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.
Czech Radiation Chips on Artemis II Bring ISS Experience
With the sun at solar maximum, HERA serves as an instant warning system if a solar flare emerges.
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.
The State of Satcom 2026
With SpaceX and Amazon storming into the satcom market, traditional players and startups alike are realizing they can’t compete directly with these growing giants—and are pivoting to find creative new ways to play in the crowded market.
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.
Insurance is Commercial Space Nuclear’s Biggest Headache
Lots of challenges face commercial space nuclear missions—but experts at an industry seminar on Thursday only called one a “show stopper”—insurance.
