Satellite   LEO   Commercial Space   Space Debris & Traffic Management  
SpaceNews.com

Atomic-oxygen-resistant material could extend VLEO satellite lifetimes

Researchers have developed an atomic-oxygen‑resistant material that significantly reduces surface erosion in very-low Earth orbit (VLEO). The coating could extend operational lifetimes for satellites operating in VLEO, enabling more persistent low-altitude missions and reducing AO-driven degradation.

2026-01-16T07:26:05.330871-08:00
Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Human Spaceflight & Space Stations   NASA  
Bloomberg

Artemis II: NASA’s Upcoming Crewed Lunar Flyby Faces Unnecessary Safety Risks

By Bloomberg: Wish them well. Next month, four astronauts are expected to board a space capsule called Orion, blast off on a rocket known as the Space Launch System, and exit low-Earth orbit for the first time since 1972, en route to a 10-day flyby of the moon.

Also: BBC
2026-01-16T04:53:03.590998-08:00
Space Exploration & Science Missions   Commercial Space  
Universe Today • Andy Tomaswick

Using Mars’ Thin Atmosphere to 3D‑Print Metal Parts Could Save Millions on Missions

By Universe Today: Additive Manufacturing, more commonly known as 3D printing, will be an absolutely critical technology for any long-term settlement on another world. Its ability to take a generic input, such as plastic strips or metal powder, and turn it into any shape of tool an astronaut will need is an absolute game changer.

2026-01-16T04:53:15.673114-08:00
Satellite   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Space Defense & Militarization   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Cybersecurity (Cyber Threats & Protection)  
Reuters • Cassell Bryan-Low, Joey Roulette

Musk's Starlink faces high-profile security test in Iran crackdown

By Reuters: How SpaceX withstands Iranian attacks on Starlink is expected to be closely watched by U.S. military forces and intelligence agencies.

2026-01-16T03:09:43.562225-08:00
China   Satellite   Africa   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Space Defense & Militarization  
SpaceNews.com • Andrew Jones

China launches AlSat-3A for Algeria; Ceres-1 sea launch expands Tianqi constellation

By SpaceNews.com: China launches AlSat-3A for Algeria, Ceres-1 sea launch adds to Tianqi constellation China conducted its third and fourth launches of 2026 with Long March 2C and Ceres-1 rockets lifting off from Jiuquan and a sea platform respectively.

2026-01-16T03:09:22.805358-08:00