Space Technology Summary

Jared Isaacman has been confirmed by the US Senate as NASA's new chief, making him the agency's 15th leader. His nomination passed with a vote of 67 to 30, following a previous withdrawal and re-nomination by President Trump.

In other space technology news, SpaceX conducted a doubleheader launch on December 17, 2025, successfully sending Starlink satellites into orbit from both Kennedy Space Center in Florida and Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

Meanwhile, Tesla has filed a patent indicating plans to integrate Starlink satellite antennas into its vehicles, furthering the collaboration between the two companies. Additionally, Starlink's Direct to Cell service is set to launch in Africa in 2026, partnering with Airtel Africa to enhance mobile connectivity in regions with limited access.

Lastly, California startup Vast is inviting scientists to submit research proposals for experiments aboard its upcoming Haven-1 private space station, which is scheduled for launch next year on a SpaceX rocket.