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Trends
- 1Space Force Books 2027 On-Orbit Servicing Missions▼U.S. Space Force Schedules 2027 On-Orbit Servicing Missions With Astroscale U.S. and Starfish Space
The U.S. Space Force has scheduled on-orbit servicing missions for 2027 with Astroscale U.S. and Starfish Space, contracting two commercial companies to service satellites in orbit. The move marks a step toward relying on private industry for refueling, repair and debris management, capabilities seen as key to keeping military spacecraft operational longer. It also signals growing government backing for the emerging in-space servicing sector.
- 2NASA science cargo launches on Northrop Grumman CRS-24 mission●NASA Science, Cargo Launch Aboard Northrop Grumman CRS-24
NASA and Northrop Grumman launched the CRS-24 resupply mission, carrying science experiments and cargo to the International Space Station aboard the Cygnus spacecraft. The commercial cargo flight delivers research materials and supplies to the station's crew as part of NASA's ongoing partnership with private industry for space station logistics.
- 3Private spacecraft burns up after failed NASA telescope rescue▼Private spacecraft burns up in Earth's atmosphere after failing to rescue aging NASA telescope
A private spacecraft sent to service or boost an aging NASA telescope failed in its mission and has burned up in Earth's atmosphere. The attempt, which would have extended the observatory's life, ended without a rescue, raising questions about the telescope's future and the risks of commercial deep-space servicing missions.
- 4First commercial nuclear-powered satellite launched on SpaceX mission▼First commercial nuclear satellite launched on SpaceX mission -- ANS / Nuclear Newswire
The first commercial nuclear-powered satellite has been launched aboard a SpaceX mission, according to the American Nuclear Society's Nuclear Newswire. The milestone marks the first time a nuclear-powered spacecraft has flown on a commercial basis, combining private spaceflight with nuclear energy technology in orbit. Details about the satellite's operator, reactor design and mission goals remain limited in the available reporting.