Space News

Supply Chain ESA Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Space Debris & Traffic Management

SpaceWatch Global • Joshua Faleti

ESA’s new Chemical Propulsion Laboratory starts testing small propulsion systems

The European Space Agency (ESA) has begun operations at its new Chemical Propulsion Laboratory, its first facility dedicated to testing small propulsion systems for space missions. The lab is intended to support verification and performance testing for propulsion elements used on ESA spacecraft.

1 Source

2026-07-22T01:24:39.972570-07:00

Satellite Europe Space Policy & International Cooperation Space Defense & Militarization

SpaceWatch Global • Joshua Faleti

Poland to Build 12 IRIS2 Constellation Satellites after Agreement with the European Commission

By SpaceWatch Global: Marcin Kierwiński and Andrius Kubilius sign agreement for Poland's participation in the construction of the IRIS2 constellation satellite.

1 Source

2026-07-22T01:24:41.449113-07:00

Satellite Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Human Spaceflight & Space Stations Commercial Space Space Defense & Militarization Space Debris & Traffic Management

NASA Spaceflight • Eleanor Day

Falcon 9 to launch MRV-1 robotic servicing spacecraft for Northrop Grumman

By NASA Spaceflight: SpaceX’s Falcon 9 is set to launch the Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV-1) mission from Florida on Tuesday evening. The MRV-1 vehicle, developed by Northrop Grumman, is a robotic servicing spacecraft capable of extending the life of satellites by attaching Mission Extension Pods (MEPs).

Spaceflight Now

Live coverage: SpaceX to launch novel geosynchronous robotic servicing satellite on decade-long mission

The War Zone

Could This New Northrop Spacecraft Use Its Robotic Arms To Attack Enemy Satellites?

Also: Via Satellite, Associated Press, nrl.navy.mil, DVIDS / U.S. DoD and 3 more

10 Sources

2026-07-21T11:42:26.117688-07:00

Mars Space Exploration & Science Missions Space Policy & International Cooperation Space Debris & Traffic Management NASA

Universe Today • Evan Gough

NASA's Psyche Spacecraft Captured a Time-Lapse Video of its Mars Flyby

By Universe Today: NASA's Psyche mission used a gravity assist maneuver at Mars to gain velocity and adjust its trajectory to its eventual target.

Also: CNET, news.ssbcrack.com and newsnationnow.com

4 Sources

2026-07-21T14:37:17.655190-07:00

Satellite ArianeGroup ESA Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation

Via Satellite • Mark Holmes

Arianespace Sets Date for Fourth Ariane 6 Launch This Year

By Via Satellite: Arianespace has revealed details on what will be its fourth Ariane 6 launch this year. On August 27, it will look to launch the second Meteosat Third Generation Imager satellite, MTG-I2, with a dedicated Ariane 62, the two-booster configuration of Ariane 6.

1 Source

2026-07-21T14:08:17.374906-07:00

North America Commercial Space Space Policy & International Cooperation

SpaceNews.com • Debra Werner

Zenno Astronautics to relocate to the United States

By SpaceNews.com: SAN FRANCISCO – Zenno Astronautics, a New Zealand startup focused on applying superconducting magnets for spacecraft attitude control and acceleration, plans to redomicile to the United States.

1 Source

2026-07-21T15:22:59.046849-07:00

Moon Space Exploration & Science Missions NASA

Politico • Audrey Decker

NASA’s nuclear Mars mission to cost over $2 billion

By Politico: The price tag doesn't include the cost of the science mission the new spacecraft would ferry to the Red Planet.

1 Source

2026-07-21T09:17:47.862775-07:00

Satellite Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Space Exploration & Science Missions Human Spaceflight & Space Stations NASA

Space.com • Josh Dinner

Artemis III astronauts will beam 4k video from Orion to Earth using SpaceX Starlink lasers

By Space.com: NASA is partnering with SpaceX to outfit the Artemis III Orion spacecraft with Starlink laser communications terminals to assist with high-definition video transmissions and data-heavy mission downlinks.

1 Source

2026-07-21T10:07:35.730508-07:00

Menu

ESA’s new Chemical Propulsion Laboratory starts testing small propulsion systems

Poland to Build 12 IRIS2 Constellation Satellites after Agreement with the European Commission

Falcon 9 to launch MRV-1 robotic servicing spacecraft for Northrop Grumman

Live coverage: SpaceX to launch novel geosynchronous robotic servicing satellite on decade-long mission

Could This New Northrop Spacecraft Use Its Robotic Arms To Attack Enemy Satellites?

NASA's Psyche Spacecraft Captured a Time-Lapse Video of its Mars Flyby

Arianespace Sets Date for Fourth Ariane 6 Launch This Year

Zenno Astronautics to relocate to the United States

NASA’s nuclear Mars mission to cost over $2 billion

Artemis III astronauts will beam 4k video from Orion to Earth using SpaceX Starlink lasers

ESA's First Chemical Propulsion Laboratory for Testing Small Propulsion Systems is now Operational

Poland to Build 12 IRIS2 Constellation Satellites after Agreement with the European Commission

NASA's Psyche Spacecraft Captured a Time-Lapse Video of its Mars Flyby

Zenno Astronautics to relocate to the United States

Arianespace Sets Date for Fourth Ariane 6 Launch This Year

Falcon 9 to launch MRV-1 robotic servicing spacecraft for Northrop Grumman

FCC Eyes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Bands for Satellites

Bets against SpaceX grow to 32% of float as Elon Musk warns short sellers won't survive

SpaceX launches Starlink mission from California a day after last-second abort

SpaceX launches satellite repair drone with 10-foot robotic arms to Earth orbit (video)

SpaceX readies Starship Flight 13 after July 16 last-second abort; Falcon 9 and Starlink launches plus Northrop mission on deck

Relativity Space, Rocket Lab and PLD Space advance next-gen orbital rocket testing ahead of 2026 debuts

Skyroot Aerospace reaches orbit on maiden Vikram-1 flight, making India the third nation to field private orbital launch capabil

SpaceX targets July 23–25 for Starship test flight attempts, following last week’s hold after an engine-start issue

Starlink's 2024 Advances: Transforming In-Flight Wi-Fi Connectivity in Aviation

Riyadh Air: Saudi Arabia's New National Carrier Prepares for Launch Amid Regional Competition

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