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SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

NASA issues final RFP for Mars communications orbiter with bidder eligibility constraints

NASA has released the final request for proposals for a Mars communications orbiter. The solicitation confirms technical and program requirements that narrow which companies are eligible to bid, setting the competitive field for the next dedicated interplanetary relay capability.

2026-05-16T15:53:12.684646-07:00

The Air Current

Boeing confirms China’s initial commitment for 200 aircraft—models and delivery timing unspecified

2026-05-15T17:22:09.054506-07:00

ch-aviation

US DOT extends Essential Air Service contracts for Southern Airways Express

2026-05-15T12:38:47.098014-07:00

AeroTime

FAA accelerates transponder equip for airport vehicles after LaGuardia runway collision

2026-05-15T01:41:56.975855-07:00

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SpaceNews.com

NASA issues final RFP for Mars communications orbiter with bidder eligibility constraints NASA has released the final request for proposals for a Mars communications orbiter. The solicitation confirms technical and program requirements that narrow which companies are eligible to bid, setting the competitive field for the next dedicated interplanetary relay capability.

2026-05-16T15:53:12.684646-07:00

NASA issues final RFP for Mars communications orbiter with bidder eligibility constraints

SpaceNews.com

NASA releases final RFP for Mars communications orbiter

2026-05-16T15:53:12.684646-07:00

NASA releases final RFP for Ma

The Air Current

❗️

Boeing confirms China’s initial commitment for 200 aircraft—models and delivery timing unspecified Boeing says China has committed to buying 200 aircraft following Donald Trump’s Beijing visit, a key step toward reopening a market Boeing has been absent from for nearly a decade. Trump’s announcement exceeds earlier expectations, but Boeing provided no aircraft mix or order timing detail.

2026-05-15T17:22:09.054506-07:00

Boeing confirms China’s initial commitment for 200 aircraft—models and delivery timing unspecified

ch-aviation

US DOT extends Essential Air Service contracts for Southern Airways Express The US Department of Transportation has extended its Essential Air Service (EAS) contracts for Southern Airways Express, keeping the carrier in place to subsidize connectivity for smaller communities under the EAS program.

2026-05-15T12:38:47.098014-07:00

US DOT extends Essential Air Service contracts for Southern Airways Express

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

DOT publishes charter for Trump-era Airline Passenger Experience Advisory Board The U.S. Department of Transportation has published the advisory committee’s charter outlining its objectives and scope of work under the Trump administration’s Passenger Experience agenda. The move formalizes how DOT intends to solicit input on passenger-facing outcomes across the airline travel journey.

2026-05-15T10:56:22.478173-07:00

DOT publishes charter for Trump-era Airline Passenger Experience Advisory Board

Flying Magazine

FAA sets tight World Cup 2026 TFRs; Seattle’s Boeing Field adds VFR arrival/departure routes The FAA, with DHS and DOJ, has put Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) in place over 2026 FIFA World Cup venues and fan events, tightening access to event airspace. Separately, Seattle’s Boeing Field has implemented updated VFR arrival and departure procedures to manage safety, noise, and expected congestion tied to tournament traffic.

2026-05-15T06:04:42.727409-07:00

FAA sets tight World Cup 2026 TFRs; Seattle’s Boeing Field adds VFR arrival/departure routes

Flying Magazine

A softening aviation insurance market: implications for coverage terms amid supply-chain strain A new look at the aviation insurance market points to improving conditions on pricing and availability, but also highlights how ongoing supply-chain pressures are shaping risk exposure and the quality of coverage carriers can secure. Operators are being pushed toward coverage strategies that better align with current operational realities.

2026-05-15T05:11:20.714169-07:00

A softening aviation insurance market: implications for coverage terms amid supply-chain strain

FlightGlobal

UK greenlights F-35B StormBreaker/SDB-II interim stand-off strike as corrosion, spare-parts gaps cut mission capability The UK MoD approved StormBreaker for the F-35B and is equipping the fleet with Boeing Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB-II) as an interim stand-off capability while SPEAR 3 integration slips into the early 2030s. Officials also detailed corrosion issues and spare-parts shortfalls that are reducing UK F-35 mission rates and carry deployment-support limitations.

2026-05-15T04:12:16.071143-07:00

UK greenlights F-35B StormBreaker/SDB-II interim stand-off strike as corrosion, spare-parts gaps cut mission capability

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Policy & Regulation News

NASA issues final RFP for Mars communications orbiter with bidder eligibility constraints

Boeing confirms China’s initial commitment for 200 aircraft—models and delivery timing unspecified

US DOT extends Essential Air Service contracts for Southern Airways Express

FAA accelerates transponder equip for airport vehicles after LaGuardia runway collision

News Timeline