H3 successfully returns to flight

Japan’s H3 rocket returned to flight on June 11 after a December failure, lifting off from Tanegashima and placing six small satellites into orbit. The mission was also the debut of the H3-30S configuration, which uses three LE-9 first-stage engines and no solid boosters. Among the payloads was Unseenlabs’ BRO-22, which will support maritime tracking from orbit.

Spy powers battle collides with World Cup, America 250 celebrations

Congress failed to pass even a short extension of Section 702 of FISA before lawmakers left Washington, leaving the foreign-surveillance authority set to expire. The Hill reported that national security experts warned the lapse would come at a particularly sensitive moment, with the U.S. preparing for World Cup security demands and America 250 events against a tense global backdrop.

FCC lifts looming deadline for Amazon Leo satellite broadband constellation

The FCC waived a near-term deployment requirement that would have forced Amazon to place half of its 3,232-satellite Leo broadband network in orbit by the end of July. The decision removes the 50 percent milestone while preserving the July 2029 deadline for full first-generation deployment, giving Amazon more room to build a viable rival to Starlink.

AAC Clyde Space wins ESA contract to complete maritime-monitoring constellation

AAC Clyde Space won a 10.9 million euro ESA contract to finish development and demonstration work for VDES satellites in the Inflecion maritime-domain-awareness program. The 12-satellite constellation is designed to track vessels more cheaply and monitor ships that disable AIS transponders by combining communications links with SAR and signals intelligence.

Vandenberg offers new launch site for small and medium rockets

The U.S. Space Force is seeking industry feedback on a proposed new launch site at Vandenberg designated as Space Launch Complex 9. The site is aimed at small- and medium-class vehicles, with responses to the request for information due July 8 as the service tries to expand launch capacity and support national security needs.

Senate NDAA backs plan to fold SDA, Space RCO into Space Force

The Senate Armed Services Committee advanced its FY2027 NDAA with language that would eliminate separate statutory requirements for the Space Development Agency and the Space Rapid Capabilities Office. The move would give the Air Force more flexibility to fold both organizations into a new Space Force acquisition structure built around mission-focused portfolio executives.

Iran: No ‘final conclusion’ on agreement to end war

Iran said there was no final agreement with Washington to end hostilities, contradicting President Trump’s claim that a breakthrough had been reached. Tehran said most of the text had been drafted but accused the U.S. of changing its position, while Trump shifted within hours from threatening fresh strikes to touting a possible settlement.