Satellite   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Commercial Space   NASA  
Associated Press • Marcia Dunn

Link satellite rescue mission for NASA’s Swift Observatory hits attitude control failures after reaction wheel and thruster prob

Katalyst Space Technologies’ Link spacecraft—launched nearly a month ago to reboost NASA’s Swift Observatory—has developed attitude control issues. Preliminary findings indicate two of three reaction wheels are not operable, and Link has also encountered thruster problems, leading to an uncontrolled spin that is disrupting communications.

Also: SpaceNews.com, Ars Technica and The Independent
2026-07-28T14:41:42.119420-07:00
Satellite   ESA   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Human Spaceflight & Space Stations   Space Policy & International Cooperation  
SpaceNews.com • Andrew Parsonson

ESA opens call to repurpose Gateway communications module

By SpaceNews.com: BURG — The European Space Agency is moving ahead with plans to examine the feasibility of repurposing Lunar Link, a communications system developed for NASA’s now-paused Gateway space station, as a dedicated lunar communications asset.

2026-07-28T14:00:02.495836-07:00
Leadership   Aviation Safety & Regulation   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Policy & Regulation  
Reuters • David Shepardson

US agency proposes accelerated approval for commercial space missions

By Reuters: The U.S. aviation regulator on Tuesday proposed new rules to speed up approval of commercial space missions like ​SpaceX's rocket and satellite launches by no longer requiring them to follow ‌provisions of 13 environmental and other laws.

Also: transportation.gov, CNBC and newsable.asianetnews.com
2026-07-28T13:01:07.477949-07:00
Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Commercial Space  
NASA Spaceflight • Ryan Weber

Ship 40's flawless flight promotes next mission catch potential

By NASA Spaceflight: SpaceX’s Starship Flight 13 demonstrated that the Ship can complete its mission and return intact, surviving water impact without destruction. The Booster, however, remains a work in progress as SpaceX continues refining the clean-sheet Block 3 design.

2026-07-28T10:41:59.241200-07:00