Space News

China Satellite Europe ESA Space Exploration & Science Missions

NASA Spaceflight • Haygen Warren

ESA and China’s SMILE mission begins science operations after commissioning

The joint European Space Agency–Chinese Academy of Sciences Solar Wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer has entered scientific operations following its May launch and a multi-month commissioning period. ESA and CAS released the mission’s first images, marking the transition from spacecraft checkout to planned research.

1 Source

2026-10-04T15:54:59.754835-07:00

Blue Origin Leadership Commercial Space NASA

SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

Former NASA science leader joins Blue Origin

By SpaceNews.com: A former NASA associate administrator for science is joining Blue Origin to lead the company’s advanced technology work.

1 Source

2026-10-04T10:00:38.691310-07:00

Blue Origin Moon Human Spaceflight & Space Stations

Space.com • Julian Dossett

Blue Origin unveils huge 'Power Tower' to boost solar electricity on the moon (video)

By Space.com: Blue Origin just unveiled its "Power Tower," which is designed to provide solar electricity for an upcoming base on the moon.

1 Source

2026-10-04T03:04:51.927470-07:00

Europe ESA Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Human Spaceflight & Space Stations Space Policy & International Cooperation

NASA Spaceflight • Martijn Luinstra

ESA to pursue crew transport and space stations as European launchers come online

By NASA Spaceflight: The European Space Agency (ESA) recently started investigating options for a European-led space station. The announcement follows “A Call to Boost European Space Exploration,” which ESA’s member states recently endorsed.

1 Source

2026-10-03T15:15:10.495215-07:00

Europe Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation

SpaceNews.com • Andrew Parsonson

Nordic launch race heats up as Sweden secures 2028 orbital launch at Esrange

By SpaceNews.com: rten, DLR. JOHANNESBURG — Sweden’s Esrange Space Center is preparing for a busy period of launch activity as political scrutiny grows over efforts to establish an orbital launch capability at the site.

1 Source

2026-10-02T08:25:41.430287-07:00

Satellite Space Force AI Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Space Exploration & Science Missions Commercial Space Space Defense & Militarization

SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

SpaceX, Analysts Broadly Satisfied With Starship’s Latest Orbital Test Despite Technical Issues

By SpaceNews.com: Both SpaceX and outside analysts appear largely satisfied with the first orbital flight of Starship despite some technical issues during the mission.

Via Satellite

NorthStar Earth & Space Goes Public After SPAC Merger

Bloomberg

Goldman Sachs Reaps Windfall From SpaceX IPO and Early Client Investments

Also: Air & Space Forces Mag, SpaceQ, Defense Daily, Seeking Alpha and 3 more

10 Sources

2026-10-02T03:36:56.928315-07:00

Blue Origin Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space Policy & Regulation

Ars Technica • Stephen Clark

Blue Origin Seeks FAA Approval for Up to 50 New Glenn Launches and Booster Landings Annually

By Ars Technica: Blue Origin seeks FAA approval for up to 50 New Glenn launches and 50 booster landings per year.

1 Source

2026-10-02T07:04:57.876105-07:00

Europe Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

HyImpulse secures launch license as Orbex assets are sold

By SpaceNews.com: A German company has secured a license to launch from a Scottish spaceport while another company that planned to use the site has had its assets sold.

1 Source

2026-10-02T14:51:32.222237-07:00

ESA and China’s SMILE mission begins science operations after commissioning

Former NASA science leader joins Blue Origin

Blue Origin unveils huge 'Power Tower' to boost solar electricity on the moon (video)

ESA to pursue crew transport and space stations as European launchers come online

Nordic launch race heats up as Sweden secures 2028 orbital launch at Esrange

SpaceX, Analysts Broadly Satisfied With Starship’s Latest Orbital Test Despite Technical Issues

NorthStar Earth & Space Goes Public After SPAC Merger

Goldman Sachs Reaps Windfall From SpaceX IPO and Early Client Investments

Blue Origin Seeks FAA Approval for Up to 50 New Glenn Launches and Booster Landings Annually

HyImpulse secures launch license as Orbex assets are sold

ESA, CAS release first images from SMILE; officially begin science operations

Former NASA science leader joins Blue Origin

Blue Origin unveils huge 'Power Tower' to boost solar electricity on the moon (video)

ESA to pursue crew transport and space stations as European launchers come online

HyImpulse secures launch license as Orbex assets are sold

Satlyt Secures $8M in Seed Financing

SpaceX launches Transporter-18 rideshare mission

Omnidea Acquires Orbex Assets to Expand UK Launcher Capabilities

UAE Space Agency Unveils Probe for Ambitious Asteroid Mission

This SpaceX supplier has a front-row seat to major shifts in warfare and rocket use

SpaceX IPO Highlights Investor Appetite as Commercial and Defense Space Infrastructure Expands

ESA explores European-led space station and crew transport as launch capability expands

Sweden secures 2028 orbital launch at Esrange as Nordic competition intensifies

SpaceX launches Transporter-18 with 130 payloads as rideshare market faces transition

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

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