Secret SpaceX Launch, Starlink Triumphs, and Solar Storm Warnings – Space News Roundup (July 13–14, 2025)

Satellite and Space News Roundup for July 13–14, 2025

The past two days saw major space milestones and surprises across the globe. A mystery SpaceX launch carried a “smartphone in space” satellite for Israel, marking the Falcon 9’s 500th mission spokesman.com spaceflightnow.com. Meanwhile, satellite internet initiatives made strides – Starlink scored regulatory wins and debut services – as rivals in Europe and China unveiled their own direct-to-device connectivity plans ts2.tech ts2.tech. On the space station front, a private astronaut crew headed home space.com, and China readied a cargo ship to resupply its orbiting outpost ts2.tech. Astronomers weren’t left out: a colossal sunspot sparked space weather alerts ts2.tech, and scientists uncovered evidence of dozens of “invisible” galaxies swarming our Milky Way ts2.tech. Below is a comprehensive roundup of the weekend’s top satellite and space developments – from launch pads and labs to boardrooms and policy halls – complete with expert insights and official quotes.

Major Launches & Missions

• SpaceX’s Secret Satellite Launch (“Commercial GTO-1” Mission): In the pre-dawn hours of July 13, SpaceX conducted a hush-hush Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral, cloaked in unusual secrecy spaceflightnow.com. The payload – not identified beforehand – is believed to be Israel’s Dror-1 communications satellite, described as a $200 million “smartphone in space” for secure national communications space.com. Liftoff occurred at 1:04 a.m. EDT, and SpaceX later confirmed the booster’s 13th successful landing on a droneship in the Atlantic space.com. The mission marked the 500th successful flight of a Falcon 9 rocket spokesman.com, underscoring the workhorse launcher’s reliability. “We at IAI are extremely proud of the development and successful launch into space of the State of Israel’s Dror 1,” said Boaz Levy, CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries, calling it “the most advanced communications satellite ever built in Israel” and a “national strategic” asset for the next 15 years spaceflightnow.com. The satellite’s advanced digital payload and modular design will provide Israel with agile, independent communications capabilities well into the 2040s space.com timesofisrael.com.
• China Readies Tianzhou-9 Cargo Ship for Space Station: On July 12, China’s space agency rolled out a Long March-7 Y10 rocket with the Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft to the Wenchang launch pad, preparing for a supply mission to the Tiangong space station ts2.tech. The freighter, set to launch in coming days, will carry ~6.5 tons of supplies for the station’s next crew (Shenzhou-20) ts2.tech. Its manifest includes two new-generation spacesuits – each rated for 20 spacewalks – and a suite of scientific equipment ts2.tech. Notably, China has a backup Long March-7 rocket on standby, ready to launch within 3 months if an emergency resupply is needed ts2.tech. This reflects an increasingly robust logistics strategy to support China’s crewed outpost. Tianzhou-9 will be the ninth such resupply and is crucial for ferrying food, propellant, experiments and gear, ensuring continuous habitation of Tiangong.
• Rocket Lab Boosts U.S. Hypersonics Test: Small-launch company Rocket Lab executed a special suborbital mission on July 12 from Wallops Island, Virginia, using its HASTE vehicle (a modified Electron rocket) ts2.tech. The mission carried a classified U.S. military payload codenamed “JAKE 4”, believed to support hypersonic weapon and defense technology experiments ts2.tech. Liftoff occurred at 7:45 p.m. EDT, and although details are secret, HASTE (Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron) missions enable the Pentagon to rapidly test high-speed vehicles and sensors in realistic conditions. The use of a commercial launch provider for a defense test underscores the growing role of private space companies in military R&D ts2.tech. Rocket Lab’s success here demonstrates how nimble startups are supplementing traditional government launch capabilities for quick turnaround experiments.
• Private Ax-4 Astronauts Return to Earth: After two weeks aboard the ISS, the four-person Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) private astronaut crew is headed home. On July 14, their SpaceX Crew Dragon autonomously undocked from the International Space Station at ~7:05 a.m. ET space.com, beginning the journey back to Earth. Led by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson (now Axiom’s director of human spaceflight), the Ax-4 crew included the first astronauts from Poland, Hungary, and India to visit the ISS space.com space.com. Axiom Space coordinated live coverage of the farewell, hatch closing (around 4:55 a.m.) and departure via NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom streams space.com. Splashdown off the California coast was expected later on the 14th. The mission – the fourth private flight to the ISS – allowed the international crew to conduct microgravity research and outreach. Their safe return will cap another milestone in the growing era of commercial human spaceflight, which NASA officials say is expanding opportunities for research and collaboration in low Earth orbit keeptrack.space.

