Universe TodayAndy Tomaswick

Photonic "ski-jump" could shrink spacecraft LiDAR and laser comms to chip scale

A Nature paper from MIT, MITRE and Sandia describes a "photonic ski-jump" that pushes LiDAR and free-space laser communications from bulky mechanical mirrors to chip‑scale photonic structures. The approach promises orders‑of‑magnitude reductions in size, weight and power (SWaP) for spacecraft optical sensors and terminals.

2026-03-16T12:40:13.580781-07:00
Via SatelliteRachel Jewett

Investing in American Manufacturing: Shey Sabripour Talks CesiumAstro’s Ramp-Up

By Via Satellite: CesiumAstro CEO Shey Sabripour shares his deep passion for building in America, and how he sees a crucial link between strong commercial competition, resilient supply chains, and defense readiness.

2026-03-16T11:01:58.259448-07:00
New York TimesJonathan O’Callaghan

Spaceflight Started 100 Years Ago in a Massachusetts Cabbage Patch

By New York Times: Before humanity sent satellites, telescopes, humans and weapons into space, Robert Goddard experimented with the first liquid-fueled rocket on his aunt’s farm.

2026-03-16T02:19:15.103564-07:00
FlightGlobalCraig Hoyle

Sweden signs agreement to enable satellite launches from Esrange in late 2020s with SSC Space

By FlightGlobal: NATO member Sweden has signed an agreement paving the way for it to commence satellite launch services from its Esrange site late this decade.

2026-03-16T05:04:25.704442-07:00