Satellite Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

Via Satellite • Rachel Jewett

SpaceX Twilight to deploy Kepler's first optical LEO comms tranche

SpaceX's Twilight rideshare will deploy the first tranche of Kepler Communications' next‑generation optical satellite constellation, a low‑Earth‑orbit network of laser-linked nodes. If launched, the deployment would be a potential world‑first optical comms network in LEO, preceding rival Amazon and Starlink plans.

Also: SpaceQ and betakit.com

2026-01-09T12:45:28.159018-08:00

Satellite Leadership Europe Commercial Space

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Via Satellite • Rachel Jewett

Eutelsat names former Maersk executive Eva Birgitte Bisgaard as President of Connectivity

By Via Satellite: Eutelsat has hired a former Maersk exec as it looks to boost revenues in the connectivity space. It has appointed Eva Birgitte Bisgaard as its new president of the Connectivity business unit.

2026-01-09T12:34:46.814060-08:00

Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Space Exploration & Science Missions Human Spaceflight & Space Stations NASA

Ars Technica • Eric Berger

Is Orion’s heat shield really safe? New NASA chief conducts final review on eve of flight.

By Ars Technica: That level of openness and transparency is exactly what should be expected of NASA.".

2026-01-09T09:48:25.071720-08:00

China Satellite Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

SpaceNews.com • Andrew Jones

Landspace wins launch contracts for China’s two major megaconstellations, easing domestic launch bottleneck

By SpaceNews.com: Landspace secures launch contracts for China’s megaconstellation projects Commercial launch startup Landspace has secured formal contracts to launch satellites for China’s two main megaconstellation projects, helping to address a launch capacity bottleneck.

2026-01-09T09:48:13.181815-08:00

Space Exploration & Science Missions

Space.com • Keith Cooper

Study finds Europa likely lacks tectonic activity, reducing prospects for life

By Space.com: "We're not saying, and we can't say, that there's no life in Europa. What we're saying is that it's a harder proposition, based on our results.".

2026-01-09T09:04:33.272511-08:00

Europe North America Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

Ars Technica • Stephen Clark

Rocket Report: SpaceX kicks off 2026 campaign; new California super‑heavy launch site and 2025 year‑in‑review

By Ars Technica: SpaceX opened its 2026 launch campaign with a mission for the Italian government.

2026-01-09T08:11:14.181566-08:00

defense Space Force Defense Industry & Major Contractors Space Defense & Militarization Policy & Regulation Defense Policy

SpaceNews.com • Claire Leon

U.S. Space Force to Accelerate Acquisition and Systems Integration in 2026

By SpaceNews.com: The Space Force will acquire and integrate systems faster in 2026.

2026-01-09T06:06:08.426077-08:00

Space Force Commercial Space Space Policy & International Cooperation Space Defense & Militarization Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Defense Policy

SpaceNews.com • Kurt “Spuds” Vogel

If the U.S. Doesn’t Seize Space Leadership, China Will — Policy and Industry Imperatives

By SpaceNews.com: The U.S. will seize space leadership – or China will take it.

2026-01-09T04:05:38.933767-08:00

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