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SpaceNews.com • SpaceNews Editor

NASA studies lunar caves and surface science as plans for a Moon base advance

NASA has selected three scientific investigations intended to address challenges of living on the Moon, including whether underground caves could shelter astronauts from radiation, micrometeorites and extreme temperature swings. Separately, industry and research leaders discussed the technologies and near-term steps needed to make a lunar base viable.

Also: Science Daily and The Independent

3 Sources

2026-10-08T07:20:40.808543-07:00

Defense Industry & Major Contractors Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

CNBC • Luke Fountain

Trump bought up to $25 million in Meta and millions in SpaceX debt in August

By CNBC: Trump disclosed 517 August trades, including up to $5 million in debt from SpaceX, a major Pentagon contractor and NASA launch provider.

Also: Bloomberg

2 Sources

2026-10-08T07:05:26.267005-07:00

aviation Commercial Space Space Policy & International Cooperation Policy & Regulation

SpaceNews.com • Jack Wright Nelson, Steven E. Bartz

The U.S. already oversees commercial space. Novelty is not a regulatory gap.

By SpaceNews.com: A voluntary federal pilot could determine whether America’s next generation of commercial-space businesses operates under clear, generally applicable rules or must first obtain discretionary government permission merely because an activity is new.

1 Source

2026-10-08T06:10:39.917773-07:00

Satellite LEO Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

Space.com • Mike Wall

Relive Starship's 1st-ever orbital flight with these epic SpaceX videos

By Space.com: Newly released footage shows Starship's upper stage separating from its booster and deploying Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit.

1 Source

2026-10-08T06:06:21.211599-07:00

Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space Policy & Regulation

Payload • Victoria Woodburn

DOT Proposes Changes to Part 450 Licensing Rules

By Payload: DOT Secretary Sean Duffy announced five proposed FAA rules aiming to streamline and modernize commercial space launch and reentry regulations.

1 Source

2026-10-08T05:55:05.636580-07:00

Satellite Space Force Space Defense & Militarization

SpaceNews.com • Debra Werner

York expands Austin presence with new software-development office

By SpaceNews.com: FRANCISCO — York Space Systems is expanding its Austin, Texas, operations with a new office for software developers. To continue reading this article: Register now to read 3 free articles this month.

Also: Aviation Week

2 Sources

2026-10-08T05:05:19.338084-07:00

defense Satellite Europe North America Commercial Space Space Defense & Militarization

Bloomberg • John Gittelsohn

2026-10-08T06:05:48.696909-07:00

Europe ESA Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation

SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

Study validates feasibility of European heavy-lift reusable rocket

By SpaceNews.com: A European Space Agency study has found it is technically and financially feasible for Europe to pursue development of a heavy-lift reusable rocket.

2 Sources

2026-10-08T03:16:10.844111-07:00

NASA studies lunar caves and surface science as plans for a Moon base advance

Trump bought up to $25 million in Meta and millions in SpaceX debt in August

The U.S. already oversees commercial space. Novelty is not a regulatory gap.

Relive Starship's 1st-ever orbital flight with these epic SpaceX videos

DOT Proposes Changes to Part 450 Licensing Rules

York expands Austin presence with new software-development office

Defense Startup Raises $30 Million to Launch ‘Bodyguards in Space’

Fortastra Raises $30M Series A to Fund its Next Security Spacecraft

Interceptor Startup Furientis Raises $25M Seed, Scores First OTA

Study validates feasibility of European heavy-lift reusable rocket

What will it take to build a moon base?

Trump bought up to $25 million in Meta and millions in SpaceX debt in August

The U.S. already oversees commercial space. Novelty is not a regulatory gap.

Defense Startup Raises $30 Million to Launch ‘Bodyguards in Space’

Relive Starship's 1st-ever orbital flight with these epic SpaceX videos

Fortastra closes $30 million Series A round

Fortastra closes $30 million Series A round

FCC's 15,000-Satellite SpaceX Approval Moves Starlink Mobile Closer to a Standalone Wireless Service

Russia, China hypersonic missile threats fuel need for space defense, satellite CEO says

#SpaceWatchGL Recap: IAC 2026 Day Three: Europe Prepares for Rome, NASA Opens Its Data

SpaceX seeks $40 billion financing led by Apollo to buy Nvidia AI chips, FT reports

SpaceX seeks $40 billion financing led by Apollo to buy Nvidia AI chips, FT reports

South Korea’s Nuri completes fifth launch, deploying 14 of 15 satellites as Hanwha takes larger role

NASA seeks at least one joint science mission with Europe, calling LISA a strong deal for the US

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

More in Space

Margaret Hamilton, computing pioneer who led software development for the Apollo program, dies at 90

Artemis Accords countries offered opportunities to participate in lunar base and space academy

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NASA Selects GIMLI to Search the Marius Lunar Pit for a Potential Lunar Base Site

Cramer says SpaceX’s latest price target hike could signal something bigger

New Study Shows That Earth and Mars Had Different Origins

'Things are going super well at 39A': SpaceX gearing up to launch Starship from Florida for 1st time

Musk Attacks Unnamed Indian ‘Oligarchs’ for Locking Out Starlink