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On August 2, 1971, NASA"s Apollo 15 mission successfully televised a lunar liftoff for the first time, marking a significant technical milestone in space exploration. This achievement was part of a broader mission that included the first use of a lunar rover and a three-day stay on the Moon"s surface.
SpaceX's Starship has demonstrated its ability to survive reentry and float in the ocean, while NASA's Roman Space Telescope is set to launch on August 30. These developments mark significant milestones in the pursuit of space exploration and research.
NASA is evaluating a proposal to send a lunar rover called PROMISE to the moon's south pole in the early 2030s, with an estimated cost exceeding $1 billion. The mission would leverage engineering models from the Curiosity and Perseverance Mars rovers, bringing significant capabilities to the lunar surface.
SpaceX successfully launched its next batch of Starlink satellites from California, adding 24 broadband internet satellites to the low Earth orbit constellation. The mission, which was delayed four days from its original date, marks the 26th flight of the Falcon 9 first stage B1081.
On July 24, 2026, SpaceX successfully launched its Starship on its 13th test flight, with a next-generation Starlink satellite capturing a 65-second video of the spacecraft in space. The mission marked a significant milestone for SpaceX, demonstrating the capabilities of its Starship and Starlink technologies.
Researchers have discovered seven quasars that are acting as gravitational lenses, which could help scientists understand the growth and evolution of supermassive black holes. This breakthrough was made possible by using artificial intelligence to analyze data from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument.
On July 24, 2026, SpaceX"s Starship upper stage achieved a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean after launching 20 next-gen Starlink satellites, marking a significant technical milestone for the company. This successful test flight brings SpaceX closer to its goal of making the Starship system rapidly reusable.
The Spanish government has committed to allocate between 1.6 billion and 2 billion euros to develop a national military satellite communications constellation, which could be integrated into the planned IRIS² multi-orbit satellite internet constellation. This investment is expected to enhance the country's military communication capabilities and contribute to the broader IRIS² project, designed to secure governmental satellite communications for the EU.
The National Spacepower Center, an industry-backed education and simulation center, has been established to provide policymakers and the public with a better understanding of military operations in space through immersive simulations. The center uses advanced technology to demonstrate complex concepts such as orbital mechanics and dogfighting in space.
The US Space Force has awarded a contract worth up to $981 million to 15 companies for the development of a space training range, which will be used to simulate threats against US satellites and practice responding to them. This contract will support the creation of the National Space Test and Training Complex, enhancing the Space Force's capabilities in space warfare training.
NASA and Boeing are collaborating to resolve propulsion system issues with the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, with a potential flight opportunity for the Starliner-1 mission in the fourth quarter of this year. A successful mission would pave the way for the spacecraft's first long-duration crew rotation mission in 2027.
The increasing importance of space-based capabilities in modern warfare has been highlighted by recent conflicts, with commercial space technologies playing a crucial role in enabling precision-guided munitions and preserving communications. This development has significant implications for the aerospace industry and global security.
NASA plans to launch two maneuverable probes to lunar orbit in 2027 to study the complex gravitational environment near the moon, with the mission aiming to test communication and navigation systems for future lunar missions. The probes will fly in formation, providing valuable insights into three-body orbits and cislunar space.
On July 31, 1971, NASA's Apollo 15 astronauts successfully deployed and operated the Lunar Roving Vehicle on the moon's surface, achieving a significant technical milestone in space exploration. This historic event marked the first time a vehicle was used on the lunar surface, paving the way for future planetary missions.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a waiver of certain environmental regulations for commercial space launches and re-entries, aiming to streamline the licensing process amidst growing demand for launch services. This move has sparked criticism from conservation and tribal groups, who argue that it may have significant environmental implications.
K2 Space has raised $500 million in new funding, valuing the company at $6.8 billion, as it prepares to expand production of its commercial and military satellites. This significant investment will enable the company to build up to 100 large satellites per year, further establishing its presence in the growing aerospace industry.
The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is set to launch on August 30, nine months ahead of schedule, aboard a Falcon Heavy rocket from the Kennedy Space Center, marking a significant milestone in NASA"s mission to conduct broad surveys in cosmology and exoplanet studies. The spacecraft will maneuver to the Earth-Sun L-2 Lagrange point, where it will perform stationkeeping and downlink large amounts of data.
Jim Bridenstine, the former administrator of NASA, has taken on a new role as CEO of Quantum Space, where he is driving a strategic shift towards proliferation in low Earth orbit. This move has significant implications for the aerospace industry, particularly in the context of the newly established Space Force.
Rocket Lab has been awarded a contract to launch three of its Electron rockets for Japan"s iQPS, carrying radar-imaging satellites into low Earth orbit starting in late 2027. This deal marks the third multi-launch agreement between the two companies within the last year, contributing to iQPS" goal of deploying a 24-satellite constellation by May 2028.
A team of scientists has identified a rare, triple-lobed asteroid, designated 44 Nysa, located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, which also features a small moon. This discovery provides new insights into the formation and evolution of asteroids in our solar system.
A spent SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage is expected to collide with the moon on August 5, potentially creating a visible impact for observers with sensitive telescopes. The event provides an opportunity for scientists to test their ability to localize impacts on the lunar surface.
The US Department of Transportation has proposed a rule to exempt commercial space launch licensing from many environmental regulations, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), in a move that has been praised by the industry but criticized by environmental groups. This proposal aims to streamline the regulatory process for commercial space launches, but its potential impact on the environment and endangered species is a subject of concern.
The U.S. Space Force has awarded SpaceX a $1.6 billion contract to launch 18 Falcon 9 missions in support of its military satellite constellations, with the launches scheduled to take place from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California by 2027. This contract is part of the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 program and underscores the growing partnership between SpaceX and the U.S. military.
The US Space Force has awarded a $250 million contract to All Points Logistics to expand satellite processing capacity at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, aiming to support the launch of various satellites by 2029. This investment is part of the Commercial Solutions Opening initiative, enhancing the base's infrastructure for spacecraft preparation.