Space News

Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

Space.com • Mike Wall

SpaceX flies Starfall return capsule for second time on Bandwagon-5 rideshare

SpaceX launched its Starfall return capsule for the second time on Oct. 20, flying it as part of the Bandwagon-5 rideshare mission. The launch marks another flight for the capsule, though the available report provides no further details on its payload, objectives or return schedule.

Also: SpaceNews.com

2 Sources

2026-10-20T04:35:41.663728-07:00

Satellite Space Debris & Traffic Management Policy & Regulation

NEW

Space.com • Tereza Pultarova

Could a $200K bond for satellites paid before launch prevent a space junk disaster in orbit? Here's why some scientists think so

By Space.com: The space around Earth is turning into a junkyard. Researchers think a refundable deposit scheme could force satellite operators to clean up their act before a tipping point is reached.

1 Source

2026-10-20T05:05:30.205644-07:00

Space Exploration & Science Missions Space Policy & International Cooperation

SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

Uzbekistan signs the Artemis Accords

By SpaceNews.com: Uzbekistan signed the Artemis Accords outlining best practices for space exploration on Oct. 19, becoming the 77th country to do so.

Also: state.gov

2 Sources

2026-10-20T03:34:08.225034-07:00

Dassault Aviation Europe Policy & Regulation

European Spaceflight • Andrew Parsonson

French MPs propose symbolic €1 budget line for VORTEX spaceplane

By European Spaceflight: French MPs have proposed a symbolic €1 budget line for Dassault's VORTEX spaceplane to press the government to clarify how it plans to fund the project.

1 Source

2026-10-20T03:25:39.901113-07:00

Space Exploration & Science Missions NASA

Space.com • Sharmila Kuthunur

NASA closes the book on epic OSIRIS-REx asteroid-sampling mission: 'I am immensely proud of what we did'

By Space.com: NASA's OSIRIS-REx asteroid-sampling mission formally ended on Sept. 30, 2026, though scientists will continue to study the pieces of space rock it returned for decades.

1 Source

2026-10-20T03:05:50.189816-07:00

Satellite AI Project Kuiper Europe Commercial Space

Reuters

Amazon to invest over €16 billion in Germany next year

By Reuters: Amazon plans to invest more than €16 billion (about $18 billion) in Germany in 2027, the company said on ‌Tuesday, to expand its cloud computing, AI, satellite internet and media businesses.

Also: Bloomberg

4 Sources

2026-10-20T03:04:36.877657-07:00

Europe Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Space Policy & International Cooperation

SpaceWatch Global • K.-P. Ludwig

#SpaceWatchGL Opinion: Quo Vadis, Europa? - A Critique of the Moment in an Age of Missing Orders

By SpaceWatch Global: Europe wants strategic autonomy in space, but fragmented programmes and limited launch capacity remain. KP asks whether Europe can turn sovereignty into action.

1 Source

2026-10-20T01:35:29.728451-07:00

aviation Viasat

AINonline • Matt Thurber

Viasat Paves Path for Simpler Satellite Communications Service Plans

By AINonline: Published manufacturers suggested retail prices will make it easier to compare.

1 Source

2026-10-20T02:04:59.459604-07:00

SpaceX flies Starfall return capsule for second time on Bandwagon-5 rideshare

Could a $200K bond for satellites paid before launch prevent a space junk disaster in orbit? Here's why some scientists think so

Uzbekistan signs the Artemis Accords

French MPs propose symbolic €1 budget line for VORTEX spaceplane

NASA closes the book on epic OSIRIS-REx asteroid-sampling mission: 'I am immensely proud of what we did'

Amazon to invest over €16 billion in Germany next year

#SpaceWatchGL Opinion: Quo Vadis, Europa? - A Critique of the Moment in an Age of Missing Orders

Viasat Paves Path for Simpler Satellite Communications Service Plans

Could a $200K bond for satellites paid before launch prevent a space junk disaster in orbit? Here's why some scientists think so

SpaceX launches its 'Starfall' return capsule for 2nd time ever

NASA closes the book on epic OSIRIS-REx asteroid-sampling mission: 'I am immensely proud of what we did'

Uzbekistan signs the Artemis Accords

French MPs propose symbolic €1 budget line for VORTEX spaceplane

Amazon to invest over €16 billion in Germany next year

Russian Satellite Makes a Menacing Approach to Another Craft in Orbit

United's Starlink Milestone, and a Plan to Acellerate

How US Satellites Became Crucial to Ukraine’s Defense

NVIDIA Invests in Reflex Aerospace as German Satellite Maker Scales Production

Japan launches MMX mission to Phobos, aiming to return samples from Mars’ moon

Musk pledges one SpaceX share to every U.S. child, a gift valued at nearly $11 billion

Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone explore joint bid for European satellite spectrum

Japan’s MMX mission aims to resolve the origins of Mars’ moons with a sample return

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

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