SpaceNews.com
• Jeff Foust
A privately operated spacecraft launched in July to raise the orbit of NASA’s deteriorating Swift astrophysics observatory has reentered Earth’s atmosphere, ending the rescue attempt less than three months later. Swift is expected to follow with its own reentry in the coming weeks, prompting lessons for NASA and industry.
Space Debris & Traffic Management
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A privately operated spacecraft launched in July to raise the orbit of NASA’s deteriorating Swift astrophysics observatory has reentered Earth’s atmosphere, ending the rescue attempt less than three months later. Swift is expected to follow with its own reentry in the coming weeks, prompting lessons for NASA and industry.
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Starfish Space has completed its first full-scale Otter spacecraft and assigned it to a customer mission, slated for launch on Transporter-18. The Seattle-area company says the vehicle will demonstrate close inspection and docking technologies, marking its transition from scaled technology demonstrations toward operational satellite servicing.
Commercial space-monitoring firms are concerned that SpaceX’s reported unique access to the Defense Department’s best classified space-tracking data could give the company an advantage in a competitive market. The arrangement, disclosed by sources to Breaking Defense, raises questions about access and competitive neutrality.
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A new report from Europe raises serious concerns about the risk of orbital collisions, warning that operators could eventually lose the ability to use certain orbits. The assessment underscores the importance of managing congestion and collision risks in increasingly contested orbital environments.
Northrop Grumman is targeting delivery of a space-domain awareness prototype satellite within 24 months, with high-quality imaging and more frequent characterization of geosynchronous-orbit objects. Separately, Terma will provide MDA Space with power and radio-frequency checkout equipment and central checkout systems for AURORA satellite production and testing.
The U.S. Space Force is soliciting commercial satellites capable of locating and inspecting objects in orbit on short notice while expanding commercial tracking of GPS jamming and other electronic interference. New optical satellites from South Korea’s Satrec Initiative and persistent legacy spacecraft underscore the demand for orbital awareness.
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U.S. Space Command has expanded its ability to track objects in orbit, but its commander says the data must be better connected to command networks and weapons. The gap highlights a continuing challenge as the military prepares for the possibility of conflict in space.
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European space leaders and international partners gathered in Paris to strengthen the continent’s position in a space market dominated by the United States. Discussions center on launch autonomy, independent satellite infrastructure, orbital sustainability and security—while the absence of SpaceX and Blue Origin underscores Europe’s dependence on American providers.
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