Signals
8 high priorityLeading indicators from FCC filings, hiring patterns, patents, SEC filings, and more.
Space Force releases RFI for next-gen space domain awareness constellation
Space Force released a Request for Information for a "Resilient Space Domain Awareness Constellation" with capabilities including real-time tracking of objects below 10cm. Responses due Feb 28.
Impulse Space posts 47 new positions in 2 weeks
Impulse Space added 47 job listings across propulsion engineering (15), thermal systems (12), GNC (8), and software (12). This hiring rate is 3x their normal cadence and suggests accelerated development timeline for Helios OTV.
Firefly Aerospace signs MOU with South Korean defense ministry
Firefly signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration for potential launch services and technology cooperation, expanding their international defense market access.
Relativity Space Terran R second stage full-duration test fire
Relativity Space completed a full-duration test fire of the Terran R second stage engine at Stennis Space Center. All test objectives met. This was the last major test milestone before first launch attempt.
Blue Origin files 23 Ka-band experimental licenses
Blue Origin filed a cluster of experimental FCC licenses for Ka-band frequencies (26.5-40 GHz) across multiple ground station locations. This frequency range is typically used for broadband satellite constellations. No public announcement of a constellation program has been made.
Former NRO Director joins Capella Space board
The former Director of the National Reconnaissance Office joined Capella Space's board of directors. This appointment deepens Capella's intelligence community connections ahead of expected contract renewals.
Vast Space hiring spree: 85 positions across manufacturing and ops
Vast Space posted 85 new positions, heavily weighted toward manufacturing engineers (28), systems integration (15), and mission operations (12). This aligns with Haven-1 moving from design to production phase.
AST SpaceMobile requests modification to 900 MHz spectrum authorization
AST SpaceMobile filed for expanded spectrum authorization in the 900 MHz band, suggesting potential expansion of direct-to-device service to additional frequency bands beyond their initial V-band allocation.
Rocket Lab files S-3 shelf registration for $500M
Rocket Lab filed an S-3 shelf registration enabling them to raise up to $500M through various securities. Timing suggests potential capital raise to fund Neutron development ahead of first launch.
Anduril opens 30+ "Space Systems" positions — new division?
Anduril Industries posted over 30 positions tagged "Space Systems" including satellite bus engineers, orbital mechanics specialists, and space mission software leads. This appears to be a new division not previously announced.
SpaceX patents novel heat shield tile manufacturing process
SpaceX was granted a patent for a new ceramic heat shield tile manufacturing process that reduces production time by an estimated 70%. This has direct implications for Starship production rate.
Axiom Space and Thales Alenia Space expand station module partnership
Axiom and Thales Alenia announced an expanded partnership for additional station modules beyond the initial AxStation configuration, suggesting Axiom is planning a larger station than initially disclosed.
Stoke Space completes full-stack integrated test of Nova rocket
Stoke Space conducted a full-stack integrated test including second stage recovery sequence simulation. First orbital attempt now targeting Q2 2026.
Amazon Kuiper files for 7,774 additional satellite authorizations
Amazon subsidiary Kuiper Systems filed an amendment to expand their authorized constellation from 3,236 to over 11,000 satellites. This would put Kuiper in direct scale competition with Starlink.
Planet Labs insider buying: CEO purchases $2.3M in shares
Planet Labs CEO purchased 450,000 shares at an average price of $5.12, totaling $2.3M. Insider buying at this scale often signals management confidence in upcoming catalysts.
NASA posts Sources Sought for commercial Mars cargo delivery
NASA posted a Sources Sought notice for "Mars Cargo Delivery Services" seeking industry input on commercial approaches to delivering payloads to Mars orbit and surface. This appears to be an early-stage program concept.
Orbit Fab files patent for autonomous fuel depot docking system
Orbit Fab filed a patent for an AI-driven autonomous docking system for orbital fuel depots, suggesting advancement beyond their current RAFTI interface toward fully autonomous refueling operations.