Italian Space Agency and Telespazio Partners to Enhance SATCOM The Italian Space Agency (ASI) and Telespazio, a Leonardo Group company, have signed an agreement to launch the RESPONSE programme, aimed at modernising Telespazio’s FOC-1A antenna, installed and operational since 1967 at the “Piero Fanti” Fucino Space Centre in Abruzzo. The objective of the project is to make the facility - a 27-metre-diameter parabolic antenna -compatible with Near-Earth and Deep Space communication requirements. In addition, the antenna will be able to support, among other things, future missions related to ESA’s global tracking network for missions and satellites (ESTRACK) and communications with the Moon. This will be achieved both through Italy’s direct contribution to NASA’s ARTEMIS programme and through ESA’s MOONLIGHT programme for lunar communications and navigation, for which Telespazio is Prime Contractor. "Thanks to the RESPONSE project, the FOC-1A antenna will support ASI’s lunar missions and those of international partners, enhancing data exchange also with deep space missions. Its geographical location will further enable the antenna to operate within a network of other European and international ground stations, ensuring continuous and reliable communications for the next ambitious exploration missions,” said Roberto Formaro, Head of ASI’s Engineering and Technology Directorate.

In 2023, a subatomic particle called a neutrino crashed into Earth with such a high amount of energy that it should have been impossible. In fact, there are no known sources anywhere in the universe capable of producing such energy—100,000 times more than the highest-energy particle ever produced by the Large Hadron Collider, the world's most powerful particle accelerator. However, a team of physicists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst recently hypothesized that something like this could happen when a special kind of black hole, called a "quasi-extremal primordial black hole," explodes. In new research published in Physical Review Letters, the team not only accounts for the otherwise impossible neutrino but shows that the elementary particle could reveal the fundamental nature of the universe.

"With the conclusion of the wet dress rehearsal today, we are moving off the February launch window and targeting March for the earliest possible launch of Artemis II," NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said in a statement on X. During the simulated launch, "teams worked through a liquid hydrogen leak at a core stage interface during tanking, which required pauses to warm hardware and adjust propellant flow," the statement went on. All tanks were filled and the countdown reached about T-5 minutes before the leak worsened and operations were stopped, according to Isaacman. The official added, "We will only launch when we believe we are as ready to undertake this historic mission."

The Taiwan-based company Tron Future has unveiled an AI-assisted system that guides anti-armor rockets, which could help to accelerate the training of civilians and soldiers during a war, according to the chief executive.

ispace, a global lunar exploration company, announced that it has signed an agreement with Dymon, a robotics and space technology development venture, regarding the development of a lunar payload transportation box to deliver diverse payloads to the surface of the Moon. Based on this agreement, ispace and Dymon will jointly explore the potential for lunar transportation for a broad customer base. This involves transporting Dymon’s deployment system to the lunar surface via ispace’s lunar lander, with the goal of developing a universal transport box capable of safely delivering small yet diverse payloads to the Moon and deploying them on the lunar surface. The design of the transportation box is expected to protect small payloads from vibrations during rocket launch and the harsh space environment during navigation after separation from the launcher. The box will allow for easy loading of small payloads onto the lander and their release onto the lunar surface while providing temperature control and radiation protection, tailored to customer requirements. The agreement calls for Dymon to develop the new universal transport box for mounting payloads on the lander being developed by ispace. ispace will conduct compatibility studies for the interfaces with the lander to ensure the safe transport of these payloads to the Moon.

At the center of Rivada Space Networks’ technology is an optical inter-satellite link architecture that enables satellites within the constellation to communicate directly with one another using laser-based links. By routing data through space, the network is designed to minimize latency and reduce exposure to terrestrial network congestion or interference. Optical links also provide high data-throughput potential and narrow beam characteristics, supporting secure point-to-point communications between satellites across the constellation. Rivada’s constellation is engineered as a space-based mesh network in which each satellite acts as a node capable of dynamically routing traffic. This architecture allows data paths to be optimized in real time based on network conditions, mission priorities and destination requirements. By operating as a self-routing network in orbit, the system is designed to provide consistent performance across global regions, including remote or underserved areas where ground infrastructure may be limited or unavailable.

PlaneWave, a US-based manufacturer known for precision-engineered space and scientific systems, is highlighting the portfolio of space-qualified antennas and amplifiers designed to support satellite communications, space missions and advanced ground-segment applications. These products are already in operational use and reflect PlaneWave’s focus on delivering reliable RF hardware engineered for the environmental and performance demands of space and mission-critical systems. PlaneWave’s space antenna portfolio is designed to support satellite communications, telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C), as well as space research and experimental missions. The antennas are engineered with precision mechanical structures and RF designs that ensure stable gain, accurate pointing and consistent performance across demanding operational environments. The space antennas are suitable for integration into spacecraft, high-performance ground stations and space test facilities, where mechanical stability and RF accuracy are critical. The designs emphasize structural rigidity, thermal stability and compatibility with standard RF interfaces, allowing system integrators to deploy them within existing satellite communication architectures. By focusing on predictable radiation patterns and long-term reliability, PlaneWave’s space antennas support continuous operations across commercial, institutional and research-oriented space missions.

