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08 May 25. Sierra Space, a leading commercial space company and defense tech prime that is Building a Platform in Space to Benefit Life on Earth® and protect economic freedom in the Orbital Age®, announced today another successful demonstration of the company’s Resilient GPS (R-GPS) technology for the U.S. Space Force (USSF). In this third milestone, Sierra Space demonstrated an early integration of the R-GPS satellite technology through FlatSat flight software and hardware subsystem testing, in addition to successful communication with ground software. Sierra Space announced in September a “Quick Start” R-GPS contract awarded by the Space Systems Command (SSC) to produce design concepts for smaller, more cost-effective GPS satellites. This new achievement comes only six months after the start of that program, highlighting Sierra Space’s rapid capabilities to bring technology to market in the national security space.
“The field for this program has recently narrowed down to three companies from the original four,” said Erik Daehler, Vice President of Sierra Space Defense. “The challenges of harnessing this technology in a competitive environment motivates us to reach these milestones. Sierra Space is focused on advancing GPS technology for the security of the United States, and demonstrations like this one showcase our dedication to being at the forefront of defense tech innovation.”
GPS technology plays a crucial role in everyday life. However, the growing complexity of threats such as jamming and spoofing by adversaries requires improvements in GPS resilience. To tackle these issues, the USSF’s R-GPS program plans to incorporate a network of smaller satellites into the existing GPS architecture to add additional layers of security. The recent testing milestone from Sierra Space demonstrated the successful flow of commands and telemetry between Sierra Space’s ground software and ground stations as-a-service provider, to establish that the technology will eventually work from orbit with ground-based facilities. Additionally, there was successful testing of flight software and hardware subsystems in FlatSat format – when satellite components are laid out flat for evaluation. These early integration achievements are a significant milestone as Sierra Space moves closer to advancing the USSF’s ability to rapidly deploy R-GPS Space and Control Segments to augment the current GPS system. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
08 May 25. Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced it will launch its new medium-lift reusable rocket Neutron for the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) for a Rocket Cargo mission that supports point-to-point cargo transportation, establishing a new era of commercial launch capability to advance global defense logistics for the nation. The mission is scheduled for a return-to-Earth Neutron launch no earlier than 2026. The launch contract will see Neutron execute a Rocket Cargo survivability experiment under the AFRL Rocket Experimentation for Global Agile Logistics (REGAL) solicitation, an effort by the Department of Defense to create a rocket-based point-to-point transportation system to quickly and rapidly deliver cargo around the world with commercial launch providers. AFRL’s experiment will be launched by Neutron and re-enter Earth’s atmosphere, in a demonstration of re-entry capability for future REGAL missions. Rocket Lab’s Neutron medium-lift reusable launch vehicle will provide both government and commercial customers with an alternative and reliable launch service capable of deploying 13,000 kg to low Earth orbit. Neutron is tailored to deploy constellations and national security missions as well as science and exploration payloads. In addition to serving customers with greater affordability in the medium-launch market, Neutron is key to Rocket Lab’s strategy as an end-to-end space company preparing to deploy its own constellations and deliver services from space in the future.
Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, says: “Neutron is a powerful new launch option that will set a new standard for performance, affordability, and reliability for government and commercial space users in medium launch. This opportunity for the U.S. Air Force not only helps to advance space logistics, it also demonstrates a high degree of confidence by the DOD in Neutron’s capabilities. Anticipation is high for Neutron’s inaugural flight this year, and we’re excited to showcase Neutron as a platform for R&D for point-to-point logistics for the DoD.”
Neutron is strongly positioned to capitalize on the medium-lift launch requirements for future government and commercial missions. Recently Significant progress continues to be made at the rocket’s launch pad on Wallops Island, Virginia, with the site’s completion expected in the next few weeks. Production, infrastructure scaling, and both Archimedes engine and full-scale components testing is continuing at pace across Rocket Lab’s various production and test facilities in the United States. Neutron’s debut remains on track for first launch in the second half of 2025. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
08 May 25. Rheinmetall and ICEYE plan to establish a joint venture – satellite production and other space solutions in the new Rheinmetall Space Cluster. Rheinmetall and globally leading SAR satellite manufacturer ICEYE are further intensifying their cooperation. The two companies intend to establish a joint venture for satellite production. A memorandum of understanding to this effect was signed on 8 May 2025. Rheinmetall is to be the majority shareholder in the new joint venture named Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions with 60 per cent of the shares, while ICEYE will hold 40 per cent. The foundation is still subject to definitive agreements and official approvals. As part of a Rheinmetall Space Cluster in Germany, Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions is to manufacture satellites, starting with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites and subsequently other space solutions. Production is to take place at the Neuss site, among others, and is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026.