Commercial & Industry Updates

• Starlink Direct-to-Cell Service Debuts: SpaceX’s Starlink is poised to eliminate mobile dead zones starting this month. In a much-anticipated move, Starlink – in partnership with T-Mobile – announced the rollout of its “Direct to Cell” satellite-to-phone service in July ts2.tech. This new capability will let ordinary mobile phones connect directly to Starlink satellites for basic text messaging, calls, and even modest data (messaging apps, maps) without any ground tower ts2.tech. Over 657 next-gen Starlink V3 satellites in low Earth orbit will act as “space-based cell towers” for global coverage ts2.tech. Developers can tap a new Starlink API to optimize apps for satellite connectivity. An early test proved its value when satellite texting helped relay emergency info during severe flooding in New Zealand – “No more dead zones” is the promise, as SpaceX says users will get “full app connectivity without mobile coverage” anywhere you can see the sky ts2.tech. If successful, this direct-to-device service could be a game changer for remote communities and disaster response worldwide.
• Musk’s Starlink Cleared for India – Rural Broadband Push: After a three-year wait, India’s space regulator finally granted Starlink a license to offer satellite internet services in the country reuters.com reuters.com. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) approved the permit on July 9, giving Starlink the green light for commercial operations in India. The license is valid for 5 years reuters.com. Starlink becomes only the third satcom operator with India’s approval (joining Bharti-backed OneWeb and Reliance Jio’s satellite unit) reuters.com. The company must now secure spectrum allocations, establish local gateways, and demonstrate compliance with security requirements reuters.com. Starlink plans to focus on rural and remote areas, aligning with government goals to bridge the digital divide. Notably, India decided to directly assign satellite spectrum instead of auctioning it, siding with Starlink in a policy debate against terrestrial telecom giants reuters.com. Prime Minister Modi has welcomed the move as bolstering India’s connectivity ambitions. With this nod, Starlink is set to expand internet access to India’s hardest-to-reach regions – a potential boon for schools, villages, and emergency services off the fiber grid.
• Europe’s 5G-Over-Satellite Breakthrough: In a world-first test of space-based 5G, European engineers successfully connected a standard 5G smartphone directly to a satellite network in orbit ts2.tech. The demonstration – part of the EU’s planned IRIS² secure satellite constellation program – was led by France’s Eutelsat in collaboration with partners like Airbus and MediaTek. It proved that an unmodified phone can get 5G service via satellites, without special antennas, potentially extending high-speed coverage to remote areas ts2.tech. German media (Tagesschau) reported the milestone in early July, calling it a significant step toward integrating Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) with terrestrial 5G ts2.tech. The EU aims to deploy its own multibillion-euro satellite network to complement ground networks, reduce blackspots, and ensure sovereignty in communications. Analysts note this could spark a new space-based 5G race – with Eutelsat/OneWeb, Starlink, and even China’s telecom industry vying to connect directly to devices from orbit. The successful test lends credibility to Europe’s push to bridge connectivity gaps and challenge Starlink’s dominance in satellite broadband.
