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STRATO BRIEF
SPACE · POLICY · DEFENSE
2026-05-15
7 stories · ~5 min read
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Space Operations & Technology
SpaceX successfully deployed new Starlink v2.0 satellites featuring advanced laser communication capabilities, marking another milestone in SpaceX's constellation upgrades.
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Artemis
NASA is nearing completion of selection criteria for the Artemis III moon landing mission, with final crew candidates expected to be announced next week.
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Milestone
Blue Origin celebrated the 100th suborbital flight of New Shepard with a mission carrying scientists, educators, and entrepreneurs to the edge of space.
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Policy & Politics
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U.S. Space Policy
The Senate has advanced a key NDAA provision requiring all space-faring nations to report orbital debris mitigation and space situational awareness capabilities.
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Satellite Regulation
The FCC proposed updated regulations requiring commercial satellite operators to remove defunct satellites from orbit within 5 years to prevent space debris accumulation.
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Congressional Action
A bipartisan group of Representatives is pushing for a comprehensive space infrastructure bill that would fund lunar communications infrastructure and deep space networks.
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Aerospace Industry
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Defense Tech Funding
RelicTech announced a $42M Series B funding round to expand its autonomous defense systems and partnerships with U.S. defense contractors.
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Government Contracts
The U.S. Army expanded its contract with Anduril for Ironbeetle autonomous systems, adding new capabilities for border security and maritime domain awareness.
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New Launch Vehicles
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.
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Geopolitics & Defense
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Strategic Stability
China's recent long-range missile launch tests have raised concerns among U.S. lawmakers about strategic stability and arms control implications.
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Allied Cooperation
NATO members announced enhanced space surveillance cooperation, establishing a shared orbital debris monitoring network to protect European satellites.
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Sources
SpaceNews · The Hill · Politico · Space Policy Online · Breaking Defense · NASASpaceFlight
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STRATO BRIEF
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