“With the establishment of the new joint venture, we are making further inroads into the space domain,” says Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG. “We are thus not only responding to the increased demand for space-based reconnaissance capabilities among armed and security forces worldwide, but also contributing to the preservation and expansion of Germany as a centre of technology. Our highly qualified colleagues at the Neuss site are being given a promising new perspective for the future. We are delighted to expand our cooperation with our proven partner ICEYE.”
“ICEYE aims to be the primary provider of critical infrastructure for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) to allied nations. We are excited to deepen our strategic collaboration with Rheinmetall by establishing a joint venture. This joint venture further strengthens our focus on developing space-based technology for the needs of global defense markets and securing sovereign defense capabilities for Europe,” says Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and Co-founder of ICEYE.
SAR satellites offer the advantage over conventional satellites that they can generate high-resolution images regardless of weather conditions or time of day. These are very detailed and make even the smallest objects on the earth’s surface identifiable. This can bring decisive advantages for the armed forces in terms of surveillance, target acquisition, reconnaissance or their own positioning on the battlefield. Back in June 2024, the Düsseldorf-based technology group announced its participation in the world’s largest fleet of radar reconnaissance satellites. In September 2024, Rheinmetall and ICEYE had further intensified their cooperation. In the course of this, Rheinmetall had secured exclusive rights to market the SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellites to military and government end users in both the German and Hungarian markets. The first major milestone in the intensified cooperation between Rheinmetall and the SAR satellite company ICEYE was reached in November 2024. To meet Ukraine’s urgent need for SAR imaging satellite reconnaissance capabilities, Rheinmetall and Ukraine had signed a contract with the support of the German government. The agreement extends the SAR data and other support that Ukraine received from ICEYE during the war.
07 May 25. ICEYE, the global leader in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite operations for Earth Observation, has today announced expanding its global footprint with the launch of a new Research & Development and Manufacturing Center in Valencia, Spain. The new center is the company’s second-largest R&D hub. It will drive innovation in ICEYE’s pipeline researching, developing, and manufacturing SAR-based and future multi-sensor technologies and solutions for persistent Earth Observation. This strategic investment highlights ICEYE’s confidence in the Valencia region’s skilled workforce and its potential to contribute to ICEYE’s global innovation and growth efforts by developing technologies and solutions made in Spain.
“As a leading innovator in SAR satellite technology, we are excited to open our cutting-edge R&D and Manufacturing Center in Valencia. With this significant investment in Spain, we are enhancing the development and manufacturing of our Earth observation technologies as we expand our global presence. Our SAR technology has proven crucial for sectors such as defense and intelligence, security, maritime monitoring, insurance, and natural catastrophe response. We continue to invest in developing and expanding our leading SAR satellite constellation, delivering satellite missions to our customers. We are also advancing our Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform and related systems for our customers in the defense sector,” said Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and Co-founder of ICEYE.
“ICEYE is a company that has made innovation and excellence its reason for being in a strategic sector for everyone, namely space. The Spanish government’s commitment to this sector makes Spain an attractive country for the development and growth of companies in the ‘NewSpace’ industry, in a municipality such as Paterna, in which talent and vibrant business activity thrive,” said Teresa Riesgo, Secretary General for Innovation at the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.
In the words of Sari Rautio, Finnish Ambassador to Spain, “both Spain and Finland are committed to the development of space technologies and dual-use solutions to promote our security and competitiveness. This new ICEYE plant in Paterna, Valencia, highlights the importance we attach to innovation and investment geared towards achieving European strategic autonomy in key technologies”.
Carlos Mazón, President of the Valencian Regional Government, said that “this ICEYE microsatellite component production and assembly centre contributes to strengthening the Valencian Community as a key hub for the aerospace industry and supports a high-tech ecosystem that creates quality jobs”.
For Mazón, the contribution of companies such as ICEYE, which has the world’s largest constellation of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, is two-fold: “On the one hand, making it possible to respond to emergency situations, and on the other, facilitating the planning of urban development, stimulating infrastructure design and initiatives for sustainable development and environmental protection”.
