Space Force awards Pulse Space $40 million to advance laser power technology

Pulse Space said it won a $40 million U.S. Space Force contract to mature laser technology that can transmit power and data between spacecraft. The Bellevue, Washington startup said the award will support development of its laser-based system, though it did not specify the military demonstrations planned under the agreement. The contract signals continued Pentagon interest in on-orbit power and communications architectures that could support future space operations. It also gives a young company founded in 2022 a major validation point in the defense market.

Space Force adds two startups to small, medium launch pool

Space Systems Command added Impulse Space and Relativity Federal to the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1 pool for less demanding missions. Their inclusion raises the number of qualified providers to seven, alongside established and newer launch firms already admitted to the pool. The move broadens competitive options for lower-risk national security launches and gives two startups a path into defense launch work.

Is this the year for a NASA authorization bill?

Congress is again struggling to move its spending bills on time, but lawmakers are also discussing whether 2026 could finally bring a NASA authorization bill. House appropriators rejected many of the White House’s proposed NASA cuts, while Senate action has been delayed by disputes over other provisions and the postponement of key markups. The result is a familiar mix of budget uncertainty and open questions about whether Congress can pair funding decisions with broader policy direction for the agency.

Trump says he'll ask Supreme Court to rehear birthright citizenship case

President Trump said he will ask the Supreme Court to rehear the case over his executive order restricting birthright citizenship after the justices struck down the policy last week. The Hill reported that Trump framed the decision as a major threat and said he would seek immediate reconsideration. The move keeps immigration and executive-power fights at the center of Washington’s legal and political agenda.

Blue Origin seeks to raise $10 billion in outside capital

Blue Origin is reportedly working to raise $10 billion in what would be the company’s first outside investment round, potentially valuing it at about $130 billion. The financing is intended to support ambitions in launch services and satellite constellations, according to SpaceNews, and CEO Dave Limp appeared to acknowledge the effort in a memo to employees. If completed, the raise would mark a major shift for a company long backed by Jeff Bezos.

MDA Space buys French Earth data analytics company CLS

MDA Space said it will acquire a 70 percent stake in French Earth data analytics company CLS for 567 million euros in cash, with CNES keeping the remaining 30 percent. CLS analyzes Earth observation and maritime data and reported 203 million euros in revenue in 2025. The deal is MDA’s second major acquisition in recent weeks and underscores the broader consolidation wave moving through the space sector.

Eight NATO allies to create new satellite mega-constellation

Eight NATO countries plan to link national military satellites into a new network called the Hybrid Alliance Layered Operations in Space, or HALO. NATO said the arrangement is meant to improve high-speed communications, intelligence sharing and missile tracking while reducing the limits of single-country satellite fleets. The project signals a push to strengthen allied space capabilities as European and North American members look for more integrated defense infrastructure.