Satellite   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Commercial Space  
SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

Rocket Lab completes 9th Electron mission for Synspective, deploying a StriX radar imaging satellite

Rocket Lab has successfully launched its ninth dedicated Electron mission for Japan-based Earth-observation firm Synspective, deploying the latest StriX radar satellite. The flights underscore Rocket Lab’s sustained smallsat launch cadence as Synspective reportedly looks to raise up to $3 billion via stock sales to fund future initiatives.

Also: aviationnews.eu and investors.rocketlabcorp.com
2026-05-22T04:53:30.003790-07:00
Satellite   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Space Defense & Militarization   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Asia-Pacific (APAC)  
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SpaceNews.com • Crystal Elle Arena-Turner

Leveraging AUKUS and southern geography: building Australia’s dual-use space infrastructure for strategic resilience

By SpaceNews.com: The Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) Site 1 in Western Australia is already delivering early tracking data for AUKUS partners, with full operational capability targeted for 2027.

2026-05-22T06:10:08.386342-07:00
Satellite   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Space Defense & Militarization  
SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Rocket Lab wins first GEO satellite production contract from U.S. Space Force

By SpaceNews.com: Rocket Lab's Lightning satellite bus. WASHINGTON — Rocket Lab said May 21 it won a $90 million contract from the U.S. Space Force to design, manufacture and operate two geostationary satellites the military will use to monitor and track objects in orbit.

2026-05-22T02:54:42.006132-07:00
Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Human Spaceflight & Space Stations   Commercial Space   Space Policy & International Cooperation  
Space.com • Tariq Malik

This cryptocurrency billionaire will fly SpaceX's 1st private Starship to Mars, but when?

By Space.com: SpaceX says it will launch a private flyby mission to Mars that will be led by cryptocurrency billionaire Chun Wang, but when it will fly is unclear.

Also: Universe Today and cosmiclog.com
2026-05-22T03:09:25.778673-07:00