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Analysis: Could greater congressional oversight weaken NASA’s effort to compete with China for the Moon?

Christophe Bosquillon examines NASA’s new congressional oversight environment and its implications for Artemis, SpaceX and the U.S. lunar effort as China’s Moon ambitions sharpen the competitive context. The analysis frames a central question for the program: whether added scrutiny supports or complicates NASA’s ability to advance its lunar plans.

Reuters

Shenzhen’s drone deliveries showcase China’s push to build a low-altitude economy

Drone fleets are crisscrossing tourist areas in Shenzhen, where food deliveries by air are becoming part of the city’s landscape ahead of next week’s APEC summit. The activity reflects China’s broader effort to expand its “low-altitude” economy, though the article provides no figures on fleet size, operating scale or commercial performance.

Space.com

High activity

Pakistan pilot set to become first international astronaut aboard China’s Tiangong station

China plans to fly a Pakistani pilot on the Shenzhou 24 mission, making the astronaut the first from another country to visit the Tiangong space station. The crew member is expected to spend roughly a week aboard the orbital outpost, marking an international dimension for China’s human spaceflight program.

FlightGlobal

China’s first commercial solar-powered UAV takes flight, with setup in 20 minutes

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation has developed what it describes as the country’s first commercial UAV powered by solar energy. The aircraft can be set up for flight in 20 minutes, according to the report; no further details on its performance or intended missions were provided.

SpaceNews.com

China launches four-satellite pathfinder to test technologies for flagship space science missions

The four spacecraft will demonstrate key instruments for China’s planned space science missions, including a lunar-orbiting radio array. The pathfinder mission is intended to validate technologies ahead of those larger scientific programs.

Bloomberg

Germany moves to remove Chinese-made drones from its military over security concerns

Germany’s defense ministry says the armed forces will stop using Chinese-made drones, citing risks that sensitive military information could be exposed. The move follows earlier, inconsistent restrictions; reports say existing systems are to be replaced with German- or European-made alternatives.

SpaceNews.com

High activity

China seeks international partners for 34-satellite cislunar constellation targeted for 2030

China is recruiting international partners for a 34-spacecraft constellation of small satellites planned for launch in 2030. The spacecraft would occupy nine-day elliptical orbits extending to lunar distance, establishing a cislunar network with international participation.

eVTOL Insights

High activity

Revolv Space raises $5.6 million as Avio reports rising rocket and missile demand

Revolv Space, an Italy- and Netherlands-based aerospace power systems developer, raised €5 million in a Series A led by Deep Ocean Capital to expand R&D and production. Separately, Avio reported nine-month revenue up 17%, with missile propulsion at 33% of backlog, and is advancing its U.S. expansion.