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Mauritius becomes 70th nation to sign the Artemis Accords
Original Publication Date: 2026-07-18 18:03
Mauritius became the 70th country to sign NASA’s Artemis Accords on July 17, joining the U.S. And 69 other nations in outlining best‑practice rules for space exploration. In a ceremony in Ébène, Minister Navindsing Jugmohunsing pledged the island nation’s commitment to using space to protect oceans, amplify developing‑state voices, and help shape future governance. The Accords cover everything from deconfliction of activities to the use of space resources and scientific data exchange, and they will guide international cooperation as NASA plans a lunar base. With the signing, Mauritius joins a growing coalition that is redefining space as peaceful, accessible, and beneficial for all.
Space Force triples launch contract ceiling amid rising demand
Original Publication Date: 2026-07-18 17:40
The U.S. Space Force has tripled the ceiling of its National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1 contract from $5.6 billion to $17 billion, expanding the budget for future launch task orders. This change allows competition among seven commercial launch firms—SpaceX, ULA, Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, Stoke Space, Impulse Space and Relativity Space—through fiscal 2029. The higher ceiling, combined with an additional 25 Phase 3 Lane 2 missions, reflects a sharp increase in the Space Force’s satellite launch needs. These moves signal a significant ramp‑up of the military’s national security space program.
Pentagon awards $7.1 million to expand U.S. production of cover glass for satellites
Original Publication Date: 2026-07-18 16:59
The Pentagon has awarded $7.1 million under the Defense Production Act to Martin Materials Solutions, a small company that produces radiation‑resistant cover glass for spacecraft. The funding will expand U.S. Production of this critical component, which is used on solar arrays and thermal‑control systems in satellites. By boosting domestic manufacturing, the move aims to strengthen national security and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. The investment underscores the growing importance of resilient space infrastructure.
Aerospace Experts Warn Against Fragmented Architecture for Future Crewed Mars Missions
Original Publication Date: 2026-07-18 14:47
On July 15, 2026 a collaborative commentary examined the deep‑space transit challenges that threaten human missions to Mars, pinpointing significant technological and architectural gaps.
Amazon Secures South African Market Entry Protocol via Herotel Distribution Partnership
Original Publication Date: 2026-07-18 14:36
Amazon’s low‑Earth‑orbit satellite broadband unit, Project Kuiper, has signed a commercial distribution deal with South Africa’s Herotel, giving the company the rights to offer its high‑speed internet across the country. The agreement will allow Herotel to tap into Kuiper’s constellation, potentially delivering faster connectivity to rural and underserved regions. Amazon will provide the satellite technology and support, while Herotel will handle local network integration and sales. This partnership marks a significant step in Amazon’s global expansion and South Africa’s push for broader digital access.
European Commission Defers Iliad-Altice Telecom Merger Review to French Watchdog
Original Publication Date: 2026-07-18 14:24
On Friday, July 17, 2026, the European Commission referred the antitrust review of Iliad’s bid for selected Altice France telecom assets to France’s national competition authority.
Another reusable rocket? Japan launches, lands RV-X prototype (video)
Original Publication Date: 2026-07-18 14:00
Japan’s space agency JAXA successfully completed the first flight test of its RV‑X reusable rocket prototype on July 11, lifting the 24‑foot‑tall vehicle 33 feet high and 50 feet forward before landing safely.