Space News for Monday, September 28, 2026

Satellite Primes Quoted Factory Rates of Up to Two a Day in Paris. The Component Tier Below Them Described 18-Month Waits.

Original Publication Date: 2026-09-27 21:34

At World Space Business Week, executives from Thales Alenia Space and MDA unveiled new factories that can produce one or two satellites a day. Component suppliers reported that production lines are already at or above capacity, while solar cell makers warned of 18‑month wait times for critical parts. These bottlenecks could slow the pace of satellite launches in the coming months. The industry faces a pressing need to address these supply constraints to keep pace with growing demand.

Planet Labs Delivers Pelican-12 Spacecraft to Cape Canaveral for SpaceX Bandwagon-5 Mission

Original Publication Date: 2026-09-27 14:56

On September 27, 2026, Planet Labs delivered its next‑generation Pelican‑12 Earth‑observation satellite to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The spacecraft will now undergo final processing, fueling, and pre‑launch checks before its scheduled launch. Planet Labs aims to expand its constellation with the Pelican‑12’s advanced imaging capabilities. The satellite’s arrival marks a significant step toward enhancing global monitoring and data collection.

Starship Flight 14: SpaceX Attempts Orbit

Original Publication Date: 2026-09-27 16:59

SpaceX is set to launch its Starship Flight 14 on Sept. 28 at 7:15 a.m. CDT, marking the rocket’s first orbital attempt and the deployment of 26 Starlink V3 satellites.