Jacqueline Feldscher
Slingshot Introduces AI-Powered Portal Platform
Slingshot Aerospace introduced a new platform today that will allow operators to spot anomalies—and make decisions—in an AI-powered, one-stop-shop.
ICON Prime Launches, Led By Former TX Rep
Robotic construction company ICON today announced the establishment of ICON Prime, a new business unit that will work with the Pentagon and NASA.
Hawkeye 360 Files For IPO
The space-based RF data and analytics firm is the latest in a string of defense-focused space companies seeking to go public, opening access to more capital as the industry grows.
Portal Closes $50M Series A
Geodesic Capital and Mach33 led the round, which also included participation from Booz Allen Ventures, Ark Invest, AlleyCorp, and FUSE.
The State of Launch 2026
“You look at things like Golden Dome. There were a couple of capability gates there where you had to demonstrate capability by deadlines in order to be eligible to continue to compete,” Brian Rogers, Rocket Lab’s VP of launch, told Payload. “The constraints around launch can pick winners and losers there if you don’t have a way to get to space by a deadline.”
Vantor Unveils New Sat Classes: Vantage and Pulse
Vantor introduced two new satellite classes today that will aim to improve on the company’s imagery resolution and revisit rate.
Advocates Ready For NASA Science Funding Fight, Part II
Once again, the Trump administration has proposed an $18.8B NASA budget that would make large cuts to science and STEM missions. And—once again—advocates and lawmakers are saying they won’t stand idly by while programs are gutted.
Starfish Closes $100M+ Series B
Point72 Ventures led the round, which was also co-led by Activate Capital and Shield Capital.
The State of EO 2026
Everyone wants their own eyes in space—and the EO industry is benefiting from it.
How Earthlings Got Views of the Lunar Fly By
Redwire has built 11 cameras that are installed around the inside and outside of the Orion capsule, Kaylee Geidel, a senior systems engineer at Redwire, told Payload.
Orion’s Windows to the World
For astronauts who put in decades of work and training, getting to see space with their own eyes is a big part of the payoff.
White House Requests $18.8B FY27 Budget for NASA
The budget proposal includes the same top line as the administration’s fiscal 2026 request, and would make similar cuts to NASA’s science and STEM missions.