With its presence in Valencia, ICEYE will directly contribute to the local community, broader Spanish economy, and national defense and space industry sectors by creating highly skilled jobs and infusing advanced technological expertise. ICEYE also aims to engage with local academic institutions, such as the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV). Additionally, by developing and building proven technological sovereign solutions in Spain and thanks to its flexible and quick access to space, ICEYE will work with the Government of Spain to help strengthen its national security and defense intelligence interests.
“Valencia was selected for our R&D and Manufacturing Center due to its highly skilled talent pool, the area’s nascent and highly promising New Space ecosystem and infrastructure for innovation and technology, and the operational efficiency of the area. We anticipate expanding our Valencia team to over 100 employees within the next three years. We are actively seeking to grow our global team of engineers, scientists, and innovators with skilled professionals in Valencia to contribute to cutting-edge space technology and make a tangible impact on global security and resilience,” said Gonzalo Garcia-Munoz, CEO of ICEYE Spain and Global SVP of Operations at ICEYE.
07 May 25. Sivers Semiconductors AB (STO: SIVE), a global leader in photonics and wireless technologies, today announced that it has joined the Digital Intermediate Frequency (IF) Interoperability (DIFI) Consortium, an independent space industry group formed to advance interoperability in satellite and ground system networks. The DIFI Consortium is a global collective of industry leaders collaborating to develop and promote open, standards-based interoperability for digital IF/RF systems. Sivers joins a growing roster of leading organizations and innovative companies contributing to the digital transformation of space, satellite and related technologies for the advancement of the industry. Recently, the company announced an agreement to support the development of high-performance, low-cost digitizers based on the NXP Layerscape platform, for SATCOM by Intelsat, operator of one of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks.
“We are proud to become a member of the DIFI Consortium and contribute to shaping the future of satellite communications,” said Vickram Vathulya, CEO of Sivers Semiconductors. “Our advanced RF and optical technologies are at the core of next-generation connectivity and through DIFI, we aim to accelerate innovation and standardization across the satellite and space ecosystem.”
With more than two decades years of expertise in developing mmWave solutions for satellite communications and advanced 5G systems, Sivers Semiconductors’ participation in DIFI underscores its commitment to industry collaboration and leadership. The company brings a wealth of experience in mmWave, optical solutions and integrated circuits for aerospace, defense and satellite markets, positioning the company as a valuable contributor to the Consortium’s technical initiatives.
“We welcome Sivers Semiconductors to our growing list of members worldwide,” said DIFI Chairman Stuart Daughtridge. “We are pleased they have joined us as we continue to evolve the standard to effectively handle more use cases and roll out our Certification Program.”
“Joining DIFI is a strategic step for us as we continue to expand our footprint in the satellite and space communications market,” said Harish Krishnaswamy, Managing Director, Wireless Division at Sivers Semiconductors. “Open standards are key to unlocking scalable and interoperable solutions and we are excited to collaborate with other industry leaders to shape the next generation of space-based connectivity.”
Sivers Semiconductors delivers cutting-edge millimeter-wave (mmWave) and RF solutions tailored for SATCOM, defense, telecommunications, and 5G infrastructure. Designed for superior reliability, performance, and energy efficiency, Sivers products empower customers to accelerate development, streamline deployment and stay ahead in competitive markets. For more information, please visit https://www.sivers-semiconductors.com/. (Source: PR Newswire)
07 May 25. ST Engineering iDirect’s EU Satcom Centre of Excellence, ST Engineering iDirect Europe, based in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium, today announced the advancement of the European Protected Waveform (EPW) project to its second phase. Under the leadership of Belgium’s Ministry of Defence and with ST Engineering iDirect Europe as the consortium lead, this milestone marks significant progress in enhancing secure and autonomous satellite communications for Europe. The project brings together a consortium of 22 organisations from 12 EU Member States, encompassing experts from industry, government and academia. This collaborative effort aims to develop a comprehensive, end-to-end waveform solution designed to ensure resilient and secure communications for military operations and critical government needs in increasingly complex operational environments. With the foundation established during Phase 1 that laid the framework for the waveform’s initial development, Phase 2 focuses on the prototyping and integration of the EPW system. The goal is to provide secure, interoperable systems that align with Europe’s strategic initiatives, including the future IRIS² satellite constellation and the EU GovSatCom programme.
