News

SpaceNews.com • Andrew Jones

Chang’e-7 arrives at Wenchang spaceport for 2H 2026 lunar south-pole mission preparations

China’s multi-element Chang’e-7 lunar spacecraft has arrived at Wenchang spaceport ahead of launch preparations for a planned second-half-of-2026 liftoff. The milestone sets the stage for China’s south-pole exploration campaign and the next step in its expanding lunar program.

2026-04-10T05:07:24.499216-07:00

Space.com

Artemis 2 Orion concludes mission with April 10 Pacific splashdown; full landing-day schedule

2026-04-10T03:18:23.763660-07:00

SpaceNews.com

China conducts multiple Long March launches, adding 18 and five satellites to LEO internet constellations

2026-04-09T07:32:22.318213-07:00

Reuters

Artemis II returns after lunar flyby; Orion set for Pacific splashdown off San Diego

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

News Timeline

SpaceNews.com

Chang’e-7 arrives at Wenchang spaceport for 2H 2026 lunar south-pole mission preparations China’s multi-element Chang’e-7 lunar spacecraft has arrived at Wenchang spaceport ahead of launch preparations for a planned second-half-of-2026 liftoff. The milestone sets the stage for China’s south-pole exploration campaign and the next step in its expanding lunar program.

2026-04-10T05:07:24.499216-07:00

Chang’e-7 arrives at Wenchang spaceport for 2H 2026 lunar south-pole mission preparations

Space.com

Artemis 2 Orion concludes mission with April 10 Pacific splashdown; full landing-day schedule NASA’s Artemis 2 Orion capsule is set to splash down in the Pacific on April 10, ending the crewed lunar flyby. The landing-day plan, including timing for recovery, provides the latest operational confirmation for SLS/Orion mission readiness.

2026-04-10T03:18:23.763660-07:00

Artemis 2 Orion concludes mission with April 10 Pacific splashdown; full landing-day schedule

Space.com

Tiny worms set for April 10 ISS launch to probe spaceflight adaptation A cohort of microscopic worms is scheduled to launch to the International Space Station on April 10 to study how they survive and adapt in microgravity and space conditions. Scientists say analyzing those adaptations will help identify biological mechanisms that could be used to protect astronauts on long‑duration missions.

2026-04-09T12:01:35.588041-07:00

Tiny worms set for April 10 ISS launch to probe spaceflight adaptation

FlightGlobal

Viasat outlines multi‑orbit IFEC roadmap with Amara launch as AIX 2026 convenes in Hamburg Viasat has outlined a multi‑orbit inflight connectivity roadmap anchored by the upcoming Amara launch, and will present its strategy at Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) 2026 in Hamburg, April 14–16 — the show’s 25th anniversary as the global aircraft cabin marketplace to airline and OEM customers.

2026-04-09T10:51:57.775856-07:00

Viasat outlines multi‑orbit IFEC roadmap with Amara launch as AIX 2026 convenes in Hamburg

SpaceNews.com

❗️

China conducts multiple Long March launches, adding 18 and five satellites to LEO internet constellations China this week conducted multiple Long March launches, including a Long March‑8 from Hainan that placed 18 communications satellites into orbit and a modified Long March‑6/6A sortie from Taiyuan that delivered five more spacecraft as GuoWang/Thousand Sails megaconstellations continued deployment.

2026-04-09T07:32:22.318213-07:00

China conducts multiple Long March launches, adding 18 and five satellites to LEO internet constellations

Payload

❗️

State of launch 2026: cadence and deadline constraints are picking winners and losers Launch capacity and schedule constraints are creating decisive capability gates in 2026. Customers tied to firm deadlines — exemplified by Pentagon programs with Golden Dome‑style milestones — risk losing eligibility if providers cannot meet timing. Launch cadence and assured access are becoming as critical as capability or cost.

2026-04-09T05:56:32.105490-07:00

State of launch 2026: cadence and deadline constraints are picking winners and losers

European Spaceflight

❗️

ESA paid €82 million for Sentinel‑1D launch on Ariane 6 (Ariane 62) in November 2025 ESA disclosed it paid €82 million to launch the Sentinel‑1D Earth observation satellite aboard an Ariane 6 two‑booster (Ariane 62) vehicle in November 2025. The agency released the figure publicly as the officially reported launch procurement cost for the mission.

2026-04-08T23:06:13.969842-07:00

ESA paid €82 million for Sentinel‑1D launch on Ariane 6 (Ariane 62) in November 2025

Reuters

❗️

Artemis II returns after lunar flyby; Orion set for Pacific splashdown off San Diego Artemis II's four-person crew is returning to Earth after a historic lunar flyby, carrying more than 175 GB of mission data. Orion is targeting Pacific splashdown off San Diego on Friday, April 10, after astronauts tested spacesuits and manual piloting — a key step toward resuming crewed lunar landings.

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

Artemis II returns after lunar flyby; Orion set for Pacific splashdown off San Diego

Menu

Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation News

Chang’e-7 arrives at Wenchang spaceport for 2H 2026 lunar south-pole mission preparations

Artemis 2 Orion concludes mission with April 10 Pacific splashdown; full landing-day schedule

China conducts multiple Long March launches, adding 18 and five satellites to LEO internet constellations

Artemis II returns after lunar flyby; Orion set for Pacific splashdown off San Diego

News Timeline