NASA has selected the Dynamic Atmosphere-Ionosphere Explorer (DAPHNE) mission for development, which will study how space weather interacts with Earth's atmosphere. The mission, set to launch no earlier than 2029, will use two identical satellites equipped with three instruments to examine conditions in the thermosphere, a region of the upper atmosphere. DAPHNE aims to fill a gap in scientific understanding of the Earth's lower atmosphere's effect on space weather and the upper atmosphere. The mission is part [...]

The space industry is facing a durability crisis in medium Earth orbit (MEO) due to the limitations of low Earth orbit (LEO) hardware. LEO technology, characterized by high-volume manufacturing and cost-effective components, is not suitable for the harsher environment of MEO, where electronics and other components are vulnerable to radiation and extreme temperatures. This has led to a materials science crisis, as standard commercial-off-the-shelf electronics and structural composites are not designed for long-term use in MEO.

Northrop Grumman states that the industry is ready to scale solid rocket production, but needs longer-term procurement commitments. The Pentagon has warned of shortages, but Northrop Grumman argues that annual appropriations and shorter contracts hinder investments. The company has committed over $2 billion to its munitions and solid rocket motor businesses, with over $1 billion dedicated to solid rocket motors. Northrop Grumman expects production to increase from 13,000 rocket motors in 2024 to 25,000 annually by 2029. [...]

Quantum Space, a Rockville, Maryland-based company, has won a Pentagon contract to develop an orbital refueling spacecraft using its Ranger platform. The contract, funded by the Department of Defense's Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund, aims to establish a broader in-space logistics infrastructure to support long-duration military operations. The spacecraft, expected to be delivered by 2028, will be compatible with military client spacecraft and feature a multimode propulsion system combining chemical and electric propulsion. Quantum Space has repositioned [...]

Blue Origin has begun rebuilding its launch pad at Cape Canaveral's Launch Complex 36, which was severely damaged in a New Glenn explosion on May 28. The company aims to resume launches by the end of the year. Despite the damage, Blue Origin has been able to preserve some long-lead items, including a propellant tank farm and a New Glenn booster. The company is working to return to flight, with a focus on making changes to the [...]

Kelly Hammett, the former head of the Space Rapid Capabilities Office, has been appointed executive director of the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center. This move comes as the Space Rapid Capabilities Office is set to be eliminated as a standalone organization under the Space Force's acquisition overhaul. Hammett led the Space RCO since 2022 and departs as the Space Force implements a new acquisition structure centered on Portfolio Acquisition Executives. The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center oversees [...]

SpaceX's recent deal with Cursor is expected to significantly boost the company's market capitalization, potentially reaching over $3 trillion, according to an analyst. The deal adds a fast-growing AI software layer and a large user base, creating a "data flywheel" that is difficult to replicate. The acquisition is projected to increase SpaceX's annual recurring revenue, lifting AI revenue and margins. The market is treating SpaceX as an AI infrastructure play, and the integration benefits are expected to [...]