Posted: Sat, May 10 9:49 AM ET (1349 GMT)
Rocket Lab won a Neutron launch contract for an Air Force "rocket cargo" program. The cargo test, slated for launch no earlier than 2026, would be a survivability experiment. Neutron is expected to carry a payload that will re-enter Earth's atmosphere, demonstrating the rocket's ability to safely transport and deploy cargo. Rocket Lab did not disclose the value of the contract but executives said in an earnings call Thursday that development of Neutron continues to be on schedule for a first flight later this year.

Related Links:

•  SpaceNews article
•  Rocket Lab press release

Posted: Sat, May 10 9:45 AM ET (1345 GMT)
Capella Space, a company that operates synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, is being acquired by a quantum computing company. IonQ announced Wednesday it is buying Capella Space in a deal whose terms were not disclosed. IonQ said it is buying Capella to support its plans to develop a space-based quantum key distribution (QKD) network, which promises to offer communications with encryption impossible to be broken. IonQ's interest in Capella goes beyond satellite hardware. The radar firm holds classified contracts and operates secure facilities, which could give IonQ a pathway into defense and intelligence markets as it builds out its space-based quantum vision.

Related Links:

•  SpaceNews article
•  IonQ press release

Retired Air Force officer nominated to be NASA deputy administrator
Posted: Sat, May 10 9:44 AM ET (1344 GMT)
The White House has nominated Matthew Anderson, a former Air Force officer, to be NASA's deputy administrator. Anderson served 24 years in the Air...

Space Force seeks additional funding
Posted: Sat, May 10 9:42 AM ET (1342 GMT)
The commanding general of the Space Force told House appropriators that his service needs more funding as its activities grow. At a hearing Tuesday, Gen....

FAA gives environmental approval for increased Starship launch rate
Posted: Sat, May 10 9:40 AM ET (1340 GMT)
The FAA has given environmental approval for a five-fold increase in Starship's launch rate in Texas. The FAA released Tuesday the final environmental...