This Week in Space Tech: Sept. 8 to 14, 2025
A big week for launches, a possible Mars biosignature, and fresh capital for fast-rising startups.
The International Space Station orbiting Earth. Photo: NASA
Welcome to This Week In SpaceTech. Here are the key moves that mattered across rockets, science, and startups.
🚀 Launches and On-Orbit Operations
SpaceX lofted Indonesia's Nusantara Lima to geosynchronous transfer orbit from Florida on September 11 after several weather delays, confirming deployment the same evening.
The Space Development Agency kicked off its Tranche 1 Transport Layer from Vandenberg on September 10, placing 21 satellites that expand the Pentagon's mesh network in LEO.
A Starlink batch flew from Vandenberg on September 13, further lifting the 2025 deployment pace.
Russia launched Progress MS-32 toward the ISS on September 11, delivering ~2.8 tons of cargo ahead of a September 13 rendezvous.
Northrop Grumman's first Cygnus XL cargo freighter flew on September 14 via Falcon 9, debuting an upsized resupply ship to the Station.
🌍 Global Launch Pace
China launched Yaogan-45 on September 9 using a modified Long March-7 from Wenchang, adding to its reconnaissance fleet.
Geely's space arm added 11 satellites on September 8 using Smart Dragon-3 from a sea platform, growing its mobility and IoT constellation.
Russia lifted a GLONASS-K1 navigation satellite from Plesetsk on September 13, sustaining its GNSS refresh.
🔬 Science and Exploration
Breaking: NASA scientists highlighted a potential biosignature in a Perseverance sample nicknamed "Sapphire Canyon" — stressing it is not proof of life but a compelling target for further study.
💼 Startup and Industry Moves
Apex became a unicorn after a new funding round, reflecting surging demand for defense-oriented space systems.
Astroscale signed a launch agreement with NewSpace India Limited for a debris-inspection mission, strengthening its orbital-services pipeline.
Finland's ReOrbit raised €45 million to scale its sovereign smallsat platforms, a notable European check in a geopolitically charged market.
Stay tuned for next week's developments in the rapidly evolving space industry.