Ars Technica
• Eric Berger
A space company is building its future around water as spacecraft propellant, arguing that it is broadly available. The approach puts a familiar substance at the center of its propulsion strategy, though the article summary provides no details on the company, its system or planned missions.
Satellite
Latest source-backed stories
Belgium’s Simera Sense and Czech company Spacemanic are teaming to deliver a complete dual-use satellite solution intended to compete with larger, heavier spacecraft. The announcement signals a partnership spanning optical technology and satellite development, though the available report provides no details on mission customers, payload performance or delivery timelines.
High activity
A space company is building its future around water as spacecraft propellant, arguing that it is broadly available. The approach puts a familiar substance at the center of its propulsion strategy, though the article summary provides no details on the company, its system or planned missions.
Creditors to Optimum, Altice and Telesat are challenging the transfer of assets tied to a low-Earth-orbit satellite network, alleging the moves were illegal. The dispute puts the ownership and control of satellite-network assets at issue, though the available report does not detail the transactions or the creditors’ requested remedies.
High activity
Hundreds of satellites reach end of life each year, and while most are deorbited, some fail abruptly. Airbus’ DETUMBLER is a passive spin-stabilization solution aimed at the tumbling-satellite problem, which adds to the challenge of managing objects left in orbit.
U.S. geospatial imaging satellite builders and operators say international customers increasingly weigh “sovereignty” alongside cost and latency when choosing services. Planet, Vantor and BlackSky are tailoring offerings for governments, though what sovereignty means can vary from one customer to another.
Rocket Lab’s Electron successfully placed a radar-imaging satellite for Japanese company iQPS into orbit, marking another mission for the small-launch vehicle as it approaches its 100th flight. The launch underscores Electron’s continuing role in serving commercial satellite customers and Japan’s Earth-observation market.
From orbital missile interceptors to satellites designed to track enemy aircraft, military space ambitions are moving toward a critical demonstration point. The 2028 imperative is to turn concepts into working systems, testing whether proposed capabilities can deliver operational value rather than remain plans on paper.
Create a free account to see more recent Satellite stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
