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Spaceflight Now • Will Robinson-Smith

ULA targets 18–22 launches in 2026 as Vulcan prepares USSF‑87 direct‑to‑GEO mission

United Launch Alliance said Feb. 10 it aims to fly 18–22 missions in 2026 as it prepares Vulcan Centaur VC4S to launch the USSF‑87 national‑security satellite directly to geosynchronous orbit on Feb. 12. ULA VP Gary Wentz set the target during a virtual roundtable.

2026-02-10T16:55:49.421135-08:00

CNBC

FCC clears Amazon for 4,500 more LEO broadband satellites, taking Kuiper to ~7,700

2026-02-10T15:35:56.178994-08:00

Via Satellite

Viasat and 5GAA demo two-way satellite voice call from a connected car for emergency use

2026-02-10T15:13:07.262903-08:00

SpaceNews.com

Satellite makers spot rising demand for 'mini-constellations'

2026-02-10T14:53:18.130158-08:00

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Spaceflight Now

ULA targets 18–22 launches in 2026 as Vulcan prepares USSF‑87 direct‑to‑GEO mission United Launch Alliance said Feb. 10 it aims to fly 18–22 missions in 2026 as it prepares Vulcan Centaur VC4S to launch the USSF‑87 national‑security satellite directly to geosynchronous orbit on Feb. 12. ULA VP Gary Wentz set the target during a virtual roundtable.

2026-02-10T16:55:49.421135-08:00

ULA targets 18–22 launches in 2026 as Vulcan prepares USSF‑87 direct‑to‑GEO mission

CNBC

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FCC clears Amazon for 4,500 more LEO broadband satellites, taking Kuiper to ~7,700 The FCC has authorized Amazon to deploy 4,500 additional low-Earth-orbit broadband satellites, increasing the company's planned Kuiper constellation to roughly 7,700 spacecraft. The decision clears a major U.S. regulatory hurdle for Amazon's large-scale LEO broadband ambitions and enables accelerated deployment.

2026-02-10T15:35:56.178994-08:00

FCC clears Amazon for 4,500 more LEO broadband satellites, taking Kuiper to ~7,700

Via Satellite

Viasat and 5GAA demo two-way satellite voice call from a connected car for emergency use Viasat and 5GAA demonstrated a bidirectional satellite voice call from a connected vehicle, validating satellite links for vehicle emergency communications. The trial showed two-way voice over satellite from an in-vehicle system, illustrating an alternative path to terrestrial networks for emergency voice connectivity.

2026-02-10T15:13:07.262903-08:00

Viasat and 5GAA demo two-way satellite voice call from a connected car for emergency use

Via Satellite

Sidus Space and Simera Sense sign MoU to pair hyperspectral sensors with onboard analytics for near‑real‑time Earth observation Sidus Space and Simera Sense signed a memorandum of understanding to develop next‑generation hyperspectral imagers integrated with onboard data processing and analytics for Earth‑observation satellites. The partnership targets near‑real‑time delivery of spectral intelligence by combining Simera's optical payloads with Sidus's satellite integration and operations.

2026-02-10T15:09:24.857805-08:00

Sidus Space and Simera Sense sign MoU to pair hyperspectral sensors with onboard analytics for near‑real‑time Earth observation

SpaceNews.com

Satellite makers spot rising demand for 'mini-constellations' Manufacturers of small satellites that lack opportunities to build very large constellations report rising customer interest in smaller, task‑specific 'mini‑constellations'. Suppliers are pursuing multiple, lower‑volume programmes as an alternative to megaconstellation contracts, creating a distinct market dynamic for spacecraft producers.

2026-02-10T14:53:18.130158-08:00

Satellite makers spot rising demand for 'mini-constellations'

SpaceNews.com

NRO adds HEO, SatVu and Sierra Nevada to commercial imaging program The National Reconnaissance Office has added HEO, SatVu and Sierra Nevada Corporation to its commercial imaging program, expanding its roster of commercial providers for satellite imagery and data services. The move broadens the NRO’s access to diverse commercial imaging capabilities for intelligence missions.

2026-02-10T14:38:39.184535-08:00

NRO adds HEO, SatVu and Sierra Nevada to commercial imaging program

SpaceNews.com

Laser-linked optical networks and low-cost data-relay constellations mature to relieve LEO comms bottlenecks Optical (laser) inter-satellite links and low-cost data-relay constellations are transitioning from concept to operational capability as firms such as Reuniwatt and Satlabs develop laser terminals and 'floating ground station' satellites to ease ground-station saturation and enable continuous, higher-capacity connectivity for proliferating LEO constellations.

2026-02-10T13:42:22.343135-08:00

Laser-linked optical networks and low-cost data-relay constellations mature to relieve LEO comms bottlenecks

SpaceNews.com

Australia Space Innovation Institute to translate space technologies for terrestrial use Australia's Space Innovation Institute will focus on translating space technologies into solutions for terrestrial challenges, creating a coordinated hub to accelerate technology maturation and industry adoption. The initiative aims to connect researchers, startups and end‑users to fast‑track practical applications of space capabilities across Australian sectors.

2026-02-10T13:07:20.749331-08:00

Australia Space Innovation Institute to translate space technologies for terrestrial use

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Satellite News

ULA targets 18–22 launches in 2026 as Vulcan prepares USSF‑87 direct‑to‑GEO mission

FCC clears Amazon for 4,500 more LEO broadband satellites, taking Kuiper to ~7,700

Viasat and 5GAA demo two-way satellite voice call from a connected car for emergency use

Satellite makers spot rising demand for 'mini-constellations'

News Timeline