Space Exploration & Science Missions

Universe Today • Andy Tomaswick

Study: Electrostatic Charging on Lunar Rover Wheels Could Limit Traverse Speed; Mitigations Proposed

A new analysis in Advances in Space Research by Bill Farrell (Space Science Institute) and Mike Zimmerman (Johns Hopkins) warns that electrostatic charge buildup on lunar rover wheels in shadowed terrain could limit traverse speeds and impair mobility; the paper outlines practical mitigation strategies for vehicle design and operations.

2026-01-23T04:00:11.513203-08:00

Europe ESA Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space Space Policy & International Cooperation

European Spaceflight • Andrew Parsonson

ESA Selects Rocket Factory Augsburg for Two RFA One Launches under Flight Ticket Initiative

By European Spaceflight: Rocket Factory Augsburg has been awarded an ESA Flight Ticket Initiative contract to launch two missions aboard its RFA One rocket.

2026-01-23T21:11:29.526862-08:00

Space Force Leadership Defense Budgets & Spending Space Defense & Militarization Defense Policy

Breaking Defense • Theresa Hitchens

Space Force leaders prep for FY27 budget jump, personnel increases

By Breaking Defense: Tom Ainsworth has been named as the Air Force's top space acquisition officer, taking over from Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy who will remain in place as Ainsworth's military deputy.

2026-01-23T10:20:04.154320-08:00

Satellite Defense Industry & Major Contractors Space Defense & Militarization

Via Satellite • Rachel Jewett

AFRL Selects Aalyria for Space Data Network Experimentation Program

By Via Satellite: The AFRL will evaluate Aalyria’s Spacetime network orchestration software as a candidate for a future “network of networks” concept.

2026-01-23T11:55:53.397974-08:00

Satellite Commercial Space Sustainability & Climate Initiatives

Via Satellite • Rachel Jewett

Spire to Provide Satellite Weather Intelligence to AiDash for Vegetation, Storm and Grid Monitoring

By Via Satellite: AiDash, a provider of vegetation, storm, and ignition risk intelligence and SatelliteFirst grid monitoring solutions, has tapped Spire to help improve its services.

2026-01-23T11:55:53.544380-08:00

Space Exploration & Science Missions Commercial Space Space Policy & International Cooperation Policy & Regulation NASA

SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

House appropriator says NASA’s FY2027 budget needs improvement, urges building on FY2026 gains

By SpaceNews.com: With the fiscal year 2026 appropriations process effectively complete, a key House appropriator says the next spending bill for NASA should build on that.

2026-01-23T04:55:43.744107-08:00

Satellite Space Force Defense Budgets & Spending Commercial Space Space Defense & Militarization Policy & Regulation Defense Policy

SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

As satellites become targets, Space Force plans for growth and a broader role

By SpaceNews.com: As satellites become targets, Space Force plans for growth and a broader role As satellites become targets, Space Force plans for growth and a broader role.

Aerospace America

Space Force likely to double in personnel within a decade, vice chief says

Aviation Week

Opinion: Space Force Leverages Commercial Partners and Intel to Deliver Moving-Target Indication and Shape Future Warfare

Also: Defense One, news.defcros.com and orbitaltoday.com

2026-01-22T12:36:41.111022-08:00

Europe ESA Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Space Policy & International Cooperation Space Debris & Traffic Management

European Spaceflight • Andrew Parsonson

ESA issues tender to study Falcon 9 upper-stage breakup and re-entry over Poland in early 2025

By European Spaceflight: ESA has issued a call for tender for a study examining the re-entry and breakup of a SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage over Poland in early 2025.

2026-01-23T00:32:40.903556-08:00

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