Short Takes – 9-30-25 – Space Geek Edition

NOTE: Kind of a backlog here.

A new report finds China’s space program will soon equal that of the US. ArsTechnica.com article. Pull quote: “Roll is the co-author of a new report, titled "Redshift," on the acceleration of China's commercial and civil space activities and the threat these pose to similar efforts in the United States. Published on Tuesday, the report was sponsored by the US-based Commercial Space Federation, which advocates for the country's commercial space industry. It is a sobering read and comes as China not only projects to land humans on the lunar surface before the US can return, but also is advancing across several spaceflight fronts to challenge America.”

Taiwanese aerospace firm partners with Maxar on GPS-alternative drone navigation. SpaceNews.com article. Pull quote: “The partnership, announced Sept. 18, comes as military and civilian aircraft operators worldwide grapple with the increasing sophistication of GPS jamming and spoofing capabilities that can render conventional satellite navigation unreliable or completely unavailable during combat operations.”

To Protect the Nation, the Golden Dome Must Be Capable of Protecting Itself. SpaceNews.com adverticle. Pull quote: “Our propulsion solutions protect key Golden Dome space assets to ensure that both sensor and shooter missile shield satellites are difficult to track, target and attack. With proven in-space propulsion systems for any scenario and robust research and development of promising new technologies, L3Harris stands ready to help the Golden Dome protect itself while it protects the nation.”

Space Force will own next-gen neighborhood watch sats, based on commercial tech. BreakingDefense.com article. Pull quote: “The Space Force spokesperson said the plan for RG-XX “is to maximize the use of commercially available commodity spacecraft and payloads, focusing on integrating what’s available now over developing new designs.”

NASA targeting early February for Artemis II mission to the Moon. ArsTechnica.com article. Pull quote: “"The administration has asked us to acknowledge that we are, indeed, in what is commonly called a second space race," said Lakiesha Hawkins, acting deputy associate administrator, Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate. "There is a desire for us to be the first to return to the surface of the Moon. With that being said, NASA's objective is to do so safely."”

NASA modifies Dream Chaser ISS cargo contract as Sierra Space shifts to defense work. SpaceNews.com article. Pull quote: ““Development of new space transportation systems is difficult and can take longer than what’s originally planned,” Dana Weigel, NASA ISS program manager, said in a statement. “As NASA and its partners look toward space station deorbit in 2030, this mutually agreed to decision enables testing and verification to continue on Dream Chaser, as well as demonstrating the capabilities of the spaceplane for future resupply missions in low Earth orbit.””

Blue Origin to increase New Shepard flight rate and consider new spaceports. SpaceNews.com article. Pull quote: “The company is leaning toward a new site rather than expanding the existing one. “We think looking elsewhere makes sense from a number of perspectives,” Joyce said. While Blue Origin is not ruling out another U.S. location, the primary focus is international. “We think there’s possibilities elsewhere around the globe. We think it makes sense to provide this service elsewhere.””

Galactic Energy secures $336 million, nears debut of new reusable and solid rockets. SpaceNews.com article. Pull quote: “The company, full name Beijing Galactic Energy Aerospace Technology Co., Ltd., announced Series D financing of 2.4 billion yuan ($336 million) in a statement Sept. 28. The funding will be used for the Pallas series of reusable liquid propellant launchers and the Ceres-2 solid rocket, both of which appear close to test launches. The investment will also go towards related production, testing and launch facilities.”

Report claims NASA taking illegal steps to implement budget proposal. SpaceNews.com article. Pull quote: ““Based on whistleblower documents and interviews, this staff reports finds that the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has been directing NASA — since early summer — to begin implementing the devastating cuts demanded in President Trump’s proposed budget for FY26, in clear violation of the Constitution and without regard for the impacts on NASA’s science missions and workforce,” the report states.”

Firefly Alpha booster destroyed in ground test. Space News.com article. Pull quote: “In a statement Sept. 29, Firefly said the first stage for the Flight 7 mission “experienced an event that resulted in a loss of the stage.” The company said all personnel involved in the incident, which took place at its Briggs, Texas, test site, were safe.”