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SpaceWatch Global

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Astrolab’s Manny Shar on Building a Lunar Rover in 17 Months

At the International Space Summit, Astrolab’s Manny Shar discusses the company’s effort to develop a lunar rover in just 17 months. The project highlights the pace, engineering demands and commercial ambitions shaping the emerging market for lunar mobility systems.

SpaceNews.com

High activity

Space-sector announcements span satellite inspection, rapid Earth imagery, direct-to-device connectivity and lunar exploration

Companies and agencies announced new capabilities and partnerships in Paris, including HEO’s close-range inspection of a Long March 2C, BlackSky’s first Gen-3 imagery within 20 hours of launch, Space42-Viasat’s Equatys connectivity platform, and a European lunar polar rover mission.

APEX

oneworld CEO targets technology and policy gaps across its 15-member airline alliance

oneworld is pursuing more integrated technology, aligned policies and a more consistent passenger journey across its 15 member airlines, according to its CEO at FTE Global 2026. The effort highlights the alliance’s push to reduce operational and customer-experience differences between independently managed carriers.

Payload

High activity

EU proposes allocating half of its €131 billion 2028-34 defense and space budget to space

At the first International Space Summit in Paris, EU officials framed space as central to Europe’s security, with Commissioner Andrius Kubilius proposing that half of the bloc’s €131 billion seven-year defense and space budget go to space programs. France and Germany emphasized cooperation despite unresolved differences.

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

United cancels Denver 9/11 memorial flyover featuring a 777 and four F-16s

United Airlines canceled a planned Denver flyover commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks after concerns emerged about the public reaction to a Boeing 777 flying alongside four F-16 fighter jets. The formation was scheduled to coincide with the moment of United Flight 175’s impact.

SpaceWatch Global

International Space Summit details IRIS² LEO architecture and names Thomas Pesquet commander of Vast’s ISS mission

The inaugural International Space Summit in Paris produced 51 announcements, including the first detailed look at the IRIS² low-Earth-orbit architecture. Former ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet was also named commander of Vast’s PAM-6 commercial mission to the International Space Station.

Reuters

Russia markets Su-57E, drone-like missiles and air-defense systems at Egypt’s El Alamein Airshow

Russia is using the 2026 El Alamein International Airshow in Egypt to promote the export Su-57E, S-71 drones, drone-like missiles, upgraded Ka-52 helicopters and air-defense systems, including the ZAK-30 Citadel. The showcase comes as the Su-57’s operational effectiveness remains difficult to establish publicly.

Reuters

High activity

Arianespace adds 10 Ariane 6 launches as Amazon and ICEYE expand commitments; NASA adds Relativity’s Terran R

Arianespace announced orders for 10 additional Ariane 6 launches, including six linked to Amazon’s low Earth orbit satellite deployment plans, while ICEYE agreed to evaluate the rocket for sovereign SAR missions. Separately, NASA added Relativity Space’s Terran R to its NLS II launch-services contract.