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DefenseNews.com • Aaron Mehta

US Air Force certifies SpaceX for military space launches

The U.S. Air Force announced that SpaceX has been certified to conduct military space launches. The decision broadens the pool of government-approved launch providers, a move that comes as the Space Force is actively increasing demand for more capable rocket launches.

2026-04-27T04:04:32.918556-07:00

Space.com

SpaceX to relaunch Falcon Heavy on April 27 from LC-39A with Viasat-3.3 after 18-month hiatus

2026-04-26T09:20:22.706970-07:00

Via Satellite

GomSpace and Ukraine partners form JV to build sovereign satellites in-country

2026-04-24T15:10:55.733287-07:00

Space Intel Report

US, France, UK, Norway and Germany space commanders map “deeper allied cooperation” goals for the next two years

2026-04-24T13:05:33.482426-07:00

News Timeline

Bloomberg

HawkEye 360 targets up to $416M in US IPO to scale satellite RF geolocation and SIGINT HawkEye 360 is seeking to raise up to $416 million through an initial public offering, as it looks to fund continued scale-up of its satellite-based signals intelligence services for US government customers. The offering follows earlier IPO filings and reported 2025 operating progress.

2026-04-27T04:34:59.881313-07:00

HawkEye 360 targets up to $416M in US IPO to scale satellite RF geolocation and SIGINT

DefenseNews.com

US Air Force certifies SpaceX for military space launches The U.S. Air Force announced that SpaceX has been certified to conduct military space launches. The decision broadens the pool of government-approved launch providers, a move that comes as the Space Force is actively increasing demand for more capable rocket launches.

2026-04-27T04:04:32.918556-07:00

US Air Force certifies SpaceX for military space launches

Space.com

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SpaceX to relaunch Falcon Heavy on April 27 from LC-39A with Viasat-3.3 after 18-month hiatus SpaceX is targeting an April 27 launch of Falcon Heavy from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A, marking a return to flight after more than 18 months. The mission is scheduled to place Viasat-3.3 into geosynchronous transfer orbit, with both side boosters slated for landing at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

2026-04-26T09:20:22.706970-07:00

SpaceX to relaunch Falcon Heavy on April 27 from LC-39A with Viasat-3.3 after 18-month hiatus

European Spaceflight

Rheinmetall to establish satellite testing facility in Andøya, Norway Rheinmetall has signed a Letter of Intent to establish a new satellite testing facility in Andøya, Norway. The agreement aims to expand the company’s Nordic space and defense-industrial test footprint, aligning with broader efforts to scale satellite-related experimentation and validation work.

2026-04-25T04:34:27.650016-07:00

Rheinmetall to establish satellite testing facility in Andøya, Norway

DefenseNews.com

Air Force: “Disappointed” SpaceX not certified for military launches by end-2014, but confident it will meet USSF requirements The secretary of the U.S. Air Force said he is “disappointed” SpaceX was not certified for military space launch by the end of 2014, but remains confident the company can meet service-set requirements. The statement underscores how certification timing shapes Pentagon launch assurance and program risk.

2026-04-25T00:50:54.605642-07:00

Air Force: “Disappointed” SpaceX not certified for military launches by end-2014, but confident it will meet USSF requirements

Bloomberg

SpaceX tapped to help build software “operating system” for Trump’s Golden Dome SpaceX has been pulled into an industry group developing the software “operating system” underpinning President Donald Trump’s Golden Dome air-and-missile-defense initiative, according to people familiar with the matter. The reporting underscores how tightly Elon Musk’s space and satellite business is being linked to government defense needs.

2026-04-24T22:35:31.621249-07:00

SpaceX tapped to help build software “operating system” for Trump’s Golden Dome

SpaceNews.com

Space Force awards $3.2B contract set to 12 firms for Golden Dome space-based interceptor prototypes The U.S. Space Force selected 12 companies to develop space-based interceptor (SBI) prototypes under President Trump’s Golden Dome missile-defense initiative, awarding a total of $3.2 billion. The program targets an initial operational capability in 2028, even as the service frames boost-phase intercept affordability as a gating factor.

2026-04-24T16:24:07.924039-07:00

Space Force awards $3.2B contract set to 12 firms for Golden Dome space-based interceptor prototypes

Via Satellite

GomSpace and Ukraine partners form JV to build sovereign satellites in-country GomSpace says it will create a new joint venture in Ukraine aimed at developing sovereign communications capabilities. A separate agreement pairs the Danish company with Ukrainian firm Stetman to manufacture satellites in Ukraine, positioning the country as a full-cycle production hub for GomSpace and Stetman.

2026-04-24T15:10:55.733287-07:00

GomSpace and Ukraine partners form JV to build sovereign satellites in-country

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Space Defense & Militarization News

US Air Force certifies SpaceX for military space launches

SpaceX to relaunch Falcon Heavy on April 27 from LC-39A with Viasat-3.3 after 18-month hiatus

GomSpace and Ukraine partners form JV to build sovereign satellites in-country

US, France, UK, Norway and Germany space commanders map “deeper allied cooperation” goals for the next two years

News Timeline