Plus: A blueprint for the future of space warfare
Welcome to our roundup of top SpaceNews stories, delivered every Friday! This week, the White House directed NASA, the Pentagon and the Department of Energy to develop space nuclear power systems, military leaders described the future of warfare in space, Senators push for Mars Sample Return funding and more.
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OUR TOP STORY
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By Jeff Foust The White House released a policy April 14 directing NASA, the Pentagon and the Department of Energy to develop space nuclear power systems that could launch as soon as 2028.
Michael Kratsios, director of the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy, announced the policy in a speech at the 41st Space Symposium, describing it as part of the implementation of a space policy executive order in December.
“Nuclear power in space will give us the sustained electricity, heating and propulsion essential to a permanent robotic and eventually human presence on the moon, on Mars and beyond,” he said.
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SPONSORED |
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At SES, we believe that space has the power to make a difference. That’s why we design space solutions that help governments protect, businesses grow, and people stay connected—no matter where they are. With integrated multi-orbit satellites and our global terrestrial network, we deliver resilient, seamless connectivity and the highest quality video content to those shaping what’s next. As a trusted partner to customers and the global space ecosystem, SES is driving impact that goes far beyond coverage. Learn more at SES. |
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CIVIL
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Several senators wrote a letter to appropriators calling on them to increase funding for NASA’s robotic Mars exploration efforts to at least $400 million in 2027, fearing “severe and irreversible harm” if funding is not restored.
NASA is working to incorporate lessons learned from Artemis 2 into Artemis 3, particularly with Orion, as the agency transitions to the next mission. After splashdown, agency officials said Artemis 2 gave them confidence about moving ahead.
At a ceremony during the 41st Space Symposium April 15, officials with All Points Logistics and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center signed an enhanced use lease agreement for 64 acres of land at KSC, where All Points will construct satellite processing facilities
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MILITARY
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Gen. Chance Saltzman unveiled two foundational documents blueprinting the future of space warfare, framing them as a paired construct that defines both the problem and the solution for the U.S. Space Force.
The Space Development Agency, created to rapidly field a low Earth orbit satellite network for the military, is poised to be folded into a broader reorganization of Space Force acquisition offices.
Gen. Stephen Whiting, head of U.S. Space Command, said satellites capable of changing position in orbit are no longer optional but a “necessity,” as rivals demonstrate new ways to operate and sustain spacecraft in space. |
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COMMERCIAL
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Commercial space station developer Vast unveiled a new docking interface that the company is offering to the broader industry for future large stations and spacecraft.
NASA announced April 15 it selected Voyager to conduct a private astronaut mission to the ISS, the seventh such mission awarded by NASA overall. The mission is scheduled to fly no earlier than 2028.
Amazon announced plans April 14 to buy satellite operator Globalstar in a deal valued at around $11 billion, marking its entry into the emerging market for providing connectivity directly to mobile phones and other cellular devices. |
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SPONSORED CONTENT
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By SSC Space Easy access to space depends as much on ground communications as on launch availability or satellite design. In a quickly growing commercial space market, an increasing number of operational services are supporting communications, Earth observation, navigation, and security-related applications. Low Earth Orbit is at the center of this development.
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FROM SPACENEWS BRAND STUDIO |
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