Satellite   Europe   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Defense & Militarization   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
SpaceWatch Global • Joshua Faleti

Planet launches three Pelican high-resolution Earth-observation satellites, including Sweden’s first military SAR/EO space senso

Planet Labs launched three Pelican high-resolution satellites, with one spacecraft designated as Sweden’s first military observation satellite. Separately, Sweden’s defense procurement agency (FMV) previously signed deals with Planet Labs and ICEYE for roughly a dozen SAR-capable satellites—expanding NATO-relevant surveillance and sensing in orbit.

2026-05-05T02:07:18.245195-07:00
Europe   LEO   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Human Spaceflight & Space Stations   Commercial Space  
SpaceWatch Global • Guest Author

#SpaceWatchGl Opinion: From Microgravity Research to Market: Why Germany Holds a Unique Position in the Emerging LEO Economy

By SpaceWatch Global: Germany has quietly built one of the most comprehensive microgravity ecosystems worldwide. It is not a vision, nor a future ambition. It is already operational.

2026-05-05T02:28:21.240624-07:00
Space Force   Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space   Space Defense & Militarization  
SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

Firefly plans late summer launch of first Alpha Block 2 rocket

By SpaceNews.com: Firefly Aerospace plans to debut the upgraded version of its Alpha rocket late this summer as it sees strong demand for the vehicle.

Also: Seeking Alpha, GlobeNewswire and fireflyspace.com
2026-05-04T18:30:33.232070-07:00
Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space   Space Debris & Traffic Management  
NASA Spaceflight • John Sharp

Launch Preview: three launches — a calm before the storm?

By NASA Spaceflight: Two Falcon 9 launches and a Chang Zheng 7 make up the launch roster for the week commencing Monday, May 4, 2026. SpaceX will use its launches to place a further 48 Starlink satellites into Group 17 of the huge constellation of over 7,000 satellites.

2026-05-04T12:07:53.549383-07:00
Museums   Supply Chain   M&A   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space   Space Defense & Militarization   Policy & Regulation  
Via Satellite • Rachel Jewett

Lockheed Martin Joins Seagate Space and Firefly Aerospace to Develop Sea-Based Launch

By Via Satellite: Johnathon Caldwell, vice president and general manager of Strategic and Missile Defense Systems for Lockheed Martin Space, said in a statement it builds on Lockheed’s “legacy in missile defense, targets and counter‑measures.”.

2026-05-04T14:04:28.560841-07:00