The US Space Force has awarded SpaceX a $739 million contract for five launches of missile tracking satellites under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 program. The award includes 44 satellites, with two launches to begin in Q4 FY2026 and another two in Q3 FY2027.
The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a new Safety Alert for Operators warning pilots and flight departments of increased risks from space launches disrupting US airspace. With commercial space activity accelerating, the agency is urging close coordination, careful planning, and situational awareness to minimize disruptions.
The Space Force has announced plans to upgrade its defenses for Cape Canaveral, with a multi-million dollar counter-UAS system set to be installed. The system will be designed to detect unmanned aerial systems flying into airspace beyond current capabilities, and will bring in new technologies from the Air Force Research Laboratory and the National Reconnaissance Office.
According to Breaking Defense, Maj. Gen.
Researchers at Overview Energy successfully demonstrated wireless power transmission from an airborne platform in flight, marking a significant milestone for space-based solar power. The test was conducted using a Cessna Caravan single-engine turboprop flying at altitudes above 5,000 meters, with the system transmitting power via a low-density, eye-safe infrared beam to conventional photovoltaic panels on the ground.
French and American military satellites successfully practiced joint maneuvers as part of US Space Command's multinational space warplan, Multinational Force-Operation Olympic Defender. The operation involved two satellites maneuvering closely around each other and was the first jointly planned under Olympic Defender.
The French government has awarded Loft Orbital a €50 million contract to develop its first sovereign SAR satellite, marking a significant shift in strategy for Paris. The program will see the development and launch of a single demonstration satellite, with Thales Alenia Space and TEKEVER France contributing to the SAR sensor payload.
Breaking Defense reports on five stories that surprised the space world in 2025, including the ESA's new defense role, US loosening of counterspace ops rules, and a prize competition for SBI prototypes. The agency's billion-euro funding package signals a significant shift in its capabilities.
Firefly Aerospace has appointed Dan Fermon as Chief Operating Officer, bringing decades of experience to the role. Prior to joining Firefly, Fermon was a Vice President at AE Industrial Partners, where he improved operational performance through cross-portfolio projects and synergies execution.
Firefly Aerospace has appointed Deborah Lee James to its advisory board, bringing 30 years of national security experience to the role. Ms.
Dassault Aviation is backing the first edition of the Women in Aerospace and Space Awards, an initiative by GIFAS and the Journal de l'Aviation. The event aims to recognize inspiring women across various industries, with awards presented on December 3.
Katherine Bennell-Pegg, a South Australian aerospace engineer, was named 2026 Australian of the Year for her pioneering work as Australia's first qualified astronaut. The award comes after she completed Basic Astronaut Training at the European Astronaut Centre in Germany and became the first person to train under the Australian flag.
The US Army has announced plans to establish a new space career field, dubbed 40D Tactical Space Operations Specialist. Col.
Oman is taking a significant leap forward in its space ambitions with the signing of a landmark agreement with Airbus Defence and Space to develop OMANSAT-1, the country's first high-capacity communications satellite. The satellite will provide comprehensive communications coverage across Oman, including its territorial waters, while extending services to the broader Middle East, East Africa, and Asia regions.