Jeff Foust
Verified
As seen in:
SpaceNews,
The Space Review,
Medium,
Business Insider,
Scribd,
IEEE Spectrum,
Flipboard,
MIT Technology Review,
SPACE.com,
EIN News,
The American Prospect,
NewsBreak
and
Senior writer, @SpaceNews_Inc. Tips? DMs open, email jfoust@spacenews.com, or on Signal: jfoust.58. Also @jfoust.bsky.social.
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Jeff Foust
Impulse Space ramps up GEO rideshare program
SALT LAKE CITY — Impulse Space will increase the cadence of its rideshare missions to geostationary orbit, citing strong commercial demand. During a side session at the Small Satellite Conference here Aug. 25, Joshua Rea, director of commercial sales at Impulse Space, said the company has closed bookings for its first Caravan rideshare mission, scheduled for the first half of 2027, using the company’s Helios kick stage to deliver payloads to GEO.
NASA plans no cubesat secondary payloads on Artemis 3
SALT LAKE CITY — After flying cubesats on the first two Space Launch System missions, NASA will not include them on the rocket’s next flight. In a presentation at the Small Satellite Conference here Aug. 24, David Hitt of the NASA SLS Payload Integration Office said the agency elected not to incorporate cubesats as secondary payloads on the Artemis 3 launch, scheduled for no earlier than mid-2027.
NASA, Advanced Space team up for CAPSTONE follow-on mission
A NASA-industry team is embarking on a follow-up to a cubesat mission to the moon by developing a pair of smallsats that will test rendezvous and proximity operations there. NASA announced July 24 it is working with Advanced Space on the CAPSTONE 02 mission, scheduled to launch in late 2027. It will feature two spacecraft built by Terran Orbital that will operate in a highly elliptical lunar orbit. The mission completed its critical design review earlier this month.
Rideshare providers get creative to meet growing demand
Companies who built their business arranging launches of smallsats on SpaceX’s rockets are now buying entire launches for themselves, a symbol of how tight the market for getting to orbit has become. Exolaunch and SEOPS, two companies that arrange rides to space for small-satellite operators, have each booked dedicated Falcon 9 launches as they seek more control over when and where their customers fly.
SpaceX offers space safety service for satellite operators
SALT LAKE CITY — SpaceX is encouraging satellite operators to use a new space safety platform the company has developed to reduce the risk of collisions in congested low Earth orbits. The company used a side meeting at the Small Satellite Conference here Aug. 24 to discuss its new space-safety.com platform. The system is available free of charge to satellite operators. The system leverages Stargaze, a space situational awareness, or SSA, system the company announced in January.
CesiumAstro plans first Element satellite launch in October
SALT LAKE CITY — CesiumAstro plans to launch a satellite in October that will be a precursor to the company’s planned constellation of more than 700 spacecraft. In a presentation at the Small Satellite Conference here Aug. 23, Dylan Pfeifer, principal software engineer at CesiumAstro, said the company’s Element-1 satellite will be shipped later this week to Vandenberg Space Force Base for launch on a SpaceX rideshare mission to sun-synchronous orbit in October.
Beyond Reach Technologies unveils line of large deployable solar arrays
SALT LAKE CITY — A startup has developed large deployable structures that could enable small satellites to generate large amounts of power. Beyond Reach Technologies announced Aug. 24 its Flarewing line of rigid deployable structures. Those structures can be used to mount solar panels, enabling satellites to carry large arrays that can be tightly stowed for launch.
Star Catcher signs power-beaming deal with Aethero
SALT LAKE CITY — Star Catcher Industries, a company developing power-beaming technology for satellites, has signed an agreement with Aethero to provide power for its future space computing systems. The companies announced Aug. 24 that they finalized a power purchase agreement under which Star Catcher will transmit power to Aethero spacecraft hosting data centers and content distribution networks. The companies did not disclose terms of the agreement, including the amount of power or the price.
The Space Review: Review: Lunacy
Lunacy: Ten False Promises of the New Space Age by Ben Bramble Princeton Univ. Press, 2026 paperback, 200 pp. ISBN 978-0-691-28128-5 US$18.95 Space advocates have long offered grandiose visions of how space could solve problems on Earth and provide a better, even utopian, future for humanity. Space settlements would provide new homes for people. A million-person city on Mars offers similar opportunities. Space-based solar power offers plentiful, clean energy.
