Space News

Satellite LEO Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Space Exploration & Science Missions Commercial Space Space Debris & Traffic Management

SpaceWatch Global • Joshua Faleti

Tumbleweed puts “Oasis Alpha” demo satellite into sun-synchronous 590km LEO via SpaceX Transporter 17

Austrian startup Tumbleweed has launched its first mission, Oasis Alpha, into a sun-synchronous low Earth orbit at about 590km altitude. The demonstration satellite rode aboard SpaceX’s Transporter 17 mission, marking an initial commercialization step for the company’s in-orbit technology validation effort.

2 Sources

2026-07-08T00:14:03.139134-07:00

ISS Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space Space Policy & International Cooperation

SpaceNews.com • Debra Werner

D-Orbit signs launch-services contract with ArkEdge Space

By SpaceNews.com: SAN FRANCISCO – Italian space logistics specialist D-Orbit will provide a series of launches aboard its ION Satellite Carrier for Japanese startup ArkEdge Space, under a contract announced July 8 in Japan.

1 Source

2026-07-07T18:14:47.602721-07:00

Satellite Leadership Commercial Space

SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

Orbit Fab hires new CEO and raises funding to support satellite refueling business

By SpaceNews.com: With a new chief executive and funding round, satellite refueling company Orbit Fab hopes to make the transition from technology development to operations.

1 Source

2026-07-07T15:58:58.570649-07:00

Event Europe Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation

European Spaceflight • Andrew Parsonson

RFA ONE Launch from SaxaVord Set for No Earlier Than 10 August

By European Spaceflight: Rocket Factory Augsburg is preparing to launch the inaugural flight of its RFA ONE rocket from SaxaVord no earlier than 10 August.

2 Sources

2026-07-07T13:04:43.773532-07:00

Space Exploration & Science Missions Human Spaceflight & Space Stations

Universe Today • Evan Gough

Another Success for Hayabusa 2 as it Completes a Flyby of Asteroid Torifune

By Universe Today: JAXA's Hayabusa 2 has completed its flyby of asteroid Torifune. The spacecraft came within about 800 meters of the asteroid's surface.

3 Sources

2026-07-07T13:30:31.124330-07:00

Satellite Space Force Defense Industry & Major Contractors Space Defense & Militarization

Via Satellite • Rachel Jewett

Space Systems Command Awards SES 5-Year Blanket Purchase Agreement

By Via Satellite: Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC) has awarded SES Space and Defense a five-year blanket purchase agreement (BPA) for global Ku-band connectivity, including a number of managed connectivity services.

1 Source

2026-07-07T13:13:53.630965-07:00

FCC Satellite Orders

Via Satellite • Rachel Jewett

CesiumAstro Files for 737-Satellite Synchronicity Constellation

By Via Satellite: CesiumAstro submitted an FCC filing for a 737-satellite constellation called Synchronicity to provide reconfigurable connectivity to fixed and mobile.

1 Source

2026-07-07T13:30:20.594785-07:00

Moon Space Exploration & Science Missions Space Policy & International Cooperation NASA

Space.com • Josh Dinner

'That's going to come back and bite us': Former NASA chief questions Artemis moon lander plans

By Space.com: Former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine questions the designs for NASA's commercial moon landers for its Artemis program.

1 Source

2026-07-07T08:17:05.925446-07:00

Menu

Tumbleweed puts “Oasis Alpha” demo satellite into sun-synchronous 590km LEO via SpaceX Transporter 17

D-Orbit signs launch-services contract with ArkEdge Space

Orbit Fab hires new CEO and raises funding to support satellite refueling business

RFA ONE Launch from SaxaVord Set for No Earlier Than 10 August

Another Success for Hayabusa 2 as it Completes a Flyby of Asteroid Torifune

Space Systems Command Awards SES 5-Year Blanket Purchase Agreement

CesiumAstro Files for 737-Satellite Synchronicity Constellation

'That's going to come back and bite us': Former NASA chief questions Artemis moon lander plans

Austrian Startup Tumbleweed Launches 'Oasis Alpha' Demo Satellite Aboard SpaceX's Transporter-17 Mission

D-Orbit signs launch-services contract with ArkEdge Space

Orbit Fab hires new CEO and raises funding to support satellite refueling business

Another Success for Hayabusa 2 as it Completes a Flyby of Asteroid Torifune

CesiumAstro Files for 737-Satellite Synchronicity Constellation

Space Systems Command Awards SES 5-Year Blanket Purchase Agreement

FCC Poised To Advance Sat Licensing Reform

ITU board wants more details before accepting deadline extension for Open Cosmos to deploy broadband constellation

SpaceX satellite wins test Pentagon’s commitment to competition

Wall Street Unleashes Wave of Bullish SpaceX Ratings

Launch preview: SpaceX Transporter-17 (81 payloads) plus debuts of China’s Long March 10B and Skyroot’s Vikram-I

Iridium completes Aireon acquisition, consolidating satellite ADS‑B surveillance ahead of an $8B Rocket Lab deal

Italy brings IRIDE Earth observation marketplace online for initial government access

Superconducting-magnet space thruster completes first orbital tests, enabling possible “solar-powered” propulsion

Starlink's 2024 Advances: Transforming In-Flight Wi-Fi Connectivity in Aviation

Riyadh Air: Saudi Arabia's New National Carrier Prepares for Launch Amid Regional Competition

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