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New York Times • Kenneth Chang

Rubin Observatory spots a possible dwarf planet beyond Pluto

The object, provisionally designated 2026 ED138, is among the first discoveries reported by Chile’s Vera C. Rubin Observatory. Its status as a dwarf planet remains uncertain, but the detection points to the observatory’s emerging role in identifying and studying distant objects in the solar system.

Also: GeekWire
2026-10-27T18:28:39.281997-07:00
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SpaceNews.com • Jason Rainbow

FCC clears Globalstar’s $11.5 billion sale to Amazon

By SpaceNews.com: The Federal Communications Commission has approved Amazon’s plans to buy U.S. satellite operator Globalstar for around $11.5 billion, clearing a key regulatory hurdle to fast-track its entry into the direct-to-device connectivity market.

2026-10-27T12:45:40.967271-07:00
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Via Satellite • Rachel Jewett

Airbus and Thales Contracted for 2 Galileo Satellites Each

By Via Satellite: The European Space Agency (ESA) awarded contracts this week to both Airbus and Thales Alenia Space contracts to build two additional Galileo satellites each to enhance the Galileo navigation system.

2026-10-27T12:55:19.221037-07:00
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Space.com • Michaela Musilova

How 'spacewalking' underwater made me feel like I was really in space

By Space.com: Analog Astronaut Commander and Aquanaut Michaela Musilova led underwater simulated “spacewalks” in low visibility to test astronaut safety and communication protocols during simulated space missions.

Also: NASA
2026-10-27T14:05:26.260222-07:00
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Bloomberg • Carmen Arroyo, Dana Hull, Kara Carlson

SpaceX and Tesla Turn to Boards Cozy With Musk to Mull a Merger

By Bloomberg: Elon Musk disclosed last week that SpaceX and Tesla’s boards had formed special committees to discuss a potential merger. Musk himself cannot interfere, he said, stressing that the special committees are composed of independent directors.

2026-10-27T11:05:15.267676-07:00
Breaking Defense • Theresa Hitchens

China has tripled its satellite fleet since 2018 as expansion continues: DIA

By Breaking Defense: WASHINGTON — A new report by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) finds that China has tripled its fleet of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) satellites since 2018 and continues to expand capabilities to detect, track and target US and allied forces on the ground and at sea.

2026-10-27T14:04:46.164958-07:00
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Space.com • Hanneke Weitering, Tariq Malik

On this day in space! Oct. 27, 1961: NASA launches Saturn I rocket on 1st test flight from Florida to set stage for the mighty Saturn V moon rocket

By Space.com: On Oct. 27, 1961, NASA launched the first test flight of its new Saturn I space launch vehicle. Here's why it mattered.

2026-10-27T07:05:26.474925-07:00