The project reflects a broader global shift toward using commercial remote-sensing satellites for national security missions

The post Synspective tapped to provide satellite imagery for Japan’s new military constellation appeared first on SpaceNews.

Tory Bruno, who recently stepped down as chief executive of United Launch Alliance, is joining Blue Origin as head of the company’s new national security business unit.

The post Former ULA chief Bruno joins Blue Origin appeared first on SpaceNews.

NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover is continuing its mission to collect samples despite uncertainty about how, when or even if those samples will be returned to Earth.

The post Perseverance continues science mission amid uncertainty about Mars Sample Return appeared first on SpaceNews.

South Korea’s Innospace said it will attempt a second launch of its small rocket in the first half of 2026 after its inaugural flight failed shortly after liftoff Dec. 22.

The post Innospace plans second launch in 2026 after failure of first Hanbit-Nano rocket appeared first on SpaceNews.

An Indian LVM3 rocket launched AST SpaceMobile’s next-generation direct-to-device BlueBird satellite Dec. 23, kicking off a rollout of dozens of spacecraft built around the largest commercial communications antenna ever deployed in LEO.

The post Indian rocket launches AST SpaceMobile’s next-gen BlueBird 6 satellite appeared first on SpaceNews.

MILAN — The European Space Agency announced plans to hire approximately 520 new staff members starting in 2026, following decisions approved at ESA’s 342nd Council meeting earlier this month.  The recruitment will result in a net increase of about 400 staff, alongside the replacement of roughly 120 positions due to retirements. “This will be the […]

The post ESA to hire 520 new staff as workforce expansion begins in 2026 appeared first on SpaceNews.

In this episode of Space Cafe Radio, host Torsten Kriening interviews PD Dr Antje Noetzold, about Germany's significant shifts in space defense and security policies in 2025.

They discuss Germany's constitutional changes allowing for increased space defense spending, implications of U.S. geopolitical moves, and emerging European space strategies.

The post Space Café Radio – with Dr Antje Noetzold appeared first on SpaceWatch.GLOBAL.

Rocket Lab has launched its 21st and final Electron rocket of the year to deploy the latest satellite to space for the Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS), a Japan-based Earth imaging company. With a 100% launch success in 2025, the mission cements Electron as one of the world’s most frequently-launched small-lift orbital rocket.

The post Rocket Lab Ends 2025 with 21 Launches and 100% Mission Success with Successful iQPS Launch appeared first on SpaceWatch.GLOBAL.

Redwire will provide two International Berthing and Docking Mechanisms (IBDM) for The Exploration Company (TEC)’s flagship spacecraft, Nyx, after both companies entered an agreement.

Through this eight-figure deal, Redwire’s docking system, the IBDM, will support future autonomous rendezvous and docking capabilities for Nyx, contributing to Europe’s goal of strengthening autonomous access to space.

The post Redwire to Provide Spacecraft Docking Systems for TEC’s European Space Capsule, ‘NYX’ appeared first on SpaceWatch.GLOBAL.

Astrobotic has been awarded three contracts totaling $17.5 million to advance the next generation of its reusable rocket systems, the Xodiac and Xogdor platforms. With three distinct vehicles in development, they will strengthen the company's suborbital flight test capabilities and expand access to high-frequency, low-cost, reusable rocket testing.

The post Astrobotic Secures $17.5M to Advance its Next Generation of Reusable Rockets appeared first on SpaceWatch.GLOBAL.

When the White House published its executive order Ensuring American Space Superiority in December, it did more than clarify U.S. space policy. It quietly reset the terms of reference for allies - especially Europe.

The post #SpaceWatchGL Opinion: Europe in the Shadow of American Space Superiority appeared first on SpaceWatch.GLOBAL.

The White House has marked the sixth birthday of the United States Space Force, reaffirming the administration’s view of space as a critical domain for national security, while stopping short of announcing new policy initiatives.

The post White House Marks Sixth Anniversary of U.S. Space Force, Reiterates Space as a Warfighting Domain appeared first on SpaceWatch.GLOBAL.

Video: 00:43:26

On the launch anniversary of the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope, ESA presents a unique compilation of zooms into stunning cosmic views.

So embark on a special journey: as if aboard a virtual spaceship, this video will take you through interstellar dives into the rich realm of our Universe. We will visit colourful nebulas and dynamic star nurseries in our own galaxy. Then venture beyond, to travel to the distant reaches of the cosmos and marvel at interacting galaxies and huge galaxy clusters.

The largest space telescope ever, Webb was launched on Christmas Day in 2021, on an Ariane 5 rocket from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. It performed its first scientific observations in July 2022. Since then, the powerful telescope has been tirelessly exploring the Universe, from the solar neighbourhood to the most distant galaxies.

Happy fourth anniversary, Webb!

Image: Euclid image of galaxy NGC 646

Year in images 2025

Our year through the lens: a selection of our favourite images for 2025

Video: 00:05:30

On 17 December 2025, two new Galileo satellites lifted off from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. This was the 14th launch for Europe’s satellite navigation operational satellite programme, reinforcing Europe’s resilience and autonomy. The flight, VA266, was the first launch of Galileo satellites on Europe’s newest heavy-lift launcher Ariane 6. 

The satellites, designated SAT 33 and SAT 34, separated from the launcher after a flight of just under four hours. The launch was declared successful after acquisition of signal and the confirmation that both satellites are healthy with their solar arrays deployed. 

“With these new satellites, we strengthen Europe’s global navigation services - delivering greater precision, reliability and autonomy in space”, affirmed Andrius Kubilius, EU Commissioner for Defence and Space.  

“Galileo stands as the world’s most accurate global navigation satellite system – and today we have increased its reliability and robustness,” said Josef Aschbacher, ESA’s Director General.  

The European Space Agency was responsible for carrying out the Galileo launch with Arianespace on behalf of the European Commission. The Galileo satellites were manufactured by OHB, under contract with ESA. Now in orbit, the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) brings the satellites into service and oversees their operation. 

Follow the launch campaign. 

Access the related broadcast quality video material. 

On 14 January 2026, the European Space Agency (ESA) will hold an online post-CM25 industry event for all ESA industrial partners.

ESA Impact 2025 - October-December

Welcome to ESA Impact, your interactive gateway to the most captivating stories and stunning visuals from the European Space Agency, now in a mobile-friendly format.