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Space News for Monday, February 09, 2026

Expanding Beyond our “Urban” Satellite Congestion

Original Publication Date: 2026-02-08 21:03

The U.S. Space Force launched its Maneuverable GEO competition in January 2026. The goal is to move away from sitting ducks and toward a fleet of small, agile commercial satellites. Cislunar space is the fastest-growing sector of the “neighborhood” in 2026.

From Prototyping to Infrastructure: New Standards of Orbital Operation

Original Publication Date: 2026-02-08 20:32

The space sector is experiencing a period of intense operational milestones and strategic shifts as of February 8, 2026. Industry leaders like Ascent Solar Technologies, Intuitive Machines, and AST SpaceMobile are moving past research and development into commercial execution, driven by high-stakes missions and large-scale infrastructure deployments.

India boosts space budget

Original Publication Date: 2026-02-08 13:28

India has increased its space-related budget for the upcoming 2026-2027 period to $1.64 billion. The move opens up opportunities for greater private sector involvement. The new budget signals a transition from preparatory planning to the actual build-phase of hardware.

Satellite Insurers Driving Costs in a Hyper-Congested Orbital Environment.

Original Publication Date: 2026-02-08 13:28

By early 2026, the global LEO satellite market is valued at approximately $8.42 billion. The number of trackable objects larger than 10 cm exceeding 36,000. Failure to address space debris could cost the industry up to $42.3 billion over the next decade.

Venus may have an underground tunnel carved by volcano eruptions

Original Publication Date: 2026-02-09 11:00

Scientists analyzing decades-old data from NASA's Magellan mission say they have identified what appears to be a vast underground tunnel. If confirmed, the structure would mark only the second time a lava tube has been reported on Venus. The finding also contributes to a growing body of evidence challenging the long-held view of Venus as a geologically dead world.

Annular 'ring of fire' solar eclipse February 2026: Live updates

Original Publication Date: 2026-02-09 10:49

A ring of fire annular solar eclipse appearing as a golden yellow ring of light against a black background. In the top right corner there is a little graphic with "live" Written in white text on a red background. In the bottom right corner is a graphic with " Live" Written on a red background on a white background.

The 10 best space and sci-fi Super Bowl commercials of all time

Original Publication Date: 2026-02-08 16:00

Entertainment The 10 best space and sci-fi Super Bowl commercials of all time News By Jeff Spry published 8 February 2026 Ready for Super Sunday? Huddle up for our out-of-this-world roundup of Big Game ads for the ages. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The stars of Orion's belt are 200,000 times brighter than our sun, and winter is the perfect time to see them

Original Publication Date: 2026-02-08 15:00

Stargazing The stars of Orion's belt are 200,000 times brighter than our sun, and winter is the perfect time to see them News By Joe Rao published 8 February 2026 The Orion constellation is home to some of the most luminous stars in our Milky Way galaxy.

What Americans lose if their National Center for Atmospheric Research is dismantled

Original Publication Date: 2026-02-08 14:00

The Trump administration’s plan to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research threatens to unravel the integrated research that powers accurate weather forecasts, climate science, and aviation safety—cutting funding could mean fewer turbulence predictions and higher airline costs. To keep NCAR alive, lawmakers and scientists must lobby Congress to protect its

'The Black Hole' was Disney's original response to 'Star Wars'. What the hell were they thinking?

Original Publication Date: 2026-02-08 13:00

Entertainment Space Movies & Shows 'The Black Hole' was Disney's original response to 'Star Wars'. What the hell were they thinking? News By Richard Edwards published 8 February 2026 Trapped somewhere between the big ideas of "2001" And the fun of a galaxy far, far away, this 1979 movie is a true space oddity.