FAA seeks input on spaceport development and airspace access for launches
WASHINGTON — The Federal Aviation Administration is moving ahead immediately to implement elements of a new space transportation policy, seeking information about new spaceports and access to airspace. The Department of Transportation, which includes the FAA, announced Aug. 21 that it is releasing a request for information regarding locations of new spaceports and designation of “priority airspace” for space launch activities.
SpaceX scales back plans for next Starship launch
WASHINGTON — The next flight of SpaceX’s Starship vehicle is now unlikely to involve an attempt to catch the vehicle’s upper stage back at the launch site as the launch slips into September. In SpaceX’s second-quarter earnings call Aug.
New space transportation policy focuses on increased launch rates
20 with an emphasis on enabling a sharp increase in the number of launches and reentries.
New space transportation policy focuses on increased launch rates Original
WASHINGTON — The White House released a new space transportation policy Aug. 20 with an emphasis on enabling a sharp increase in the number of launches and reentries. The National Space Transportation Policy, updated for the first time since 2013, sets a goal of being able to support at least 1,000 launches and reentries a year from U.S. facilities by 2030. In 2025, there were just under 200 launches by vehicles owned by U.S. entities.
Rocket Lab launches 9th satellite for iQPS
Rocket Lab launched another satellite for Japanese radar-imaging company iQPS on Aug.
Rocket Lab launches 9th satellite for iQPS
WASHINGTON — Rocket Lab launched another satellite for Japanese radar-imaging company iQPS on Aug. 20. An Electron rocket lifted off from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand at 9:04 a.m. Eastern on a mission called “The Lightning God Defends” by Rocket Lab. The launch targeted an orbit at an altitude of 575 kilometers and an inclination of 42 degrees.
Portal Space Systems to include rideshare payloads on Falcon 9 launch of Supernova
Portal Space Systems has acquired a Falcon 9 to launch its first Supernova spacecraft and will offer excess capacity on the vehicle for rideshare payloads.
Portal Space Systems to include rideshare payloads on Falcon 9 launch of Supernova
WASHINGTON — Portal Space Systems has acquired a Falcon 9 to launch its first Supernova spacecraft and will offer excess capacity on the vehicle for rideshare payloads. Portal announced Aug. 20 that it signed a contract with SpaceX for a 2028 Falcon 9 launch of its first Supernova spacecraft, which uses solar thermal propulsion to offer high maneuverability.
Katalyst Space and NASA abandon plans for Swift reboost
Katalyst Space and NASA have called off plans to use the company’s Link spacecraft to raise the orbit of the agency’s Swift gamma-ray observatory, citing attitude-control problems with the spacecraft.
Katalyst Space and NASA abandon plans for Swift reboost
WASHINGTON — Katalyst Space and NASA have called off plans to use the company’s Link spacecraft to raise the orbit of the agency’s Swift gamma-ray observatory, citing attitude-control problems with the spacecraft. The company announced Aug. 20 that it concluded, in consultation with NASA, that its Link spacecraft will not attempt to grapple Swift and raise its orbit as originally planned. The company said the decision was based on “ongoing attitude control issues” with Link but did not elaborate.
Firefly Aerospace to fly Zeno Power radioisotope heating unit on lunar lander mission
Firefly Aerospace will fly a payload from Zeno Power on an upcoming lunar lander mission to test a radioisotope heat source to enable future missions to survive the lunar night.
Firefly Aerospace to fly Zeno Power radioisotope heating unit on lunar lander mission
WASHINGTON — Firefly Aerospace will fly a payload from Zeno Power on an upcoming lunar lander mission to test a radioisotope heat source that could enable future missions to survive the lunar night. The companies announced Aug. 19 that a Firefly Blue Ghost lander mission planned to launch in 2028 will include a “Survive-the-Night” package from Zeno that is designed to operate during the lunar night.
Space nuclear programs face near- and long-term challenges
While space nuclear programs are “having a moment,” industry officials say they face near-term challenges as well as longer-term concerns.
