Space Technology Summary

In recent developments within the space technology sector, the Space Economy Jobs Report indicates that Texas is experiencing a boom in the aerospace industry, with predictions of 100,000 new jobs being created over the next decade.

This surge is expected to offer salaries above the national average without requiring a college degree. On the satellite communications front, there was a concerning incident where a Chinese spacecraft came alarmingly close to a SpaceX Starlink satellite, passing within 200 meters while traveling at speeds over 17,400 miles per hour.

This near-miss highlights the critical need for enhanced coordination among satellite operators, according to SpaceX's Vice President of Engineering. Additionally, SpaceX is making waves in the financial sector, with a recent insider share sale valuing the company at approximately $800 billion and confirming plans for a 2026 IPO.

Meanwhile, American Airlines is reportedly considering Amazon's Starlink competitor for its in-flight Wi-Fi services, which has drawn criticism from SpaceX employees, including CEO Elon Musk, who took to social media to express their disapproval.