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Mars   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Human Spaceflight & Space Stations   NASA  
Space.com • Michaela Musilova

NASA’s yearlong Mars simulation ends as crew exits habitat; underwater analog tests probe spacewalk safety

Four volunteers who spent more than a year living and working in a simulated Mars mission are due to leave their habitat on Saturday, Oct. Separately, analog astronaut Michaela Musilova led low-visibility underwater “spacewalks” to test astronaut safety and communications protocols—using terrestrial simulations to examine challenges crews may face during space missions.

Also: NASA
2026-10-27T14:05:26.260222-07:00
FCC   Satellite   Project Kuiper   M&A   Commercial Space  
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SpaceNews.com • Jason Rainbow

FCC clears Globalstar’s $11.5 billion sale to Amazon

By SpaceNews.com: The Federal Communications Commission has approved Amazon’s plans to buy U.S. satellite operator Globalstar for around $11.5 billion, clearing a key regulatory hurdle to fast-track its entry into the direct-to-device connectivity market.

Also: Via Satellite, Seeking Alpha and CNA
2026-10-27T12:45:40.967271-07:00
defense   China   Satellite   Space Defense & Militarization   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
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Breaking Defense • Theresa Hitchens

China has tripled its satellite fleet since 2018 as expansion continues: DIA

By Breaking Defense: WASHINGTON — A new report by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) finds that China has tripled its fleet of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) satellites since 2018 and continues to expand capabilities to detect, track and target US and allied forces on the ground and at sea.

Also: The War Zone, Ars Technica and The Aviationist
2026-10-27T14:04:46.164958-07:00
Satellite   Europe   ESA   Commercial Space   Airbus   Thales  
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Via Satellite • Rachel Jewett

Airbus and Thales Contracted for 2 Galileo Satellites Each

By Via Satellite: The European Space Agency (ESA) awarded contracts this week to both Airbus and Thales Alenia Space contracts to build two additional Galileo satellites each to enhance the Galileo navigation system.

2026-10-27T12:55:19.221037-07:00
M&A  
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Bloomberg • Carmen Arroyo, Dana Hull, Kara Carlson

SpaceX and Tesla Turn to Boards Cozy With Musk to Mull a Merger

By Bloomberg: Elon Musk disclosed last week that SpaceX and Tesla’s boards had formed special committees to discuss a potential merger. Musk himself cannot interfere, he said, stressing that the special committees are composed of independent directors.

Also: Bloomberg Law and Seeking Alpha
2026-10-27T11:05:15.267676-07:00
Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Exploration & Science Missions   NASA  
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Space.com • Hanneke Weitering, Tariq Malik

On this day in space! Oct. 27, 1961: NASA launches Saturn I rocket on 1st test flight from Florida to set stage for the mighty Saturn V moon rocket

By Space.com: On Oct. 27, 1961, NASA launched the first test flight of its new Saturn I space launch vehicle. Here's why it mattered.

Also: astronomy.com
2026-10-27T07:05:26.474925-07:00
defense   Satellite   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
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Bloomberg • Alberto Nardelli, Courtney McBride, Ellen Milligan, Natalia Drozdiak

Starlink Brinkmanship Is Driving Allies to Rethink US Reliance

By Bloomberg: European officials have intensified discussions about ways to reduce their reliance on the US and American defense contractors following the recent blame game around Ukraine’s Starlink restrictions, according to people familiar with the matter.

Also: The Verge
2026-10-27T10:05:16.016878-07:00