Innovation
Rocket Lab wins first GEO satellite production contract from U.S. Space Force
The $90 million contract is to build build and operate two satellites carrying optical payloads
The US Needs a New Launch Site, Air Force Secretary Says
The US needs another launch site to keep up with the growing demand, according to a study cited by Air Force Secretary Troy Meink.
Better Moon-Tech Tops NASA Stakeholder Wishlist
Better Moon infrastructure was the top ask of hundreds of space community members, according to a NASA ranking of space technology “shortfalls” released on Thursday.
The agency said it uses this list “as one of many inputs into decision-making.” But the ranking was made public days before a big agency event announces more details about its pivot to a Moon base on Tuesday.
Technology
Blueshift is named finalist in inaugural Aviation Week Space Tech Challenge Awards
AeroZero tapes for LEO satellites and aerospace structure thermal protection earn Blueshift a spot in the Commercialization category for New Space Economy Infrastructure.
Space Force Seeks to Operationalize On-Orbit Logistics Demos
As the Space Force makes plans for two on-orbit refueling and maneuver demonstrations in 2027—and closely watches similar government and commercial endeavors—the service official overseeing the effort says he want to take these capabilities from demo to operations in short order.
Europe
Germany touts pan-German space command amid European push to supplant US tech
Germany’s defense minister used a rare four-nation gathering of German-speaking defense chiefs this week to push forward plans for a European military space command, calling on close partners including Austria, Switzerland and Luxembourg, to help shape the initiative rather than simply join it.
Finnish SpaceTech company ICEYE secures €300 million revolving credit facility
Finnish SpaceTech company ICEYE today announced that it has secured a €300 million 3-year committed revolving credit facility (RCF) to support the issuance of guarantees for customer contracts, enable continued business growth, and serve as a liquidity backstop.
Europe's space tech problem
Growing defence spending, Europe’s push for greater strategic resilience amid shifting US policy, and increasing demand for commercial space applications are creating new opportunities for European start-ups. However, European companies still face many challenges, including funding, that could further increase the gap between Europe and the US and China, an investor says.
Last year, space technology start-ups raised 12.4 billion US dollars in VC funding, 48 per cent more than in 2024, according to estimates by Seraphim Space. The total surpassed the 2021 peak of 10.9 billion US dollars and marked a full recovery from the previous pullback.
Investment
Asia tech space is best way to play AI right now, says HSBC's Alastair Pinder
Alastair Pinder, HSBC Head EM and Global Equity Strategist, joins ‘Fast Money’ to talk the day’s market action.
SpaceX IPO filing casts Starlink Mobile as future wireless challenger
SpaceX’s IPO prospectus casts Starlink Mobile as more than a remote-area backup, with next-generation direct-to-smartphone services designed to be “on par with terrestrial mobile networks” even in urban areas.
The company’s May 20 regulatory filing outlined how upgraded satellites and the spectrum it is acquiring from U.S.-based EchoStar would greatly improve services currently limited to messaging and light voice and data services.