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SpaceNews.com • Andrew Jones

China steps up Qianfan growth with improved Zhuque-2E Y5 return-to-flight and fresh Long March 6A satellite group

LandSpace returned the upgraded Zhuque-2E (Y5) carrier rocket to flight after an inert customized test load, proving new systems during an orbital demonstration. Separately, China lofted a new batch of satellites for the Qianfan megaconstellation, underscoring accelerating commercial constellation deployment via both LandSpace’s vehicles and Long March 6A launches from Taiyuan.

2026-05-14T03:09:16.277854-07:00

NASA Spaceflight

SpaceX CRS-34 Cargo Dragon mission to ISS: Falcon 9 launch targeted for 6:50 p.m. ET from Cape Canaveral

2026-05-12T13:58:25.987638-07:00

Business Wire

SpinLaunch and Aalyria to develop network-orchestration infrastructure for SpinLaunch’s Meridian LEO satcom constellation

2026-05-13T06:47:28.104093-07:00

SpaceNews.com

Varda Space Industries signs first major deal with United Therapeutics to advance microgravity drug R&D

2026-05-13T03:57:24.691056-07:00

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China steps up Qianfan growth with improved Zhuque-2E Y5 return-to-flight and fresh Long March 6A satellite group LandSpace returned the upgraded Zhuque-2E (Y5) carrier rocket to flight after an inert customized test load, proving new systems during an orbital demonstration. Separately, China lofted a new batch of satellites for the Qianfan megaconstellation, underscoring accelerating commercial constellation deployment via both LandSpace’s vehicles and Long March 6A launches from Taiyuan.

2026-05-14T03:09:16.277854-07:00

China steps up Qianfan growth with improved Zhuque-2E Y5 return-to-flight and fresh Long March 6A satellite group

Ars Technica

US launches nuclear-in-orbit wargame to model how an LEO detonation could degrade orbit for up to a year U.S. officials say a simulated nuclear detonation in low Earth orbit could render portions of orbit “useless” for as long as a year, shaping degraded-operations scenarios for commanders. The new military wargame series tests consequences for space operations and decision-making under nuclear-induced orbital disruption.

2026-05-13T12:13:16.645141-07:00

US launches nuclear-in-orbit wargame to model how an LEO detonation could degrade orbit for up to a year

Business Wire

SpinLaunch and Aalyria to develop network-orchestration infrastructure for SpinLaunch’s Meridian LEO satcom constellation SpinLaunch says it has partnered with Aalyria Technologies to design and develop key infrastructure for SpinLaunch’s low-cost Meridian low-Earth-orbit (LEO) communications constellation. The collaboration focuses on Aalyria’s advanced network orchestration software to support the constellation’s connectivity and operations.

2026-05-13T06:47:28.104093-07:00

SpinLaunch and Aalyria to develop network-orchestration infrastructure for SpinLaunch’s Meridian LEO satcom constellation

Space Intel Report

Eutelsat reports Q1 revenue jump as OneWeb-backed LEO growth offsets weaker US government demand; OneWeb revenue up 65% Eutelsat says revenue for the three months ended March 31 rose 11.8% from government business, as demand for military-related capacity outpaced slack in US government spending. OneWeb revenue increased 65% in Q1, helping lift overall results, while Eutelsat’s LEO scale continues to offset declines in video-related activity.

2026-05-13T05:23:24.336537-07:00

Eutelsat reports Q1 revenue jump as OneWeb-backed LEO growth offsets weaker US government demand; OneWeb revenue up 65%

SpaceNews.com

Varda Space Industries signs first major deal with United Therapeutics to advance microgravity drug R&D Varda Space Industries has inked its first major pharmaceutical collaboration with United Therapeutics to develop improved drugs through microgravity research. The agreement commercializes Varda’s approach to testing pharmaceuticals in outer space, positioning orbit as a new R&D environment for drug discovery and development.

2026-05-13T03:57:24.691056-07:00

Varda Space Industries signs first major deal with United Therapeutics to advance microgravity drug R&D

Via Satellite

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AST SpaceMobile keeps 2026 target at 45 BlueBird satellites, pairs direct-to-device demo (98.9 Mbps) with SpaceX launch plan AST SpaceMobile says it still expects to have 45 BlueBird satellites in orbit this year after a recent Blue Origin launch failure, with CEO Abel Avellan pointing to a mid-June SpaceX mission launching three BlueBirds. The company also reported a direct-to-device broadband test reaching 98.9 Mbps from space to a standard smartphone. In parallel, it issued a business update and first-quarter 2026 results.

2026-05-12T14:01:37.740391-07:00

AST SpaceMobile keeps 2026 target at 45 BlueBird satellites, pairs direct-to-device demo (98.9 Mbps) with SpaceX launch plan

NASA Spaceflight

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SpaceX CRS-34 Cargo Dragon mission to ISS: Falcon 9 launch targeted for 6:50 p.m. ET from Cape Canaveral SpaceX is preparing the CRS-34 Commercial Resupply Services mission to the International Space Station, launching Falcon 9 with Cargo Dragon from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Coverage focuses on the live countdown and a 24-hour schedule slip affecting the latest launch window, with weather pending.

2026-05-12T13:58:25.987638-07:00

SpaceX CRS-34 Cargo Dragon mission to ISS: Falcon 9 launch targeted for 6:50 p.m. ET from Cape Canaveral

NASA Spaceflight

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Tianzhou-9 undocks as China ramps Tiangong cargo-and-crew operations; new freighter designs aim to boost reusability Tianzhou-9 has officially undocked from China’s Tiangong space station, beginning its independent flight phase ahead of atmospheric re-entry. The resupply mission comes as China tests new low-Earth-orbit cargo freighter designs and reveals planned upgrades intended to improve reusability and expand operational capacity for follow-on crew and cargo flights.

2026-05-07T14:09:13.048926-07:00

Tianzhou-9 undocks as China ramps Tiangong cargo-and-crew operations; new freighter designs aim to boost reusability

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LEO News

China steps up Qianfan growth with improved Zhuque-2E Y5 return-to-flight and fresh Long March 6A satellite group

SpaceX CRS-34 Cargo Dragon mission to ISS: Falcon 9 launch targeted for 6:50 p.m. ET from Cape Canaveral

SpinLaunch and Aalyria to develop network-orchestration infrastructure for SpinLaunch’s Meridian LEO satcom constellation

Varda Space Industries signs first major deal with United Therapeutics to advance microgravity drug R&D

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