The HillMark R Whittington

How commercial launch providers could free NASA from the Space Launch System

Two major commercial launch providers are accelerating development of heavy‑lift and crewed launch capabilities that could offer NASA operational alternatives to the Space Launch System. Successful commercial options would ease schedule and cost pressure on Artemis‑class missions and force changes to agency procurement and mission architectures.

2026-02-22T17:30:49.269332-08:00
Reuters

NASA may roll Artemis II stack back to VAB after helium-flow anomaly, imperiling March launch window

By Reuters: NASA is taking steps to potentially roll back the Artemis II rocket and Orion spacecraft to its Vehicle Assembly Building after observing an interrupted flow of helium, the space agency said on Saturday.

2026-02-21T08:56:15.957193-08:00
Space.comRobert Z Pearlman

SpaceX Falcon 9 breaks reuse record with 33rd flight during second Starlink launch of the day

By Space.com: The second of two SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets launched on Saturday (Feb. 21) completed a record-breaking 33rd re-flight.

2026-02-21T20:10:21.227749-08:00
SpaceNews.comJeff Foust

Former ULA CEO Tory Bruno joins Blue Origin to lead 'urgent' national-security space projects, including Blue Ring

By SpaceNews.com: Tory Bruno, former CEO of ULA, said he decided to join Blue Origin to work on important national security projects, including Blue Ring.

2026-02-20T18:07:21.608331-08:00
Via SatelliteBen Ackman

Axelspace and Synspective Lock In Imagery Contracts for Japanese Constellation

By Via Satellite: Japanese satellite imagery providers Axelspace and Synspective finalized agreements with SKY Perfect JSAT, Mitsui, and Mitsubishi Electric to provide optical and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery.

2026-02-20T11:53:27.332847-08:00