Space News

defense UAV Development & Drone Programs Satellite Space Defense & Militarization Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact

Washington Post • Mary Ilyushina

Starlink restrictions disrupt Ukrainian drone operations and expose reliance on U.S. satellite services

Reports say limits on SpaceX’s Starlink service impaired Ukraine’s mid-range strike operations and its ability to intercept Russian drones, with President Volodymyr Zelensky saying the service was not fully restored. The disruption highlights the battlefield consequences of restricting access to commercially provided satellite communications amid Kyiv’s dependence on U.S. support.

Bloomberg • Anthony Capaccio, Ellen Milligan

SpaceX Starlink Cuts Hobbled Ukraine Before Russian Bombardment

The Hill • Ellen Mitchell

Ukraine faces grim question of whether it can take on Russia without US backing

Also: counteroffensive.news and Kyiv Independent

6 Sources

2026-10-17T02:04:32.003956-07:00

Space Exploration & Science Missions

Universe Today • Bruce Dorminey

Enigmatic Mercury Will Remain A Puzzle Until Someone Sends A Lander

By Universe Today: Despite the upcoming Bepi Colombo visit to Mercury, we need a lander mission to fully understand our solar system’s innermost planet.

1 Source

2026-10-17T01:34:51.794248-07:00

Human Spaceflight & Space Stations

Space.com • Mike Wall

'It really does change you': SpaceX Crew-12 commander wishes we could all see our fragile Earth from space

By Space.com: The astronauts of SpaceX's Crew-12 mission wish that we could all see Earth as they just did — as a beautiful but fragile outpost of life in a vast void.

1 Source

2026-10-16T15:05:17.807317-07:00

Satellite Europe Space Policy & International Cooperation Policy & Regulation

Via Satellite • Rachel Jewett

ESPI Calls for Stronger European Controls for MSS Spectrum

By Via Satellite: As Europe plans to reserve a portion of its mobile satellite services (MSS) spectrum authorization for European operators, a European think tank argues it should go further and maximize European control across the space segment as well.

1 Source

2026-10-16T12:54:39.760852-07:00

JWST Space Exploration & Science Missions NASA

Space.com • Robert Lea

Scientists find 'gemstones' in atmosphere of bizarre, scorching-hot 'marshmallow' exoplanet

By Space.com: Using data from the James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers have unravelled some of the secrets of a bizarre, blisteringly hot exoplanet that has the consistency of marshmallow.

Also: astrobiology.com, scitechdaily.com and zmescience.com

4 Sources

2026-10-16T11:05:33.362520-07:00

Satellite Middle East

Satellite Evolution • Satellite Evolution Group

Arqiva accelerates Middle East growth with landmark Gulfsat Satellite Services agreement

By Satellite Evolution: Satellite Evolution Group 1 hour ago 2 min read Arqiva has announced a landmark agreement with Gulfsat, a leading Kuwaiti communications company and regional satellite operator, marking a significant expansion of Arqiva’s presence in the Middle East.

Also: Via Satellite and satelliteprome.com

3 Sources

2026-10-16T10:28:09.227856-07:00

Satellite North America Commercial Space

Via Satellite • Rachel Jewett

CesiumAstro to Add Manufacturing Facility in Melbourne, Florida

By Via Satellite: CesiumAstro plans to expand to Florida with an announcement this week to build an engineering and manufacturing facility in Melbourne on the Space Coast.

1 Source

2026-10-16T11:35:20.672628-07:00

Satellite Space Policy & International Cooperation Policy & Regulation

Space Intel Report • Peter B. de Selding

ITU: More than 4,000 satellite network filings are backed up waiting for review

By Space Intel Report: LA PLATA, Maryland — The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) will always be accused of playing regulatory catch-up on satellite technologies that are moving faster than ever.

1 Source

2026-10-16T11:55:34.415423-07:00

Starlink restrictions disrupt Ukrainian drone operations and expose reliance on U.S. satellite services

SpaceX Starlink Cuts Hobbled Ukraine Before Russian Bombardment

Ukraine faces grim question of whether it can take on Russia without US backing

Enigmatic Mercury Will Remain A Puzzle Until Someone Sends A Lander

'It really does change you': SpaceX Crew-12 commander wishes we could all see our fragile Earth from space

ESPI Calls for Stronger European Controls for MSS Spectrum

Scientists find 'gemstones' in atmosphere of bizarre, scorching-hot 'marshmallow' exoplanet

Arqiva accelerates Middle East growth with landmark Gulfsat Satellite Services agreement

CesiumAstro to Add Manufacturing Facility in Melbourne, Florida

ITU: More than 4,000 satellite network filings are backed up waiting for review

As Ukraine worries about Starlink access, Russia is developing a system to match it

Enigmatic Mercury Will Remain A Puzzle Until Someone Sends A Lander

'It really does change you': SpaceX Crew-12 commander wishes we could all see our fragile Earth from space

As Space Force opens market for in-orbit surveillance, Northrop Grumman touts its experience

ESPI Calls for Stronger European Controls for MSS Spectrum

Arqiva accelerates Middle East growth with landmark Gulfsat Satellite Services agreement

On this day in space! Oct. 16, 1975: NASA launches the 1st-ever GOES weather satellite to watch Earth from space

As Space Force opens market for in-orbit surveillance, Northrop Grumman touts its experience

How Iridium Is Helping the Army Stay Connected Beyond Line of Sight

A Radio Phoenix Beyond the Zone of Avoidance

Ukraine says new Starlink limits are disrupting military drones and exposing reliance on private satellite networks

Ukraine says new Starlink limits are disrupting military drones and exposing reliance on private satellite networks

SpaceX seeks sharply more Starship launches as Blue Origin targets weekly New Glenn flights and Rocket Lab delays Neutron to 202

NASA’s first Venus missions in a generation prompt staffing ramp-up and acceleration

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

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