From this week's Space News newsletter

Posted: 10th September 2026

GE5JIPOD5R6-NM5UxSe2HMovgvkhlhkKXHIqbKDH_8z0y7xOFy2HIg-RVfjDZo3HPFIFfs55RAy.xNYOR02Hyg”>The FCC wants to formally exempt satellite systems from environmental reviews. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr outlined plans Tuesday to vote on an order at the end of the month that would overhaul its approach to the National Environmental Policy Act, one that would confirm its categorical exclusion for satellite licensing as a matter of law and policy. Such systems have traditionally been exempted from reviews for decades, but the growth of broadband constellations and proposals for even larger orbital data center systems have led some to urge the FCC to reconsider that exemption. The FCC will also vote to unlock more than 1,000 megahertz of spectrum in the 12.7 gigahertz and 42 GHz bands for satellite services during its next open meeting. [SpaceNews]

GE5JIPOD5R6-NM5UxSe2HMovgvkhlhkKXHIqbKDH_8z0y7xOFy2HIg-RVfjDZo3HPFIFfs55RAy.xNYOR013Um”>The Pentagon has more than doubled the number of national security launch services it expects to procure. A new Pentagon assessment of the National Security Space Launch, or NSSL, program revealed that the Space Force expects to procure 337 launches over the course of the contract, up from 151 in its 2022 baseline estimate. The numbers highlight a challenge for the Space Force as demand for launches is expanding faster than the pool of rocket companies currently able to compete for much of that business. While seven companies are in Lane 1 of the current NSSL Phase 3 contract, 38 of the 39 missions awarded to date have gone to SpaceX. [SpaceNews]

GE5JIPOD5R6-NM5UxSe2HMovgvkhlhkKXHIqbKDH_8z0y7xOFy2HIg-RVfjDZo3HPFIFfs55RAy.xNYOR013Uo”>A proposed constellation of U.S. space-based missile interceptors could cost tens to hundreds of billions of dollars. A study released Tuesday by the Foreign Policy Research Institute raised doubts about the effectiveness of space-based interceptors for Golden Dome, arguing that even relatively limited missile threats could require thousands of interceptors in orbit. The system could also be vulnerable to relatively inexpensive countermeasures. Their conclusions add to a longstanding debate over whether weapons stationed in orbit can provide an affordable and strategically stable defense against long-range missiles. Pentagon officials say advances in commercial launch, satellite manufacturing, automation and other technologies have changed the economics that doomed earlier efforts. [SpaceNews]

GE5JIPOD5R6-NM5UxSe2HMovgvkhlhkKXHIqbKDH_8z0y7xOFy2HIg-RVfjDZo3HPFIFfs55RAy.xNYOR013Un”>A two-day space summit kicks off today in Paris featuring global and European space issues. The International Space Summit, organized by the French government, is expected to attract 2,000 delegates from as many as 120 nations. The French government plans to release several declarations at the summit on topics such as space sustainability, frequency coordination and sharing of space data, but the contents of the declarations remain under wraps. While billed as an international event, the summit will have a strong European focus as countries discuss what Europe should do to enhance its space capabilities. ESA plans to use the summit to gain support from member states for proposals to be debated at a December meeting that could include starting work on a future reusable launch vehicle and a European human spaceflight program. [SpaceNews]