Space News

Satellite Commercial Space

Via Satellite • Rachel Jewett

Xona targets early 2027 beta for satellite navigation service after six-satellite launch and $250M raise

Xona says it is preparing to begin initial beta service for its commercial satellite navigation offering in early 2027. The company this week marked two milestones: a launch carrying six satellites and a $250 million Series D funding round.

Also: satnews.com and newspaceeconomy.ca

3 Sources

2026-10-23T11:35:41.438430-07:00

Satellite Policy & Regulation

Space Intel Report • Peter B. de Selding

Thaicom, this time with letter from satellite builder Astranis, returns to ITU to request deadline extension for Thaicom 9

By Space Intel Report: LA PLATA,Maryland — Satellite fleet operator Thaicom has submitted further proof to international regulators that the delay of its Thaicom-9 geostationary-orbit satellite was caused by a March incident at manufacturer Astranis and was beyond Thaicom’s control.

1 Source

2026-10-23T12:34:48.377082-07:00

Europe ESA Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation

SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

ESA says Ariane 6 engine issues resolved

By SpaceNews.com: ESA says engine issues that have delayed Ariane 6 launches have been resolved as it continues to study ways to increase the vehicle’s flight rate.

Also: newspaceeconomy.ca, newspaceeconomy.ca and newspaceeconomy.ca

4 Sources

2026-10-23T11:20:40.377619-07:00

Saudi Arabia Space Exploration & Science Missions

Universe Today • Evan Gough

Saudi Arabia Joins the Search for Alien Civilizations

By Universe Today: Saudi Arabia is joining the search for alien signals coming from the cosmos. They're collaborating with SETI in the endeavour.

1 Source

2026-10-23T11:35:25.059338-07:00

defense Space Force Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation

NEW

Ars Technica • Stephen Clark

Inside the Pentagon, the pressure is on to find a home for a new spaceport

By Ars Technica: Space Force considering options: public-private, federal installation, state land.

1 Source

2026-10-23T13:04:54.797379-07:00

Space.com • Chelsea Gohd

Private Griffin lunar lander passes critical tests ahead of first Moon mission

By Space.com: The robotic Griffin lunar lander has passed a host of critical tests ahead of its first-ever moon mission, which is scheduled to launch later this year.

1 Source

2026-10-23T07:05:35.661293-07:00

defense Space Force Space Defense & Militarization

SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Pentagon looking past Earth orbit for its next military frontier

By SpaceNews.com: WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force is moving to acquire its first military capabilities designed for the vast reaches between Earth and the moon, setting a goal of fielding an initial system by late 2029 as Pentagon leaders describe cislunar space as a future battlefield.

Also: SpaceNews.com and insidedefense.com

3 Sources

2026-10-23T07:49:03.164448-07:00

defense Satellite Space Defense & Militarization Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact

DefenseNews.com • Katie Livingstone

‘The West can’t stop me’: Space wars heat up as Russia tails a Ukraine-linked US satellite

By DefenseNews.com: Washington blamed Moscow for deliberately moving a Russian military satellite with an undisclosed mission close last week to a U.S.-registered satellite.

Also: news.ssbcrack.com

2 Sources

2026-10-23T09:00:38.689961-07:00

Xona targets early 2027 beta for satellite navigation service after six-satellite launch and $250M raise

Thaicom, this time with letter from satellite builder Astranis, returns to ITU to request deadline extension for Thaicom 9

ESA says Ariane 6 engine issues resolved

Saudi Arabia Joins the Search for Alien Civilizations

Inside the Pentagon, the pressure is on to find a home for a new spaceport

Private Griffin lunar lander passes critical tests ahead of first Moon mission

Pentagon looking past Earth orbit for its next military frontier

‘The West can’t stop me’: Space wars heat up as Russia tails a Ukraine-linked US satellite

Inside the Pentagon, the pressure is on to find a home for a new spaceport

Thaicom, this time with letter from satellite builder Astranis, returns to ITU to request deadline extension for Thaicom 9

Saudi Arabia Joins the Search for Alien Civilizations

Xona Prepares to Start Navigation Service in Beta With Recent Launch and $250M Raise

ESA says Ariane 6 engine issues resolved

‘The West can’t stop me’: Space wars heat up as Russia tails a Ukraine-linked US satellite

Here are Friday's biggest analyst calls: Nvidia, SpaceX, CoreWeave, Deckers, Unusual Machines & more

SpaceX bear flips to big bull because of AI business. Analyst now sees 70% gain

Turning capacity into capability: recommendations for America’s ground station infrastructure.

ESA Director "Not Sure" Themis Will Make Its First Flight in 2026

Musk’s proposed SpaceX-Tesla merger faces shareholder, China and political hurdles

FAA expected to certify Boeing 737 MAX 10 Tuesday, completing the 737 MAX family after nearly a decade

Trump asks Musk to lift Starlink restrictions in Ukraine as officials spotlight SpaceX’s control over wartime service

European space programs pair ambitious constellation plans with servicing deals and a Space Rider test setback

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

More in Space

NASA advisers raise new concerns about Artemis lunar landing plans

JWST Reveals a Lopsided Alien World with Blistering Evening Winds

#SpaceWatchGL GRAY SPACE – There Is Something NOT Rotten in the State of Denmark: Its Views on How European Governments Could Turn Space Ambitions Into Capabilities

ESA Council Names New Agency Directors for Commercialisation and Space Operations

New launch pads set to boost China’s Hainan commercial spaceport

European MNOs Join Forces to Explore Joint MSS Spectrum Bid

ISS receives new cargo from Dragon as Crew-12 hands over to Crew-13

NASA safety advisers warn agency risks losing crewed access to LEO