Space News

Europe Space Policy & International Cooperation

SpaceWatch Global • K.-P. Ludwig

Opinion: Europe Must Act to Close Its Space Competitiveness Gap

As spacefaring nations gather in Paris, the idea that Europe is falling behind has become conventional wisdom. That narrative risks delaying decisions, argues this opinion piece, which calls for immediate action to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness in space rather than deferring the challenge.

1 Source

2026-09-18T01:21:15.218776-07:00

Europe ESA Human Spaceflight & Space Stations Space Policy & International Cooperation

SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

Aschbacher upbeat about winning support for a European human spaceflight program

By SpaceNews.com: The head of ESA is optimistic that member states will back plans to pursue human spaceflight and other key programs at a critical December meeting.

1 Source

2026-09-18T00:51:00.519537-07:00

Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

Astra projecting early 2027 for the introduction of Rocket 4.0

By SpaceNews.com: Astra is now planning a first launch of its Rocket 4.0 vehicle in early 2027 as it aims to reenter a market increasingly desperate for launch capacity.

Also: Space Intel Report

2 Sources

2026-09-17T23:40:42.036907-07:00

Viasat Satellite Commercial Space

PaxEx.Aero • Seth Miller

ViaSat-3 F2 Enters Service over Americas

By PaxEx.Aero: The ViaSat-3 constellation is complete. All three satellites are now providing data services to customers, confirmed with today's news that the F2 spacecraft is online.

2 Sources

2026-09-17T17:16:21.527780-07:00

Space Force Space Defense & Militarization Space Debris & Traffic Management

SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Space Command says satellite tracking must evolve for combat in orbit

By SpaceNews.com: WASHINGTON — The U.S. military has expanded its ability to track objects in orbit but still needs to better connect that information to command systems and weapons as it prepares for the possibility of combat in space, the head of U.S.

Also: Aviation Week and Janes

3 Sources

2026-09-17T13:10:41.158752-07:00

Satellite Commercial Space

SpaceNews.com • Jason Rainbow

Satellite operators weigh SpaceX IPO impact as dust settles

By SpaceNews.com: SpaceX’s industry-shaking IPO more than three months ago continues to have far-reaching and mixed effects for other satellite broadband operators.

1 Source

2026-09-17T10:17:13.273069-07:00

Satellite ATC Project Kuiper Aviation Safety & Regulation Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space Policy & Regulation

Flying Magazine • Jack Daleo

2026-09-17T07:06:39.932071-07:00

Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Human Spaceflight & Space Stations Boeing NASA

Ars Technica • Eric Berger

After being sidelined, Boeing's Starliner to get starring role in NASA's spaceflight plans

By Ars Technica: They should fly their capsule. The government paid a lot of money for that.".

2 Sources

2026-09-17T07:50:17.872168-07:00

Opinion: Europe Must Act to Close Its Space Competitiveness Gap

Aschbacher upbeat about winning support for a European human spaceflight program

Astra projecting early 2027 for the introduction of Rocket 4.0

ViaSat-3 F2 Enters Service over Americas

Space Command says satellite tracking must evolve for combat in orbit

Satellite operators weigh SpaceX IPO impact as dust settles

SpaceX Starship Flight 14: What Pilots and Space Enthusiasts Need to Know

Starship's upcoming missions: Waiting on Orbit, Building toward the Cape

SpaceX pushes next Starship launch back to Sept. 28, a 6-day delay for megarocket's 1st orbital flight

After being sidelined, Boeing's Starliner to get starring role in NASA's spaceflight plans

Opinion: How Europe Can Close Its Space Competitiveness Gap

Aschbacher upbeat about winning support for a European human spaceflight program

Astra projecting early 2027 for the introduction of Rocket 4.0

ViaSat-3 F2 Enters Service over Americas

Space Command says satellite tracking must evolve for combat in orbit

Satellite operators weigh SpaceX IPO impact as dust settles

SpaceX Discusses Buying Data for AI Models From Failed Startups

Impulse Space Raises $308M Series D Extension

SatPort to Build Landing Stations for Telesat Lightspeed

Icarus Robotics Completes Parabolic Flight Test Ahead of ISS Mission

SpaceX targets Sept. 22 for Starship’s first orbital test, with 26 Starlink V3 satellites

Isaacman frames U.S. return to the moon as a national security imperative amid China competition

European launchers see stronger demand as SpaceX capacity tightens; Rocket Lab funds $1.94B Iridium acquisition

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

More in Space

Eight African nations signed the Artemis Accords. Now give them a path to the moon.

Vantor taps EnduroSat, CACI for 24-satellite Earth imaging constellation

#SpaceWatchGL Opinion: Europe Doesn't Need More Projects. It Needs a Market.

Airbus to Build SpainSat NG-III as Spain Replaces Lost Communications Satellite

NASA says new Roman telescope's lifespan could more than double, to 22 years

Galileo demonstrates authenticated civil positioning service amid rising spoofing concerns

Drugmakers prepare for next phase of space pharmaceuticals as ISS retirement nears

The Era of Cheap, Price-Per-Kilo Launch is Over, Launchers Say