Space News

China Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

Ars Technica • Eric Berger

China seeks SpaceX’s Raptor 3 engine as Starship prepares for a major test

China is reportedly interested in SpaceX’s Raptor 3 engine, underscoring the strategic importance of the company’s propulsion technology as SpaceX prepares for a significant Starship test. The developments highlight both the widening competitive interest in advanced launch systems and SpaceX’s growing influence in the global space sector.

1 Source

2026-09-18T04:21:47.485215-07:00

Europe Space Policy & International Cooperation

SpaceWatch Global • K.-P. Ludwig

Opinion: How Europe Can Close Its Space Competitiveness Gap

By SpaceWatch Global: As the world's spacefaring nations gather in Paris, one narrative dominates: that Europe is falling behind. This narrative is convenient, because it postpones action to some future date.

1 Source

2026-09-18T01:21:15.218776-07:00

Europe ESA Human Spaceflight & Space Stations Space Policy & International Cooperation

SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

Aschbacher upbeat about winning support for a European human spaceflight program

By SpaceNews.com: The head of ESA is optimistic that member states will back plans to pursue human spaceflight and other key programs at a critical December meeting.

1 Source

2026-09-18T00:51:00.519537-07:00

Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

Astra projecting early 2027 for the introduction of Rocket 4.0

By SpaceNews.com: Astra is now planning a first launch of its Rocket 4.0 vehicle in early 2027 as it aims to reenter a market increasingly desperate for launch capacity.

Also: Space Intel Report

2 Sources

2026-09-17T23:40:42.036907-07:00

Viasat Satellite Commercial Space

PaxEx.Aero • Seth Miller

ViaSat-3 F2 Enters Service over Americas

By PaxEx.Aero: The ViaSat-3 constellation is complete. All three satellites are now providing data services to customers, confirmed with today's news that the F2 spacecraft is online.

2 Sources

2026-09-17T17:16:21.527780-07:00

Space Force Space Defense & Militarization Space Debris & Traffic Management

SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Space Command says satellite tracking must evolve for combat in orbit

By SpaceNews.com: WASHINGTON — The U.S. military has expanded its ability to track objects in orbit but still needs to better connect that information to command systems and weapons as it prepares for the possibility of combat in space, the head of U.S.

Also: Aviation Week and Janes

3 Sources

2026-09-17T13:10:41.158752-07:00

Satellite ATC Project Kuiper Aviation Safety & Regulation Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space Policy & Regulation

Flying Magazine • Jack Daleo

2026-09-17T07:06:39.932071-07:00

Satellite Commercial Space

SpaceNews.com • Jason Rainbow

Satellite operators weigh SpaceX IPO impact as dust settles

By SpaceNews.com: SpaceX’s industry-shaking IPO more than three months ago continues to have far-reaching and mixed effects for other satellite broadband operators.

1 Source

2026-09-17T10:17:13.273069-07:00

China seeks SpaceX’s Raptor 3 engine as Starship prepares for a major test

Opinion: How Europe Can Close Its Space Competitiveness Gap

Aschbacher upbeat about winning support for a European human spaceflight program

Astra projecting early 2027 for the introduction of Rocket 4.0

ViaSat-3 F2 Enters Service over Americas

Space Command says satellite tracking must evolve for combat in orbit

SpaceX Starship Flight 14: What Pilots and Space Enthusiasts Need to Know

Starship's upcoming missions: Waiting on Orbit, Building toward the Cape

SpaceX pushes next Starship launch back to Sept. 28, a 6-day delay for megarocket's 1st orbital flight

Satellite operators weigh SpaceX IPO impact as dust settles

Rocket Report: China wants a Raptor 3 engine; SpaceX set for big Starship test

Opinion: How Europe Can Close Its Space Competitiveness Gap

Aschbacher upbeat about winning support for a European human spaceflight program

Astra projecting early 2027 for the introduction of Rocket 4.0

ViaSat-3 F2 Enters Service over Americas

Space Command says satellite tracking must evolve for combat in orbit

After being sidelined, Boeing's Starliner to get starring role in NASA's spaceflight plans

SpaceX Discusses Buying Data for AI Models From Failed Startups

Impulse Space Raises $308M Series D Extension

Icarus Robotics Completes Parabolic Flight Test Ahead of ISS Mission

SpaceX targets Sept. 22 for Starship’s first orbital test, with 26 Starlink V3 satellites

Isaacman frames U.S. return to the moon as a national security imperative amid China competition

European launchers see stronger demand as SpaceX capacity tightens; Rocket Lab funds $1.94B Iridium acquisition

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

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