Space News

Europe ESA Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

European Spaceflight • Andrew Parsonson

ESA Extends RFA’s SaxaVord Launch Infrastructure Funding by €2.7 Million

The European Space Agency has awarded Rocket Factory Augsburg a €2.7 million contract extension to expand launch and testing infrastructure at SaxaVord, the UK spaceport. The funding supports RFA’s preparations to increase operational capability at the site.

1 Source

2026-09-23T23:05:51.642057-07:00

Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

NASA Spaceflight • Ryan Weber

Ship 41 and Booster 21 head into key pre-flight test

By NASA Spaceflight: With Booster 21 and Ship 41 stacked at the launch site as of early morning Sept. 23, SpaceX is poised to perform a Wet Dress Rehearsal (WDR) no earlier than Sept.

1 Source

2026-09-23T14:28:18.621514-07:00

Europe ESA Space Exploration & Science Missions

Universe Today • Matthew Williams

JUICE Mission to Swing by Earth on September 28

By Universe Today: The European Space Agency’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice) will return to Earth on 28 September, with flight controllers guiding the spacecraft close to our home planet to alter its speed and direction en route to Jupiter.

1 Source

2026-09-23T14:35:25.445466-07:00

Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

Space.com • Josh Dinner

SpaceX Starship Flight 14 live updates: Vehicle stacked less than one week until Starship's first orbital launch attempt

By Space.com: Follow live updates as SpaceX prepares its latest Starship rocket for the vehicle's first orbital launch attempt. The company is currently targeting Sept.

Space.com

SpaceX stacks massive Starship rocket ahead of 1st orbital launch attempt (video)

Spaceflight Now

SpaceX stack Starship and Super Heavy for first orbital flight

Also: The Independent and news.ssbcrack.com

5 Sources

2026-09-23T08:50:03.693369-07:00

Satellite Defense Industry & Major Contractors Commercial Space Space Policy & International Cooperation Space Defense & Militarization Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact

Space Intel Report • Peter B. de Selding

Commercial ISR Satellite Providers Expand Globally as Nations Seek Sovereign Intelligence Capacity

By Space Intel Report: PARIS — The spread of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) technology around the world is accelerating as more nations insist on having not just access to foreign constellations but dedicated capacity on them and, ultimately, a license to build these satellites on their home territory.

1 Source

2026-09-23T13:16:24.021236-07:00

Commercial Space Policy & Regulation

time.com • Jeffrey Kluger

Everything You Need to Know About SpaceX's Wildlife Refuge Land Swap with the Trump Administration

By time.com: A judge just ruled in favor of SpaceX's push to trade land with the federal government to acquire over 700 acres in the Lower Rio Grande National Wildlife Refuge.

1 Source

2026-09-23T15:20:35.671211-07:00

China Moon Space Exploration & Science Missions Space Policy & International Cooperation Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact NASA

Ars Technica • Eric Berger

Former NASA chief sounds alarm on China's lunar "exploration" plans

By Ars Technica: Beijing's intended strategy is to dominate the high ground of the twenty-first century.".

1 Source

2026-09-23T10:21:38.169379-07:00

Satellite Commercial Space Industry Leader Profiles & Interviews

Via Satellite • Mark Holmes

SES VP David Mathewson Discusses the Company’s MEO Satellite Strategy

By Via Satellite: In our latest Thursday Morning Conversation, we talk to SES Vice President of Product Development Engineering David Mathewson about SES’s latest plans around developing satellites, the advantages of having a multi-orbit play, as well the new capabilities of its MEO satellites.

1 Source

2026-09-23T12:55:48.762255-07:00

ESA Extends RFA’s SaxaVord Launch Infrastructure Funding by €2.7 Million

Ship 41 and Booster 21 head into key pre-flight test

JUICE Mission to Swing by Earth on September 28

SpaceX Starship Flight 14 live updates: Vehicle stacked less than one week until Starship's first orbital launch attempt

SpaceX stacks massive Starship rocket ahead of 1st orbital launch attempt (video)

SpaceX stack Starship and Super Heavy for first orbital flight

Commercial ISR Satellite Providers Expand Globally as Nations Seek Sovereign Intelligence Capacity

Everything You Need to Know About SpaceX's Wildlife Refuge Land Swap with the Trump Administration

Former NASA chief sounds alarm on China's lunar "exploration" plans

SES VP David Mathewson Discusses the Company’s MEO Satellite Strategy

ESA Awards RFA €2.7 Million in New Funding for SaxaVord Operations

Everything You Need to Know About SpaceX's Wildlife Refuge Land Swap with the Trump Administration

JUICE Mission to Swing by Earth on September 28

Ship 41 and Booster 21 head into key pre-flight test

Commercial ISR Satellite Providers Expand Globally as Nations Seek Sovereign Intelligence Capacity

SES VP David Mathewson Discusses the Company’s MEO Satellite Strategy

AstroForge Plans First Fully Autonomous Asteroid-Mining Mission for 2027

Startup Hubble Reaches Unicorn Status for Space-Based Bluetooth

EU Commission: EU governments will need 14 Ariane 6 missions in 2031. Production now is 10 per year, so we have a problem

Vast Announces New Lunar Programs Division

SpaceX’s Starship nears first orbital flight as Starfall secures commercial missions for 2028 and 2029

Satellite industry grapples with SpaceX’s planned end of commercial Falcon 9 launches

Rocket Supply Crunch Tightens Access to Space as SpaceX Winds Down Flagship Vehicle

Europe advances sovereign LEO connectivity through OneWeb rail trials, Sateliot’s ESA selection and Axiom partnership

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

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