Moon   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Space Policy & International Cooperation   NASA  
Payload • Elizabeth Howell

NASA ranks lunar technology pain points and maps FY26 space-tech funding to civil shortfalls and Ignition

NASA gathered stakeholder input to identify the technical challenges causing the biggest “headaches” for space technology—and then translated that feedback into 40 space-technology focus areas for FY26. The roadmap is shaped by civil space capability shortfalls and NASA’s new Ignition initiative to prioritize near-term investment bets.

2026-05-21T16:40:51.212228-07:00
Space Force   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Space Force on path to double active-duty force by 2030

By SpaceNews.com: WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force plans to add 2,800 active-duty personnel and 2,000 civilian employees in fiscal year 2027 as it looks to nearly double the size of the service by the end of the decade, the service’s top officer told lawmakers this week.

2026-05-21T14:39:51.555638-07:00
SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Space Force eyes 2027 demonstrations of in-space refueling and satellite servicing

By SpaceNews.com: WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force is preparing to launch multiple spacecraft to geostationary orbit in 2027 for two separate in-space services demonstrations: one to test satellite refueling and another to test whether a servicing vehicle can dock with and maneuver another spacecraft.

Also: Aviation Week and Via Satellite
2026-05-20T17:11:06.660970-07:00
Satellite   AI   LEO   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space  
CNBC • Annie Palmer, Lora Kolodny

SpaceX is heavily reliant on Starlink for growth and profit as it marches toward Nasdaq listing

By CNBC: SpaceX's IPO prospectus underscores the importance of Starlink to the company's operations.

Also: Wall Street Journal, CBC, Seeking Alpha, NPR, Fortune, Financial Times and 7 more
2026-05-21T07:31:02.113895-07:00
Satellite   Europe   ESA   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Space Defense & Militarization   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
Space Intel Report • Peter B. de Selding

Spain boosts investment in sovereign satcom alongside Europe's Iris2, says Ukraine dependence on Starlink is 'servitude'

By Space Intel Report: LA PLATA, Maryland — Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said his government is creating a fund dedicated to building a secure satellite communications network that would be compatible with Europe’s Iris2 multi-orbit constellation but focused on Spanish military requirements.

2026-05-21T08:56:36.695648-07:00