• China Telecom Launches Direct Satellite Comms for Consumers: Not to be outdone in the satellite phone arena, China Telecom introduced a suite of “direct-to-satellite” services on July 11 at an event in Sichuan. The state-owned telco unveiled three new offerings enabling off-grid connectivity for everyday users ts2.tech: 1) smartphone-to-satellite messaging for texts when outside cellular coverage, 2) vehicle-mounted satellite links for cars in remote areas, and 3) rugged satellite communicators using China’s Tiantong L-band geostationary satellites for industrial and IoT applications ts2.tech. A company executive hailed it as “a practical new stage for China’s sky-ground integrated communication technology,” bringing satellite services from niche use to the mass market ts2.tech. The new products target emergency responders, rural users, mariners, and adventure tourists in China, ensuring that no corner of the country is out of signal. This rollout mirrors Western moves (like Starlink Direct-to-Cell), highlighting a global trend: space-based connectivity is becoming mainstream. By leveraging its Tiantong satellite fleet, China Telecom is extending mobile networks’ reach and offering its own answer to SpaceX’s satellite-cell service, tailored for domestic needs and national security priorities ts2.tech.
• Launch Industry Milestones – Blue Origin & ULA: Traditional launch providers also made news. Blue Origin announced that the BE-4 engines for its next New Glenn rocket are now complete and ready for integration spokesman.com. This progress is key for Blue Origin’s second New Glenn launch, expected in fall 2025 at the earliest spokesman.com. The heavy-lift New Glenn debuted in January with much fanfare, and the company is working through a gradual test flight program. Meanwhile, United Launch Alliance (ULA) is preparing for the first national security launch of its new Vulcan rocket, the USSF-106 mission for the U.S. Space Force spokesman.com. A firm launch date remains unannounced as ULA carefully proceeds through final certifications. These developments come as SpaceX continues to dominate commercial missions (85 orbital flights so far in 2025) spokesman.com, but competition is heating up. New Glenn’s BE-4 engines, now tested and qualified, will eventually also power ULA’s Vulcan. Industry observers note that getting New Glenn and Vulcan flying regularly will broaden heavy-lift capacity and provide important alternatives for government and commercial customers. For now, all eyes are on Blue Origin’s upcoming launch and ULA’s timetable – both critical to diversifying the launch landscape beyond SpaceX’s reusable Falcon 9.
• Space Startups Secure Big Investments: The space sector saw major funding wins that could accelerate innovation. Firefly Aerospace, a Texas-based launch and spacecraft firm, filed for an IPO (initial public offering) on July 12, aiming to go public on the NASDAQ (ticker: FLY) starfightersspace.com. The company’s SEC filing reveals growing revenue – $60.8 million in 2024 – but also significant losses as it develops new rockets and lunar landers starfightersspace.com starfightersspace.com. By tapping public markets, Firefly hopes to raise fresh capital to scale production of its Alpha rocket and co-develop a medium-lift “Eclipse” vehicle with Northrop Grumman starfightersspace.com. Separately, California-based startup Varda Space Industries raised a whopping $187 million in a Series C funding round led by venture firms Natural Capital and Shrug Capital reuters.com. Varda is pioneering in-space manufacturing – using small capsules to produce pharmaceuticals and advanced materials in microgravity and return them to Earth. The new funding brings its total raised to $329 million and will help build out a robotic “space factory” lab. “With this capital, Varda will continue to increase our flight cadence and build out the pharmaceutical lab that will deliver the world’s first microgravity-enabled drug formulation,” said Will Bruey, Varda’s CEO reuters.com. The round included boldface investors like Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund and Khosla Ventures. These investments underscore strong investor belief in space tech despite recent industry SPAC busts – a sign that companies with real hardware and revenue (like Firefly and Varda) can still attract substantial backing. The infusion of capital will accelerate new satellite technologies and services, from cheaper launch options to off-world drug manufacturing, in the coming years.

