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Qingzhou prototype cargo spacecraft completes rendezvous tests in orbit
Original Publication Date: 2026-04-17 09:27
China's Qingzhou prototype cargo spacecraft, launched March 30 on a Kinetica‑2 rocket, reached a 622‑by‑584‑kilometer orbit and released two companion satellites, marking a successful
Taiwan floats shared satcom constellation amid calls for more space collaboration
Original Publication Date: 2026-04-16 21:47
Taiwan’s space agency chief has urged the international community to unite around a shared communications constellation, aiming to rival the scale and strategic significance of private networks like Starlink. He argues that such collaboration would enhance global connectivity and security. The call underscores the growing importance of satellite broadband as a critical infrastructure. This move signals Taiwan’s commitment to fostering greater space cooperation worldwide.
Companies make the case for commercial space station markets
Original Publication Date: 2026-04-16 21:42
NASA’s recent request for information on commercial space stations has sparked a heated panel at the 41st Space Symposium, with executives from Starlab, Axiom, and Vast arguing that a market already exists. The companies cited $3 billion in private investment, 12 paid astronaut missions, 166 payloads, and strong interest from sovereign nations as proof of demand. They contend that NASA’s new Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations strategy—implying no current market—confuses investors and customers alike. If NASA’s budget continues to allocate $1.5 billion to the CLD program through 2031, these firms believe they can deliver profitable, low‑cost stations by 2030.
Blue Origin hot fires its first previously flown booster, prepares for weekend launch
Also covered by: Space.com
Original Publication Date: 2026-04-16 13:11
On April 16, Blue Origin performed a 19‑ to 20‑second static‑fire test of its New Glenn rocket at Cape Canaveral, firing all seven BE‑4 engines at 640,000 lbf each while a water deluge muted the roar. The test verified upgrades to the refurbished first‑stage booster—now slated to carry the Block 2 BlueBird‑direct‑to‑cellphone satellite for AST SpaceMobile on the NG‑3 launch scheduled for Sunday, April 19—using the same engines that flew on the NG‑2 flight.
SmallSat Europe Speaker Focus: Jaume Sanpera, Sateliot
Original Publication Date: 2026-04-16 19:54
Sateliot CEO Jaume Sanpera has pioneered the first low‑Earth‑orbit constellation using the 5G NTN standard, marking a significant leap in satellite communications. At this year’s SmallSat Europe conference he stood out as the sole satellite operator on a panel of space‑law experts, debating the evolving EU Space Law framework. His dual expertise in technology and regulatory matters positions him as a key voice in shaping the future of space operations. The discussion highlighted the growing intersection of commercial satellite innovation and regulatory oversight.
NASA Targets Commercial Relays to Replace Aging TDRSS Infrastructure
Original Publication Date: 2026-04-16 17:24
NASA has outlined its plan for Project NEXUS, a network extension initiative aimed at ensuring user continuity and sustainability amid a looming hardware deadline. The program seeks to prevent disruptions by extending network capabilities and maintaining system reliability. By leveraging new technologies and strategic partnerships, NASA aims to meet the critical hardware schedule without compromising mission integrity. This effort underscores the agency's commitment to safeguarding future space operations.
Ericsson Initiates SEK 15 Billion Share Buyback Program
Original Publication Date: 2026-04-16 17:14
On Thursday, April 16, 2026, Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson’s Board of Directors resolved to initiate a share buyback
OQ Technology Awarded ESA Contract to Adapt 5G Beamforming for Space
Original Publication Date: 2026-04-16 14:36
European Space Agency awarded OQ Technology a €1 million contract to advance the BEAMSAT‑5G project, aiming to bridge the performance gap between terrestrial mobile networks and satellite‑to‑phone connectivity.
Iridium Unveils Core Role in Artemis II and Next-Gen PNT at Space Symposium 2026
Original Publication Date: 2026-04-16 14:18
Iridium Communications’ CEO Matt Desch highlighted the company’s pivotal, yet often overlooked, role in NASA’s Artemis II lunar fly‑by mission at the 41st Space Symposium in Colorado Springs. Iridium’s global satellite network will provide continuous voice, data, and high‑definition 4K video relay for the crew, ensuring real‑time communication with mission control. The company’s coverage spans the entire globe, including the far side of the Moon, where traditional ground stations cannot reach. By delivering reliable, low‑latency connectivity, Iridium’s technology is a critical backbone for Artemis II’s success.
