NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope has completed final integration at Goddard Space Flight Center on November 25, 2025. Projected to launch in September 2026, it features a 2.4-meter mirror and can capture images 100 times larger than Hubble. Roman will generate 500 terabytes of data annually, enhancing our understanding of the universe's mysteries.

Unistellar's Odyssey Pro smart telescope is currently available for $3,909, reflecting a $690 discount as part of their Earth Day promotion. This model features a 3.3-inch aperture and 4.1MP sensor, enhancing image quality for deep sky observation. Its lightweight design makes it portable, ideal for beginners and astrophotographers alike, ensuring ease of use and superior performance.

NordSpace Corp. secured approximately $250,000 from the Department of National Defence (DND) via the IDEaS program to advance its Kestrel Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) satellite constellation concept. This funding will enhance architecture for resilient non-terrestrial networks, aiming for D2D connectivity and ultra-high-resolution Earth observation capabilities, aligning with Canada’s defence priorities and NORAD modernization efforts.

NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is set for unveiling on April 21, 2026, at 4 p.m. EDT. The telescope, costing over $4 billion, aims to survey the universe with a field of view 100 times larger than Hubble. It will launch aboard SpaceX's Falcon Heavy between autumn 2026 and May 2027, following prelaunch testing at Goddard.

Boeing and its subsidiary Millennium Space Systems have unveiled the Resolute satellite platform, designed to serve as a mid-class solution that effectively bridges the capabilities of small satellites and larger heavy missions. This new offering aims to enhance their satellite portfolio, addressing diverse customer needs in the evolving space market with improved performance and versatility.

Loft's HubKit transforms payload integration into a streamlined process, enabling customers to debug software against real interfaces pre-integration. This testbed allows for early command execution and telemetry observation, ensuring payloads are familiar with Loft's systems before arriving at the integration facility. HubKit reduces technical risk and enhances mission success through predictable timelines and fewer surprises during integration.

MDA Space has secured a contract from Airbus to design and manufacture over 1,320 antennas for the OneWeb LEO constellation extension. This order includes 880 Ka-band steerable antennas and 440 Ku-band user replacement antennas. Manufacturing will occur at MDA’s Montreal facility, reinforcing its role in the OneWeb supply chain amid ongoing satellite constellation expansions by Eutelsat.

University of Ljubljana secured first place at AIAA’s 30th Design/Build/Fly competition, achieving high marks across three flights with its electric aircraft, BRVINC. The team earned a $3,000 prize by towing a 4.6-meter banner and efficiently loading rubber duck “passengers.” University of Washington-Seattle and UCLA followed in second and third, winning $2,000 and $1,500, respectively.

NHIndustries has secured a €15 million ($17.6 million) contract with the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) for a study on the NH90 helicopter Block 2 architecture. This initiative aims to integrate future technologies, enhancing operational capabilities and ensuring the aircraft remains viable beyond 2040. The study is set to launch between 2026 and 2027.

China is rapidly expanding its satellite manufacturing capacity, aiming for 7,360 satellites annually across 55 factories. Despite this, only 371 satellites were launched in 2025, reflecting significant bottlenecks in launch capabilities and uncertain demand. The push supports the Guowang and Qianfan megaconstellations, which plan for a total of 28,000 satellites, indicating ambitious long-term goals.

Rhea Space Activity has secured $6 million in a Series A funding round to enhance its AutoNav navigation software, designed for GPS-free spacecraft operation. This funding will accelerate development of a visual-based system utilizing onboard optical sensors. The technology, originally from NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, will be tested on a reentry capsule from Varda Space Industries.

Vast unveiled its new Astronaut Flight Suit and Large Docking Adapter, designed for the upcoming Haven-1 space station. The suit, developed with input from astronaut Drew Feustel, emphasizes mobility and practicality for microgravity operations. The adapter aims to enhance docking capabilities beyond current limitations, facilitating larger payload transfers in orbit. Launch of Haven-1 is targeted for Q1 2027.

NASA engineers at Jet Propulsion Laboratory shut down the Low-energy Charged Particles experiment on Voyager 1 on April 17, 2026, due to declining power. This decision follows a pre-established plan to extend the spacecraft's operational life. Voyager 1 now has three active instruments, with hopes to last until 2027, marking its fiftieth anniversary in space.

Lockheed Martin secured a $105M contract for modernizing the ground control system for GPS IIIF satellites, enhancing operations for both current and future vehicles. This contract, awarded on April 8, continues a decade-long effort under the Space Force’s Architecture Evolution Plan, addressing the shortcomings of the delayed OCX system and supporting upcoming launches.

Rocket Lab introduced the Gauss electric thruster, expanding its offerings beyond launch to meet high demand for in-orbit maneuverability. The company also closed its acquisition of Mynaric, enhancing vertical integration for optical terminals. CFO Adam Spice emphasized the shift from a launch-centric model to a broader space company focus, driven by market diversification and capital access.

Giant Magellan Telescope project is entering a critical 12–24 month phase, seeking funding for its 25.4-meter multi-mirror design. The GMT Consortium, led by President Daniel Jaffe, aims to complete the NSF's final design phase by mid-2027. With over $1 billion raised, the project faces funding challenges due to the NSF's budget cap of $1.6 billion for 2024.