“Together with ST Engineering iDirect Europe, we are investing in the backbone of modern military operations: secure and reliable communication,” said Theo Francken, Belgian Minister of Defence. “With support from the European Defence Fund, we are advancing technological innovation, strengthening strategic autonomy, and enhancing the safety of our troops. In today’s uncertain world, European cooperation in research and development is not a luxury — it’s an absolute necessity. This project aligns perfectly with our broader mission to modernise Defence and deepen European collaboration in R&D.”
“The advancement to EPW Phase 2 underscores the strategic importance of this initiative to bolster European autonomy in secure satellite communications,” said Koen Willems, Vice President, EU Programmes, at ST Engineering iDirect Europe. “This recognition by the European Defence Fund demonstrates the urgent necessity to address emerging threats and foster resilience for critical operations across Europe.”
The total investment in the EPW project now stands at €65 m, with €35 m dedicated to Phase 2 following the €30 m allocation in Phase 1. This investment highlights Europe’s commitment to advancing protected satellite communications and strengthening collaborative defence capabilities among its Member States. The European Protected Waveform (Phase 2) is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of ST Engineering iDirect Europe only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
06 May 25. SpaceX gets FAA approval to ramp up Starship launches from Texas.
- Summary
- Companies
- SpaceX can now launch 25 Starships a year, up from five
- FAA says plan would have little environmental impact
- Decision follows vote to make the Texas Starship site a town
SpaceX received key U.S. regulatory approval on Tuesday to increase the annual rate of Starship rocket launches from Texas and booster landings in various bodies of water, allowing Elon Musk’s space company to significantly expand development of its giant Mars rocket. The Federal Aviation Administration, capping a years-long review, said SpaceX’s proposal to increase the number of Texas Starship launches from five to 25 would not have a major impact on the surrounding environment, nor would associated booster landings or potential rocket explosions over the Gulf of Mexico and some international waters. (Source: Reuters)
06 May 25. BlackSky Technology Inc. (NYSE: BKSY) has successfully completed commissioning its first Gen-3 satellite. The first satellite continues to exceed expectations for tasking-to-delivery performance amid positive customer feedback on early very high-resolution 35-centimeter imagery and AI-driven analytics samples.
“BlackSky has demonstrated incredible, industry-leading speed for launch to on-orbit operations, completing commissioning for our first Gen-3 satellite a full month ahead of schedule,” said Brian O’Toole, BlackSky CEO. “This pace of performance is a testament to our team’s experience, quality and rigor of our design, production and test practices, giving BlackSky a distinct advantage for scaling this service quickly and reliably for our customers.”
“The regular cadence of Gen-3 launches will produce a robust combination of capacity and low-latency, high-revisit capabilities to support near-term, early access customers and long-term demand for real-time space-based dynamic monitoring services,” said O’Toole.
Satellite commissioning processes begin immediately after deployment from a launch vehicle and typically includes initial tracking, making first contact and the sequential activation of critical subsystems. Follow-on activities include calibrating payloads, sensors, communications and control systems, and optimizing automated operations across the entire constellation-to-ground architecture. During the Gen-3 commissioning process, BlackSky’s first Gen-3 satellite quickly produced imagery within five days and AI-enabled analytics within three weeks of launch.
“BlackSky has received resounding positive customer response to early very high-resolution 35-centimeter imagery samples. The crispness and detail have enhanced the utility of these data products by giving users the ability to make observations often accomplished with higher resolution systems. In many instances analysts were able to discern details like sunroofs on top of automobiles or individual people and their shadows. This incredible amount of detail, combined with AI-enabled analytics makes available an expansive new set of mission solutions and reduces the speed of analyses over large volumes of imagery from days to minutes,” said O’Toole.
BlackSky has made final preparations to send its second Gen-3 unit to Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand, in anticipation of launch in Q2. The Gen-3 launch schedule is proceeding as planned as the company prepares to integrate high-cadence, very high-resolution 35-centimeter imagery into customers’ daily workflows later this year.
