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Space Development Agency Issues $369 Million Solicitation for Global Missile Tracking Ground Entry Points
Original Publication Date: 2026-09-22 19:21
On September 22, 2026, the Space Development Agency issued a $369 million request for proposals to acquire next‑generation ground communications infrastructure for its missile‑warning system. The agency seeks to modernize its network, boosting data transfer speeds and resilience against cyber threats. Contractors were invited to submit designs that integrate satellite links with terrestrial nodes, with a selection deadline set for early 2027. The new system is expected to strengthen national defense by providing faster, more reliable warning capabilities.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman Reaffirms Mission Acceleration Focus Across International Space Programs
Original Publication Date: 2026-09-22 15:49
On Sept. 22, 2026, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced new priorities for civil spaceflight, stressing that missions must be completed safely, quickly, and affordably. He highlighted the need for streamlined operations, stronger industry collaboration, and investment in emerging technologies. Isaacman also called for a focus on sustainable practices and risk mitigation to ensure long‑term success. These directives aim to position NASA at the forefront of commercial spaceflight while safeguarding astronauts and budgets.
ESA and ISRO Extend Bilateral Space Agreement to 2032
Original Publication Date: 2026-09-22 15:46
On September 10, 2026, the European Space Agency and the Indian Space Research Organisation signed a formal agreement during the International Space Summit in Paris, cementing a new partnership aimed at advancing space exploration. The letters outline joint missions, technology sharing, and collaborative research initiatives, marking a historic step in Indo‑European cooperation. Both agencies highlighted the potential to pool resources for lunar and Mars missions, as well as Earth observation projects. This milestone underscores a growing trend toward international collaboration in space science and technology.
OrbitsIQ Global and AVL North America Launch Multi-Continent Hybrid Network Campaign for Vehicle Data Transmission
Original Publication Date: 2026-09-22 14:38
On September 22, 2026, OrbitsIQ Global and AVL North America launched a multi‑continent data‑acquisition campaign, gathering real‑time vehicle data across North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The partnership seeks to enhance automotive connectivity and accelerate autonomous‑driving research by combining OrbitsIQ’s cloud‑based analytics with AVL’s testing expertise. Together, the two firms aim to create a comprehensive dataset that will improve vehicle performance and safety. This initiative highlights the growing collaboration between software and hardware leaders in the automotive industry.
Exolaunch Contracts Dedicated SpaceX Starship Mission for 2029 Starfall Return-to-Earth Program
Original Publication Date: 2026-09-22 14:07
Satellite launch integration provider Exolaunch announced on September 22, 2026 that it has signed a launch services agreement with SpaceX for a dedicated Starfall mission aboard the Starship launch vehicle, slated for 2029. Under the deal, Exolaunch will provide integration and launch services, positioning the company as a key partner for SpaceX’s high‑profile Starship program.
Boom Year for Desert Blooms
Original Publication Date: 2026-09-23 04:01
NASA Earth Observatory images reveal a spectacular wildflower bloom in Western Australia's Murchison region after above‑average rainfall in 2026. The rains awakened dormant seeds, creating vivid carpets of white, pink, and yellow flowers that may be the best display in two decades. The blooming occurs near the CSIRO Murchison Radio‑Astronomy Observatory, a radio‑quiet site that monitors deep‑space missions and has supported NASA’s Artemis II. The images, captured by Landsat 8’s OLI sensor, contrast the lush August 2026 landscape with a drier 2025 scene, highlighting the powerful impact of climate variability on the outback.
Curiosity Blog, Sols 5010-5015: Checking out the Bands
Original Publication Date: 2026-09-23 00:40
NASA’s Curiosity rover is marking its 5000th Martian day, having crossed 1 km of elevation and celebrated its 14th landiversary. Over the past week the rover has trekked up Valle Grande, mapping subtle banded terrain and sampling nodular bedrock with APXS, MAHLI, and ChemCam. High‑resolution cameras captured mosaics of the Sullivan Field sand dunes and the “Chocolatal” scuff, while environmental teams recorded dust devils and atmospheric dust.
Risks of Decompression Sickness and Venous Thromboembolism during Spaceflight and Patent Foramen Ovale Implications
Original Publication Date: 2026-09-22 19:19
NASA’s latest working group reviewed data on EVA prebreathe, decompression sickness, venous thromboembolism, and patent foramen ovale (PFO) to refine Artemis mission safety. The panel concluded that PFOs, even large ones, do not warrant universal astronaut exclusion, but recommends offering closure and robust risk‑mitigation protocols while keeping subjects fully informed. They also called for clearer guidelines on medication use, especially aspirin and analgesics, to prevent masking DCS symptoms before and after spacewalks. These recommendations aim to balance crew safety with realistic representation in ground‑based studies and improve overall mission health.
NASA-Funded Research Finds Complex Life Defying Record Heat
Original Publication Date: 2026-09-22 17:33
NASA-funded scientists have discovered a fire amoeba, Incendiamoeba cascadensis, that can reproduce at 145 °F (63 °C) and survive brief exposures to 158 °F (70 °C), shattering the previous eukaryotic heat limit of 140 °F (60 °C). Found in California’s Lassen Volcanic National Park, the organism remains active at up to 147 °F (64 °C) and its genome reveals heat‑stabilizing genes that could inform biotechnology and our search for life on other planets.
Ship 41 rolls to Pad 2 carrying two flown tiles from Ship 40
Original Publication Date: 2026-09-23 02:42
Space X has stacked Ship 41 onto Booster 21 at Starbase, and the new Starship’s heat shield now carries two thermal‑protection tiles recovered from Ship 40 after Flight 13, marking the first reuse of Starship tile hardware.
FCC to Vote on Waiving NEPA Review for Space Ops
Original Publication Date: 2026-09-22 16:00
The FCC will vote on September 30 to formally exclude satellite licensing from NEPA review, treating it as a categorical exclusion. It argues that space operations are extraterritorial and not major federal actions, while the FAA has also proposed waiving NEPA and 12 other statutes for commercial space licenses. Other agencies are adjusting their own NEPA processes—NASA has expanded exclusions, and the Space Force continues to issue full environmental statements for launch infrastructure. Although space’s environmental footprint is tiny compared to aviation, the shift raises questions about the cumulative effects of future launches and reentries.
HEO Raises $25M Series B to Fuel GEO Expansion
Original Publication Date: 2026-09-22 12:44
HEO, the Australian non-Earth-imaging startup, announced Monday it closed a $25M Series B to expand its imaging network to GEO. Beaten Zone Venture Partners led the round, which included participation from Australia’s National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC), DCode Capital and Wunala Capital.
TRL11 Will Build Imaging Tech for SR-1 Freedom
Original Publication Date: 2026-09-22 12:30
TRL11 has secured a NASA contract to supply imaging systems for the Space Reactor‑1 (SR‑1) Freedom mission, the first fission‑powered spacecraft destined for Mars. The $2 billion project, slated to launch in late 2028, will carry SkyFall helicopters that pave the way for future crewed missions while demonstrating nuclear power for deep‑space travel. TRL11 will build cameras and edge‑computing hardware that capture, process, and store high‑resolution images—especially of the SkyFall deployment—and may also supply additional software and communications tools. The mission also partners with AeroVironment and Firefly Aerospace, showcasing a collaborative effort to bring humanity closer to the Red Planet.