Space News

Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

Via Satellite • Laurence Russell

Launchers Say the Era of Cheap, Price-Per-Kilo Pricing Is Ending

As SpaceX winds down the Falcon 9 launch program, rival launch providers say the market is approaching a reset. Their view challenges the launch industry’s prevailing price-per-kilogram model and signals a potential shift in how providers compete and structure commercial launch offerings.

1 Source

2026-09-17T04:16:02.062677-07:00

Satellite Commercial Space

NEW

Via Satellite • Rachel Jewett

SatPort to Build Landing Stations for Telesat Lightspeed

By Via Satellite: SatPort Infrastructure will develop, build, and host landing stations for the Telesat Lightspeed constellation, to connect Lightspeed to terrestrial networks.

1 Source

2026-09-17T05:20:13.941883-07:00

China Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation

SpaceNews.com • Andrew Jones

China conducts four launches inside 48 hours as launch options diversify

By SpaceNews.com: China carried out four launches in quick succession, starting Tuesday, using its Jiuquan and Hainan spaceports and a maritime mission from the East China Sea.

1 Source

2026-09-17T03:51:03.945215-07:00

Satellite Intuitive Machines Commercial Space

SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

Intuitive Machines eyes orbital data center opportunities

By SpaceNews.com: Intuitive Machines is examining how it can leverage satellite capabilities it gained from an acquisition into the emerging market for orbital data centers.

1 Source

2026-09-17T03:51:04.062201-07:00

ISS LEO Human Spaceflight & Space Stations Commercial Space Policy & Regulation

Reuters • Akash Sriram, Mariam E Sunny

Drugmakers prepare for next phase of space pharmaceuticals as ISS retirement nears

By Reuters: As the International Space Station nears the end of its operational life, drugmakers are laying the groundwork for commercial pharmaceutical research and manufacturing in low Earth orbit, while working with regulators to establish rules for ‌producing medicines in space.

Also: CNA

2 Sources

2026-09-17T03:37:31.484901-07:00

Satellite Europe Cybersecurity (Cyber Threats & Protection)

FlightGlobal • David Kaminski-Morrow

Galileo demonstrates authenticated civil positioning service amid rising spoofing concerns

By FlightGlobal: Civil tests with European constellation combine verified navigation and ranging data. Europe’s navigation satellite system Galileo has demonstrated authenticated civil positioning capability for the first time, with five satellites transmitting encrypted signal components.

Also: ESA

2 Sources

2026-09-17T03:36:37.969929-07:00

JWST Space Exploration & Science Missions NASA

Reuters • Will Dunham

NASA says new Roman telescope's lifespan could more than double, to 22 years

By Reuters: Even before the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope has reached its planned orbital position, NASA says its newest flagship observatory's potential operational lifespan may reach 22 years — more ‌than double the length previously announced.

Also: CNA

2 Sources

2026-09-17T03:20:13.529549-07:00

Satellite Europe Defense Industry & Major Contractors Airbus

SpaceWatch Global • Joshua Faleti

Airbus to Build SpainSat NG-III as Spain Replaces Lost Communications Satellite

By SpaceWatch Global: Hisdesat contracts Airbus to build SpainSat NG-III, replacing SpainSat NG-II and completing Spain’s secure communications architecture.

1 Source

2026-09-17T01:55:58.031900-07:00

Launchers Say the Era of Cheap, Price-Per-Kilo Pricing Is Ending

SatPort to Build Landing Stations for Telesat Lightspeed

China conducts four launches inside 48 hours as launch options diversify

Intuitive Machines eyes orbital data center opportunities

Drugmakers prepare for next phase of space pharmaceuticals as ISS retirement nears

Galileo demonstrates authenticated civil positioning service amid rising spoofing concerns

NASA says new Roman telescope's lifespan could more than double, to 22 years

Airbus to Build SpainSat NG-III as Spain Replaces Lost Communications Satellite

SatPort to Build Landing Stations for Telesat Lightspeed

The Era of Cheap, Price-Per-Kilo Launch is Over, Launchers Say

Intuitive Machines eyes orbital data center opportunities

China conducts four launches inside 48 hours as launch options diversify

Drugmakers prepare for next phase of space pharmaceuticals as ISS retirement nears

Galileo demonstrates authenticated civil positioning service amid rising spoofing concerns

#SpaceWatchGL Opinion: Europe Doesn't Need More Projects. It Needs a Market.

Vantor taps EnduroSat, CACI for 24-satellite Earth imaging constellation

NASA spacecraft discovers a huge new crater on the moon

Space Force to review Vulcan commercial flights before clearing military missions

Avio completes second successful Vega C launch of 2026 with FLEX and Sentinel-3C

SpaceX targets Sept. 22 for Starship’s first orbital test, with 26 Starlink V3 satellites

Air Force secretary reveals U.S. has deployed undisclosed space-control weapons in orbit

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

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