Military & Security Developments

• US Lawmakers Push “Commercial ISR” Satellites: In Washington, Congress is leaning on the Pentagon to leverage commercial satellites for intelligence and reconnaissance. Capitol Hill sources say lawmakers are urging funding for a new program called TacSRT (Tactical Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Tracking) that was left out of the Defense Department’s 2026 budget keeptrack.space. TacSRT would buy or tap into private imaging and sensing satellites to augment military spy assets keeptrack.space. Many in Congress argue that integrating commercial ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) data could vastly improve battlefield awareness at lower cost, and they’re unhappy the Pentagon omitted it. Meanwhile, the Senate’s version of the annual defense bill (passed by the Armed Services Committee) mandates new space launch and missile defense protocols keeptrack.space. The draft legislation highlights the need for heavy-lift launch capacity (to ensure the US can put large payloads or constellations up quickly) and calls for safety standards for methalox (liquid methane) rocket engines keeptrack.space – a nod to next-gen rockets like SpaceX’s Starship and Blue Origin’s methane-fueled vehicles. These Senate mandates underscore a strategic push to bolster America’s space infrastructure and address emerging tech: requiring plans for assured access to space (even as heavy rockets like NASA’s SLS and SpaceX’s Starship evolve) and safe handling of new propellants. Taken together, the moves on TacSRT and the launch directives show U.S. lawmakers prioritizing space resilience and trying to harness the booming commercial space sector for national security gains keeptrack.space keeptrack.space.
• Chinese “Mystery” Satellite in Unprecedented Orbit: Space trackers got a surprise from a recent Chinese launch. On July 3, China lofted a satellite labeled Shiyan-28B on a Long March 4C rocket – ostensibly a technology demonstration payload. However, it went unseen for about a week after launch, and when it finally was detected, analysts realized it was in a highly unusual orbit: a low-inclination equatorial orbit never before used by a Chinese satellite ts2.tech. This orbit, hugging near the equator, would allow coverage of regions that China’s normal polar-orbiting spy satellites can’t observe well ts2.tech. The atypical trajectory and initial secrecy have led to intense speculation about the satellite’s true mission. Some Western experts suspect Shiyan-28B could be testing electronic intelligence (ELINT) gathering or an experimental Earth observation technique, given it can linger over low-latitude areas of interest ts2.tech. China’s government has disclosed few details, stating only that it’s for “space environment detection” (a vague catch-all term) ts2.tech. Notably, U.S. Space Force officials have in the past warned about “anomalous” Chinese spacecraft that maneuver or operate unexpectedly ts2.tech. The Shiyan-28B case highlights a broader militarization of space cat-and-mouse: China (and others) are exploring novel orbits and stealthy deployments to gain surprise strategic advantages ts2.tech. Western space-tracking networks struggled to find Shiyan-28B at first, underlining how a well-timed orbit change or unconventional orbit can delay detection. Intelligence analysts are now watching closely to see what this payload does next – its behavior could reveal whether it’s testing new surveillance sensors, communications jamming, or something entirely new in China’s growing military space toolkit.
• Allies Plan Their Own Satcom Constellations: U.S. allies in Europe and Asia are moving to bolster independent satellite capabilities, partly spurred by security concerns. Over the weekend, reports emerged (via a leaked draft pact) that Japan and the European Union will cooperate to build a joint secure communications satellite constellation ts2.tech. The plan, likely to be announced at the Japan-EU summit on July 23, calls for deploying “swarms” of small satellites operated jointly by Tokyo and Brussels ts2.tech. The goal is to ensure high-reliability, encrypted communications for defense and government use without depending on American providers like SpaceX’s Starlink ts2.tech. Both Japan and EU have been rattled by past U.S. policy shifts – for example, an isolationist stance that could hypothetically cut off allied access. “Reducing vulnerability by taking our destiny in our own hands” is how one EU official described the motive for this sovereign space network ts2.tech. The draft agreement also mentions cooperation on space traffic management standards and joint development of space defense tech ts2.tech. By pooling resources, the trans-Pacific partners aim to counterbalance the massive satellite fleets under development by the U.S. (SpaceX targeting 40,000+ satellites) and China (planning 13,000+) ts2.tech. Japan’s government has its own plans for at least 5 multi-satellite systems by the early 2030s in partnership with industry ts2.tech. This “allied constellation” initiative is being likened to a “Space NATO” of sorts – ensuring that in a crisis, Japan and Europe can rely on their own orbiting infrastructure. It also underscores a new era of alliance-based space strategy, where friends band together to secure critical space assets against both geopolitical uncertainty and the threat of hostile interference.

