Space technology news covering launches, satellites, exploration, missions and commercial space.
Isar Aerospace has secured a €197.8 million contract from the European Space Agency under the European Launcher Challenge, supporting the development of its launch vehicles and expansion of launch infrastructure. Days later, its Spectrum rocket successfully reached orbit from Norway, completing the programme’s first major milestone.
Indian space startup Agnikul Cosmos has opened two new facilities in Chennai to test complete rocket stages under flight-like conditions and manufacture critical components in-house. The infrastructure will support the company’s push toward reusable launch vehicles and its upcoming Mission-02.
ISRO has rejected concerns that India’s push to expand private participation will weaken or privatise the space agency. The clarification follows unease among employees over plans to shift more manufacturing and operational work to private companies.
The ninth Bengaluru Space Expo has opened with more than 250 exhibitors from 20 countries, putting India’s growing private space industry in focus. Major Indian companies are showcasing launch vehicles, satellites, Earth observation, propulsion and other space technologies.
Indian space-tech startup Pixxel has raised $100 million in a Series C round co-led by Temasek and Seraphim. The funding will help the company expand its satellite capabilities, Earth intelligence software and sovereign space systems.
NASA has funded an early-stage spacecraft concept that could map minerals on the Moon, asteroids and Martian moons during high-speed flybys without landing on their surfaces.
Katalyst Space is continuing in-orbit tests of its LINK robotic servicing spacecraft after the planned mission to boost NASA’s Swift observatory was scaled back.
Delta-V combines live rocket launch tracking, spaceflight data and an orbital mechanics game in a single browser-based platform.
ISRO successfully launched EOS-05 on GSLV-F17, giving India a new capability for continuous Earth observation from geosynchronous orbit.
NASA has awarded Blue Origin a contract worth up to $700 million to develop, launch and operate a new communications spacecraft around Mars, with delivery required by the end of 2028.