Space News

Europe ESA Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation

European Spaceflight • Andrew Parsonson

ESA uncertain Themis reusable rocket demonstrator can make first flight in 2026

The European Space Agency is unsure whether Themis, its reusable rocket demonstrator, will complete an initial hop test before the end of 2026. The uncertainty puts the timing of the program’s next flight milestone in question, though no revised schedule or reason for the uncertainty is provided.

1 Source

2026-10-23T04:20:37.931160-07:00

JWST Space Exploration & Science Missions NASA

Universe Today • Andy Tomaswick

JWST Reveals a Lopsided Alien World with Blistering Evening Winds

By Universe Today: Typically, when we think of exoplanets, we think of neat spheres floating directly in front of their star, which acts as a giant spotlight.

1 Source

2026-10-23T04:05:23.917735-07:00

Europe Space Policy & International Cooperation

SpaceWatch Global • Christophe Bosquillon

#SpaceWatchGL GRAY SPACE – There Is Something NOT Rotten in the State of Denmark: Its Views on How European Governments Could Turn Space Ambitions Into Capabilities

By SpaceWatch Global: Christophe Bosquillon examines a Danish study of European space governance and asks how policy, procurement and public spending can create lasting capability.

Also: Space.com

2 Sources

2026-10-23T02:04:23.116841-07:00

defense Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space Space Policy & International Cooperation Space Defense & Militarization

Ars Technica • Eric Berger

Rocket Report: SpaceX says no thanks to military launches; Spanish rocket nearly ready

By Ars Technica: We believe Canada should be able to reach orbit on its own terms.".

1 Source

2026-10-23T04:04:53.629143-07:00

China Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space Asia-Pacific (APAC)

SpaceNews.com • Andrew Jones

New launch pads set to boost China’s Hainan commercial spaceport

By SpaceNews.com: China’s first commercial launch site is set to bring two new pads online by end of year, targeting more than 30 launches in 2027.

1 Source

2026-10-23T01:49:01.979579-07:00

Leadership ESA

SpaceWatch Global • Joshua Faleti

ESA Council Names New Agency Directors for Commercialisation and Space Operations

By SpaceWatch Global: ESA appoints Andrzej Banasiak and Nicolaus Hanowski as directors of Commercialisation and Industry Partnership and Space Operations.

2 Sources

2026-10-23T00:55:30.375856-07:00

Satellite Europe

Payload • Douglas Gorman

European MNOs Join Forces to Explore Joint MSS Spectrum Bid

By Payload: Four major European mobile network operators are joining forces to bid for future allocation of mobile satellite service (MSS) spectrum.

1 Source

2026-10-22T23:34:59.485381-07:00

defense Satellite Europe Space Policy & International Cooperation Space Defense & Militarization Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Defense Policy

Via Satellite • Rachel Jewett

2026-10-22T13:35:49.588858-07:00

ESA uncertain Themis reusable rocket demonstrator can make first flight in 2026

JWST Reveals a Lopsided Alien World with Blistering Evening Winds

#SpaceWatchGL GRAY SPACE – There Is Something NOT Rotten in the State of Denmark: Its Views on How European Governments Could Turn Space Ambitions Into Capabilities

Rocket Report: SpaceX says no thanks to military launches; Spanish rocket nearly ready

New launch pads set to boost China’s Hainan commercial spaceport

ESA Council Names New Agency Directors for Commercialisation and Space Operations

European MNOs Join Forces to Explore Joint MSS Spectrum Bid

Iceye and Nokia Look to Develop Satcom Capability for Ukraine

Rocket Lab launches 3 'Hawk' satellites to orbit to gather signals intelligence

HawkEye 360 launches six satellites to expand customer-dedicated intelligence services

ESA Director "Not Sure" Themis Will Make Its First Flight in 2026

JWST Reveals a Lopsided Alien World with Blistering Evening Winds

Rocket Report: SpaceX says no thanks to military launches; Spanish rocket nearly ready

#SpaceWatchGL GRAY SPACE – There Is Something NOT Rotten in the State of Denmark: Its Views on How European Governments Could Turn Space Ambitions Into Capabilities

New launch pads set to boost China’s Hainan commercial spaceport

ESA Council Names New Agency Directors for Commercialisation and Space Operations

ISS receives new cargo from Dragon as Crew-12 hands over to Crew-13

NASA safety advisers warn agency risks losing crewed access to LEO

Latest estimate for Starship launches required to support a Moon landing? 22.

PlanetiQ CEO Details Weather Data Expansion After Back-to-Back GNSS-RO Launches

SpaceX and Tesla form committees to explore a potential merger

Musk pledges one SpaceX share to every U.S. child, a gift valued at nearly $11 billion

Musk’s proposed SpaceX-Tesla merger faces shareholder, China and political hurdles

FAA expected to certify Boeing 737 MAX 10 Tuesday, completing the 737 MAX family after nearly a decade

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

More in Space

ESPI AC 2026 Wrap-Up - Collaboration or Fragmentation? What We Heard at ESPI’s 20th Annual Conference

Rethinking networks in space with Aalyria’s Brian Barritt

Autonomous Triangular Modules Could Build Tomorrow’s Mega-Observatories

'Cabin leak suspected': Artemis II astronaut reveals how a warning nearly derailed NASA's epic moon mission

ESA Provides New Details on Failed Space Rider Drop Test

China seeks payloads for crewed moon lander test mission

SpaceX Works With Apollo, Nvidia on New Grok Partnership Program

SpaceX in Talks to Access 80,000 Cell Sites for New Network