The week from October 16 to 25 2025 presented a remarkable cross-section of global space activity. Commercial launch operators achieved record numbers, governments advanced crew and cargo systems, and international agencies made structural changes to maintain competitiveness. This digest summarizes those developments, drawing on primary reporting from multiple international outlets.
North America
SpaceX launches 28 Starlink satellites on the 130th Falcon 9 mission of 2025 – SpaceX carried 28 Starlink satellites into orbit, marking its 130th launch of 2025. The company’s 550th Falcon 9 flight from Vandenberg Space Force Base underlined the maturity of its reusable system. Later that week, an expendable Falcon 9 placed SpainSat NG-2 into GTO orbit for Hisdesat, demonstrating full-performance launch capability.
NASA stacks Artemis II Orion atop SLS for crewed lunar fly-by mission – NASA integrated the Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System rocket at Kennedy Space Center, completing one of the final steps before Artemis II launch preparations. The same week, the agency announced plans to reopen its Artemis III lander competition amid Starship delays, seeking additional contractors to ensure schedule stability.
U.S. Air Force greenlights up to 100 SpaceX launches annually from Vandenberg – A new environmental record of decision doubled the previous authorization for Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy operations from Vandenberg Space Force Base. This approval reflects Washington’s policy to integrate commercial launch providers into defense and civilian space architecture on an unprecedented scale.
Europe
A new partnership hopes to strengthen the European aerospace sector and block Elon Musk’s Starlink (Le Monde) – On October 24, Airbus Defence and Space, Thales Alenia Space, and Leonardo S.p.A. finalized plans to merge their space divisions into a new European entity based in Toulouse. With 25,000 employees and revenues estimated at €6.5 billion, the organization seeks to reduce fragmentation and improve competitiveness against American mega-constellations such as Starlink.
European firms agree satellite merger to counter Starlink (Reuters) – The deal represents Europe’s largest aerospace consolidation in two decades. The European Space Agency confirmed that the VINCI upper-stage engine for Ariane 6 will be assembled at DLR Lampoldshausen in Germany, supporting long-term launcher sustainability and industrial synergy across Europe’s supply chain.
Asia and Emerging Nations
ISRO’s Gaganyaan reaches 90% completion ahead of historic human spaceflight (Times of India) – Chairman V. Narayanan confirmed that the Gaganyaan mission is in final integration stages, including its human-rated launch vehicle and life-support systems. When operational, India will join the United States, Russia, and China in independent crewed launch capability.
Japan successfully launches cargo spacecraft to International Space Station (Phys.org) – Japan’s H3 rocket launched the HTV-X1 spacecraft from the Tanegashima Space Center, enhancing its cargo supply capacity. Separately, Bengaluru startup GalaxEye Space announced plans to launch India’s largest private commercial satellite aboard a SpaceX rideshare in 2026.
Launch and Operational Metrics
SpaceX launches 28 Starlink satellites on 550th Falcon 9 mission (Spaceflight Now) – As of late October, SpaceX had completed over 130 orbital missions in 2025, averaging one launch every 2½ days. More than 1 200 booster recoveries have been documented, establishing a benchmark for reusable launch operations.
The Space Report 2025 Q2 (Space Foundation) – The global space economy was valued at US $613 billion in 2024, with commercial enterprises comprising 78 percent. Growth drivers include low Earth orbit communications, Earth-observation services, and dual-use defense networks integrating civilian data applications.
Policy and Strategic Developments
NASA reopens Artemis III moon-landing contract as SpaceX falls behind schedule in Texas (Houston Chronicle) – NASA re-opened bidding for its Artemis III lander due to Starship delays, potentially inviting Blue Origin or other contractors to share the work. The decision addresses single-vendor risk and adds redundancy to future lunar missions.
SpaceX Major Winner as Space Force Doles Out $1 Billion in Launch Contracts (Investor’s Business Daily) – Under the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 program, SpaceX, ULA, and Blue Origin secured major awards for defense payload delivery. In Europe, ESA and its newly merged industrial partner network are coordinating procurement frameworks to maintain competition while achieving scale.
Observation and Imagery
Full bloom in space: Viral X post reveals unseen details of NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite (Times of India) – A high-resolution image of the NISAR satellite antenna deployed in orbit captured public attention. The 12-metre radar instrument symbolizes a new era of Earth-observation cooperation between NASA and ISRO focused on ecosystem monitoring and geophysical research.
Environmental and Sustainability Themes
Space debris mitigation focus intensifies worldwide (Wikipedia Summary) – Record launch rates have renewed global attention to orbital traffic management and active debris removal initiatives. Commercial and governmental operators are co-developing policies to maintain safe low-Earth orbit operations and preserve sustainability.
Hydrogen and methalox propellants advance as cleaner launch alternatives (Wikipedia Summary) – Propulsion research continues to emphasize low-emission fuels. Engines like VINCI and RL10 using hydrogen–oxygen offer reduced environmental impact, while methane-oxygen systems balance performance and efficiency for next-generation rockets.
Summary
From North America’s launch records to Europe’s industrial realignment and Asia’s emerging programs, the period illustrated a mature, globally interconnected space sector. Government programs and commercial providers increasingly operate in tandem, supported by expanding private investment and policy adaptation.
Sustainability and industrial resilience remain central themes. The week’s developments show how space activity is transitioning from national competition to strategic collaboration within a shared framework of responsible access to orbit and an evolving space economy.
