With Mars Sample Return canceled, the question is no longer how to bring samples home—but how far existing space law can stretch before its gaps become consequential.
2026 has a chance to become an inflection point where commercial expansion, AI integration, and sovereign partnerships could collide to redefine what the next decade of space looks like.
The dozens of tubes of Martian dust collected so far by the Perseverance rover are waiting for a ride that may never come.
Around the world, rockets attempted to lift off 329 times—with 321 of these attempts reaching orbit or near orbit—according to data compiled by astronomer Jonathan McDowell.
2025 was a transformative year for the global space industry. 2026 will be the year in which many long-term plans (hopefully) take first flight.
The military’s focus on space got even more intense in 2025.
The year in space policy ended with a bang, with the confirmation of NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.
Once engineers solve the technical problems that stand in the way of a thriving lunar economy, it’s up to policymakers to set industry up for success on the Moon’s surface.
The space community has long known that the ISS agreement has a 2030 expiration date. But this year, headlines about the end of the station—and debates about America’s presence in LEO—have shifted the focus beyond 2030 to the companies building Commercial LEO Destinations (CLD) vying to be the station’s successor.
Preserving small business status and understanding foreign ownership, control, or influence (FOCI) disclosure obligations and associated requirements and restrictions are two common early challenges for venture-backed companies. This article outlines these key considerations and risks to keep top of mind for VC investments in early-stage companies that are seeking or have been awarded federal contracts or grants.
In-depth research, exclusive data, and expert analysis on the business and policy of space. Get ahead of the competition.
Get Access Now
