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low Earth orbit
Trends
- 1Satellite Engine Would Use Air From Earth's Atmosphere as Fuel●New Satellite Engine Could Use Earth's Atmosphere to Stay in Orbit Indefinitely
Researchers have unveiled a new propulsion concept that would let satellites in very low orbit collect air molecules from the upper atmosphere and use them as propellant, potentially keeping spacecraft aloft indefinitely without carrying limited fuel reserves. The idea could dramatically extend mission lifetimes, cut costs and reduce space debris, and it is drawing attention among space enthusiasts and engineers debating its practicality.
- 2Honda and Redwire Explore Robotic Lab System for Space Stations▼Honda & Redwire Explore Robotic Lab System for Commercial Space Stations
Honda and space infrastructure company Redwire are exploring a robotic laboratory system designed for commercial space stations. The collaboration would put automated research equipment aboard next-generation orbital outposts, letting experiments run with minimal human supervision. The news highlights growing private-sector involvement in low Earth orbit research as agencies shift toward commercially operated stations.
- 3AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon team up to end coverage gaps●AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon have officially teamed up to end coverage gaps This is likely an attempt to get ahead of pote
AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon have officially partnered to eliminate mobile coverage gaps across the United States. The collaboration between the three rival carriers is widely seen as a move to get ahead of satellite-based competitors such as Starlink and other low-earth-orbit providers that threaten to disrupt traditional cellular coverage.
- 4Orbital Sustainability Called a Strategic Imperative in New Space Race▼New Space Race: Why Orbital Sustainability Is A Strategic Imperative
A new analysis argues that the modern space race is no longer only about reaching orbit first, but about keeping orbit usable. With satellite constellations multiplying and debris risk rising, the piece frames orbital sustainability as a core strategic priority for spacefaring nations, urging coordinated debris mitigation, traffic management and long-term stewardship of low Earth orbit before crowding and collisions undermine access to space.
- 5
The Pentagon is moving forward with constellations of satellites designed to track targets such as missiles from orbit. The programs, part of the US military's push for proliferated low-Earth-orbit sensing, are taking concrete shape as the Department of Defense funds and layers multiple tracking constellations to improve detection and continuous tracking of hypersonic and ballistic threats.
- 6Space Newsletters Gaining Attention Among Space Enthusiasts●RE: https:// mastodon.social/@arstechnica/1 17371659271842224 This is one of the best newsletters for keeping up with #
A technology writer is recommending a newsletter focused on space, low Earth orbit satellites and Starlink, calling it one of the best ways to keep up with developments in the sector. The endorsement highlights the growing appetite for curated coverage of the commercial space industry, particularly around satellite constellations and related policy and launch news.
- 7NASA's growing dependence on SpaceX sparks criticism●# NASA is now at the mercy of # SpaceX , but… «SpaceX and its founder, Elon Musk, will do what they want.» A requiem for
Commentary is circulating arguing that NASA has lost leverage over SpaceX and Elon Musk after two decades of subsidizing private space companies and relying on them for low Earth orbit flights. The piece calls it a 'requiem' for the space economy, claiming the agency is now at the mercy of a contractor that 'will do what they want.' It reflects wider concern about NASA's dependence on a single commercial partner.
- 8NASA and SpaceX launch Crew-13 mission to the space station▼NASA, SpaceX launch Crew-13 mission to International Space Station
NASA and SpaceX launched the Crew-13 mission to the International Space Station, continuing their routine astronaut ferry flights aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft. The mission carries a new crew to the orbiting laboratory, maintaining the rotation of personnel and ongoing research operations in low Earth orbit. Coverage highlights the ongoing partnership between the space agency and the private launch provider.
- 9WISeSat.Space Completes Merger with Columbus Acquisition Corporation●WISeSat.Space, a Space Technology Company, Closes Business Combination with Columbus Acquisition Corporation
Swiss-linked satellite constellation operator WISeSat.Space has completed its business combination with Columbus Acquisition Corporation, taking the space technology company public via a SPAC merger. The deal gives WISeSat.Space access to public markets as it develops its constellation of low Earth orbit satellites for secure, encrypted communications for the Internet of Things. Further details on valuation and listing venue were not included in the announcement.