Space Defense & Militarization News

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SpaceX to launch satellite-servicing mission to Earth orbit using a robotic repair drone with robot arms (live webcast July 21) SpaceX is set to launch a satellite-servicing mission to Earth orbit on July 21, deploying a robotic “repair drone” designed to handle on-orbit maintenance using robot arms. The launch is being streamed live, signaling another step toward practical in-orbit servicing capabilities.

2026-07-21T06:07:56.658929-07:00

SpaceX to launch satellite-servicing mission to Earth orbit using a robotic repair drone with robot arms (live webcast July 21)

SpaceNews.com

1 source

KBR reshapes defense technology unit to pursue Golden Dome missile-defense work KBR said July 21 it is restructuring to better compete for work under the Trump administration’s “Golden Dome” multilayer defense concept. The company is aligning its digital engineering, space surveillance, and missile-defense businesses to target contracts aimed at countering missile and aerial threats.

2026-07-21T03:25:31.360154-07:00

KBR reshapes defense technology unit to pursue Golden Dome missile-defense work

SpaceWatch Global

1 source

ESA 2026 Space Economy Report: 53% of government space spending tied to defence as Europe weighs “shareholder vs customer” polic An #SpaceWatchGL Opinion piece cites ESA’s 2026 Space Economy Report, estimating that 53% of government space spending goes to defence. Torsten Kriening argues Europe must decide whether it prioritizes a “shareholder” approach or a “customer” approach to shape future European space capability and demand.

2026-07-21T01:08:50.456627-07:00

ESA 2026 Space Economy Report: 53% of government space spending tied to defence as Europe weighs “shareholder vs customer” polic

Space.com

7 sources

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SpaceX readies Starship Flight 13 after July 16 last-second abort; Falcon 9 and Starlink launches plus Northrop mission on deck SpaceX is targeting another attempt for Starship Flight 13 from Starbase, Texas, after four Raptor engines failed to ignite at T-0 on July 16. The company is also planning multiple launches around Starlink from California and a rare expendable Falcon 9 from Florida, alongside other missions this period.

2026-07-20T09:22:15.943442-07:00

SpaceX readies Starship Flight 13 after July 16 last-second abort; Falcon 9 and Starlink launches plus Northrop mission on deck

SpaceWatch Global

1 source

Netherlands launches dedicated Space Command under its Air and Space Force, targeting full operational capability by 2028 The Netherlands launched a dedicated Space Command on 30 June under its Air and Space Force. The new organization aims to reach full operational capability by 2028, consolidating space-related military efforts within the service structure.

2026-07-20T01:10:01.131069-07:00

Netherlands launches dedicated Space Command under its Air and Space Force, targeting full operational capability by 2028

Runway Girl

1 source

Sovereign satcom demand drives opportunities for GEO-capable hardware suppliers Growing demand for sovereign satellite communications is creating new purchase and integration opportunities for GEO-capable hardware, with particular relevance for aero antenna makers. The shift points to increased procurement focus on end-to-end communications capability rather than legacy, non-sovereign dependencies.

2026-07-19T12:50:49.063073-07:00

Sovereign satcom demand drives opportunities for GEO-capable hardware suppliers

SpaceNews.com

3 sources

SDA backs ‘Golden Dome’ missile-warning/tracking with $1.75B in new space-vehicle agreements; Pentagon funds $7.1M boost to US-m The U.S. Space Development Agency awarded two agreements totaling $1.75 billion for additional space vehicles supporting missile warning, missile tracking and missile defense. Separately, the Pentagon awarded $7.1 million to Martin Materials Solutions to expand U.S. manufacturing of space-qualified cover glass used to protect satellite solar-cell power systems.

2026-07-18T10:04:15.510008-07:00

SDA backs ‘Golden Dome’ missile-warning/tracking with $1.75B in new space-vehicle agreements; Pentagon funds $7.1M boost to US-m

SpaceNews.com

None source

Pentagon awards $7.1 million to expand U.S. production of cover glass for satellites

2026-07-18T10:04:15.510008-07:00

Pentagon awards $7.1 million t

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Space Defense & Militarization News

SpaceX to launch satellite-servicing mission to Earth orbit using a robotic repair drone with robot arms (live webcast July 21)

ESA 2026 Space Economy Report: 53% of government space spending tied to defence as Europe weighs “shareholder vs customer” polic

KBR reshapes defense technology unit to pursue Golden Dome missile-defense work

SpaceX readies Starship Flight 13 after July 16 last-second abort; Falcon 9 and Starlink launches plus Northrop mission on deck

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