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Airbus

Airbus to launch first Pléiades Neo Next Earth‑observation satellite on Vega C from Kourou in early 2028

Airbus will launch the inaugural Pléiades Neo Next Earth‑observation satellite in early 2028 from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, using Avio's Vega C rocket. The flight marks the programme's operational debut as Airbus expands its high‑resolution geospatial services and EO capabilities.

European Spaceflight • Andrew Parsonson

Airbus Selects Vega C to Launch First Pléiades Neo Next Satellite

2026-01-27T00:22:57.873593-08:00
Satellite   Commercial Space   Space Defense & Militarization  
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Payload • Jacqueline Feldscher

Northwood Raises $100M Series B Led by a16z and Alpine Space Ventures

By Payload: The round, which was announced today, was led by Washington Harbour Partners and a16z. It also included participation from Alpine Space Ventures, among other investors, according to a press release.

Also: TechCrunch
2026-01-27T02:34:03.335650-08:00
Satellite   Europe   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Space Defense & Militarization   Policy & Regulation  
Space Intel Report • Peter B de Selding

ESA expands low‑LEO segment of Iris2 secure‑communications constellation; to reimburse industry non‑recurring scaling costs

By Space Intel Report: BRUSSELS — Preparation for the European Commission’s Iris2 secure communications constellation has motivated the European Space….

Also: Reuters and Aviation Week
2026-01-26T06:31:38.876968-08:00
Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Human Spaceflight & Space Stations   Commercial Space   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Industry Leader Profiles & Interviews  
SpaceWatch Global • Torsten Kriening

WSW 2026 — Markus Wandt (ESA/Saab) on Why Space Needs Purpose, Not Hype

By SpaceWatch Global: Daniela Jovic sits down with Markus Wandt, astronaut at European Space Agency and Head of Group Strategy & Technology at Saab.

2026-01-26T22:12:10.420302-08:00