Via Satellite
• Rachel Jewett
Space42 and Skylo conducted direct-to-device (D2D) testing on the Thuraya-4 satellite, demonstrating SMS and SOS messaging capabilities in the UAE. The tests validate satellite-to-mobile messaging performance for emergency alerting and standard text communications using a D2D service layer.
Via Satellite
• Rachel Jewett
By Via Satellite: The FCC approved a Reflect Orbital demonstration satellite that will test a solar reflector designed to reflect sunlight back to Earth.
SpaceNews.com
• Andrew Jones
By SpaceNews.com: A Chinese government body has published a national commercial space consortium membership list, offering a rare indication of which companies the state considers established players.
Bloomberg
• Ian King, Maggie Eastland
By Bloomberg: The Trump administration plans to ease export restrictions on the United Arab Emirates, clearing the way for the Gulf state to buy a wide range of advanced technologies including commercial satellites and semiconductors used for artificial intelligence.
Space.com
• Josh Dinner
By Space.com: SpaceX completed an engine test of the next Super Heavy booster slated to launch Starship's next mission, which could lift off as soon as next week.
Ars Technica
• Eric Berger
By Ars Technica: Industry finally knows what NASA is asking of them.".
Reuters
• Akash Sriram
By Reuters: Elon Musk may have pitched a future where space powers AI, but Wall Street analysts say SpaceX's near-term value remains firmly tethered to Earth, where it is building out the infrastructure underpinning the AI boom.
SpaceNews.com
• Sandra Erwin
By SpaceNews.com: WASHINGTON — A Florida startup has launched what it says is the first commercial demonstration of a nuclear-powered satellite technology, testing a power source that could allow future spacecraft and autonomous sensors to operate for years without relying exclusively on solar panels or conventional batteries.
Wall Street Journal
• Christopher Mims
SpaceNews.com
• Andrew Parsonson
