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A recent report from NASA's Office of Inspector General reveals that the agency has spent $5.9 billion on hardware for its Artemis program, which may not be utilized due to changes in mission plans. The expenditure is associated with the development of the Space Launch System (SLS) and other components intended to support lunar exploration.
Eclipse Space, a startup founded by former SpaceX engineers, aims to provide megaconstellations to governments and companies seeking greater control over space-based infrastructure, with plans to launch a demonstration spacecraft in 2027. This development has significant implications for the broader aerospace industry, as it could broaden access to satellite technology and enable more organizations to leverage space-based assets.
On June 30, NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Chris Williams performed a spacewalk to repair the malfunctioning Canadarm2 robotic arm on the International Space Station, highlighting concerns over the station's long-term health and the need for sustained maintenance efforts. The successful repair is part of a series of planned spacewalks aimed at ensuring the continued operation of the ISS ahead of its scheduled retirement in 2030.
On June 27, 2026, a potentially hazardous asteroid, roughly the size of a skyscraper, will pass within seven lunar distances of Earth, offering astronomers and stargazers a rare opportunity to observe the object up close. The event is not considered high-risk, but it provides valuable insights into the asteroid's composition and trajectory.
NASA has selected Rocket Lab to launch two science missions, PolSIR and TSIS-2, on Electron rockets in 2027, aiming to study tropical cloud ice crystals and solar energy entering Earth"s atmosphere. The launches will take place from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand, with the spacecraft destined for separate orbits inclined at 52 degrees.
The GEMS2-Amethyst satellite, launched by SpaceX, has successfully released its first light imagery using a commercial microwave radiometer to collect global atmospheric observations. This development marks a significant step forward in the collection of 3D atmospheric temperature and moisture profiles, with potential implications for improved weather forecasting.
The US Space Force has awarded a contract to Boeing to build two next-generation Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellites, which will provide secure voice, data, and messaging services to troops worldwide. The new satellites are expected to launch in 2031 and 2032.
Botswana has become the 68th country to sign the Artemis Accords, a set of principles aimed at promoting safe and sustainable space exploration, during a ceremony held at NASA Headquarters on June 25. This move underscores the country's commitment to responsible space activities and cooperation with the global aerospace community.
Researchers have identified two super-puff exoplanets, dubbed TOI-791 b and TOI-791 c, which are orbiting the same star, TOI-791, located approximately 1,110 light-years from Earth. These extraordinary planets have densities lower than that of cotton candy, making them the lightest gas giants discovered to date.
SpaceX has announced its intention to launch a massive AI satellite constellation called Starmind, which will be approximately 100 times larger than its current Starlink constellation. The Starmind project aims to harness near-constant solar power and transform the ability to scale compute in space.
SpaceX has stopped accepting reservations for its Transporter missions beyond late 2028 or early 2029, causing a shortage of launch capabilities for small satellite manufacturers and driving up prices. This bottleneck has significant implications for the broader aerospace industry, which is increasingly reliant on small satellites for Earth observation, communication, and other applications.
Iridium is developing solutions to mitigate the effects of GPS jamming and spoofing, which can significantly impact navigation and communication systems. The company's efforts aim to ensure the reliability and security of its services in the face of these growing threats.
The House Appropriations Committee has approved a fiscal 2027 defense appropriations bill allocating $55.5 billion to the US Space Force, with funds designated for research and development, procurement, operations, and personnel. This approval marks a significant investment in the nation"s space capabilities, with a focus on advancing dynamic space operations and resilient communication architectures.
NASA"s plan to return astronauts to the moon by 2028-2029 is facing significant infrastructure hurdles, with aging launch facilities at Kennedy Space Center and Wallops Flight Facility requiring at least $1 billion in upgrades to support increased launch traffic. The agency"s ability to meet its Artemis mission deadlines may be impacted if these upgrades are not completed on time.
The US Space Force has launched a new competition seeking industry proposals for electronically steered phased-array antennas to modernize its Satellite Control Network, with the goal of acquiring commercially derived systems that can be produced at scale. This initiative aims to supplement the military's aging infrastructure with cutting-edge technology.
British startup Shield Space has partnered with ClearSpace to develop autonomous satellite operations software combined with in-orbit servicing capabilities, aiming to address emerging orbital threats and enhance sovereign space defense. This collaboration brings together two key technologies to improve the security and resilience of space-based assets.
The Canadian Space Agency has awarded MDA Space a $483.3 million contract to build a replenishment spacecraft for the Radarsat Constellation Mission, with the new satellite based on the MDA Chorus design. This contract is part of the larger Radarsat+ program, which aims to ensure continuity of synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) imaging capabilities.
On June 24, 2026, SpaceX successfully launched 24 Starlink V2 Mini satellites into orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, marking the seventh of eight launches planned from the site in June. This mission continues the expansion of SpaceX's Starlink network, a constellation of satellites designed to provide global internet connectivity.
The European Space Agency's Euclid space telescope has successfully captured the largest and most detailed image of the Milky Way galaxy's center, containing over 60 million stars and 51 known planetary systems. This achievement is expected to significantly contribute to our understanding of the galaxy and its many planetary systems.
The European Space Agency's Euclid mission has successfully imaged the center of the Milky Way galaxy with unprecedented detail, revealing over 60 million stars in a single photograph. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the study of our galaxy and will aid in the discovery of exoplanets.
The increasing demand for electricity from AI data centers, combined with the vulnerability of the electric grid to space weather, poses a significant risk to modern society, with potential economic losses estimated in the trillions of dollars. The SOLAR-1 satellite is being developed to provide early warnings for incoming solar disturbances, which could help mitigate these risks.
Vast has signed partnerships with several companies and organizations to conduct microgravity research and manufacturing on its Haven space stations, aiming to continue scientific discovery after the retirement of the International Space Station. This collaboration will enable various projects, including the production of artificial retinas in space.
York Space Systems has successfully demonstrated two-way ultra-high-frequency (UHF) communications from low Earth orbit using its Dragoon satellite, marking a significant technical milestone for the company and the U.S. Space Force. This achievement has major implications for the development of tactical communications services in support of mobile users.
Vantor has selected BAE Systems to build its next-generation high-resolution imaging satellites, known as Vantage, which are expected to enter service before the end of the decade. The new satellites will enhance Vantor's current fleet of electro-optical imaging satellites, providing improved capabilities for Earth observation and monitoring.