Space News

Satellite Space Exploration & Science Missions Commercial Space NASA

Space.com • Leonard David

Failed private rescue mission leaves NASA’s Swift space telescope headed for uncontrolled reentry

A private spacecraft failed to reach NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, ending efforts to arrest the telescope’s atmospheric decay. Swift is now expected to fall back to Earth in the near future, but NASA has not yet provided a timeline or predicted reentry location.

1 Source

2026-08-27T11:05:24.773081-07:00

Satellite Space Debris & Traffic Management

SpaceNews.com • Jason Rainbow

NorthStar to deploy 11 sensors on Kepler relay satellites to track objects in orbit

By SpaceNews.com: NorthStar Earth & Space plans to deploy 11 optical space domain awareness sensors on Kepler Communications data relay satellites in 2028 following the failure of its first four orbital-tracking spacecraft.

1 Source

2026-08-27T07:22:10.635217-07:00

Europe ESA Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

Reuters • Maria Rugamer

Isar Aerospace secures 200 million euros from European Space Agency

By Reuters: German rocket startup Isar Aerospace has secured about 200 million euros ($233 million) from the European Space Agency (ESA) under a programme aimed ‌at boosting Europe's launch industry, the company said on Thursday.

European Spaceflight

ESA Awards €544 Million in European Launcher Challenge Contracts

Space Intel Report

ESA awards $634 million in European Launcher Challenge contracts to Isar, PLD, RFA; MaiaSpace deal to follow

Also: Aviation Week, satnews.com, CNA and 4 more

13 Sources

2026-08-27T04:36:16.960611-07:00

Satellite Space Exploration & Science Missions NASA

SpaceNews.com • Debra Werner

Infleqtion extends work on quantum gravity mission under $20 million NASA contract

By SpaceNews.com: SAN FRANCISCO — Colorado-based quantum technology firm Infleqtion announced a $20 million NASA contract to continue work on a mission to launch the world’s first space-based quantum gravity sensor.

Also: Seeking Alpha and newsable.asianetnews.com

3 Sources

2026-08-27T05:52:07.455587-07:00

Satellite ArianeGroup ESA Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Space Exploration & Science Missions NASA

SpaceWatch Global • Joshua Faleti

NASA’s Roman Space Telescope Arrives at Complex 39A Ahead of 30 August Launch

By SpaceWatch Global: NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope has arrived at SpaceX's Launch Complex 39A ahead of its targeted launch on Sunday, 30 August 2026.

Also: ESA

2 Sources

2026-08-27T01:33:30.989699-07:00

Satellite

Payload • Victoria Woodburn

Space Weather Losses to Double by 2035, Report Finds

By Payload: A new report from Mission Space estimates that solar storms will cost $20.65B in 2026, rocketing to $44.27B by 2035.

1 Source

2026-08-27T06:05:09.795765-07:00

Satellite Commercial Space NASA

SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

Katalyst Space using Swift reboost spacecraft to aid future satellite servicing missions

By SpaceNews.com: Despite abandoning plans to reboost a NASA satellite, Katalyst Space continues to operate its spacecraft to gain experience for future missions.

1 Source

2026-08-27T04:50:32.045063-07:00

China Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

SpaceNews.com • Andrew Jones

Galactic Energy targets Sept. 1 for debut launch of Pallas-1 rocket

By SpaceNews.com: Chinese commercial firm Galactic Energy is ready for a first orbital launch attempt with its Pallas-1 liquid propellant launch vehicle, airspace closure notices reveal.

1 Source

2026-08-27T03:15:43.400623-07:00

Failed private rescue mission leaves NASA’s Swift space telescope headed for uncontrolled reentry

NorthStar to deploy 11 sensors on Kepler relay satellites to track objects in orbit

Isar Aerospace secures 200 million euros from European Space Agency

ESA Awards €544 Million in European Launcher Challenge Contracts

ESA awards $634 million in European Launcher Challenge contracts to Isar, PLD, RFA; MaiaSpace deal to follow

Infleqtion extends work on quantum gravity mission under $20 million NASA contract

NASA’s Roman Space Telescope Arrives at Complex 39A Ahead of 30 August Launch

Space Weather Losses to Double by 2035, Report Finds

Katalyst Space using Swift reboost spacecraft to aid future satellite servicing missions

Galactic Energy targets Sept. 1 for debut launch of Pallas-1 rocket

After failure of private rescue mission, NASA's Swift space telescope will crash back to Earth. But when and where?

NorthStar to deploy 11 sensors on Kepler relay satellites to track objects in orbit

Space Weather Losses to Double by 2035, Report Finds

Infleqtion extends work on quantum gravity mission under $20 million NASA contract

Katalyst Space using Swift reboost spacecraft to aid future satellite servicing missions

Isar Aerospace secures 200 million euros from European Space Agency

Adenot and Menon Complete Second Spacewalk to Restore ISS Communications Antenna

Expedition 75 Begins After Soyuz MS-28 Departure as Astronauts Upgrade ISS Solar Arrays and Antennae

TraCSS Traffic Coordination System Remains in Pilot Mode Due to Budget 'Uncertainty'

NOAA Contracts Muon Space, Weather Stream, and Spire for TMATE Project

SpaceX plans $100 billion Louisiana Starbase with 10 Starship launch pads and capacity for thousands of annual flights

Trump disclosed up to $50,000 investment in SpaceX after blockbuster IPO

NASA’s $4 Billion Roman Space Telescope Arrives at Kennedy Space Center Ahead of Aug. 30 Launch

SpaceX plans Falcon 9 retirement once Starship is operational, reshaping the launch market

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

More in Space

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Shutter control worked. That should worry the imagery industry more than anyone.