CesiumAstro announced it secured $470 million in growth capital, cementing its position as a mission-critical provider of next-generation space and defense communications. The funding includes $270 million in equity, led by Trousdale Ventures, with participation from Woven Capital, Janus Henderson Investors, Airbus Ventures, the Development Bank of Japan Inc., MESH, EDBI, NewSpace Capital, and other global investors, alongside a $200 million financing package from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) and J.P. Morgan, a first of its kind public-private partnership under the “Make More In America” Initiative. The capital will fuel CesiumAstro’s rapid scale-up, including the build-out of a new 270,000-square-foot headquarters, expanded manufacturing capacity, and accelerated deployment of its software-defined, AI-enabled space communications platforms worldwide. Proceeds will support expanded manufacturing, accelerated AI-enabled communications development, scaled production of Element, the company’s fully integrated LEO satellite, and growth of global technical and program teams. “This raise reflects broad confidence in our execution across commercial and defense markets,” said Ken Smith, CFO of CesiumAstro. “With the addition of significant non-dilutive EXIM financing, this funding both validates our progress and accelerates our next phase of growth.”

Vodafone IoT has announced a new partnership with Skylo Technologies to bring customers Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) satellite connectivity services. In the initial phase, the two companies will work together to trial the technology with a view to offering a full commercial service in the near future. Skylo runs a global Non-Terrestrial Network spanning 36 countries across 70 million square kilometres of coverage. Skylo and Vodafone IoT’s network cores will integrate – enabling customers to seamlessly switch between cellular and NTN connectivity from a single Vodafone SIM. With sectors such as asset tracking and energy services to environmental monitoring and fleet management set to benefit, this new hybrid connectivity model will supply industries with seamless multi-national connectivity. Furthermore, customers will be able to continue managing their IoT estates using Vodafone IoT’s Managed Connectivity Platform – for both their cellular and NTN connectivity needs.

SpaceX has acquired xAI to create what it describes as a vertically integrated innovation engine spanning artificial intelligence, rockets, space-based internet, direct-to-mobile communications, and real-time information platforms. The company said the move represents a new phase in the shared mission of SpaceX and xAI, aimed at scaling advanced intelligence systems and extending human presence beyond Earth. To address this, SpaceX outlined a long-term shift toward space-based AI. By leveraging near-constant solar energy in orbit and reducing operating and maintenance costs, satellites functioning as orbital data centers could dramatically scale computing capacity. The company described the deployment of a constellation of one million satellites as an initial step toward a Kardashev Type II civilization, capable of harnessing the Sun’s energy while supporting AI applications for billions of people and enabling a multi-planetary future. Beyond Earth orbit, SpaceX said Starship’s capabilities, including in-space propellant transfer, would allow large cargo deliveries to the Moon. This could support permanent scientific and manufacturing operations, with lunar resources used to build satellites for further deployment into space. Using electromagnetic mass drivers and lunar manufacturing, the company said it could be possible to deploy 500 to 1,000 terawatts per year of AI satellites into deep space.

Gilmour Space Technologies and Transcelestial have entered a long-term strategic partnership to bring laser communications capabilities to advance how data moves on satellites. As part of an upcoming mission, Gilmour Space will fly a Transcelestial terminal and support an in-orbit demonstration designed to validate the performance of wireless laser communications in real operating conditions. Transcelestial’s laser communications technology unlocks a new infrastructure layer for data to move from satellite-to-satellite and satellite-to-ground, also delivering unmatched security in the point-to-point communication, which is impervious to jamming and has baked-in Post Quantum Cryptography enabled for Quantum-safe communications. They will also explore opportunities to strengthen the enabling infrastructure around optical communications, including the potential to co-host an Optical Ground Station in Queensland and jointly pursue Australian R&D grants for future demonstrator missions and super-advanced network capabilities.

NASA’s Space Launch System rocket stands atop pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center. After working around a hydrogen leak at the base of the rocket, engineers spent the day Monday pumping more than 750,000 gallons of supercold liquid oxygen and hydrogen fuel into the 32-story-tall launcher in a dress rehearsal countdown. How the leak might play into plans to launch four astronauts on a moon mission as early as Sunday is not yet clear.

Researchers used ALMA to image the magnetic fields of the galactic disk and dusty and molecular outflow of the merging galaxy Arp220. They found that a magnetic superhighway funnels material between galaxy cores, and that powerful winds move material along the fields into the circumgalactic medium.