06 May 25. Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM), a leading provider of global voice and data satellite communications, today announced a special U.S. government version of the Iridium® 9603 module built for Enhanced Short Burst Data (ESBD). ESBD is a low-latency and secure messaging service designed to provide optimal transmission security (TRANSEC) for the U.S. government and approved allies. The ESBD version can act as a drop-in replacement for the existing Iridium 9603 Short Burst Data® (SBD®) module. Alongside Iridium’s known reliability and resiliency, Iridium 9603 ESBD can deliver secure one- or two-way messaging with an increased payload capacity for mobile-originated (MO) and mobile-terminated (MT) messages. Example applications range from command and control (C2) and image data transfer to personnel and asset tracking.
“Iridium 9603 ESBD is a testament to Iridium’s commitment to investing in secure, low-latency solutions that address threats in the changing global environment,” said Scott Scheimreif, executive vice president, government programs, Iridium. “The new module offers end-to-end communication security for critical operations, helping ensure warfighters can exchange vital information with confidence — no matter the environment. This capability not only safeguards mission success but also reflects the Department of Defense’s trust in Iridium’s proven technology, network reliability, and operational excellence.”
The upgraded module represents the latest innovation of Iridium to support the Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services (EMSS) program, a decades-long partnership that delivers truly global standard and secure voice, broadcast, PTT, and other services to an unlimited number of Department of Defense and DoD-approved subscribers anywhere on Earth. Iridium 9603 ESBD is targeted to be made available to EMSS-approved value-added manufacturers in July. With its unique low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network, Iridium provides resilient L-band connectivity and unparalleled global coverage that does not encounter permanent line-of-sight blockages faced by geostationary (GEO) systems. This helps to ensure the delivery of mission-critical communications for the DoD and other federal agencies. Whether in high-risk combat zones or during inclement weather events, the Iridium network provides pole-to-pole satellite communications that keep users connected when it’s needed most, making it critically important for the Joint All Domain Command and Control’s (JADC2) Primary, Alternate, Contingency, and Emergency (PACE) communications architecture.
02 May 25. US Army to Roll Out Enlisted Space Ops Specialty. The Army confirmed it will implement a new space domain-related enlisted military occupational specialty by next fall, the service’s top space officer announced during a media briefing at the Pentagon today. Initially announced by the Army’s deputy chief of staff in December 2024, the MOS — titled 40D space operations specialist — is on track to become official by October 2026, the commander of Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Army Lt. Gen. Sean A. Gainey, told reporters.
“These soldiers will become the experts we turn to during the next conflict. Our Army space professionals support unique assets to interdict or disrupt adversaries use of space capabilities, ensuring Army forces maintain the initiative to fight from positions of relative advantage in all domains,” said Gainey, adding that soldiers provide close space support to the Army’s conventional and special operations forces.
To date, the Army’s space operations have been mostly filled by the officer corps; the new MOS will ensure that enlisted soldiers in the ranks of specialist through command sergeant major will be able to show up to space formations with “expertise and experience in space operations,” Gainey said.
Additionally, Gainey said that the new specialty will help stabilize the career progression and retention of soldiers who are currently operating outside of their assigned jobs in the air defense, signal and intelligence fields in order to assist in space operations.
“This is a zero-growth effort,” he said.
When asked how the 40D mission would differ from that of the Space Force, Gainey explained that the Army’s space mission is more ground-based.
“[We’re] focused on the tactical maneuver fight with our forces on the ground, pushing that capability forward so our forces [are] able to leverage the effects of a space-based system, directly benefitting the operator on the ground,” Gainey said, adding that the Army’s space mission helps enable the Space Force to complete a range of its own missions, including on-orbit.
“[The good news] is that there’s more than enough work for all of us on the battlefield today,” he said.
As for training the new 40D soldiers, Gainey said they will attend the Space and Missile Defense Center of Excellence at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado Springs, Colorado, once they have completed their initial entry training.
“The majority of [40D] training will be on systems that we employ [such as the Tactical Integrated Ground Suite] and some of our other smaller systems,” Gainey said, adding that the students will have more advanced level schools just like other specialties.
When asked about recruiting efforts once the career field is established, Gainey said the Army is already seeing a lot of interest from young soldiers.
