Satellite   ESA   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Human Spaceflight & Space Stations   Space Policy & International Cooperation  
SpaceNews.com • Andrew Parsonson

ESA moves to assess repurposing Lunar Link for a dedicated lunar communications asset

The European Space Agency has opened a call to examine the feasibility of repurposing Lunar Link—a communications system originally developed for NASA’s now-paused Gateway space station—into a dedicated lunar communications capability. The effort targets a future-focused architecture for lunar connectivity.

2026-07-28T14:00:02.495836-07:00
Satellite   Commercial Space   NASA  
NEW
Associated Press • Marcia Dunn

Private mission to rescue NASA's aging telescope runs into its own trouble

By Associated Press: The spacecraft rushing to the rescue of NASA's sinking Swift Observatory has run into trouble. Katalyst Space Technologies said Tuesday that its Link satellite is experiencing thruster problems and has gone into an uncontrollable spin that is disrupting communication.

2026-07-28T14:41:42.119420-07:00
Leadership   Aviation Safety & Regulation   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Policy & Regulation  
Reuters • David Shepardson

US agency proposes accelerated approval for commercial space missions

By Reuters: The U.S. aviation regulator on Tuesday proposed new rules to speed up approval of commercial space missions like ​SpaceX's rocket and satellite launches by no longer requiring them to follow ‌provisions of 13 environmental and other laws.

Also: transportation.gov, CNBC and newsable.asianetnews.com
2026-07-28T13:01:07.477949-07:00
Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Commercial Space  
NASA Spaceflight • Ryan Weber

Ship 40's flawless flight promotes next mission catch potential

By NASA Spaceflight: SpaceX’s Starship Flight 13 demonstrated that the Ship can complete its mission and return intact, surviving water impact without destruction. The Booster, however, remains a work in progress as SpaceX continues refining the clean-sheet Block 3 design.

2026-07-28T10:41:59.241200-07:00