space Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Space Exploration & Science Missions Human Spaceflight & Space Stations NASA

Reuters • Joey Roulette

Artemis II crew to hold first live press conference from lunar orbit after record far-side flyby

Four Artemis II astronauts returning from a record-setting far-side lunar flyby (about 406,765 km) will hold the first live press conference from lunar orbit. The mission — backed by Dewetron prelaunch verification and twin Marshall control rooms — also received calls from world leaders including Canada’s prime minister.

Space Policy Online

Canadian Prime Minister speaks with Artemis II crew as they return from the Moon

Aerospace Testing Intnl

Dewetron data acquisition systems support pre‑launch verification for Artemis II crewed lunar mission

Also: NASA, abcnews.com, globalnews.ca, Fox Weather, ESA, The Independent, NPR, NBC News, Yonhap News Agency and 9 more

2026-04-08T15:12:04.671164-07:00

aviation Event Routes North America Airline Industry & Market Trends Airlines

NEW

Airways Magazine • Declan Daleiden

Avianca to Operate 3,000+ Extra Flights and Nearly 600,000 Seats for 2026 FIFA World Cup

By Airways Magazine: Avianca will connect fans to 10 of the tournament's 16 host cities across the US, Mexico, and Canada through nearly 600,000 seats.

Also: Aviation24

2026-04-08T15:56:57.865099-07:00

defense Military Aircraft Procurement Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Defense Industry & Major Contractors Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Defense Policy Boeing

FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

USAF certifies A-10 for probe‑and‑drogue aerial refuelling, boosting interoperability

By FlightGlobal: The move is a rare use of the probe-and-drogue method for in-flight refuelling by the US Air Force, which typically conducts such missions via a fuel transfer boom.

Air & Space Forces Mag

USAF Builds Probe-to-Hose Adapter to Expand A-10 Aerial Refueling Options

Janes

A-10 receives probe-and-drogue capability for aerial refuelling

Also: The Aviationist and theaviationgeekclub.com

2026-04-08T12:11:08.061992-07:00

space Space Exploration & Science Missions

Universe Today • Matthew Williams

Sticking to the Terminator: A Solar‑Powered Rover Concept for Exploring Mercury

By Universe Today: A Mercury lander mission would create opportunities to sample unique geological features. However, extreme temperature fluctuations on Mercury’s surface pose challenges for exploration on the planetary surface.

2026-04-08T14:56:24.846089-07:00

aviation MRO AI Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)

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Breitflyte • Joe Breitfeller

GE Aerospace, Waygate Deploy Automated Inspection Templates for GEnx Engines under Joint Technology Agreement

By Breitflyte: GE Aerospace has announced the deployment of new automated inspection templates for GEnx engines, as part of their ongoing Joint Technology Agreement with Waygate Technologies.

2026-04-08T15:31:50.602791-07:00

aviation North America Aviation Safety & Regulation Airlines

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Reuters • David Shepardson

US FAA proposes fining American, Southwest over alleged drug, alcohol violations

By Reuters: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration on Wednesday proposed a $255,000 civil fine against American Airlines , alleging that the carrier violated employee drug- and alcohol-testing regulations.

FAA

FAA Proposes $255,000 Fine Against American Airlines for Alleged Drug and Alcohol Violation

2026-04-08T16:11:06.471910-07:00

aviation Supply Chain Europe Aircraft Finance & Leasing Orders Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Sustainability & Climate Initiatives

Aviation Week • Thierry Dubois

Aura Aero raises €340M for ERA 19‑seat hybrid‑electric aircraft; first flight delayed to late 2027

By Aviation Week: Aura Aero has secured an additional €340 million ($393 million) of funding, but first flight of its hybrid-electric, 19-seat ERA has been pushed to late 2027.