“I want to encourage everybody [who’s] interested in the space 40D MOS to compete for it, but it’s going to be very competitive,” he said. (Source: U.S. DoD)
27 Apr 25. ATMOS Space Cargo conducts 1st re-entry mission. ATMOS Space Cargo (ATMOS) has conducted the first orbital test flight of its innovative PHOENIX 1 re-entry capsule to and back from LEO. Initial analysis confirms that the mission achieved its primary objectives, including the activation of key systems and deployment of ATMOS’ proprietary inflatable heat shield under realistic re-entry conditions. ATMOS Mission Control in Lichtenau, Germany, adds that expected flight data from the capsule and its onboard customer payloads has been successfully transmitted and is currently undergoing detailed analysis. These findings add critical information early to the already started development of the next-generation PHOENIX 2 capsule, which is planned to launch in 2026. This flight establishes ATMOS as the fastest-moving private space logistics company in Europe to conduct an orbital return mission and also demonstrates that sovereign return capabilities are within reach—and that private industry is ready to lead in building Europe’s independent space infrastructure.
PHOENIX 1 launched into space aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40), Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida at 20:48 local time, as part of the Bandwagon-3 rideshare mission. Following injection into a 45° inclination orbit, the capsule completed one full orbit. A planned de-orbit burn by the Falcon 9 upper stage over Los Angeles, California, then placed PHOENIX 1 on its return trajectory.
PHOENIX 1 – successful separation.
Following upper stage separation, PHOENIX 1 began its return trajectory, transmitting critical system and payload data to ground stations the ATMOS ground segment team set up across South America. As planned, the capsule performed initial inflation of its heat shield before entering Earth’s atmosphere at the Entry Interface Point (EIP) approximately two hours post-launch south-east of the Brazilian coast. (Source: Satnews)
28 Apr 25. United Launch Alliance successfully launches Amazon’s first operational satellites. Atlas V precisely delivers the first grouping of operational broadband satellites for Amazon’s Project Kuiper constellation. Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., (April 28, 2025) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying the Kuiper-1 mission for Amazon’s Project Kuiper lifted off on April 28 at 7:01 p.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The Kuiper 1 launch marks the beginning of full-scale deployment of the Kuiper constellation and a new chapter in the commercial launch industry as Amazon partners with ULA to deliver a majority of its advanced satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO).
“This launch is an incredible milestone in Amazon’s ambitious initiative to provide fast, reliable broadband service to unserved and underserved communities around the world,” said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. “We have worked diligently with the Project Kuiper team to place this important mission on orbit and are grateful for the opportunity to continue building upon this dynamic partnership.”
In addition to the successful launch of two Kuipersat prototypes in 2023 and another seven launches aboard Atlas V, Project Kuiper will leverage the next-generation Vulcan rocket for 38 high-cadence, rapid-fire launches, positioning ULA to deliver more than half of the constellation’s more than 3,200 satellites through the world’s largest commercial launch agreement.
“This launch marks the first step towards the future of our partnership and increased launch cadence. We have been steadily modifying our launch facilities in Cape Canaveral to support the capacity for future Project Kuiper missions in a manner that will ultimately benefit both our commercial and government customers as we endeavor to save lives, explore the universe and connect the world,” said Tory Bruno, ULA president and CEO. “The addition of a second launch processing capability allows for dual, simultaneous launch processing between both integration facilities seamlessly.” (Source: Satnews)
01 May 25. SpaceX launches Starlink Group 6-75 smallsats on Thursday night at the Cape. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 successfully launched 28 Starlink Group 6-75 smallsats on Thursday, May 1, to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station . These 28 smallsats will join all the others that are building SpaceX’s smallsat constellation. This is the 18th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Ax-2, Euclid, Ax-3, CRS-30, SES ASTRA 1P, NG-21, and 11 Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage landed on the Just Read the Instructions droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. SpaceX is now targeting Thursday, May 1, for a Falcon 9 launch of 28 Starlink smallsats to to low-Earth orbit for their smallsat constellation from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The four-hour launch window opens at 9:51 p.m. ET, with backup opportunities available until 1:51 a.m. ET on Friday, May 2. If needed, additional opportunities are also available on Friday, May 2 starting at 9:25 p.m. ET. According to weather officials, there’s a 99% chance of favorable weather conditions for Thursday’s launch. The forecast calls for a temperature of 73°F, overcast clouds, 98% cloud cover and a wind speed of 12mph. A live webcast of this mission will begin about five minutes prior to liftoff, which you can watch on X @SpaceX. You can also watch the webcast on the new X TV app. This is the 18th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Ax-2, Euclid, Ax-3, CRS-30, SES ASTRA 1P, NG-21, and 11 Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the Just Read the Instructions droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. (Source: Satnews)
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