Browse the complete archive of aerospace journalism with contextual analysis
On June 30, 2026, Rocket Lab launched a Japanese Earth-observing radar satellite, QPS-SAR-13, into a circular orbit 357 miles above Earth as part of a constellation of 36 satellites. This launch marks Rocket Lab's 92nd mission to date and has significant implications for the aerospace industry.
Following an explosive accident last month, Blue Origin has begun rebuilding its launch pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, incorporating significant design changes to support future New Glenn rocket launches. The revamped facility is expected to be operational by the end of the year, enabling Blue Origin to resume its pursuit of low Earth orbit missions.
During a 7-hour spacewalk, NASA astronauts Chris Williams and Jessica Meir repaired the Canadarm2 robotic arm on the International Space Station, restoring its functionality. The successful repair ensures the continued operation of the crucial arm, which plays a vital role in the station's maintenance and scientific research.
A severe heat wave swept across Europe in June 2026, resulting in over 1,300 deaths and breaking temperature records across the continent. The European Space Agency"s Sentinel-3 satellite captured land surface temperature data during this period, providing valuable insights into the extreme weather event.
SSC Space and Firefly have announced plans to conduct the first orbital launch from Sweden’s Esrange spaceport in 2028, marking a significant milestone for the European aerospace industry. The launch will utilize Firefly’s Alpha rocket and target sun-synchronous and polar orbits.
Orbital has filed plans with the Federal Communications Commission to launch up to 100,000 data center satellites into low Earth orbit by 2028, aiming to provide 10 gigawatts of computing power from space. The company intends to use SpaceX"s Starship for launch and will rely on optical intersatellite links for primary data transmission.
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory has begun its 10-year Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) mission, aiming to significantly advance our understanding of the universe by studying dark energy and dark matter. This endeavor marks a major milestone in astronomical research, leveraging cutting-edge technology to unravel some of the cosmos" most profound mysteries.
A recent summit explored the concept of sending humans to Titan, Saturn's largest moon, as a potential next destination for human exploration after Mars, citing its dense atmosphere and unique weather system as key factors. The mission, which could utilize Titan as a hub for further sample-return missions, is still in the planning stages with a potential launch date scheduled for no earlier than 2028.
NASA has announced an update to its plans for establishing a moon base near the lunar south pole, with construction relying on robotic lunar rovers and landers, and upcoming Artemis missions playing a crucial role in testing key technologies. The agency will provide further details on the next set of awards for new lunar lander missions.
California-based launch company Rocket Lab has acquired satellite communications giant Iridium for $8 billion, expanding its capabilities in space communications and paving the way for next-generation applications. This significant acquisition brings together two major players in the aerospace industry, with implications for the future of global communication networks.
On June 30, NASA astronauts Chris Williams and Jessica Meir performed a 6.5-hour spacewalk to replace a malfunctioned wrist joint on the International Space Station's Canadarm2 robotic arm. The successful repair ensures the continued functionality of the critical arm, which plays a vital role in station maintenance and operations.
China has established a national alliance to promote the development of very low Earth orbit (VLEO) technology, as several satellites demonstrate sustained operations in orbits below 300 kilometers. This move is expected to have significant implications for the aerospace industry, particularly in the areas of Earth observation and communications.
The European Space Agency (ESA) will rely on external lunar topographic data for the design phase of its Argonaut lunar lander, with plans to develop its own mapping capability for later missions. The agency aims to launch the first Argonaut mission to the lunar south pole in 2030, with follow-on missions expected every two to three years.
NASA's upcoming astrophysics missions, including the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and the Habitable Worlds Observatory, are poised to significantly expand our understanding of the universe, with contributions from industry partners like BAE Systems. These missions will employ cutting-edge technologies to explore the cosmos in unprecedented detail.
Rocket Lab has announced its plans to acquire Iridium, a leading provider of satellite-based communication services, for $8 billion, with the acquisition expected to close in mid-2027. This strategic move is set to expand Rocket Lab's capabilities and enable new applications beyond Iridium's core offerings.
The emergence of quantum computing technology is expected to compromise the security of satellite communications in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) as early as 2029, posing a significant risk to national security and data integrity. This development has major implications for the aerospace industry, with experts warning of potential "harvest now, decrypt later" operations by nation-states.
Rocket Lab has agreed to acquire satellite telecommunications company Iridium for $8 billion, marking a significant expansion into the satellite services market. The deal values Iridium at $8 billion and gives Rocket Lab control of its constellation of 66 satellites.
The Perseverance rover has completed a marathon distance of 26.2 miles on Mars, marking a significant technical milestone in the mission. This achievement demonstrates the rover's durability and capabilities, providing valuable insights into the Martian environment.
British thermal imaging startup SatVu has restarted commercial operations with the launch of HotSat-2, a satellite designed to deliver mid-wave infrared imagery to government and commercial customers. This development marks a significant milestone for the company after its debut satellite, HotSat-1, failed in low Earth orbit in 2023.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to launch the SXM-11 satellite, manufactured by Lanteris Space Systems, to replace two aging satellites in geostationary Earth orbit. The launch will take place on June 28, 2026, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, marking a significant milestone in the refresh of SiriusXM's constellation.
On June 28, SpaceX will launch the SXM-11 satellite for SiriusXM from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, marking the company's fourth launch for the radio service provider. The mission will utilize a Falcon 9 rocket to deliver the 15,400-pound spacecraft into an elliptical geosynchronous transfer orbit.
On Sunday, March 13, 2026, at 7:36 a.m. PDT, SpaceX successfully launched its final Starlink mission of the month from Vandenberg Space Force Base, adding 24 broadband internet satellites to its low Earth orbit constellation. This launch marks another significant step in SpaceX's efforts to expand its satellite network.
NASA's Perseverance rover has discovered complex carbon in Martian rocks, while the agency faces uncertainty over the return to flight of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. Additionally, NASA is investing $30 million in a rescue mission for the aging Swift telescope.
Blue Origin is currently repairing its Cape Canaveral launch pad after an explosion occurred during a fueling test of the New Glenn rocket, with plans to resume launches by the end of 2026. The incident has significant implications for the company's involvement in NASA's Artemis program and the broader aerospace industry.