Atomic-6 has launched ODC.space, a marketplace facilitating on-demand orbital data center capacity for AI developers, software providers, and government agencies. This platform allows users to spec, price, and order capacity instantly, streamlining access and reducing the complexities associated with developing and managing proprietary satellite programs. ODC.space aims to enhance efficiency in the orbital data sector.

CIRA has completed critical testing of the thermal protection system for the European Space Agency's Space Rider spacecraft, demonstrating resilience against reentry damage from micrometeoroids. The tests confirmed the performance of the ISiComp ceramic composite material. The inaugural mission aboard Vega C is anticipated in early 2028, with 18 commercial customers secured for the flight.

Max Space unveiled a large sub-scale version of their expandable habitat at the Space Foundation's 41st annual Space Symposium. Co-founder Saleem Miyan emphasized the need for scalable infrastructure to support human presence on the moon and beyond. The habitat can expand 20 times its launch size, fitting on a single Falcon 9 rocket, aligning with NASA's timelines.

Ubotica and Open Cosmos are collaborating with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory on the Flight Demonstration of Federated Autonomous MEasurement (FAME) program. This initiative aims to showcase an autonomous intelligent satellite network, enhancing measurement capabilities in space. The partnership underscores advancements in satellite autonomy and federated systems, potentially transforming future satellite operations and data collection methodologies.

AeroVironment has launched the MAYHEM 10, a multifunctional drone capable of reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and strike missions, enhancing its Switchblade family. The drone supports a 10-pound payload, exceeds 62 miles in range, and offers 50 minutes of endurance. The U.S. Army previously ordered $186 million worth of Switchblade variants, including the 600 and 300 models.

Rocket Lab has finalized its acquisition of Mynaric, enhancing its portfolio with advanced laser optical communications terminals. This strategic move bolsters Rocket Lab's capabilities in launch services, spacecraft manufacturing, and satellite component supply, positioning the company to better serve the global space market. The integration of Mynaric's technology is expected to drive innovation in optical communications applications.

Portal Space Systems secured $50 million in Series A funding to enhance spacecraft development and manufacturing capabilities. This investment will support the upcoming Starburst and Supernova missions, focusing on rapidly maneuverable spacecraft technologies. The funding aims to position the company competitively in the evolving space sector, emphasizing innovation and operational efficiency in spacecraft design.

Phantom Space aims to establish a vertically integrated model in the orbital data center market, addressing the increasing AI-driven demand. The Tucson-based satellite and rocket developer has recently secured a crucial thermal technology acquisition, positioning itself to compete against industry giants. This strategic move is expected to enhance its capabilities in the rapidly evolving sector.

Mission Control has selected Magellan Aerospace to develop subsystems for Canada's Lunar Utility Rover, a semi-autonomous, minibus-sized vehicle. This collaboration involves a consortium of Canadian partners focused on advancing lunar exploration capabilities. The rover's design aims to enhance operational efficiency and support future missions on the lunar surface, contributing to Canada's space exploration objectives.

Albedo announced a new VLEO-capable satellite bus, targeting its second orbital mission in 2027. This development emphasizes the company's commitment to enhancing satellite capabilities for very low Earth orbit operations. The new bus aims to improve performance metrics, aligning with market demands for advanced satellite technology in the evolving aerospace landscape. Funding details remain undisclosed.

CubeSpec is a 12U CubeSat designed for high spectral resolution spectroscopy of visible light, marking ESA's first astronomy CubeSat. It utilizes a High-Precision Pointing Platform (HPPP) developed by KU Leuven to enhance its attitude control system. Testing occurred at ESTEC's ORBIT facility, simulating space conditions for accurate tracking of target stars during its in-orbit technology demonstration.

Loft Orbital's Paul Lasserre emphasized that the competitive edge in space is shifting from orbital capabilities to onboard intelligence in satellites. This evolution highlights the importance of real-time data processing thousands of kilometers above Earth. As Europe regains its footing in the space sector, the focus is now on leveraging AI for enhanced satellite functionality.

Firefly Aerospace announced a collaboration with NVIDIA to implement AI software on the Elytra spacecraft, utilizing the NVIDIA Jetson module for on-orbit processing. This integration aims to enhance data-driven insights from lunar imaging, facilitating faster analysis and operational efficiency in lunar missions. The initiative underscores advancements in space technology and AI applications in extraterrestrial environments.

The Exploration Company completed initial pressure tests on the Nyx Structural Test Model (STM), manufactured by CNIM Systèmes Industriels. This modular space capsule, under development since 2021, aims to enhance crewed space operations. The STM was delivered in mid-February, marking a significant milestone in the Nyx program's development and testing phase.

IMST demonstrated a prototype of a multichannel transceiver at ESTEC, enabling next-generation satellites to deploy digital communications, Earth observation, or navigation payloads. This chip simplifies hardware complexity while reducing power consumption, supporting a wide range of radio frequencies. It represents critical European intellectual property for modern satellite constellations, according to Václav Valenta of ESA.