STRATO BRIEF
SPACE · POLICY · DEFENSE
2026-05-15
7 stories · ~5 min read
Starlink v2.0 satellites successfully deployed with enhanced laser comms
Space Operations & Technology

Starlink v2.0 satellites successfully deployed with enhanced laser comms

SpaceX successfully deployed new Starlink v2.0 satellites featuring advanced laser communication capabilities, marking another milestone in SpaceX's constellation upgrades.



NASA's Artemis III crew selection process enters final phase
Artemis

NASA's Artemis III crew selection process enters final phase

NASA is nearing completion of selection criteria for the Artemis III moon landing mission, with final crew candidates expected to be announced next week.

Blue Origin's New Shepard reaches 100th suborbital flight milestone
Milestone

Blue Origin's New Shepard reaches 100th suborbital flight milestone

Blue Origin celebrated the 100th suborbital flight of New Shepard with a mission carrying scientists, educators, and entrepreneurs to the edge of space.



Policy & Politics
U.S. Space Policy

Senate advances NDAA provision requiring space situational awareness reporting

The Senate has advanced a key NDAA provision requiring all space-faring nations to report orbital debris mitigation and space situational awareness capabilities.

Satellite Regulation

FCC proposes new rules for satellite operator de-orbiting requirements

The FCC proposed updated regulations requiring commercial satellite operators to remove defunct satellites from orbit within 5 years to prevent space debris accumulation.

Congressional Action

Bipartisan push for space infrastructure bill gains momentum in House

A bipartisan group of Representatives is pushing for a comprehensive space infrastructure bill that would fund lunar communications infrastructure and deep space networks.



Aerospace Industry
Defense Tech Funding

RelicTech secures $42M Series B for autonomous defense systems

RelicTech announced a $42M Series B funding round to expand its autonomous defense systems and partnerships with U.S. defense contractors.

Government Contracts

Anduril Ironbeetle contract expanded with U.S. Army for border security

The U.S. Army expanded its contract with Anduril for Ironbeetle autonomous systems, adding new capabilities for border security and maritime domain awareness.

New Launch Vehicles

Rocket Lab's Neutron rocket completes factory assembly for first launch

Rocket Lab announced Neutron rocket factory assembly is complete, with the first launch scheduled for late 2026. The medium-lift vehicle will compete with Falcon 9.



Geopolitics & Defense
Strategic Stability

China's new long-range missile launch tests draw concerns in Congress

China's recent long-range missile launch tests have raised concerns among U.S. lawmakers about strategic stability and arms control implications.

Allied Cooperation

NATO announces enhanced space surveillance cooperation with allies

NATO members announced enhanced space surveillance cooperation, establishing a shared orbital debris monitoring network to protect European satellites.


Sources
SpaceNews · The Hill · Politico · Space Policy Online · Breaking Defense · NASASpaceFlight
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