Space News

Europe Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

Space.com • Elizabeth Howell

Rocket issue delays RFA’s first orbital launch from the UK

Rocket Factory Augsburg found an issue with its launch vehicle during testing at the U.K.’s SaxaVord Spaceport, delaying the country’s first orbital rocket launch. The vehicle requires further investigation before the attempt can proceed, adding uncertainty to the schedule for Europe’s emerging commercial launch sector.

1 Source

2026-08-02T04:31:41.194267-07:00

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

NASA Spaceflight • Chris Bergin, Martijn Luinstra

Boeing's Starliner set for potential 2026 cargo run to ISS

By NASA Spaceflight: Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg has noted redesign work on the company’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft is advancing well, though the company must still coordinate with NASA on future launch plans.

3 Sources

2026-08-01T16:14:08.135345-07:00

Satellite Space Force Space Defense & Militarization

SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Space Force awards K2 Space $22.9 million for laser communications demonstration

By SpaceNews.com: WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force awarded K2 Space a $22.9 million contract to test laser terminals designed to transmit data directly between satellites in orbit.

1 Source

2026-08-01T13:45:34.179880-07:00

Satellite Space Exploration & Science Missions NASA

Ars Technica • Stephen Clark

Engineers Develop Plan to Rescue Satellite Supporting NASA’s Swift Mission

By Ars Technica: We believe that a capture of Swift, an attempted capture of Swift, is very much in the cards.".

1 Source

2026-08-01T11:50:07.523880-07:00

China Satellite Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation

SpaceNews.com • Andrew Jones

China launches secretive TJS-27 pair, orbits next-gen Tianlian relay sat

By SpaceNews.com: China sent a new pair of secretive satellites into a programmatically new orbit Wednesday, while also upgrading its on-orbit communications relay capabilities.

1 Source

2026-08-01T06:49:58.072393-07:00

Satellite Commercial Space Space Policy & International Cooperation

New York Times • Peter Coy

The High-Stakes Battle for Invisible Real Estate in Space

By New York Times: As radio spectrum becomes more valuable, companies like SpaceX are jostling alongside governments to control more of it.

1 Source

2026-08-01T06:11:12.716338-07:00

Satellite Moon Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

Reuters • Akash Sriram

SpaceX’s First Earnings Call Will Test Investor Focus on Starlink, AI and Lunar Ambitions

By Reuters: Most ⁠retail investors were optimistic about SpaceX's future, but one user questioned whether Musk's own long-term vision made investing worthwhile.

Also: Economic Times

2 Sources

2026-08-01T03:41:11.760376-07:00

Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

NASA Spaceflight • Ryan Weber

Starbase Pad 1 Retrofits Progress as Block 3 Flights Start

By NASA Spaceflight: While SpaceX has now flown two flights out of the newly designed Pad 2, crews continue to press on with the retrofit of Pad 1. This retrofit will bring the launch pad up to spec with Pad 2, LC-39A, and the still-under-construction SLC-37 pads.

1 Source

2026-07-31T14:20:16.744989-07:00

Rocket issue delays RFA’s first orbital launch from the UK

Boeing's Starliner set for potential 2026 cargo run to ISS

Space Force awards K2 Space $22.9 million for laser communications demonstration

Engineers Develop Plan to Rescue Satellite Supporting NASA’s Swift Mission

China launches secretive TJS-27 pair, orbits next-gen Tianlian relay sat

The High-Stakes Battle for Invisible Real Estate in Space

SpaceX’s First Earnings Call Will Test Investor Focus on Starlink, AI and Lunar Ambitions

Starbase Pad 1 Retrofits Progress as Block 3 Flights Start

Rocket issue delays 1st orbital rocket launch from the UK

Boeing's Starliner set for potential 2026 cargo run to ISS

Space Force awards K2 Space $22.9 million for laser communications demonstration

Engineers Develop Plan to Rescue Satellite Supporting NASA’s Swift Mission

China launches secretive TJS-27 pair, orbits next-gen Tianlian relay sat

The High-Stakes Battle for Invisible Real Estate in Space

Thales Alenia Joins OHB Italia-led Consortium to Develop the PRISMA satellite for the Italian Space Agency

Blue Origin continues rebuilding LC-36, prepares testing alternatives for New Glenn second stage

SpaceX Short Interest Soars Ahead of Big Share Unlock, Earnings

Sending repurposed Mars rover to the moon could cost more than $1 billion

Spain advances sovereign military satcom with €2 billion IRIS² commitment and SpainSat NG-III contract

NASA deal adds Stennis test capacity as Blue Origin rebuilds New Glenn pad after explosion

SES wins LATAM inflight-connectivity deal for 60+ Airbus and Embraer jets as satellite operator targets broader transformation

Environmental groups criticize FAA proposal to speed up and reduce the cost of commercial space licensing

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

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