NASA SpaceflightChris Bergin, Martin Smith

Orbex collapse won't halt UK push to develop domestic small‑satellite launch capability

The collapse of UK-based small‑launcher Orbex marks a setback for Europe’s small‑satellite launch sector. UK officials and industry say the exit won’t derail efforts to establish a sovereign domestic small‑satellite launch capability, with rival firms and government programmes expected to sustain development momentum.

2026-02-17T01:12:50.949242-08:00
SpaceNews.comJeff Foust

Leonardo backs development of Earth‑observation constellation to showcase capabilities and seed wider European initiatives

By SpaceNews.com: Leonardo is funding an Earth observation constellation designed to highlight its capabilities while also being a model for larger European initiatives.

2026-02-17T00:52:56.936040-08:00
FlightGlobalDominic Perry

Airbus AALTO secures northern Australian site for second Zephyr launch-and-landing facility, aims for mid‑2026 construction

By FlightGlobal: Airbus subsidiary AALTO HAPS hopes by mid-2026 to have begun construction of a new launch and landing site in northern Australia for its solar-powered Zephyr high-altitude platform-station (HAPS), paving the way for the start of operations there later this year.

2026-02-16T23:09:28.662154-08:00
Spaceflight NowWill Robinson-Smith

NASA to attempt second full fueling test of its Space Launch System rocket

By Spaceflight Now: ![](http://spaceflightnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20260216_WDR-2_annoucement-1_MC-1.jpeg) NASA will try again to fully load its Space Launch System rocket with more than 700,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen this week at the conclusion of a full launch countdown rehearsal.

2026-02-16T16:36:23.392567-08:00
Universe TodayMatthew Williams

Study: Amino Acids on Bennu Indicate Different Formation Pathway Than Previously Thought

By Universe Today: According to the researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, some of the amino acids found in the asteroid Bennu likely formed in a different way than was previously thought, effectively challenging what we thought we knew about the origins of life.

2026-02-16T15:53:33.724711-08:00