Slow mantle flow built Antarctica gravity low over tens of millions of years
Gravity feels stable in everyday life, but its strength varies across the surface of the planet, and it is weakest beneath Antarctica after accounting for Earth rotation. These subtle variations arise from differences in rock density deep inside the planet, and around Antarctica they create a pronounced gravity low that also affects regional sea level by allowing the nearby ocean surface to sit Airbus taps Synspective SAR radar network for expanded Earth imaging
Airbus Defence and Space has signed a new radar satellite data framework agreement with Japanese Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) specialist Synspective Inc. to broaden its space-based radar coverage for Earth observation customers worldwide.
Under the agreement, Airbus gains access to Synspective's growing constellation of SAR satellites, which will operate alongside Airbus's existing radar BlackSky expands Gen-3 assured access for international defense customer
BlackSky Technology Inc. has secured a new seven figure Assured contract that deepens its relationship with an international defense customer seeking guaranteed access to Gen 2 and Gen 3 satellite capabilities. The agreement extends uncontested tasking priority and real time delivery of imagery and AI enabled analytics over the country's key areas of interest.
The Assured model gives the c NRO expands commercial multi-phenomenology surveillance awards
The National Reconnaissance Office has issued the first three awards under its Strategic Commercial Enhancements Commercial Solutions Opening, advancing the agency's shift toward multi-phenomenology commercial remote sensing capabilities that combine several sensing modalities to support intelligence missions.
Under this initial tranche, HEO will provide non-Earth imagery, SatVu will deliv UK backs in orbit production of high value materials
The UK Space Agency has placed three new study contracts with British companies to assess how advanced materials could be manufactured in Low Earth Orbit for use back on Earth. The projects focus on life-saving medicines, high performance optical fibre and next generation semiconductor materials, all produced using the unique environment of space.
In orbit manufacturing can exploit microgr AALTO plans Zephyr stratospheric hub in northern Australia and seeks local payload partners
AALTO HAPS Ltd, an Airbus subsidiary that develops and operates the Zephyr solar-powered Stratocraft, plans to establish its second launch and landing site in northern Australia as it expands stratospheric operations and services. The proposed AALTOPORT in Australia would complement the company's existing launch and landing base in Kenya, which opened in 2024, and is aimed at supporting a nation Gilat wins 9 million dollar MOD deal for secure defense satcom
Gilat Satellite Networks has secured a 9 million dollar contract from Israel's Ministry of Defense to supply and integrate satellite communication systems and services for defense operations. The award was announced by the company's defense division, Gilat Defense, which will deliver next generation defense modems as a core element of Gilat's ground system defense solution.
The new modems Agile Space Industries Oversubscribed $17M Series A Accelerates Growth of In-Space Propulsion Capabilities

Japan’s ispace warns of delays in new lunar lander engine

Japanese lunar company ispace said work on a new engine for its lunar landers is facing delays and that it is keeping open the option of switching engines.
Webb maps Uranus's mysterious upper atmosphere
For the first time, an international team of astronomers have mapped the vertical structure of Uranus’s upper atmosphere, uncovering how temperature and charged particles vary with height across the planet. Using NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope's NIRSpec instrument, the team observed Uranus for nearly a full rotation, detecting the faint glow from molecules high above the clouds. The results offer a new window into how ice-giant planets distribute energy in their upper layers.
