Space Force   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space  
Defense Daily • Frank Wolfe

U.S. Space Force adds Impulse Space and Relativity Space to NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 roster, expanding program eligibility to seven

The U.S. Space Force awarded NSSL Phase 3, Lane 1 contracts to Air Force Impulse Space Inc. and Relativity Federal Inc. under FA8811-26-D-B001 and FA8811-26-D-B002, bringing the eligible launch-provider field to seven. The awards are part of the Space Force’s broader $5.6B NSSL program.

Also: defence-blog.com and Aerotech News
2026-07-08T10:30:02.971248-07:00
Museums   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Space Exploration & Science Missions   NASA  
Space.com • Josh Dinner

NASA begins funding hardware for 'Skyfall' Mars helicopter mission

By Space.com: NASA's nuclear-powered mission to Mars is taking shape with the selection of Firefly Aerospace to design and manufacture the protective aeroshell that will shield the Skyfall spacecraft's descent stage during its plummet through the Martian atmosphere.

2026-07-08T13:13:51.290119-07:00
Satellite   AI   Europe   Space Defense & Militarization  
defence-industry.eu • Martin Chomsky

ICEYE establishes German entity and appoints country CEO to expand Europe’s sovereign space-based intelligence capability from Germany

By defence-industry.eu: ICEYE Germany will manufacture satellite components, develop advanced software and establish an AI centre and intelligence group. The new entity extends ICEYE’s presence in Germany, which the company described as one of Europe’s most important defence and industrial heartlands.

2026-07-08T01:46:01.126320-07:00
JWST   LEO   ESA   Space Exploration & Science Missions  
Universe Today • Evan Gough

The JWST and the Mystery of Massive Quenched Galaxies in the Early Universe

By Universe Today: With its ability to observe the red-shifted light from early galaxies, the JWST has revealed some surprises. Many massive galaxies in the early Universe had ceased star formation and were already quenched hundreds of millions of years sooner than thought.

2026-07-08T12:14:48.490719-07:00
Europe   Defense Budgets & Spending   Commercial Space   Space Defense & Militarization   Workforce & Skills Development  
Space Intel Report • Peter B. de Selding

Eurospace: Europe's space industry sales increased 23% in 2025, headcount just 2.2%; startups are 11% of work force

By Space Intel Report: TUPPER LAKE, NY — Europe’s space industry booked 10.9 billion euros ($12.5 billion) in sales in 2025, an increase of 23% from 2024 as European governments ramped their spending, especially for military programs, according to industry association ASD-Eurospace.

2026-07-08T10:52:19.475560-07:00