Illustration of Space Kinetic's Whirlwind satellite deployment system. Credit: Space Kinetic By Sandra Erwin, Published by Space News, 7 September 2026 WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force is putting $50 million behind a startup developing an unusual way to dispatch small spacecraft from a larger vehicle in orbit. California-based Space
Victus Haze Mission By Tim Fernholz, Published by Tech Crunch, 2 July 2026 Militaries routinely send satellites to fly by rival vehicles and suss out their capabilities, but scaling up this kind of reconnaissance is increasingly seen by the U.S. military as a challenge best handled by the private sector.
Illustration of Tracking Layer Tranche 3 spacecraft. Credit: Northrop Grumman By Sandra Erwin, Published by Space News, 25 June 2026 Committee urges more competition in satellite communications and criticizes reliance on reconciliation to fund Golden Dome WASHINGTON — The House Appropriations Committee on June 24 advanced a fiscal 2027 defense
Rendering of Applied Atomics “Star Reacher Network” satellite architecture that allows multiple spacecraft equipped with multimode propulsion to work in tandem. Credit: Applied Atomics By Sandra Erwin, Published by Space News, 10 June 2026 Company opens Virginia office, announces $4 million pre-seed funding WASHINGTON — U.K.-based startup Applied Atomics has
Illustration of in-space refueling of satellites. Credit: Orbit Fab By Sandra Erwin, Published by Space News, 20 May 2026 USSF-23 mission will launch vehicles to demonstrate refueling and satellite servicing in geostationary orbit WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force is preparing to launch multiple spacecraft to geostationary orbit in 2027
Image: janiecbros/Getty Images Published by SciTechDaily, 28 April 2026 A new study warns that if satellite operators suddenly lose control during a major disruption, a catastrophic collision in orbit could happen in as little as 2.8 days. A major solar storm does not need to smash satellites apart directly to
Lockheed Martin's new ASPIN adaptor provides an electrical and a data interface, and a docking mechanism for a servicing vehicle. (Graphic: Lockheed Martin) By Theresa Hitchens, Published by Breaking Defense, 16 April 2026 The service's new Objective Force plan calls for demonstrating on-orbit refueling and fielding operational "space tugs" by
Illustration of BAE Systems' Ascent spacecraft. By Sandra Erwin, Published by Space News, 14 April 2026 BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin are developing maneuvering satellites that can be refueled COLORADO SPRINGS — U.S. defense contractors BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin are accelerating internal investments in maneuverable satellite designs, betting that military
