Secret SpaceX Launch, Starlink Triumphs, and Solar Storm Warnings – Space News Roundup (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.
