Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Human Spaceflight & Space Stations   NASA  
Ars Technica • Eric Berger

New NASA chief conducts final review of Orion heat shield on eve of flight

On the eve of Orion’s flight, NASA’s new administrator conducted a final review of the capsule’s heat shield to assess its reentry protection, stressing that the agency’s openness and transparency are essential. The review is intended to confirm thermal-protection readiness before the spacecraft proceeds to launch.

2026-01-09T09:48:25.071720-08:00
China   Satellite   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space  
NEW
SpaceNews.com • Andrew Jones

Landspace wins launch contracts for China’s two major megaconstellations, easing domestic launch bottleneck

By SpaceNews.com: Landspace secures launch contracts for China’s megaconstellation projects Commercial launch startup Landspace has secured formal contracts to launch satellites for China’s two main megaconstellation projects, helping to address a launch capacity bottleneck.

2026-01-09T09:48:13.181815-08:00
defense   North America   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Commercial Space   Space Defense & Militarization   Policy & Regulation   Defense Policy  
Payload • Elizabeth Howell

Space Canada Urges Faster Defence Procurement to Open Market for Canadian Space Companies

By Payload: Space Canada, the country’s space industry advocacy group, released a 17-page position paper Wednesday suggesting ways in which Canada can speed up procurement, in line with global trends.

Also: Satellite News Network
2026-01-09T05:28:03.206188-08:00