Space nuclear programs face near- and long-term challenges
WASHINGTON — While space nuclear programs are “having a moment,” industry officials say they face near-term challenges as well as longer-term concerns. At a recent conference, both government and industry representatives highlighted the recent progress on space nuclear power and propulsion efforts, including NASA’s Space Reactor 1 Freedom project to launch a nuclear electric propulsion system by the end of 2028 and the Lunar Reactor 1 effort to develop a nuclear power system for use on the moon.
HEO to use Planet satellites for non-Earth imaging
HEO, the Australian company that uses Earth observation satellites to take images of other spacecraft, has signed an agreement with Planet to access that company’s satellites
HEO to use Planet satellites for non-Earth imaging Original
WASHINGTON — HEO, the Australian company that uses Earth observation satellites to take images of other spacecraft, has signed an agreement with Planet to access that company’s satellites. The two companies announced a partnership Aug. 17 in which HEO will be able to use Planet’s SkySat high-resolution satellites for what is known as non-Earth imaging, or NEI. The companies did not disclose financial terms of the partnership.
ULA names Peller as new CEO
United Launch Alliance has named Mark Peller, a longtime manager and executive at the company, as its new chief executive.
ULA names Peller as new CEO
WASHINGTON — United Launch Alliance has named Mark Peller, a longtime manager and executive at the company, as its new chief executive. ULA announced Aug. 17 that it promoted Peller to president and chief executive, effective immediately. He had been chief operating officer of the company, a joint venture of Boeing and Lockheed Martin. He succeeds John Elbon, who had been interim chief executive since December.
SEOPS adds second Waymaker rideshare mission
Launch services provider SEOPS has added a second dedicated rideshare mission after seeing high demand for one announced less than three months ago.
SEOPS adds second Waymaker rideshare mission
WASHINGTON — Launch services provider SEOPS has added a second dedicated rideshare mission after seeing high demand for one announced less than three months ago. The company announced Aug. 17 it will fly a second Waymaker rideshare mission on a Falcon 9. This mission, called Waymaker-1, will carry payloads to a mid-inclination orbit in early 2028. SEOPS announced in May it had purchased a dedicated Falcon 9 mission to sun-synchronous orbit.
Wishing for rockets
A ULA Vulcan on the pad before its first—and, so far, only—launch of the year in February. (credit: ULA) Last month, Cambridge University researchers published a study hailing a breakthrough in access to orbit. Launch costs, they argued, were cheaper than ever, at $3,868 per kilogram, and projected to fall further: $1,569 per kilogram by 2030 and $273 per kilogram by 2040.
Satellite operators emphasize launch deals in a constrained market
昊润 钟 joined COPERNICAL
Satellite operators emphasize launch deals in a constrained market
WASHINGTON — Amid a constrained launch market, satellite operators are increasingly emphasizing to investors and customers that they have lined up launch capacity, even if it is uncertain when those vehicles will be available. In second-quarter earnings calls over the last week, several companies noted they had secured launches, in some cases two years into the future, for upcoming satellites amid an industrywide scramble to secure access to space.
Lunar orbiter among upcoming NASA CLPS task orders
NASA plans to award three more lunar missions this year through a commercial services program, including an orbiter that would replace the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter
Lunar orbiter among upcoming NASA CLPS task orders
WASHINGTON — NASA plans to award three more lunar missions this year through a commercial services program, including an orbiter that would replace the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. In earnings calls this week, executives with Firefly Aerospace and Intuitive Machines, the two companies that have landed spacecraft on the moon through NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services, or CLPS, program, said they expect NASA to award three more task orders through that program by the end of the year.
Wallops gears up for an increase in launches
With a projected surge in launches from Wallops Island in the coming years, companies and officials say now is the time for infrastructure improvements to benefit companies and their workers.
Wallops gears up for an increase in launches
SALISBURY, Md. — With a projected surge in launches from Wallops Island, Virginia, in the coming years, companies and local officials say now is the time to invest in infrastructure improvements to benefit those companies and their workers. A theme of discussions during an industry day for NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on Aug.
Blue Origin outlines plans for second Cape Canaveral launch pad
Blue Origin disclosed new details about its plans to not only rebuild but also expand its Florida launch site, adding a second pad for a larger version of New Glenn.
