The first Starlink satellites launched to polar orbit are equipped with laser crosslinks, a technology the company plans to add to other satellites next year. SpaceNews

The founding chief executive of in-space transportation company Momentus is resigning in an effort to overcome U.S. government concerns about foreign control of the company. SpaceNews

Less than a week after leaving the agency, former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine is joining a private equity firm that invests in the aerospace and defense industries. SpaceNews

A “broad area announcement” Jan. 25 asks companies for information on emerging technologies that the Space Development Agency might be interested in funding if they meet specific needs.  SpaceNews

Albedo, the latest space company to join the Y Combinator startup accelerator, plans to establish a satellite constellation offering Earth imagery with a resolution of 10 centimeters per pixel. SpaceNews

China’s steady persistent efforts have allowed it to build a firm foundation from which to compete with the United States. SpaceNews

The urge for exploration and human curiosity combined with an enthusiasm for space will create a large market of public space investors, helping provide the capital fuel for an innovative and growing private space industry. SpaceNews

Electric propulsion company Phase Four flew its first plasma thrusters on two spacecraft that were part of a SpaceX dedicated rideshare launch Jan. 24. SpaceNews

A SpaceX Falcon 9 launched 143 small satellites for a wide range of customers Jan. 24 on the company's first dedicated rideshare mission, a service that poses a competitive threat to emerging small launch vehicles. SpaceNews

President Biden is not expected to make abrupt changes to U.S. national security programs but there is particular uncertainty surrounding the Space Force. SpaceNews

The Missile Defense Agency awarded Northrop Grumman a $155 million contract Jan. 22. L3Harris received a $121 million contract Jan. 14. SpaceNews

A proposal to replace the giant radio telescope at Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico with a new facility suggests it could be used for tracking space objects as well as for scientific research. SpaceNews

SpaceX's Transporter-1, a rideshare mission scheduled to launch Jan. 23 could set a new record for the most satellites ever launched in a single flight.  SpaceNews

French startup ThrustMe has performed the first on-orbit tests of an innovative iodine-fueled electric propulsion system, proving its ability to change a CubeSat’s orbit. SpaceNews

After fraying relations in recent years, officials with the European Union and European Space Agency say they’re committed to rebuilding a more cooperative relationship on space programs. SpaceNews

Google announced Jan. 21 it is shutting down Loon, a venture to provide wireless connectivity by balloon that has been seen as both complementary to and competitive with satellite networks. SpaceNews

A recent NASA mission successfully demonstrated the performance of a non-toxic “green” propellant, creating opportunities for its use in a wide range of future spacecraft. SpaceNews

Northrop Grumman announced Jan. 21 it completed a static firing of the strap-on solid booster it developed for United Launch Alliance’s new Vulcan Centaur rocket.  SpaceNews

As many as 116 graduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy this year will join the U.S. Space Force. SpaceNews

The chief executive of  Virgin Orbit's sister company VOX Space called on the Biden administration to continue the National Space Council. SpaceNews