NASAs IMAP (Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe) began its two-year primary science mission on Feb. 1 to explore and map the boundaries of our heliosphere - the protective bubble created by the solar wind that encapsulates our solar system. The mission, which launched on Sept. 24, 2025, relies on 10 scientific instruments to chart a comprehensive picture of what is roiling in space, from high-energy particles originating at the Sun, to magnetic fields in interplanetary space, to dust left from exploded stars in interstellar space. NASAs IMAP (Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe) is mapping the boundaries of our heliosphere - a giant protective bubble created by the Sun that encapsulates our solar system. The spacecraft studies the Suns activity and how the heliospheres boundary interacts with the local galactic neighborhood beyond. Through studying this vast range of particles and the magnetic fields that guide them, IMAP will investigate two of the most important overarching issues in heliophysics, namely the energization of charged particles from the Sun and the interaction of the solar wind at its boundary with interstellar space. With the start of its primary science mission, some of IMAPs data is now being fed into the IMAP Active Link for Real-Time (I-ALiRT) system, which broadcasts near-real-time observations of the space weather conditions, such as the solar wind and energetic particles, headed toward Earth. This data can be used to inform forecasters, who issue advanced warnings and alerts of potential adverse space weather effects on the health and safety of spacecraft and astronauts.

Exoterra Resources, a US-based space technology company specializing in in-space mobility and sustainable space systems, is providing the propulsion solutions designed to support modern small satellite missions and advanced orbital operations. Exoterra’s propulsion portfolio addresses the growing demand for efficient, scalable and space-qualified propulsion systems that enable precise maneuvering, extended mission lifetimes and flexible orbital operations. Exoterra Resources’ propulsion solutions are engineered to support a wide range of spacecraft platforms from small satellites to more complex mission architectures. The company’s approach focuses on delivering propulsion systems that balance performance, integration simplicity and operational reliability. By combining electric propulsion technologies with system-level integration, Exoterra enables satellite operators to execute orbit raising, station keeping, collision avoidance and end-of-life disposal.

SpaceX has acquired xAI, an artificial intelligence company also run by Elon Musk, as part of his effort to develop orbital data centers. Starship/Super Heavy on the launch pad before the Flight 11 launch.

SpaceX has filed an application with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking approval to deploy up to 1 million solar-powered satellites designed to function as orbital data centers for artificial intelligence (AI) workloads. The filing, submitted late January 2025 (around January 30–31), proposes a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 500 and 2,000 km, with orbits in 30-degree and sun-synchronous inclinations to maximize sunlight exposure. These satellites would harness near-constant solar power—achieving over 99% solar availability in certain configurations—eliminating much of the need for batteries and enabling highly efficient, low-maintenance operation. Key points from SpaceX's proposal and related reporting: Purpose: To meet the explosive growth in AI-driven data demands by providing massive, distributed computing capacity optimized for AI models, inference, and related applications. Advantages claimed: Transformative cost and energy efficiency compared to terrestrial data centers. Reduced environmental impact (no land use, minimal water for cooling, lower emissions). Inter-satellite laser links for communication, potentially integrating with the existing Starlink network for data routing to Earth. Grand vision: SpaceX describes this as "a first step towards becoming a Kardashev II-level civilization" — one capable of harnessing a significant portion of the Sun's energy — while supporting AI for billions of users and advancing humanity's multi-planetary future. Deployment reliance: The plan leans heavily on SpaceX's Starship rocket for launching large numbers of satellites at low cost.

Congress added $700 million in funding for a “Mars Telecommunications Orbiter” in the supplemental funding for NASA provided by the “One Big Beautiful Bill” passed by the US Congress last year. Given the available funding, a number of people within the agency are pressing to include scientific instruments on the orbiter. Three good instruments could be added for about $200 million, a science official said. Ideas include everything from a high-resolution camera (again, badly needed since the best camera at Mars is on the 20-year-old Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter), a space weather payload, a magnetometer to understand Mars’ remnant magnetic field, or a spectrometer to look for near-surface water ice. It’s possible that some instruments from the canceled Mars Ice Mapper mission could also be repurposed or even a small lander included.

Space Development Agency Issues RFI for Space-to-Air Optical Communication Terminals. The Space Development Agency (SDA), the “constructive disruptor” of Department of Defense space acquisition, has published a high-priority Request for Information (RFI) seeking industry solutions for airborne optical communication terminals. The initiative aims to integrate military aircraft directly into the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), a resilient mesh network of hundreds of satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The SDA is specifically interested in Optical Communication Terminals (OCTs) that can be rapidly demonstrated—within a 12-month timeframe—and are compatible with the SDA’s established OCT standards.

SAR11 bacteria dominate the world’s oceans by being incredibly efficient, shedding genes to survive in nutrient-poor waters. But that extreme streamlining appears to backfire when conditions change. Under stress, many cells keep copying their DNA without dividing, creating abnormal cells that grow large and die. This vulnerability may explain why SAR11 populations drop during phytoplankton blooms and could become more important as oceans grow less stable. To understand how SAR11 responds to environmental stress, researchers examined hundreds of SAR11 genomes. They found that many strains lack genes normally responsible for regulating the cell cycle, the system that controls DNA replication and cell division. In most bacteria, these genes are essential for normal growth and survival. When environmental conditions shift, the absence of this regulation appears to create major problems. Scientists had already noticed that SAR11 populations are sensitive to changes in their surroundings. What stood out in this study was the unusual way the cells reacted under stress.