atmosphere. The decision marks the end of recovery efforts for a space-based observatory, though the available reporting does not identify the telescope or explain the failure.
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NASA has abandoned an effort to save a failing space telescope, leaving the spacecraft destined to reenter and burn up in Earth’s atmosphere. The decision marks the end of recovery efforts for a space-based observatory, though the available reporting does not identify the telescope or explain the failure.
NASA and Katalyst Space have called off plans to use Katalyst’s Link spacecraft to raise the orbit of NASA’s Swift gamma-ray observatory. The decision ends a proposed commercial intervention intended to extend or support the mission’s orbital operations, though no alternative plan is identified.
As wildfires spread across Europe during another hot summer, satellites are providing earlier fire detection and detailed imagery of affected areas. The data can help authorities identify outbreaks sooner, assess damage more quickly and coordinate responses across large or difficult-to-access regions.
Moog is expanding its METEORITE ESPA-class satellite bus with a high-delta-v configuration designed to provide greater mission flexibility, enhanced maneuverability and higher thrust. The new configuration is intended for targeted missions requiring more substantial orbital maneuvering capability from a compact satellite platform.
Europe is emerging as a laggard in the global effort to move data centers into orbit, trailing the United States and China. The competitive gap highlights a developing strategic contest over space-based computing infrastructure and the technologies needed to support it.
America’s space economy is growing faster than the industrial base needed to support it, making supply chain resilience the industry’s next major challenge. The mismatch places manufacturing capacity, supplier depth and production scalability at the center of continued expansion across the sector.
Intuitive Machines’ $853.3 million acquisition of Maxar Space Systems remains unproven, but a three-satellite order and potential orbital data-center applications strengthen the strategic rationale. The transaction gives Intuitive Machines exposure to large-satellite manufacturing while adding possible growth beyond its existing space businesses.
Vantor has appointed Will Cocos to oversee its U.S. government business, including work with defense, intelligence and civilian agencies. The leadership change comes as the Earth intelligence company manages its engagement with federal customers across national security and civil government markets.
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