Helicopter   Space Exploration & Science Missions   NASA  
NASA • Jet Propulsion Laboratory

NASA tests next-gen Mars helicopter rotor blades past Mach 1 in simulated flight conditions

NASA engineers at JPL spun experimental rotor blades for the agency’s next-generation Mars helicopters past Mach 1 during March tests. The work indicates the blades can survive supersonic rotor operation without disintegrating, supporting future aircraft designed to carry heavier instruments and fly farther on the Red Planet.

2026-05-07T11:50:12.271510-07:00
Satellite   Asia-Pacific (APAC)  
Space Intel Report • Peter B. de Selding

Thaicom: Revenue down, profit up in satellite division; iPStar/Thaicom 4 retirement this summer

By Space Intel Report: LA PLATA, Maryland — Satellite fleet operator Thaicom of Thailand reported a 9.2% drop in satellite service revenue for the three months ending March 31 compared to the previous year, saying the continued decline in broadcast revenue was the cause.

2026-05-08T12:36:54.011419-07:00
Satellite   Europe   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Space Defense & Militarization  
Space Intel Report • Peter B. de Selding

Space hardware builder OHB: Record Q1 backlog, increases in rev, EBITDA, cash; hoping for Bundeswehr bonanza

By Space Intel Report: LA PLATA, Maryland — Space hardware prime contractor OHB SE reported record backlog and double-digit increases in revenue and profit for the three months ending March 31 and expects further increases as German and European government funding translates into contracts.

2026-05-08T08:49:59.369831-07:00
Satellite   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Commercial Space   Space Defense & Militarization   Sustainability & Climate Initiatives  
SpaceNews.com • Debra Werner

SatVu zooms in on energy facilities in Cuba, India and Australia

By SpaceNews.com: SAN FRANCISCO – British startup SatVu released imagery from HotSat-2, a thermal satellite built to keep tabs on energy infrastructure.

Also: Payload and orbitaltoday.com
2026-05-07T20:11:29.782075-07:00