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Trump reportedly urged FCC chair to approve EchoStar spectrum deal
According to Bloomberg, President Donald Trump personally encouraged FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel to cut a deal with EchoStar over disputed 2 GHz spectrum rights. EchoStar’s S-band holdings have become a flashpoint in its battle with SpaceX....View Commentary -
FAA considers new launch fees tied to airspace congestion
Ars Technica reports that the FAA is considering per-launch fees on commercial space operators to compensate the airline industry for airspace closures during rocket launches. The plan—still in early discussion—would charge spaceflight companies b...View Commentary -
SpaceX's Starship Flight 9 Reaches Space, Takes the Next Step in Iterative Testing
SpaceX launched its Starship megarocket for the ninth time on May 27, achieving the first-ever reuse of a Super Heavy booster. The vehicle's two stages separated as planned, and the upper stage reached space, marking an improvement over the previo...View Commentary -
U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth holds second meeting with Elon Musk at the Pentagon
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Elon Musk for the second time at the Pentagon to discuss ongoing collaborations. Musk's companies, Starlink and SpaceX, hold several contracts with the Department of Defense, raising discussions about the...View Commentary -
FAA modifies Starship Flight 9 license but holds launch until mishap
The Federal Aviation Administration approved updated parameters for the next Starship test, authorizing reuse of the Flight 7 booster and expanding air- and sea-closure zones. Launch remains on hold until the agency signs off on SpaceX’s Flight 8 ...View Commentary -
UK officials ask FAA to reroute Starship debris corridor
ProPublica obtained correspondence showing the UK Civil Aviation Authority urging the FAA to alter Starship hazard areas after debris from Flight 8 crossed Atlantic air routes. The CAA warns future launches could disrupt transatlantic traffic unle...View Commentary -
FCC Targets EchoStar’s Underused Spectrum After SpaceX Complaint
U.S. regulators moved to investigate EchoStar’s use of 2 GHz spectrum for mobile-satellite services after a challenge by SpaceX. In a proceeding announced May 13, the FCC pressed EchoStar to justify its hold on this spectrum band, which SpaceX all...View Commentary -
FAA seeks public input on Pad 40 upgrades targeting faster Falcon 9 turns
A draft environmental assessment details larger LOX and RP-1 tanks, a beefed-up water deluge, and expanded safety corridors at Cape Canaveral SLC-40. If approved after the 7 June comment deadline, the pad could support far more than last year’s 67...View Commentary -
FAA clears up to 25 Starship launches per year from South Texas
The FAA issued its final environmental review for Starbase, authorizing a five-fold increase in Starship launch frequency, contingent on beach clean-ups and wildlife safeguards. The ruling removes a key bottleneck to SpaceX’s rapid-flight ambitions.View Commentary -
Trump 2026 space budget would cancel NASA rocket, lunar station
U.S. President Donald Trump’s 2026 budget proposal for NASA calls for a 24% cut to the agency and would eliminate key parts of the Artemis Moon program. The outline would cancel NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the planned Lunar Gateway...View Commentary
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