Beijing Warns UN of ‘Safety and Security’ Risks from Starlink Expansion – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2026-01-02 00:00
Chinese representatives warned the United Nations Security Council on Friday that the rapid, unregulated expansion of commercial satellite constellations poses “pronounced safety and security” risks. The statement follows years of escalating tension between Beijing and the U.S. Commercial space sector over orbital crowding and the dual-use military applications of megaconstellations.
Türkiye Initiates Construction of Equatorial Spaceport in Somalia – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2026-01-02 00:00
Türkiye has officially commenced the first phase of construction for a strategic spaceport in Somalia. The project aims to eliminate external dependency for satellite launches while positioning the country as a competitive actor in the global space economy. The selection of Somalia for the launch site is driven by its proximity to the equator.
When AWS Grew Wings: The “Boring” Genius of Amazon Leo – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2026-01-02 00:00
Formerly Project Kuiper, the newly christened Amazon Leo launches in Q1 2026 with a three-tier hardware strategy targeting the US, UK, and Germany first. While Amazon will fight for consumers with its Nano and Pro terminals, this volume play primarily serves to drive down chip costs for its true endgame: the industrial-grade Ultra backhaul network.
NASA Identifies 26 Resilient Bacterial Species Capable of Evading Cleanroom Sterilization – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2026-01-02 00:00
Scientists identify 26 previously unknown bacterial species capable of surviving in high-sterility spacecraft assembly facilities. Discovery raises significant concerns for planetary protection protocols as space agencies prepare for future sample-return missions and human exploration of Mars. The newly identified extremophiles possess specialized genetic traits that allow them to endure conditions typically lethal to most life forms.