Satellite   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Commercial Space  
SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

Rocket Lab completes 9th Electron mission for Synspective, deploying a StriX radar imaging satellite

Rocket Lab has successfully launched its ninth dedicated Electron mission for Japan-based Earth-observation firm Synspective, deploying the latest StriX radar satellite. The flights underscore Rocket Lab’s sustained smallsat launch cadence as Synspective reportedly looks to raise up to $3 billion via stock sales to fund future initiatives.

Also: aviationnews.eu and investors.rocketlabcorp.com
2026-05-22T04:53:30.003790-07:00
Satellite   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Space Defense & Militarization  
SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Rocket Lab wins first GEO satellite production contract from U.S. Space Force

By SpaceNews.com: Rocket Lab's Lightning satellite bus. WASHINGTON — Rocket Lab said May 21 it won a $90 million contract from the U.S. Space Force to design, manufacture and operate two geostationary satellites the military will use to monitor and track objects in orbit.

2026-05-22T02:54:42.006132-07:00
Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Human Spaceflight & Space Stations   Commercial Space   Space Policy & International Cooperation  
Space.com • Tariq Malik

This cryptocurrency billionaire will fly SpaceX's 1st private Starship to Mars, but when?

By Space.com: SpaceX says it will launch a private flyby mission to Mars that will be led by cryptocurrency billionaire Chun Wang, but when it will fly is unclear.

Also: Universe Today and cosmiclog.com
2026-05-22T03:09:25.778673-07:00
Moon   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Space Policy & International Cooperation   NASA  
Payload • Elizabeth Howell

Better Moon-Tech Tops NASA Stakeholder Wishlist

By Payload: Two years ago, NASA asked the space community what technical challenges are giving people the biggest headaches to help NASA prioritize its space tech investments.

2026-05-21T16:40:51.212228-07:00
Space Force   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Space Force on path to double active-duty force by 2030

By SpaceNews.com: WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force plans to add 2,800 active-duty personnel and 2,000 civilian employees in fiscal year 2027 as it looks to nearly double the size of the service by the end of the decade, the service’s top officer told lawmakers this week.

2026-05-21T14:39:51.555638-07:00