Today In Space
Last Updated: Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, 7:34 AM PDT
2025-10-16T07:34:01.014034-07:00 2025-10-16T07:34:01.014034-07:00 (2025-10-16T07:34:01.014034-07:00)
SpaceNews.com
ECAPS Unveils FAST Thruster — Rapid-Start Propulsion for Smallsats and Responsive Missions
By SpaceNews.com: ECAPS Announces Breakthrough Fast-Start Thruster (FAST) Technology.
SpaceNews.com
• Sandra Erwin
‘Space Armor’ to challenge traditional metal shielding on satellites
By SpaceNews.com: ‘Space Armor’ to challenge traditional metal shielding on satellites ‘Space Armor’ could replace traditional metal shielding on satellites.
Space.com
• Leonard David
Novel 'Space Armor' Shows Promising Test Results — Could Shield Satellites and Astronauts from Debris
By Space.com: "We took the shot at making a tile and were blown away by the test results.".
Reuters
Airbus, Thales and Leonardo still in talks to form European satellite manufacturer; no deal yet
By Reuters: No agreement has yet been reached between France's Airbus and Thales and Italy's Leonardo to create a major new European satellite manufacturer, a Thales spokesperson told Reuters on Thursday.
Payload
• Tereza Pultarova
Oman CAA Approves Fast-Track Licensing for Etlaq Spaceport Launches
By Payload: Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has approved a procedure to license space launches swiftly—a key milestone ahead of operations at the nation’s new Etlaq Spaceport.
Bloomberg
• Min-Jeong Lee
Japan’s HTV‑X Targets Reliable ISS Resupply After Boeing Starliner Setback
By Bloomberg: After the Boeing Starliner flop, the Japanese aim to make the HTV-X a reliable option for resupplying the space station.
European Spaceflight
• Andrew Parsonson
ESA Awards Contract for Reusable Rocket Stage Recovery Vessel
By European Spaceflight: ESA has awarded a contract to Ingegneria Dei Sistemi to design a reusable rocket stage recovery vessel as part of Avio’s €40 million reusable upper stage project.
