Space News for Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Silicon Valley Space Week Speaker Focus: Allyson Jenkins, Pixxel

Original Publication Date: 2026-09-29 18:41

The National Reconnaissance Office awarded Pixxel a Strategic Commercial Enhancements contract in May, aiming to demonstrate the unique capabilities of hyperspectral imagery beyond conventional imaging. Under the agreement, Pixxel will showcase how its advanced sensors can detect details that standard cameras miss. Additionally, Pixxel’s Vice President of Public Sector, Allyson Jenkins, will join the final full panel at the MilSat Symposium during Silicon Valley Space Week. This collaboration highlights the growing role of cutting‑edge imaging technology in national security.

U.S. Space Force Mission Delta 2 Develops Advanced SDA Software to Prioritize Rapid Satellite Tracking

Original Publication Date: 2026-09-29 15:53

At the Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies conference on September 29, 2026, the U.S. Space Force announced that Mission Delta 2 is developing advanced software to enhance space domain awareness. The new systems aim to integrate data from optical, radar, and other sensors to provide real‑time tracking of satellites and debris. By leveraging machine learning, the software will improve detection accuracy and reduce the time needed to identify potential threats. This initiative marks a significant step toward securing the increasingly crowded space environment.

Momentus Demonstrates AI-Enabled LiDAR and Optical Suite During In-Orbit RPO Campaign with NASA Satellite

Original Publication Date: 2026-09-29 15:33

On September 29, 2026, Momentus Inc. Announced the successful operational demonstration of its AI‑enabled LiDAR and optical imaging sensor suite during an in‑orbit rendezvous and proximity operations test. The demonstration showcased the system’s ability to autonomously map and navigate complex space environments, a critical capability for future satellite servicing missions. Momentus highlighted that the sensor suite could dramatically reduce mission planning time and increase safety for on‑orbit servicing and debris removal operations. This milestone marks a significant step forward in autonomous satellite technology and positions Momentus as a leader in the emerging space services market.

ATLAS Space Operations and York Space Systems Activate Second Antenna at Rwanda Teleport to Double Equatorial Contact Capacity

Original Publication Date: 2026-09-29 15:24

On September 29, 2026, ATLAS Space Operations and satellite manufacturer York Space Systems activated a brand‑new ground antenna at their jointly operated teleport facility. The addition expands the station’s capacity to receive and transmit data for the growing fleet of commercial satellites. The new antenna is expected to improve signal reliability and support higher bandwidth services for customers worldwide. This upgrade marks a significant milestone in the partnership’s mission to deliver next‑generation space communications.

L3Harris Awarded $6 Billion Seven-Year Contract to Expand THAAD Missile Defense Propulsion Production

Original Publication Date: 2026-09-29 15:14

L3Harris Technologies secured an undefinitized contract worth more than $6 billion from Lockheed Martin on September 29, 2026. The seven‑year deal will fund a multi‑facility manufacturing expansion, boosting production capabilities across the company’s sites. The agreement underscores Lockheed Martin’s confidence in L3Harris’s expertise and infrastructure. This partnership is poised to strengthen the U.S. Defense supply chain.

Powerful Storms Continue to Prowl the Pacific

Original Publication Date: 2026-09-30 04:01

The 2026 Pacific tropical cyclone season has surpassed the long‑term average with 20 named storms, including nine hurricanes, by late September.

NASA Opens 2027 Human Lander Challenge for Lunar Communications

Original Publication Date: 2026-09-29 21:27

NASA has launched the 2027 Human Lander Challenge, inviting U.S. College teams to design innovative lunar communication systems that could be ready within 3‑5 years. Teams must submit a notice of intent by Oct. 15 and a full proposal by March 4, 2027, with finalists competing for up to $27,000 in prizes. The challenge focuses on hardware, software, and architecture solutions to ensure reliable links between astronauts, rovers, habitats, and mission control. Successful designs will help underpin NASA’s Artemis and Moon Base plans, paving the way for sustained lunar exploration.

NASA Awards Orbital Safety Analysis Support Services Contract

Original Publication Date: 2026-09-29 21:00

NASA has awarded Omitron Inc. A $23.5 million, five‑year contract to provide orbital safety analysis services that protect spaceflight assets and astronauts. The work will include conjunction assessment screening for all uncrewed spacecraft, support for human missions, and safety analysis for NOAA’s Office of Space Commerce. Omitron will operate out of sites in Beltsville, Maryland, Goddard Space Flight Center, Johnson Space Center, Dahlgren, Virginia, and Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado Springs. This partnership underscores NASA’s commitment to safeguarding crew and equipment across the nation's space program.

NASA Features Exploration, Science at International Space Conference

Original Publication Date: 2026-09-29 20:55

NASA will attend the 77th International Astronautical Congress in Antalya, Turkey, from Oct. 5‑9, 2026, showcasing America’s leadership in human exploration to the Moon and Mars under the Artemis Accords.

Launch Preview: Crew-13 to head to ISS, Falcon Heavy mission for the NRO

Original Publication Date: 2026-09-29 21:48

Four SpaceX launches are scheduled this week, all using Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets. In Florida, Crew‑13 will ferry astronauts to the International Space Station while a Falcon Heavy delivers a classified National Reconnaissance Office payload from Launch Complex 39A. At Vandenberg, two Falcon 9s will drop 130 rideshare satellites for Transporter‑18 and 21 payloads for the Tranche 1 Transport Layer A constellation. Every mission will feature a return‑to‑launch‑site landing, underscoring SpaceX’s continued focus on reusability.

Artemis Accords To Meet on Lunar Debris, Emerging Space Help

Original Publication Date: 2026-09-29 14:38

Artemis Accords signatories will convene next week at the International Astronautical Congress in Turkey to chart collaborative steps for