Space News

Aviation Safety & Regulation Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Space Policy & International Cooperation Policy & Regulation

Reuters • David Shepardson

US regulator proposes rule to accelerate approvals for commercial space missions by reducing required legal reviews

The US aviation regulator has proposed new rules aimed at speeding approval timelines for commercial space missions, including rocket and satellite launches. The proposal would remove the requirement for missions to follow provisions of 13 environmental and other laws, shifting to a faster approval pathway for operators.

1 Source

2026-07-28T13:01:07.477949-07:00

Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Space Exploration & Science Missions Commercial Space

NASA Spaceflight • Ryan Weber

Ship 40’s flawless flight promotes next mission catch potential

By NASA Spaceflight: SpaceX’s Starship Flight 13 demonstrated that the Ship can complete its mission and return intact, surviving water impact without destruction. The Booster, however, remains a work in progress as SpaceX continues refining the clean-sheet Block 3 design.

1 Source

2026-07-28T10:41:59.241200-07:00

Satellite Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

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Via Satellite • Rachel Jewett

Impulse Space Details its First Electric Propulsion System

By Via Satellite: Impulse Space detailed the company’s first electric propulsion system called Electra, built to support long-duration operations in space. This comes.

1 Source

2026-07-28T12:59:27.753101-07:00

Satellite AI

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Via Satellite • Rachel Jewett

Skywave to Add Iridium SBS Data Service Into Industrial IoT Offering

By Via Satellite: Iridium and Orbcomm company Skywave have a new strategic partnership for industrial IoT to bring Iridium’s Short Burst Data (SBD) services to heavy equipment OEM customers.

1 Source

2026-07-28T12:59:28.529641-07:00

Viasat Satellite Commercial Space Space Policy & International Cooperation

Space Intel Report • Peter B. de Selding

Viasat: We have $291M in satellite manufacturing payments to 2031, and $510M in capacity leases on other satellites

By Space Intel Report: TUPPER LAKE, NY — Viasat Inc. had $291.4 million in satellite construction payments due in the next five years as of March 31 and another $509.8 million in future commitments to purchase satellites capacity from third-party fleet operators, Viasat said in its 2026 annual report.

1 Source

2026-07-28T11:17:18.680889-07:00

China Satellite Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact

Space.com • Robert Z. Pearlman

SpaceX launches 24 Starlink satellites to orbit in wake of Starship test flight (video)

By Space.com: Liftoff occurred at 11:51 a.m. ET on Saturday (July 25).

3 Sources

2026-07-28T08:11:28.873571-07:00

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

Payload • Victoria Woodburn

Space Science’s Golden Age Problem

By Payload: The White House released a sweeping vision for the nation's R&D enterprise, with significant implications for space sciences.

1 Source

2026-07-28T10:37:00.409004-07:00

AI Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Space Exploration & Science Missions Commercial Space

Bloomberg • Bailey Lipschultz

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US regulator proposes rule to accelerate approvals for commercial space missions by reducing required legal reviews

Ship 40’s flawless flight promotes next mission catch potential

Impulse Space Details its First Electric Propulsion System

Skywave to Add Iridium SBS Data Service Into Industrial IoT Offering

Viasat: We have $291M in satellite manufacturing payments to 2031, and $510M in capacity leases on other satellites

SpaceX launches 24 Starlink satellites to orbit in wake of Starship test flight (video)

Space Science’s Golden Age Problem

SpaceX Rebounds After Briefly Plunging 20% Below IPO Price

Elon Musk stocks take $1.5 trillion hit with fresh test in SpaceX lockup ahead

SpaceX Market Cap Drops Over $1.2 Trillion Amid Falling Stock Prices

US agency proposes accelerated approval for commercial space missions

Impulse Space Details its First Electric Propulsion System

Skywave to Add Iridium SBS Data Service Into Industrial IoT Offering

Viasat: We have $291M in satellite manufacturing payments to 2031, and $510M in capacity leases on other satellites

Ship 40’s flawless flight promotes next mission catch potential

Space Science’s Golden Age Problem

NASA selects successor to CAPSTONE lunar mission

China to carry Africa’s first lunar science probes on Chang’e 8 in 2029

Amazon Joins the Direct-to-Device Race

SpaceX stock-purchasing by Congress members fuels conflict concerns

Amazon asks FCC approval for up to 5,105 direct-to-device satellites, leveraging Globalstar assets post-$11.6B acquisition

Soyuz MS-28 brings U.S.-Russian ISS crew back after 241 days; Expedition 74 ends with Kazakhstan landing

European “SpaceX rival” The Exploration Company in talks for a $300M raise, targeting $2B+ valuation

ESA awards ispace-EUROPE execution contract for MAGPIE lunar polar ice exploration mission phase

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

More in Space

Chang'e-6 Samples Provide an Ancient Record of the Moon's Far Side.

Starship in space! See highlights of SpaceX megarocket's epic Flight 13 test launch (video)

Amazon files application for direct-to-device satellite constellation

Experts warn current Starship heat shield tech is a "dead end" for rapid reuse

Rocket Lab Wins Record $266 Million U.S. Space Force Contract

Private companies could ruin the night sky for the entire world, and international law can't stop them

ORBES Unveils Exo-ORB Maintenance Spacecraft

ESA Awards Execution Contract for 'MAGPIE', ESA's Lunar Polar Ice Exploration Mission to ispace-EUROPE