FCC   Satellite   Policy & Regulation  
SpaceNews.com • Jason Rainbow

FCC moves to preserve Mobile Satellite Service incumbents, dismissing SpaceX and others’ spectrum access challenges amid D2D spe

The FCC has moved to lock down incumbent Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) rights, dismissing bids by SpaceX and other parties seeking access to spectrum increasingly viewed as critical for direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity. The decision intensifies the regulatory fight over how scarce satellite RF assets are allocated as D2D commercialization accelerates.

2026-04-23T16:05:18.001632-07:00
Satellite   Space Force   Commercial Space   Space Defense & Militarization  
SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

SpaceX wins $57 million U.S. military contract for satellite crosslink demo

By SpaceNews.com: GTON — The Space Systems Command, the U.S. Space Force’s acquisition arm, awarded SpaceX a $57 million contract to demonstrate satellite-to-satellite communications using Link-182, a radio-frequency data link standard the Space Force has adopted for its MILNET data relay network.

2026-04-23T14:50:27.221197-07:00
ISS   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Human Spaceflight & Space Stations   Commercial Space  
collectSPACE

Frontier fashion: Vast reveals flight suit, tests timepiece for commercial space station

By collectSPACE: After 25 years of U.S. astronauts wearing off-the-rack clothes while in Earth orbit, a company working to launch the world's first commercial space station has adopted a custom approach to its crew attire.

2026-04-22T19:50:53.912897-07:00
L3Harris   Orders   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Boeing   NASA  
NASA • Charles G. Hatfield

NASA's 777 Aircraft Returns with Science Flights on Horizon

By NASA: NASA’s Boeing 777 has returned to the agency’s fleet after undergoing heavy structural modifications as it transforms from a giant passenger plane into the agency’s next-generation airborne science laboratory.

2026-04-22T13:39:18.717768-07:00
Satellite   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Space Defense & Militarization  
Space Intel Report • Peter B. de Selding

Iridium plans to launch PNT ASIC in July to support higher-power GNSS backup for GPS

By Space Intel Report: LA PLATA, Maryland — Iridium Communications’ fledgling PNT service to provide a higher-power backup for GPS and other GNSS systems expects to roll out its dedicated ASIC this summer and the company is sticking with forecasts of $100 million or more in annual revenue by 2030.

2026-04-23T11:25:11.508343-07:00
Middle East   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Human Spaceflight & Space Stations   Space Policy & International Cooperation   NASA  
SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

Jordan signs the Artemis Accords

By SpaceNews.com: Jordan is the latest country to sign the Artemis Accords as NASA works to attract more countries to its lunar exploration efforts.

2026-04-23T08:25:57.651642-07:00