Science, Tech & Space Weather Highlights

• Parker Solar Probe’s Dazzling Sun Encounter: NASA’s Parker Solar Probe has returned jaw-dropping new imagery from its latest record-breaking close pass of the Sun. This week, NASA released images from Parker’s perihelion (closest approach) on June 19 – when the hardy probe skimmed just 3.8 million miles above the Sun’s surface, inside the sun’s outer atmosphere (corona) nasaspaceflight.com. The probe’s cameras caught spectacular sequences of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) – bursts of solar plasma erupting from the sun – from an unprecedented vantage point nasaspaceflight.com nasaspaceflight.com. “Parker Solar Probe has once again transported us into the dynamic atmosphere of our closest star,” said Dr. Nicky Fox, head of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate nasaspaceflight.com. “We are witnessing where space weather threats to Earth begin, with our own eyes… This new data will help us vastly improve our space weather predictions to ensure the safety of our astronauts and the protection of our technology on Earth.” nasaspaceflight.com The images show multiple CMEs seemingly “piling up” on each other, offering insights into how solar eruptions merge and propagate – key for understanding geomagnetic storm intensities nasaspaceflight.com. Parker also imaged the heliospheric current sheet (the sprawling boundary of the Sun’s magnetic field) from within, giving scientists a novel look at the structures that modulate space weather nasaspaceflight.com. During these passes, Parker Solar Probe hit record speeds (687,000 km/h) and became the closest spacecraft to the Sun in history nasaspaceflight.com. With one final perihelion left in its primary mission, Parker is already vastly improving knowledge of the Sun’s behavior. The data are helping researchers unravel how solar wind and flares form – information that could refine forecasts and protect satellites, power grids, and astronauts from dangerous solar storms.
• Massive Sunspot Sparks Solar Storm Alerts: A colossal sunspot on the Sun, AR4136, turned toward Earth over the weekend, raising the potential for solar flares and geomagnetic trouble. This active region – so large it’s visible as a dark blemish on the sun’s disk – began crackling with “Ellerman bombs” (small magnetic explosions) and low-level flares in recent days ts2.tech. Space weather forecasters warn that AR4136 could be a harbinger of stronger M-class solar flares or even X-class events as it faces Earth ts2.tech. NASA and NOAA have issued a Geomagnetic Storm Watch, anticipating that any moderate-to-strong flares in the coming days could buffet Earth’s magnetic field ts2.tech. Even M-class (moderate) flares can ionize Earth’s upper atmosphere and cause shortwave radio blackouts and GPS navigation errors ts2.tech. Of particular concern are impacts to satellites and communications – sudden solar outbursts can induce currents and damage sensitive satellite electronics, or disrupt high-frequency radio used by aircraft and mariners ts2.tech. So far, AR4136’s eruptions have been minor, but its sheer size and fast evolution suggest it’s capable of more. Satellite operators have been advised to initiate protective modes (such as safe-locking satellite orientations) in case of a big flare ts2.tech. Aurora chasers are on alert too: any Earth-directed CME could spark northern lights at lower latitudes. Fortunately, as of July 14 no major anomalies in spacecraft have been reported. But until this giant sunspot rotates away in about a week, forecasters and operators will remain vigilant. The Sun is near the peak of its 11-year activity cycle, so events like AR4136 are a timely reminder of our star’s power to affect space infrastructure. (Bottom line: keep an eye on space weather updates – the coming days could get bumpy for satellites and power grids if AR4136 erupts.)
• “Invisible” Galaxies Swarm the Milky Way (Dark Matter Discovery): A fascinating cosmological finding made headlines: our Milky Way galaxy may be surrounded by far more satellite galaxies than we can currently see. Astronomers at Durham University (UK) announced new simulations suggesting there are 80–100 “invisible” dwarf galaxies lurking in the Milky Way’s halo – essentially ghost galaxies with so few stars that they haven’t been detected yet ts2.tech. The research helps solve the long-standing “missing satellites problem” in cosmology: standard theory (ΛCDM) predicts lots of small galaxies around big ones like the Milky Way, but far fewer have been observed ts2.tech. The team proposes that many satellites lost most of their dark matter and stars due to gravitational interactions with the Milky Way, rendering them extremely faint ts2.tech. These ultra-faint companions would still be orbiting as clumps of stars (and whatever little dark matter remains), essentially undetectable by current telescopes. If confirmed, our galactic neighborhood is much more crowded than it appears – a hidden “dark swarm” of mini-galaxies enveloping the Milky Way ts2.tech. Excitingly, next-generation observatories like the Vera Rubin Telescope could spot signs of these ghosts by surveying for subtle star clumps and tidal streams ts2.tech. “We think there should be dozens more of these faint galaxies orbiting around the Milky Way at close distances,” said Dr. Isabel Santos-Santos, the study’s lead researcher. “One day soon we may be able to see these ‘missing’ galaxies, which would be hugely exciting and tell us more about how the universe came to be as we see it today.” phys.org phys.org Detecting these hidden satellites would not only vindicate cosmic theory but also deepen our understanding of dark matter – the unseen substance holding galaxies together. For now, astronomers are on the hunt, and the predicted abundance of Milky Way companions serves as an intriguing target list for upcoming surveys. The cosmos might be much busier than it looks!

