AINonline
• David Donald
Avealto has kicked off a funding campaign for a low-cost high-altitude platform system (HAPS) intended to deliver broadband services. The company aims to fly a stratospheric platform prototype in September this year, positioning the project as a near-term test of its stratospheric communications approach.
SpaceNews.com
• Jason Rainbow
By SpaceNews.com: Japan’s IHI is considering adding next-generation hyperspectral satellites from Finnish startup Kuva Space to its planned 100-strong, multi-sensor sovereign Earth observation constellation.
SpaceNews.com
• Jeff Foust
By SpaceNews.com: Italian startup ORiS has raised 5 million euros ($5.7 million) to help it develop wireless power-beaming technology for satellites using lasers.
NASA Spaceflight
• Chris Bergin, Martijn Luinstra
By NASA Spaceflight: While the focus of late has been on Starship’s test program, three companies developing new orbital rockets — Relativity Space, Rocket Lab, and PLD Space — announced key testing milestones for vehicles targeted for debut flights later in 2026.
Space.com
• Mike Wall
By Space.com: SpaceX suffered its second last-second abort in a row this morning (July 20), this time during an attempted Falcon 9 launch of Starlink broadband satellites.
Via Satellite
• Mark Holmes
By Via Satellite: government is to invest a further 62 million pounds ($83.4 million) to help boost the space sector in the country.
Via Satellite
• Rachel Jewett
By Via Satellite: Spire Global has hired Eric Mellinger, a Mantech International Corporation executive, as COO to lead business development and go-to-market strategy.
Space.com
• Josh Dinner
By Space.com: NASA's Artemis III mission is shaping up to be NASA's most complex mission in history, coordinating the launch and rendezvous of three different spacecraft.
