SpaceNews

Northrop Grumman has delivered 21 data-relay satellites destined for a US military constellation, according to SpaceNews. The satellites are designed to pass data between spacecraft and ground forces, forming part of a growing Pentagon effort to build resilient space-based communications networks. The delivery marks a production milestone for the defense contractor, though details on launch timing and the customer program were not included in the initial report.

The EU's space commissioner is pressing for Europe to increase its rocket launch rates, according to SpaceNews. The push reflects growing concern in Brussels that Europe has fallen behind in access to space, with limited launch capacity and reliance on other providers. The commissioner's remarks highlight the bloc's ambition to strengthen its autonomous space capabilities and support its launcher industry.

SpaceNews reports that SpaceComputer's first mission will travel from low-Earth orbit to geostationary orbit. The plan marks an ambitious trajectory for the company's debut mission, since most spacecraft launch directly into their operating orbit or start in geostationary transfer orbit. Few details beyond the orbital plan have been released so far, and reactions from the space industry remain limited.