Category: Aerospace

AerospaceBusinessEurope

European Aerospace Giants Near Landmark Space Merger to Counter SpaceX Dominance

Three European aerospace leaders are finalizing a landmark merger of their space businesses to create a unified champion capable of competing with SpaceX. The combined entity would span 30 sites with 25,000 employees and €6.5 billion in annual revenue, according to reports.

European Space Consolidation Reaches Critical Phase

Europe’s aerospace industry is poised for a transformative consolidation as Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo near agreement on merging their space businesses, according to people familiar with the discussions. The landmark deal aims to create a unified European space champion capable of competing in a market increasingly dominated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX and its Starlink satellite network.

by Michael Turner
AerospaceTechnology

SpaceX Surpasses 10,000 Starlink Satellite Launches, Expands Global Broadband Dominance

SpaceX has launched its 10,000th Starlink satellite, solidifying its position as the leading low Earth orbit broadband provider. The constellation now serves over 7 million customers globally, with plans to expand to 34,000 satellites in coming years.

SpaceX Reaches Starlink Launch Milestone

SpaceX has reportedly launched its 10,000th Starlink satellite into orbit, according to industry reports, marking a significant milestone in the company’s effort to dominate the satellite broadband market. The latest Falcon 9 mission carried 28 new satellites to orbit, bringing the total number launched to just over 10,000 since the program’s inception in 2019.

by Michael Turner
AerospaceAssistive Technology

SpaceX’s Starship Faces Complex Path to Moon Missions Despite Recent Launch Successes

SpaceX celebrates two consecutive Starship launches without explosions, but the path to lunar missions remains fraught with challenges. Former NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine questioned the architecture, while technical hurdles like orbital refueling and lunar landing capabilities remain undemonstrated.

Starship Progress Amid Lunar Mission Challenges

SpaceX is reportedly celebrating two consecutive Starship launches without unplanned explosions, yet sources indicate the business faces a daunting path forward before the spacecraft can deliver astronauts to the lunar surface. According to reports, former NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine didn’t mince words when he questioned the use of Starship to return boots to the Moon, stating “This is an architecture that no NASA administrator that I’m aware of would have selected had they had the choice.”

by Jessica Moore P.E.
AerospaceEmployment

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory Announces 550 Job Cuts in Major Restructure

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, NASA’s premier research facility, will eliminate 550 positions as part of a major organizational restructuring. The cuts represent 11% of JPL’s workforce and aim to create a leaner operation focused on core space exploration capabilities.

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory announced significant workforce reductions Monday, cutting approximately 550 positions representing 11% of its total employees as part of a major organizational restructuring. The layoffs at the federally-funded research and development facility come amid what Director Dave Gallagher describes as necessary transformation to meet future space exploration challenges.

JPL Restructuring Details and Timeline

by Jessica Moore P.E.