Satellite   Europe   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Policy & Regulation   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
Space Intel Report • Peter B. de Selding

Franco-German ministers endorse Iris2 as Europe’s “digital backbone,” seek reserved 2-GHz spectrum

At the July 17 Franco-German Council of Ministers in Brussels, Germany and France praised the Iris2 multi-orbit secure connectivity initiative and backed its strategic role as a European digital backbone. The governments also want a 2-GHz spectrum allocation reserved for Iris2, despite Germany’s prior skepticism.

2026-07-23T09:05:45.643484-07:00
Museums   Satellite   Commercial Space   Space Defense & Militarization   Thales  
Space Intel Report • Peter B. de Selding

Thales space division reports growing sales and profit despite $174.5M cost of cancellation of two satellites for SES

By Space Intel Report: LA PLATA, Maryland — Thales Group’s space business, run mainly through Thales Alenia Space and Telespazio, continued its recovery in the three months ending June 30, with increases in both sales and profit, despite a customer’s cancellation of two geostationary-orbit telecommunications satellites.

2026-07-23T07:55:15.120102-07:00
Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space  
Bloomberg • Sarah Frier

Google Says it Holds $94 Billion in SpaceX Shares After IPO

By Bloomberg: Alphabet Inc.’s Google said its equity holdings include $94.1 billion in SpaceX shares, after the space-and-AI company’s blockbuster initial public offering.

Also: Seeking Alpha and CNA
2026-07-23T05:05:24.001622-07:00
Moon   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Human Spaceflight & Space Stations   NASA  
Space.com • Josh Dinner

Should Artemis IV astronauts actually land near the moon's south pole? Artemis II pilot says the lunar equator might be better

By Space.com: NASA has long eyed the moon's south pole for its first crewed Artemis landing. But Artemis II astronaut Victor Glover says the agency should target an easier and safer place to touch down.

Also: Science Daily
2026-07-23T05:02:42.902476-07:00
Satellite   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space  
Bloomberg • Sana Pashankar

SpaceX Attempts Major Flight Test Again in Post-IPO Spotlight

By Bloomberg: SpaceX will again attempt a major test of its massive Starship rocket on Thursday after abandoning takeoff last week, exposing investors to the risks of the company’s rocky development cycle and heightening the stakes for the critical milestone.

Also: Seeking Alpha, newsnationnow.com and Yahoo Finance
2026-07-23T03:05:59.008736-07:00