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SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Space Force FY27 budget request calls for billions to build the Space Data Network (SDN) and expand SATCOM, PNT and missile-trac

The Pentagon’s FY 2027 request for the Space Force includes “billions” for the Space Data Network (SDN), aimed at creating a network of military and commercial data relay satellites. The same budget package underscores a shift toward space-based tracking of moving targets from orbit alongside boosted SATCOM, missile tracking and PNT RDT&E/procurement.

2026-04-28T13:23:42.142183-07:00

Via Satellite

HTX and ST Engineering sign five-year MoU for space-based public-safety capabilities

2026-04-28T13:57:12.271471-07:00

The Space Review

The push for cislunar security: absent monitoring and defense concepts amid a growing “fortress moon” race

2026-04-28T02:24:39.318673-07:00

SpaceNews.com

Artemis II returns from lunar flyby; NASA pivots to the real test for Artemis III/IV—lunar landing execution amid US–China race

2026-04-27T06:20:22.151608-07:00

News Timeline

Via Satellite

HTX and ST Engineering sign five-year MoU for space-based public-safety capabilities Singapore’s Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) and ST Engineering have signed a five-year memorandum of understanding to create a dedicated space technology programme for public safety. ST Engineering will draw on Earth observation, geospatial services and digital technologies to develop space-based monitoring and early-warning capabilities, including offshore hazardous gas plume detection.

2026-04-28T13:57:12.271471-07:00

HTX and ST Engineering sign five-year MoU for space-based public-safety capabilities

SpaceNews.com

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Space Force FY27 budget request calls for billions to build the Space Data Network (SDN) and expand SATCOM, PNT and missile-trac The Pentagon’s FY 2027 request for the Space Force includes “billions” for the Space Data Network (SDN), aimed at creating a network of military and commercial data relay satellites. The same budget package underscores a shift toward space-based tracking of moving targets from orbit alongside boosted SATCOM, missile tracking and PNT RDT&E/procurement.

2026-04-28T13:23:42.142183-07:00

Space Force FY27 budget request calls for billions to build the Space Data Network (SDN) and expand SATCOM, PNT and missile-trac

SpaceWatch Global

Germany’s new military strategy signals counterspace and Satcom intent, but leaves a thin satellite roadmap as Europe’s space ef Germany’s first Military Strategy to 2039 flags threats and pushes for conventional leadership in Europe, yet its stated space emphasis is limited—raising questions about follow-through. The broader European push toward counterspace and satellite communications investments risks exacerbating duplication and fragmentation across national and EU programmes.

2026-04-28T02:37:57.480448-07:00

Germany’s new military strategy signals counterspace and Satcom intent, but leaves a thin satellite roadmap as Europe’s space ef

The Space Review

The push for cislunar security: absent monitoring and defense concepts amid a growing “fortress moon” race Two analyses argue that U.S. planning for cislunar space lacks a coherent, actionable approach to monitor, administer and defend the region. They frame an off-Earth analog to Strait of Hormuz-type disruption risk, with military conflict dynamics extending to the Moon–Earth operating environment.

2026-04-28T02:24:39.318673-07:00

The push for cislunar security: absent monitoring and defense concepts amid a growing “fortress moon” race

SpaceNews.com

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Artemis II returns from lunar flyby; NASA pivots to the real test for Artemis III/IV—lunar landing execution amid US–China race NASA’s Orion capsule with Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover and Jeremy Hansen splashed down in the Pacific on April 10, completing the first crewed lunar mission in more than 50 years. With Artemis II complete, NASA now faces the program-critical challenge: proving Artemis III and IV can survive the operational and schedule realities of crewed lunar landings.

2026-04-27T06:20:22.151608-07:00

Artemis II returns from lunar flyby; NASA pivots to the real test for Artemis III/IV—lunar landing execution amid US–China race

SpaceNews.com

Report finds former Spaceport America director violated New Mexico state law and launch-site policies A report concludes the former director of Spaceport America in New Mexico repeatedly violated state law and applicable policies while managing the commercial spaceport. The finding follows the director’s removal from leadership of the facility responsible for supporting commercial launch operations.

2026-04-26T21:20:28.583805-07:00

Report finds former Spaceport America director violated New Mexico state law and launch-site policies

New York Times

Study flags Earthly fungal survivability on Mars, challenging planetary-protection sterilization protocols Researchers identified a terrestrial fungal species capable of surviving radiation, extreme heat, and simulated Martian soil conditions. The finding raises a new contamination risk for Mars planetary-protection protocols—particularly those aimed at preventing forward contamination during spacecraft assembly and operations.

2026-04-25T18:56:09.182413-07:00

Study flags Earthly fungal survivability on Mars, challenging planetary-protection sterilization protocols

Space Intel Report

US, France, UK, Norway and Germany space commanders map “deeper allied cooperation” goals for the next two years Top space commanders from the United States, France, Britain, Norway and Germany were prompted to define what deeper allied space cooperation should look like over the next two years. The exchange focuses on translating today’s alignment into actionable partner collaboration plans and expectations for follow-on steps.

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

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

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Space Policy & International Cooperation News

Space Force FY27 budget request calls for billions to build the Space Data Network (SDN) and expand SATCOM, PNT and missile-trac

HTX and ST Engineering sign five-year MoU for space-based public-safety capabilities

The push for cislunar security: absent monitoring and defense concepts amid a growing “fortress moon” race

Artemis II returns from lunar flyby; NASA pivots to the real test for Artemis III/IV—lunar landing execution amid US–China race

News Timeline