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

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

defense Satellite Space Defense & Militarization Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact

New York Times • Kenneth Chang

Russian Satellite Makes a Menacing Approach to Another Craft in Orbit

By New York Times: Although Kosmos 2612 is now backing away, the maneuver raised alarm bells for analysts who see it as part of a pattern of Russian aggression.

Also: Aviation Week

3 Sources

2026-10-20T01:12:00.122737-07:00

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

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

Russian Satellite Makes a Menacing Approach to Another Craft in Orbit

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

NVIDIA Invests in Reflex Aerospace as German Satellite Maker Scales Production

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

The ESA's Euclid Space Telescope Has Discovered A New Comet

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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