Today In Space
Last Updated: Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, 7:02 PM PDT
2025-10-31T19:02:11.175483-07:00 2025-10-31T19:02:11.175483-07:00 (2025-10-31T19:02:11.175483-07:00)
SpaceNews.com
• Jeff Foust
Semiconductor Startup to Test On‑Orbit Chip Fabrication Using Payloads Mounted on Falcon 9 Boosters
By SpaceNews.com: A startup plans to test technology to produce semiconductors in space on a series of Falcon 9 launches using payloads attached to the rocket’s booster.
Breaking Defense
• Theresa Hitchens
ESA’s historic shift: European Space Agency poised to assume defense and military space responsibilities
By Breaking Defense: Since its founding 50 years ago, the European Space Agency has shunned involvement in military space activities.
SpaceNews.com
• Jason Rainbow
Kyivstar to expand SpaceX Starlink 'Direct-to-Cell' tests across most of Ukraine, excluding front-line and occupied areas
By SpaceNews.com: Ukrainian telco Kyivstar said Oct. 31 it is preparing to test SpaceX’s Starlink Direct to Cell service across most of the country, excluding border areas, active combat zones and territories occupied by Russian forces.
Space.com
• Mike Wall
Shenzhou 21 launches three astronauts to Tiangong space station — live coverage
By Space.com: Liftoff of the Shenzhou 21 mission is scheduled for 11:44 a.m. ET today (Oct. 31).
Via Satellite
• Rachel Jewett
Watchdog urges FCC to block SpaceX’s EchoStar spectrum purchase, probe Musk’s ties to China
By Via Satellite: Watchdog group Frequency Forward is calling for the FCC to deny SpaceX’s purchase of EchoStar spectrum and investigate Elon Musk’s business ties to the Chinese government.
SpaceX to launch 100th Starlink flight of 2025
By Spaceflight Now:  Update Oct. 31, 6:30 p.m. EDT (2230 UTC): SpaceX deployed the 28 Starlink satellites.
Ars Technica
• Eric Berger
Elon Musk says SpaceX will host data centers in orbit
By Ars Technica: “We could see another transformation of what’s done in space.”….
