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Satellite   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Commercial Space   NASA  
New York Times • Kenneth Chang

NASA and Katalyst Abandon Rescue of Aging Swift Space Telescope After LINK Control Problems

NASA and Katalyst Space Technologies have canceled an attempt to capture and raise the orbit of the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory after the commercial LINK spacecraft developed persistent attitude-control problems. Swift is now expected to reenter Earth’s atmosphere and disintegrate later this year, ending the rescue effort.

Also: CNA, The Independent, orlandosentinel.com and mynorthwest.com
2026-08-19T13:21:09.555648-07:00
Satellite   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Human Spaceflight & Space Stations   Commercial Space   Space Debris & Traffic Management   NASA  
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SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

Katalyst Space and NASA abandon plans for Swift reboost

By SpaceNews.com: Katalyst Space and NASA have called off plans to use the company’s Link spacecraft to raise the orbit of the agency’s Swift gamma-ray observatory.

Also: Via Satellite, Space.com, Reuters, Aerospace America, douglasmmessier.substack.com, Space Policy Online, NBC News, CNN, The Independent and CBS News
2026-08-19T12:40:44.639330-07:00
China   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space   Space Defense & Militarization  
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Ars Technica • Stephen Clark

Another Chinese Company Successfully Lands a Reusable Rocket Booster

By Ars Technica: We will put the booster back into service for another flight as soon as possible.".

2026-08-19T11:49:53.544687-07:00
Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space  
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NASA Spaceflight • Eleanor Day

Stoke Space conducts second stage fit checks, completes first stage engines ahead of Nova debut

By NASA Spaceflight: While Starship is grabbing headlines, another fully reusable vehicle is advancing towards a potential 2026 debut. Nova, developed by Stoke Space, is a medium-lift vehicle that has reached several key milestones for its maiden launch over the last few weeks, including vehicle mating.

2026-08-19T14:05:16.563332-07:00
AI   M&A   Commercial Space  
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Bloomberg • Edward Ludlow, Natasha Mascarenhas, Rebecca Torrence

SpaceX Attempted to Acquire AI Coding Startup Cognition

By Bloomberg: SpaceX approached artificial intelligence coding startup Cognition AI Inc. about a potential acquisition, according to people familiar with the matter, in what would have been its second large takeover in recent months to gain ground in the AI race.

Also: Seeking Alpha and Yahoo Finance
2026-08-19T12:21:16.436963-07:00