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NASA Spaceflight • Ryan Weber

SpaceX advances Starship Block 3 countdown with continued Cape infrastructure build-out and hopes to launch this year

As Starship Block 3 nears its first flight, SpaceX is progressing with work at Gigabay at Roberts Road and at the launch pads at LC-39A and SLC-37, including preparations tied to the early launch campaign. SpaceX is targeting a Starship launch from LC-39A sometime this year.

2026-04-23T10:50:14.064020-07:00

SpaceNews.com

Jordan signs the Artemis Accords as the program’s 63rd participating nation

2026-04-23T08:25:57.651642-07:00

Skies Magazine

Canada tables Bill C-28 (Canadian Space Launch Act) to regulate sovereign space launches and re-entry from Canadian territory

2026-04-22T06:20:29.478346-07:00

SpaceWatch Global

Switzerland launches new space command to deliver dual-use capabilities amid contested orbital environment

2026-04-23T01:20:03.519487-07:00

News Timeline

Space Intel Report

Iridium schedules July launch of dedicated PNT ASIC as it builds higher-power GNSS backup and reiterates 2030 revenue outlook Iridium says it expects to roll out its dedicated PNT ASIC in July as part of a higher-power backup for GPS and other GNSS systems, while holding its forecast for at least $100 million in annual revenue by 2030. The company also set an April 23, 2026 earnings call for Q1 results.

2026-04-23T11:25:11.508343-07:00

Iridium schedules July launch of dedicated PNT ASIC as it builds higher-power GNSS backup and reiterates 2030 revenue outlook

NASA Spaceflight

SpaceX advances Starship Block 3 countdown with continued Cape infrastructure build-out and hopes to launch this year As Starship Block 3 nears its first flight, SpaceX is progressing with work at Gigabay at Roberts Road and at the launch pads at LC-39A and SLC-37, including preparations tied to the early launch campaign. SpaceX is targeting a Starship launch from LC-39A sometime this year.

2026-04-23T10:50:14.064020-07:00

SpaceX advances Starship Block 3 countdown with continued Cape infrastructure build-out and hopes to launch this year

SpaceNews.com

Jordan signs the Artemis Accords as the program’s 63rd participating nation Jordan became the 63rd country to sign NASA’s Artemis Accords in a ceremony at NASA headquarters in Washington, aligning with the US-led framework for “responsible space exploration.” The accord also makes Jordan the sixth Middle East nation to join the Moon-exploration initiative.

2026-04-23T08:25:57.651642-07:00

Jordan signs the Artemis Accords as the program’s 63rd participating nation

SpaceWatch Global

Space Symposium 2026 agenda signals U.S. pivot to cislunar operations—lunar base push by 2030 and a strained Outer Space Treaty An #SpaceWatchGL opinion argues that Space Symposium 2026 framed American supremacy as policy and force posture: a lunar base by 2030, Space Force operations on the Moon, and mounting stress on the Outer Space Treaty. The piece ties these themes to broader pressure on space governance and escalation risk.

2026-04-23T05:34:22.939225-07:00

Space Symposium 2026 agenda signals U.S. pivot to cislunar operations—lunar base push by 2030 and a strained Outer Space Treaty

SpaceWatch Global

Switzerland launches new space command to deliver dual-use capabilities amid contested orbital environment Switzerland is creating a new space command focused on dual-use capabilities, European cooperation, and maintaining stability in an increasingly contested orbital environment. The effort—outlined in the context of Space Symposium 2026—centers on aligning national priorities with partner frameworks for space resilience.

2026-04-23T01:20:03.519487-07:00

Switzerland launches new space command to deliver dual-use capabilities amid contested orbital environment

DefenseNews.com

Lockheed Martin selected to develop UK’s first domestic commercial spaceport at Melness, Scotland The UK has picked Lockheed Martin to help develop its first domestic commercial spaceport in Melness, Scotland. The effort is framed as potential future support for U.S. military satellite launches, as governments seek reliable routes to orbit.

2026-04-22T14:34:54.280650-07:00

Lockheed Martin selected to develop UK’s first domestic commercial spaceport at Melness, Scotland

Space.com

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Rocket Lab Electron to launch JAXA “Kakushin Rising” mission, deploying 8 Japanese satellites including origami-fold antenna Rocket Lab is set to launch its second Electron/JAXA dedicated mission, “Kakushin Rising,” delivering eight Japanese satellites into orbit. The payload set includes a spacecraft featuring an origami-folded antenna, as part of JAXA’s Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program.

2026-04-22T10:06:44.189999-07:00

Rocket Lab Electron to launch JAXA “Kakushin Rising” mission, deploying 8 Japanese satellites including origami-fold antenna

Space Intel Report

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FCC authorizes AST SpaceMobile’s 248-satellite direct-to-device constellation in the US, setting deployment deadlines amid recen The FCC has granted AST SpaceMobile commercial authorization for a full 248-satellite non-geostationary orbit constellation, enabling direct-to-smartphone/direct-to-device broadband services using spectrum from its mobile-network-operator (MNO) partners. The approval includes satellite deployment deadlines and requirements for orbital-debris mitigation, collision avoidance, and interference prevention as the company seeks to accelerate ramp-up after a botched launch.

2026-04-22T08:50:31.529068-07:00

FCC authorizes AST SpaceMobile’s 248-satellite direct-to-device constellation in the US, setting deployment deadlines amid recen

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Space Policy & International Cooperation News

SpaceX advances Starship Block 3 countdown with continued Cape infrastructure build-out and hopes to launch this year

Jordan signs the Artemis Accords as the program’s 63rd participating nation

Canada tables Bill C-28 (Canadian Space Launch Act) to regulate sovereign space launches and re-entry from Canadian territory

Switzerland launches new space command to deliver dual-use capabilities amid contested orbital environment

News Timeline