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SpaceNews.com • Andrew Jones

China suffers dual launch failures as Long March 3B loses classified Shijian and Ceres‑2 maiden flight fails

China experienced two launch failures Friday: a Long March 3B lost a classified Shijian satellite, and the debut Ceres‑2 rocket failed on its maiden flight, with both missions failing to place their payloads into orbit. The twin setbacks affect both an established launcher and a new vehicle.

2026-01-17T02:45:55.426807-08:00

Via Satellite

Convergence Comes of Age: 2026 Turns Direct-to-Device Satellites and 3GPP NTNs into Commercial Reality

2026-01-16T12:11:31.570302-08:00

Via Satellite

Bipartisan Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act introduced to speed satellite licensing

2026-01-16T12:11:30.808132-08:00

Spaceflight Now

SpaceX to launch NROL‑105 Falcon 9 from Vandenberg carrying NRO reconnaissance satellites

2026-01-16T09:07:06.409528-08:00

News Timeline

SpaceNews.com

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China suffers dual launch failures as Long March 3B loses classified Shijian and Ceres‑2 maiden flight fails China experienced two launch failures Friday: a Long March 3B lost a classified Shijian satellite, and the debut Ceres‑2 rocket failed on its maiden flight, with both missions failing to place their payloads into orbit. The twin setbacks affect both an established launcher and a new vehicle.

2026-01-17T02:45:55.426807-08:00

China suffers dual launch failures as Long March 3B loses classified Shijian and Ceres‑2 maiden flight fails

Via Satellite

Convergence Comes of Age: 2026 Turns Direct-to-Device Satellites and 3GPP NTNs into Commercial Reality With the first commercial direct-to-device constellations scaling into service and 3GPP non‑terrestrial network standards reaching maturity, 2026 marks the year connectivity between satellites and cellular networks begins to blur. Operators and telcos will increasingly deploy integrated NTN-D2D solutions that make terrestrial versus space links functionally indistinguishable.

2026-01-16T12:11:31.570302-08:00

Convergence Comes of Age: 2026 Turns Direct-to-Device Satellites and 3GPP NTNs into Commercial Reality

Via Satellite

Bipartisan Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act introduced to speed satellite licensing Senators Ted Cruz and Peter Welch introduced the bipartisan Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act to shorten federal satellite licensing timelines and deliver greater regulatory predictability. The Satellite Industry Association has endorsed the bill, saying it will strengthen the commercial satellite sector and accelerate approvals for space and ground infrastructure.

2026-01-16T12:11:30.808132-08:00

Bipartisan Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act introduced to speed satellite licensing

Spaceflight Now

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SpaceX to launch NROL‑105 Falcon 9 from Vandenberg carrying NRO reconnaissance satellites SpaceX will launch a Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base late Friday on the NROL‑105 mission, carrying an undisclosed number of National Reconnaissance Office intelligence satellites to low Earth orbit. Liftoff is targeted for late‑night local time; further details are being withheld by the NRO.

2026-01-16T09:07:06.409528-08:00

SpaceX to launch NROL‑105 Falcon 9 from Vandenberg carrying NRO reconnaissance satellites

Space Intel Report

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SpainSat NG_2 Likely Total Loss; Indra/Hisdesat Readies Replacement Tender (Insured $400M) SpainSat NG_2, a large military telecommunications satellite launched in October, now appears to be a total loss following its deployment attempts. The craft is insured for about $400 million, and operator Indra/Hisdesat is preparing a replacement tender to restore the capability.

2026-01-16T08:26:02.399342-08:00

SpainSat NG_2 Likely Total Loss; Indra/Hisdesat Readies Replacement Tender (Insured $400M)

SpaceNews.com

Atomic-oxygen-resistant material could extend VLEO satellite lifetimes Researchers have developed an atomic-oxygen‑resistant material that significantly reduces surface erosion in very-low Earth orbit (VLEO). The coating could extend operational lifetimes for satellites operating in VLEO, enabling more persistent low-altitude missions and reducing AO-driven degradation.

2026-01-16T07:26:05.330871-08:00

Atomic-oxygen-resistant material could extend VLEO satellite lifetimes

SpaceNews.com

ESA launches Zero Debris Charter, kicking off a countdown to clean orbits ESA has launched a Zero Debris Charter, initiating a coordinated effort to clean low Earth orbit and reduce collision risk. The charter establishes a timeline and commitments for member states, industry and international partners to accelerate debris mitigation and removal activities.

2026-01-16T06:11:52.712571-08:00

ESA launches Zero Debris Charter, kicking off a countdown to clean orbits

Reuters

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Iran partially jams Starlink, testing resilience of Musk's satellite network Iran's crackdown on dissidents is subjecting SpaceX's Starlink to a severe operational test as state forces deploy jammers and GPS spoofing to degrade connections. Smuggled terminals—numbering in the thousands—have kept networks alive during blackout periods, triggering a high‑stakes contest over civilian communications.

2026-01-16T03:09:43.562225-08:00

Iran partially jams Starlink, testing resilience of Musk's satellite network

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Satellite News

China suffers dual launch failures as Long March 3B loses classified Shijian and Ceres‑2 maiden flight fails

Convergence Comes of Age: 2026 Turns Direct-to-Device Satellites and 3GPP NTNs into Commercial Reality

Bipartisan Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act introduced to speed satellite licensing

SpaceX to launch NROL‑105 Falcon 9 from Vandenberg carrying NRO reconnaissance satellites

News Timeline