Blue Origin outlines plans for second Cape Canaveral launch pad
WASHINGTON — Blue Origin disclosed new details about its plans to not only rebuild but also expand its Florida launch site, adding a second pad for a larger version of New Glenn. The company announced Aug. 12 that it will add a second pad to Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. That pad, LC-36B, will be designed for the New Glenn 9×4, an upgraded version of the vehicle. The announcement did not disclose a schedule for building the new pad.
Intuitive Machines wins contract for three GEO satellites
Intuitive Machines announced Aug. 13 that it won a $600 million contract from an undisclosed customer for three geostationary orbit communications satellites.
Intuitive Machines wins contract for three GEO satellites
WASHINGTON — Intuitive Machines announced Aug. 13 that it won a $600 million contract from an undisclosed customer for three geostationary orbit communications satellites. The company revealed in its second-quarter earnings results that it signed a contract for three satellites with an unidentified customer in June. It disclosed few other details about the award.
Paragon lays off staff after Gateway cancellation
A subcontractor for a module that was being developed for NASA’s lunar Gateway has laid off 70 people after NASA halted work on the program.
Paragon lays off staff after Gateway cancellation
WASHINGTON — A subcontractor for a module that was being developed for NASA’s lunar Gateway has laid off 70 people after NASA halted work on the program. Paragon Space Development Corp. announced Aug. 11 that it performed a “companywide restructuring” after its contract to provide life support systems for the Habitation and Logistics Outpost, or HALO, module was terminated by Northrop Grumman, the prime contractor for the module.
Virgin Galactic delays resumption of commercial flights to 2027
Virgin Galactic says it will not start commercial flights of its new suborbital spaceplane until early 2027, a delay of a few months.
Virgin Galactic delays resumption of commercial flights to 2027
WASHINGTON — Virgin Galactic says it will not start commercial flights of its new suborbital spaceplane until early 2027, a delay of a few months. In the company’s second-quarter earnings call Aug. 12, Virgin Galactic executives said they now expect commercial flights of their first Spaceship suborbital vehicle to begin in February 2027. In the company’s previous earnings call in May, it expected those commercial flights to begin in the fourth quarter of this year.
Firefly increases vehicle production even as launches lag
Firefly Aerospace says it is seeing strong interest in its launch vehicles and is ramping up production, but those efforts have yet to translate into an increased launch rate.
Firefly increases vehicle production even as launches lag
WASHINGTON — Firefly Aerospace says it is seeing strong interest in its launch vehicles and is ramping up production, but those efforts have yet to translate into an increased launch rate. Firefly executives said in an Aug. 11 earnings call that production of its Alpha launch vehicle is at an “all-time high” as development continues of its larger Eclipse vehicle to meet what they said is strong commercial and government interest in space access.
National lab visit boosts NASA’s confidence in space nuclear propulsion mission
NASA officials say they are confident in plans to launch a nuclear electric propulsion demonstration mission by the end of 2028 after visiting the national lab building the mission’s reactor. The post National lab visit boosts NASA’s confidence in space nuclear propulsion mission appeared first on SpaceNews. Read more from original source...
National lab visit boosts NASA’s confidence in space nuclear propulsion mission
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — NASA officials say they are confident in plans to launch a nuclear electric propulsion demonstration mission by the end of 2028 after visiting the national lab building the mission’s reactor. NASA leadership, including Administrator Jared Isaacman and Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya, visited the Idaho National Laboratory, or INL, on Aug. 7 to review work being done on nuclear reactors there.
Former Space Force general joins Lunar Outpost board
Space Command is joining the board of lunar rover developer Lunar Outpost. A retired Space Force general who served as deputy commander of U.S.
Former Space Force general joins Lunar Outpost board
WASHINGTON — A retired Space Force general who served as deputy commander of U.S. Space Command is joining the board of lunar rover developer Lunar Outpost. The company announced Aug. 11 that John Shaw, a retired three-star Space Force general, had agreed to join the company’s board. He will represent Industrious Ventures, a venture capital fund that led a $30 million Series B round in the company in May. Shaw is an adviser at the fund.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Jeff
Contact Jeff, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack