The WildFireSat constellation will include 7 active satellites, 2 on-orbit spares, and 1 spare on the ground, with the first prototype expected to launch in 2029.

OroraTech is a key partner to Spire Global Canada, which is developing Canada's WildFireSat constellation of 10 small satellites.

OroraTech is a startup based in Munich, Germany with an office in Vancouver.

OroraTech launched a 6U CubeSat named Forest-2 in 2022.

Spacecoin has secured a transmission license with the Communications Authority of Kenya to deliver satellite IoT monitoring solutions and expand connectivity in underconnected regions.

Spacecoin is building upon its existing license from the Nigerian Communications Commission to bring high-speed, low-cost connectivity to rural communities.

Spacecoin has signed agreements to pilot satellite internet demonstrations in Kenya, Nigeria, Indonesia, and Cambodia.

Spacecoin is working with local partners and government agencies in Indonesia to deliver internet access.

Spacecoin will provide core technology and satellite infrastructure for its connectivity pilots in four countries.

Spacecoin has a strategic partnership with MekongNet in Cambodia to provide satellite internet to rural and underserved populations.

Spacecoin transmitted a blockchain transaction from space and launched three satellites in November to test decentralized, permissionless internet service.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright met with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman at the Department of Energy headquarters in Washington on January 8, 2026.

The naming of spacecraft using cultural references is not new for SpaceX.

The announcement about the name was made through a content post published on X by Astronomy Vibes.

The first Starship mission to Mars is named 'Heart of Gold'.

Elon Musk announced the name 'Heart of Gold' for the first Starship to Mars.

The assignment of a specific name to the Mars-bound Starship highlights the symbolic importance of the mission within SpaceX's strategy.

The post was published on January 13, 2026.

The name 'Heart of Gold' references the spaceship from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.

Starship is a fully reusable launch system developed by SpaceX for missions in terrestrial, lunar, and interplanetary orbits.

As CIO, Arrington will oversee the protection and modernization of IonQ’s global enterprise systems.

IonQ plans to expand the security of quantum networking to satellite networks.

As DoD CIO, Arrington advised the Defense Secretary on enterprise information management, satellite capabilities, cyber assurance, and space policy.

IonQ has been expanding its activity in the space industry.

Arrington previously served as deputy CIO for cybersecurity in the Department of Defense.

Arrington keynoted CyberSat in November 2022, discussing the relationships between the commercial space industry and government.

IonQ announced that Leslie Kershaw will advance to a newly expanded role as chief information security officer (CISO), reporting to Arrington.

IonQ acquired Capella Space last year and plans to acquire optical communications company Skyloom Global.

IonQ hired Katie Arrington as its new chief information officer (CIO).

Arrington's appointment reflects her mission to ensure U.S. warfighters and agencies have access to advanced secure technology.

Arrington will safeguard digital assets and supply chains and strengthen cyber resilience at IonQ.

Katie Arrington previously performed the duties of the Department of Defense’s chief information officer.

Niccolo de Masi, CEO of IonQ, stated that Arrington's passion for advancing breakthrough innovation will help accelerate the company's growth.

IonQ announced Arrington's appointment on January 14.

A French parliamentary committee raised concerns about German and Italian space spending during the ratification of the ESA's Paris headquarters agreement.

The first launches of 2026 also lofted Guowang satellites.

China's first launches of 2026 included sending Yaogan spacecraft into an unusual orbit.

China is expected to have more than 100 launches in 2026.

The damaged Shenzhou-20 crew spacecraft is scheduled to attempt reentry and landing between 0120-0150 UTC on January 19, 2026.

The reentry and landing of Shenzhou-20 will be uncrewed.

Cosmic Penguin posted a video showing a view from a somewhat foggy camera at the pad on January 14, 2026.

The LM-6A/Yaogan 50-01 launch provided orbit data through USSF @SpaceTrackOrg.

The satellite 2026-006A has an orbit of 702 x 944 km at an inclination of 142.00°.

The satellite 2026-006B has an orbit of 543 x 828 km at an inclination of 142.04°.

None of the Indian private space firms insured satellites on PSLV-C62.

SpaceX Falcon 9 B1085-13 launched Starlink 6-98 from SLC-40.

SLC-40 has nearly set a record for the most orbital-bound rocket launches from the same pad in history, with only two R-7/Soyuz pads in Soviet days as exceptions.

SpaceX achieved the first-ever sub-2 days pad turnaround with Starlink 6-97.

The Falcon 9 launch on Starlink 6-98 set a new pad turnaround record for SpaceX of just 45 hours.

Gagarin's Start at Baikonur holds a 23:32 record between launching the 3rd and 4th Soviet human spaceflight missions, Vostok-3 and Vostok-4.