Space Policy & International

• Japan & EU Forge “Space Alliance” for Satellites: In a significant geopolitical move, Japan and the European Union are joining forces to build a shared satellite network for secure communications ts2.tech. A draft cooperation agreement, leaked ahead of the Japan-EU summit, outlines plans for a jointly operated constellation of small satellites that would provide government and defense connectivity independent of U.S.-based systems ts2.tech. This unprecedented partnership is driven by strategic concerns: both Tokyo and Brussels worry about over-reliance on American satellite infrastructure (much of it run by private firms like SpaceX) amid an era of fluctuating U.S. policies ts2.tech. By creating their own “mini-Starlink” constellation, Japan and Europe seek to ensure autonomy in orbit for critical communications. The joint network – expected to be discussed at the July 23 summit in Tokyo – would facilitate near-instant, encrypted links for military units and government agencies across continents ts2.tech. It’s also a response to China’s rapid deployment of its own satellite internet megaconstellation, as well as an attempt to set international norms. The draft pact reaffirms commitment to the rule of law in space and implicitly criticizes anti-satellite weapon tests by “some nations,” a veiled reference to recent Chinese and Russian actions ts2.tech. Beyond satellites, the agreement calls for joint development of defense technologies and collaborative standards for space traffic management ts2.tech. Observers dub this a nascent “Space NATO” – by pooling tech and resources, allies aim to stay secure and connected in space on their own terms. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba are expected to formalize the deal, which could accelerate Europe’s planned IRIS² constellation and give Japan a greater role in global space governance ts2.tech. In essence, democratic allies are banding together to future-proof their presence in orbit, ensuring they aren’t shut out by any single country’s decisions.
• Global Notes – Quick Takes:
  • NASA Leadership Change: The weekend brought a shake-up at NASA’s helm. Former astronaut and U.S. Senator Sean Duffy was named interim NASA Administrator on July 10 after the White House’s previous administrator nominee withdrew ts2.tech. While this is a temporary assignment, it comes at a sensitive time as NASA faces budget pressure and debates over programs. Duffy’s interim tenure could influence decisions on Earth observation satellites and other projects. The agency and its partners are watching closely, as stable leadership is key with Artemis moon missions and climate satellites in the balance.
  • Space Debris Mitigation Efforts: The proliferation of satellites (and junk) in orbit is spurring new policy responses. On July 12, the UK hosted talks among international experts aimed at an “Anti-Kessler” agreement – a potential global accord to limit orbital debris and prevent the nightmare scenario of cascading collisions. Although details haven’t been made public, such discussions show growing urgency about space sustainability. In the U.S., the FCC’s new Space Bureau is forging ahead with a landmark 5-year deorbit rule: it will require low-Earth orbit satellites to be disposed of (via controlled reentry or graveyard orbit) within 5 years of mission end. This is far stricter than the decades-long guidelines of the past. Together, these measures aim to curb the space junk problem as megaconstellations multiply.
  • International Launch Cooperation: With geopolitical shifts, new partnerships are forming. In Kazakhstan, officials from Russia and Turkey met to discuss joint satellite launch projects at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Turkey is seeking a launch for its next communications satellite (Turksat 7A), and Russia – facing limited Western business – is keen to offer its Proton or Soyuz rockets. This underscores Russia’s pivot to working with non-Western partners in space amid ongoing global tensions. If it moves forward, a Turkish satellite launching on a Russian rocket from Kazakh soil would highlight the increasingly multilateral nature of space endeavors beyond the traditional U.S.-Europe-Russia trio.

Sources: This report draws on a wide range of official statements and credible media reports published over July 13–14, 2025 (and the surrounding weekend). Key sources include Space.com space.com space.com, Spaceflight Now spaceflightnow.com, NASA Spaceflight nasaspaceflight.com, Reuters reuters.com reuters.com, Times of Israel timesofisrael.com, TS² Space News digests ts2.tech ts2.tech, KeepTrack.space briefings keeptrack.space keeptrack.space, and press releases from agencies like Xinhua english.www.gov.cn. Each development has been cross-verified via multiple sources (citations above) to ensure accuracy. From secret satellite launches and policy shifts to scientific breakthroughs, the flurry of activity in these two days showcases the rapidly evolving, global nature of the space sector. Keep watching the skies – the pace of progress suggests even more drama and discovery ahead in the coming weeks.