Spring Rains Saturate Michigan
Original Publication Date: 2026-04-17 04:01
Spring rains and snowmelt in Michigan have saturated soils and sent the Grand River into flood stage, especially near Grand Rapids, where water has already submerged roads, trails, and homes. The state is under a flood watch across both peninsulas, with the river cresting near major flood levels and threatening to reach record highs.
NASA Invites Media to Latvia Artemis Accords Signing Ceremony
Original Publication Date: 2026-04-16 16:41
On Monday, April 20, NASA Headquarters will host Latvia’s signing of the Artemis Accords, making it the 62nd country to join the international lunar exploration framework. The ceremony, led by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, will feature Latvia’s Minister for Education and Science Dace Melbārde, the Latvian chargé d’affaires Jānis Beķeris, and U.S. State Department official Jacob Helberg. The event will take place in the James E. Webb Memorial Auditorium and is open only in person, with media RSVP required by April 17. This signing continues the U.S. Commitment to safe, transparent, and coordinated civil space exploration beyond Earth.
At the Edge of Light
Original Publication Date: 2026-04-16 14:38
NASA’s Artemis II mission captured a dramatic image on April 6, 2026, revealing a sliver of the Moon’s far side along the terminator where low‑angle sunlight casts long shadows. The photo shows the Orientale Basin, its rim and interior subtly highlighted by the grazing light, giving scientists new contrast to study the cratered terrain.
Voyager Technologies Wins Its First Private ISS Mission
Original Publication Date: 2026-04-16 12:48
Voyager Technologies has secured NASA’s seventh private astronaut mission, slated to launch no earlier than 2028, marking the company’s first foray into ISS crew transport. The award follows Axiom’s five previous contracts and Vast’s 2027 flight, positioning all three major commercial space station builders to ferry astronauts to low‑Earth orbit. This development comes amid a shake‑up of NASA’s Commercial LEO Destinations program, as the agency considers shifting procurement to support free‑flying stations while industry argues that current PAM contracts prove a viable business case. The move underscores the growing partnership between NASA and private firms in preparing humanity’s future in deep space.
Seraphim Space Aims To Shape Strategy With New Advisory Council
Original Publication Date: 2026-04-16 12:47
Seraphim Space has convened its first global space futures advisory council to steer investment priorities as the sector becomes both commercially booming and geopolitically critical.
Landing astronauts on the moon 'is absolutely doable, and it's doable soon,' NASA's Artemis 2 commander says
Original Publication Date: 2026-04-16 21:53
NASA’s Artemis 2 crew, led by commander Reid Wiseman, completed a 10‑day lunar fly‑by before splashing down on April 10, proving the Orion capsule’s life‑support systems can sustain a crew in deep space. The astronauts praised the spacecraft’s performance, noting only minor tweaks—like cabin temperature adjustments—were needed during orbit. With Artemis 3 slated to launch in mid‑2027 and a lunar landing targeted for 2028, Wiseman said a crewed moon touchdown is “more obtainable than ever.” The successful test flight has bolstered confidence that NASA can soon bring astronauts to the Moon.
'That was a wonderful toilet': Artemis 2 commander defends mission's lunar loo
Original Publication Date: 2026-04-16 20:42
NASA’s Artemis 2 commander Reid Wiseman defended the mission’s space toilet after a recent press conference, calling it a “wonderful” piece of engineering that worked well. The toilet’s vent line clogged during the flight, preventing urine from venting properly and leaving the toilet out of commission for part of the mission. NASA is investigating whether ice or a chemical reaction caused the blockage, but Wiseman praised the engineers for their work. The incident highlights the challenges of waste management on the first crewed moon mission since Apollo 17.
This may be the daughter of one of our universe's 1st stars. Scientists call it an 'ancient immigrant'
Original Publication Date: 2026-04-16 16:00
Astronomers have identified SDSS J0715‑7334 as the most chemically pristine star ever seen, composed almost entirely of hydrogen and helium with only 0.005% of the metals found in the Sun. This ancient star likely formed from gas polluted by the first generation of massive Population III stars, making it the closest known descendant of those elusive cosmic pioneers.
After a saga of broken promises, a European rover finally has a ride to Mars
Original Publication Date: 2026-04-17 03:15
NASA announced that SpaceX will launch the European Space Agency’s Rosalind Franklin Mars rover on a Falcon Heavy rocket from Kennedy Space Center, potentially as early as late 2028. The decision follows years of planning, beginning with ESA’s Aurora program that aimed to send a rover to Mars in 2009 using a Russian Soyuz launch vehicle. Political complications—including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—have reshaped launch partnerships and timelines. The rover’s journey to the Red Planet now hinges on this new U.S. Launch arrangement.