Space News

Commercial Space Space Policy & International Cooperation

SpaceWatch Global • Joshua Faleti

Space Forge signs research agreement with Texas A&M to expand U.S. semiconductor materials capacity

Space Forge has signed a master research agreement with The Texas A&M University System, creating a framework for collaborative research into advanced semiconductor materials. The partnership is intended to expand U.S. capacity in a strategically important area of space-enabled materials development and manufacturing.

1 Source

2026-08-19T03:13:51.438758-07:00

Europe Defense Industry & Major Contractors

Reuters • Mirko Miorelli

As Europe rearms, Italy's fragmented space sector faces a scale test

By Reuters: Italy's fragmented space industry is facing growing pressure to consolidate as defence and government customers increasingly favour larger suppliers capable of handling complex programmes.

1 Source

2026-08-18T22:20:19.207084-07:00

China Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

Space.com • Mike Wall

Touchdown! Private Chinese rocket aces landing on 2nd-ever flight (video)

By Space.com: The Beijing-based company LandSpace landed its Zhuque-3 rocket this evening (Aug. 18), notching a huge milestone for commercial Chinese spaceflight.

NASA Spaceflight

Zhuque-3 Completes Second Flight with Successful First-Stage Landing

SpaceNews.com

China’s Landspace recovers booster with second orbital launch of Zhuque-3 rocket

Also: Bloomberg, english.kyodonews.net and Economic Times

6 Sources

2026-08-18T18:33:08.518584-07:00

Moon Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Space Exploration & Science Missions Commercial Space Space Policy & International Cooperation Space Debris & Traffic Management NASA

Associated Press • Marcia Dunn

New images show moon crater carved by SpaceX rocket

By Associated Press: A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX rocket.

keeptrack.space

Nvidia’s Reported $21 Billion SpaceX Stake and Falcon 9 Upper-Stage Lunar Impact

CBS News

NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on moon after SpaceX rocket booster crash

Also: Associated Press, CNN, NBC News and 6 more

22 Sources

2026-08-18T14:51:11.763780-07:00

Satellite AI Cybersecurity (Cyber Threats & Protection)

Associated Press • Konstantin Toropin

AI-assisted tool helped secure satellite communication system after 2022 Russian hacking

By Associated Press: The cybersecurity company Atalanta says it has released “Argo” — a product that includes the technology that was crucial in securing a satellite communications network after a Russian hacking attack.

3 Sources

2026-08-18T14:51:09.697477-07:00

ISS Europe Human Spaceflight & Space Stations NASA

Space.com • Robert Z. Pearlman

NASA astronaut and 1st female French spacewalker remove failed ISS antenna but run out of time for replacement

By Space.com: NASA astronaut Anil Menon and first female French spacewalker Sophie Adenot removed a failed antenna but ran out of time to install its replacement at the International Space Station, Aug.

Also: Spaceflight Now

2 Sources

2026-08-18T12:45:41.606417-07:00

Satellite Europe Commercial Space

Space Intel Report • Peter B. de Selding

Spire forecasts 50% rev growth this yr, raises European profile w/ German manufacturing & Schaeffler, Diehl partnerships

By Space Intel Report: LA PLATA, Maryland — Multi-mission satellite fleet operator Spire Global reported a 16% increase in revenue for the three months ending June 30 and said it expects full-year revenue to increase by 50% compared to 2025, with 85% of H2 revenue already in firm backlog.

1 Source

2026-08-18T11:33:37.102553-07:00

ULA Aircraft Finance & Leasing Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Boeing

Bloomberg • Emily Graffeo

Boeing-Lockheed Space Venture Inks $1.5 Billion Private Bonds

By Bloomberg: Boeing Co. and Lockheed Martin Corp.’s rocket joint venture is wrapping up a $1.5 billion private-bond deal that’s been tripled in size.

1 Source

2026-08-18T11:21:10.026390-07:00

Space Forge signs research agreement with Texas A&M to expand U.S. semiconductor materials capacity

As Europe rearms, Italy's fragmented space sector faces a scale test

Touchdown! Private Chinese rocket aces landing on 2nd-ever flight (video)

Zhuque-3 Completes Second Flight with Successful First-Stage Landing

China’s Landspace recovers booster with second orbital launch of Zhuque-3 rocket

New images show moon crater carved by SpaceX rocket

Nvidia’s Reported $21 Billion SpaceX Stake and Falcon 9 Upper-Stage Lunar Impact

NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on moon after SpaceX rocket booster crash

AI-assisted tool helped secure satellite communication system after 2022 Russian hacking

NASA astronaut and 1st female French spacewalker remove failed ISS antenna but run out of time for replacement

Spire forecasts 50% rev growth this yr, raises European profile w/ German manufacturing & Schaeffler, Diehl partnerships

Boeing-Lockheed Space Venture Inks $1.5 Billion Private Bonds

Space Forge Partners with Texas A&M to Expand Advanced Semiconductor Materials Capacity in the U.S.

As Europe rearms, Italy's fragmented space sector faces a scale test

Touchdown! Private Chinese rocket aces landing on 2nd-ever flight (video)

New images show moon crater carved by SpaceX rocket

AI-assisted tool helped secure satellite communication system after 2022 Russian hacking

NASA astronaut and 1st female French spacewalker remove failed ISS antenna but run out of time for replacement

Vietnam’s VinSpace Plans to Launch Tech Demonstration on 2027 SpaceX Rideshare Mission

Seraphim Space Invests Further $30 Million in Hubble Network

SpaceX Recovers Starship After 24-Day Ocean Voyage, Reaches Christmas Island

How NASA Engineers Are Keeping the Voyagers Alive

Firefly Aerospace advances medium-lift rocket and Alpha launcher as $1.5B backlog supports growth

SpaceX Plans Three Starlink Launches as China Schedules Reusable-Booster Test and Chang’e 7 Lunar Mission

Satellite connectivity buildout advances with Globalstar deployment, IRIS² milestone, Viasat- Rocket Lab contract and ReOrbit R&

United Launch Alliance Names Mark Peller CEO as Vulcan Faces Program Challenges

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

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Launch Preview: Chang’e 7 headlines week of Chinese and Starlink launches

ESA Astronaut Sophie Adenot Set to Become First French Woman to Conduct Spacewalk