Supply Chain   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space   Space Defense & Militarization  
SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

Firefly unveils Alpha Block II upgrade to boost reliability, production and responsiveness

Firefly Aerospace announced an Alpha Block II configuration upgrade—due to debut on Alpha Flight 8—designed to improve reliability, streamline production and expand operational flexibility for commercial, civil and national‑security missions. The move follows recent Alpha anomalies and ongoing return‑to‑flight corrective work.

Also: Space Daily and newspaceeconomy.ca
2026-01-13T17:50:34.502644-08:00
Space Exploration & Science Missions   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   NASA  
NASA • Jennifer M Dooren

NASA, Department of Energy to Develop Lunar Surface Reactor by 2030

By NASA: NASA, along with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), announced Tuesday a renewed commitment to their longstanding partnership to support the research and.

Also: spaceanddefense.io, rocketcitynow.com and miragenews.com
2026-01-13T13:05:32.845586-08:00
Space Force   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Defense & Militarization  
Spaceflight Now • Will Robinson-Smith

U.S. Space Force switches rockets for upcoming GPS satellite launch

By Spaceflight Now: ![](http://spaceflightnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/20260113-GPS-III-SV09-Shipping.jpg) The next Global Positioning System satellite is switching from a United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket to a SpaceX Falcon 9, a spokesperson for the U.S.

2026-01-13T15:45:40.357541-08:00
Satellite   M&A   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Commercial Space   Space Defense & Militarization  
Via Satellite • Rachel Jewett

Intuitive Machines Completes Acquisition of Lanteris (formerly Maxar Space Systems), Positioning Itself as a Vertically Integrated Space Prime

By Via Satellite: Intuitive Machines has completed the acquisition of Lanteris Space Systems, formerly known as Maxar Space Systems. By acquiring a spacecraft manufacturer, Intuitive Machines says this positions the company as a vertically integrated space prime.

Also: investors.intuitivemachines.com and aeromorning.com
2026-01-13T13:25:40.922761-08:00