The space stories that will shape 2026

Описание: In this episode of Space Minds, host Mike Gruss is joined by SpaceNews journalists Jason Rainbow, Sandra Erwin, Jeff Foust and Debra Werner for a wide-ranging conversation on the space stories that will define the year ahead.

The panel examines intensifying competition in satellite broadband and direct-to-device connectivity, the future of NASA and Artemis under new leadership, rising defense and security demands, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence across space systems. Together, they offer their insight into the policy, commercial, and technological shifts shaping the global space economy.

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About Space Minds

Space Minds is a new audio and video podcast from SpaceNews that focuses on the inspiring leaders, technologies and exciting opportunities in space.

This weekly podcast features compelling interviews with scientists, founders and experts who love to talk about space, covers the news that has enthusiasts daydreaming, and engages with listeners. Join David Ariosto, Mike Gruss and journalists from the SpaceNews team for new episodes every Thursday.

Space Minds Podcast
https://spacenews.com/space-minds-pod...

Time Markers
00:00 – Episode introduction
00:39 - Host introduction
01:23 – What to watch in space in early 2026
01:38 – Amazon’s LEO broadband push and satellite competition
02:09 – Space Force budgets and national security priorities
03:11 – Artificial intelligence accelerating spacecraft autonomy
04:09 – NASA’s future under new leadership and Artemis pressure
06:57 – Space supply chain bottlenecks and workforce challenges
10:27 – Why international governments are buying U.S. commercial space
13:36 – Sovereign space capabilities and global space agency growth
18:33 – How SpaceNews covers startups amid industry noise
22:08 – Lunar Terrain Vehicle contract timeline
24:38 – Blue Origin momentum, New Glenn, and lunar ambitions
28:39 – Amazon Kuiper launch risks and deployment challenges
29:48 – The future of direct-to-device satellite connectivity
32:04 – Globalstar acquisition rumors and spectrum value
34:10 – Cybersecurity threats and resilient space architectures
36:41 - The SpaceNews paywall

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