Satellite   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Commercial Space   Space Policy & International Cooperation  
Via Satellite • Shaun Waterman

New Space’s LEO scaling stress-tests satellite architecture and shifts bandwidth from RF to laser—and toward lunar connectivity

As LEO megaconstellations and in-orbit computing projects accelerate data generation, the brief highlights how subsystem design and payload integration determine platform scalability. Separately, Astrolight positions end-to-end lasercom to relieve RF spectrum congestion and throughput limits, while NASA/ESA work to establish communications “connectivity backbones” for lunar and cislunar ecosystems.

Also: Aviation Week and satnews.com
2026-07-27T06:38:43.510663-07:00
Space Exploration & Science Missions   NASA  
NEW
Universe Today • Andy Tomaswick

How NASA Plans to Build the Habitable Worlds Observatory

By Universe Today: We’ve been covering the journey of the Habitable Worlds Observatory for some time now. Over the past few years, it's gone from a proposal to a relatively fleshed-out plan for how and what the next Great Observatory should do—in this case, look at and characterize potentially habitable exoplanets.

2026-07-27T09:36:45.852099-07:00
FCC   Satellite   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

Amazon files application for direct-to-device satellite constellation

By SpaceNews.com: Amazon filed plans with the FCC for a constellation of more than 5,100 satellites that would provide direct-to-device services using Globalstar spectrum.

Also: Reuters, Bloomberg, The Verge, Economic Times, Seeking Alpha and 5 more
2026-07-27T05:06:36.442142-07:00
Satellite   Supply Chain   Commercial Space   Space Debris & Traffic Management  
Via Satellite • Leandra Bernstein

How Fast Can You Build a Satellite? Inside the Smallsat Manufacturing Market

By Via Satellite: Smallsat manufacturing is undergoing an industrial revolution. Inside today’s smallsat assembly lines, global producers are serving a more diverse market while balancing the constraints of speed, cost, quality, and mission flexibility.

2026-07-27T06:38:44.643905-07:00
Satellite   Space Force   LEO   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Budgets & Spending   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Defense & Militarization  
SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Rocket Lab to open Alaska launch site under $266 million Space Force deal

By SpaceNews.com: ocket Lab WASHINGTON — Rocket Lab will establish a new launch site in Alaska under a $266 million U.S. Space Force contract for up to 18 suborbital missions, expanding the company’s role in military launch services as the Pentagon seeks more capacity for weapons testing.

2026-07-27T04:10:19.153796-07:00