Rocket Lab + Synspective sign another 10-launch contract – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2025-09-30 00:00
Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB) has secured a second, multi-launch contract with Synspective, a leading Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite data and analytics company. The new contract for a further 10 dedicated Electron launches brings the total number of upcoming Synspective missions to 21.
Toward a secure Europe: The Netherlands to build a pan-European quantum network – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2025-09-30 00:00
The European Commission is working on a quantum-secure communication infrastructure for all of Europe. The Netherlands is taking a key role in the pan-European quantum cybersecurity project SEEWQCI. The project will establish a quantum interconnection between the Netherlands, Greece, Cyprus and Bulgaria via satellite and fiber links.
SpaceX to launch 28 Starlink smallsats Group 11-39 on Friday from California – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2025-09-30 00:00
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 is targeting the launch of 28 Starlink smallsats to low-Earth orbit. A live webcast of this mission will begin about five minutes prior to liftoff. There is the possibility that residents of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties may hear one or more sonic booms during the launch.
SpaceX to launch Amazon’s Project Kuiper-3 from the Cape on Monday – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2025-09-30 00:00
The third Project Kuiper launch of a batch of Amazon-backed satellites for its Project Kuiper LEO internet constellation. This mission continues the deployment of Amazon’s constellation, which aims to provide broadband internet access to underserved areas. Project Kuiper is a mega constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit that will offer broadband internet access.
Discovery Alert: ‘Baby’ Planet Photographed in a Ring around a Star for the First Time!
Original Publication Date: 2025-09-30 13:51
Researchers have discovered a young protoplanet called WISPIT 2b embedded in a ring-shaped gap in a disk encircling a young star. While theorists have thought that planets likely exist in these gaps (and possibly even create them), this is the first time that it has actually been observed. The planet is just about 5 million years old, or almost 1,000 times younger than the Earth, and about 437 light-years from Earth.
SpaceX intensifies testing to ready Pad 2 at Starbase
Original Publication Date: 2025-09-30 12:30
SpaceX is ramping up testing of its second launch pad at Starbase, conducting multiple checkouts of the water deluge system. The flurry of activity highlights the company’s push toward operational readiness for Pad 2, including enhancements to water management and structural protections. The pad is set to host its first launch during Flight 12 of Starship in 2026.
Launch Roundup: Falcon 9 launches Starlink and Kuiper satellites
Original Publication Date: 2025-09-29 21:04
China kicked off the week’s launch manifest, for those in UTC, with the launch of its 100th Chang Zheng 2D rocket. SpaceX closed out September on 16 launches during the month – a milestone only achieved twice before, most recently this May. At the start of the week, SpaceX had launched 9,868 Starlink satellites, of which 1,321 have deorbited and 7,547 have moved into their operational orbits. At this pace, the company is expected to launch its 10,000th Starlink satellite by the end of October.