Author: starpathwp-production
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SpaceX’s sunrise Starlink launch adds 29 satellites to low Earth orbit megaconstellation
Shortly after stage separation on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, the payload fairing halves that encapsulated the 29 Starlink V2 Mini Optimized satellites separated, creating a so-called ‘jellyfish effect’ during the Starlink 10-31 mission on May 21, 2026. Image: Michael Cain/Spaceflight Now Update May 21, 7:36 a.m. EDT (1136 UTC): SpaceX confirms deployment of the 29…
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York Space Systems to Acquire Solar Cell Maker Solestial
York Space Systems has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Solestial as the company continues a broader strategy to strengthen control over key spacecraft technologies and supply chains. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition marks York’s third announced deal this year following its planned $355 million acquisition of satellite terminal manufacturer…
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SpaceX launches 24 Starlink satellites on Falcon 9 rocket launch from Vandenberg SFB
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base on the Starlink 17-42 mission on May 19, 2026. Image: SpaceX Update May 20, 12 a.m. EDT (0400 UTC): SpaceX confirmed deployment of the Starlink satellites. SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base Tuesday…
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Astrolab to Send Scientific Payloads to Lunar South Pole on FLIP Rover Mission
Astrolab is preparing to send a series of scientific payloads to the Moon later this year aboard its FLIP rover mission aimed at supporting future lunar exploration near the Moon’s south pole. The company said its FLEX Lunar Innovation Platform rover, known as FLIP, will carry multiple research instruments designed to study lunar surface conditions,…
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“I’ll buy 10 of those”—NASA science chief yearns for mass-produced satellites
There are more opportunities to access space than ever, thanks to a bevy of commercial rockets, some with reusable boosters, led by SpaceX’s workhorse Falcon 9. So why is NASA launching fewer telescopes and planetary science missions than it did a quarter-century ago? The answer is complex. It is not necessarily the money. The space…
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Space Force Plans 2027 GEO Refueling and Servicing Demos
What orbital servicing capabilities will Space Force demonstrate in 2027? The U.S. Space Force will launch its first operational demonstrations of in-space refueling and satellite servicing in geostationary orbit (GEO) during 2027 under the USSF-23 mission. The mission represents the military’s most ambitious step toward establishing persistent space logistics capabilities at the critical 35,786 km…
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Vast Expands Into Satellite Bus Market With High-Power Spacecraft Platform
Vast said it will enter the satellite bus market with a new high-power spacecraft platform aimed at commercial, Earth observation and national security missions. The company announced plans to offer a 15-kilowatt-class satellite bus designed for high-volume and lower-cost deployment across a range of orbital applications. Vast also said customers will have the option to…
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ESA Chief Calls for Independent European Human Spaceflight Capability
European Space Agency Director General Josef Aschbacher has called for Europe to establish its own independent human spaceflight capability, arguing that the continent has become overly dependent on decisions made by foreign partners. In an opinion article published on May 18, Aschbacher said recent changes to the United States’ Artemis programme architecture and Europe’s reduced…
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Star Catcher Raises $65 Million to Advance Space-Based Power Beaming Technology
Star Catcher has raised $65 million in Series A funding to support development of its orbital power-beaming technology and finance its first in-space demonstration mission later this year. The funding round was led by B Capital and co-led by Shield Capital and Cerberus Ventures. Additional investors included GreatPoint Ventures, Helena, Oceans Ventures and MVP Ventures.…
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Potomac Database Systems Targets Lunar Data Market With New Moon Missions
Potomac Database Systems has unveiled plans to develop a series of lunar missions aimed at collecting and selling scientific and operational data from the Moon. The Washington-based company said it intends to focus on supplying commercial and government customers with lunar surface data through three different mission concepts designed to support future exploration and development…