Space Exploration & Science Missions News

SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

Artemis 2 astronaut urges equatorial first lunar landings

An Artemis 2 crew member said NASA’s return to the Moon should begin with human landings in less challenging equatorial regions. The recommendation highlights a phased approach to lunar surface operations, aiming to reduce risk early in the program before expanding to more demanding landing sites.

1 Source

2026-07-22T03:23:16.474273-07:00

Universe Today

NASA shares Psyche spacecraft flyby video and confirms instrument health ahead of metal-rich asteroid arrival

5 Sources

2026-07-21T14:37:17.655190-07:00

Politico

NASA nuclear Mars mission slated to cost more than $2B, excluding science payload delivery costs

1 Source

2026-07-21T09:17:47.862775-07:00

Space.com

NASA-Artemis III to use SpaceX Starlink laser terminals on Orion for HD/4K video and data-heavy downlinks

2 Sources

2026-07-21T10:07:35.730508-07:00

Space Exploration & Science Missions News Timeline

Payload

1 source

Space economy hits $686B globally, with growth trajectory highlighted in Space Foundation data The Space Foundation’s latest reporting breaks down the global space economy at $686B and outlines its growth trajectory. The update provides a consolidated view of the sector’s scale and direction, useful for benchmarking investment plans and capacity across space segments.

2026-07-22T06:11:42.257583-07:00

Space economy hits $686B globally, with growth trajectory highlighted in Space Foundation data

SpaceNews.com

1 source

Artemis 2 astronaut urges equatorial first lunar landings An Artemis 2 crew member said NASA’s return to the Moon should begin with human landings in less challenging equatorial regions. The recommendation highlights a phased approach to lunar surface operations, aiming to reduce risk early in the program before expanding to more demanding landing sites.

2026-07-22T03:23:16.474273-07:00

Artemis 2 astronaut urges equatorial first lunar landings

Universe Today

5 sources

NASA shares Psyche spacecraft flyby video and confirms instrument health ahead of metal-rich asteroid arrival NASA released a video featuring images and a time-lapse of Mars captured during the Psyche spacecraft’s flyby. The mission team also tested the spacecraft’s other instruments to verify they are functioning, using a Mars gravity-assist to gain speed and refine trajectory toward its eventual target.

2026-07-21T14:37:17.655190-07:00

NASA shares Psyche spacecraft flyby video and confirms instrument health ahead of metal-rich asteroid arrival

Space.com

2 sources

NASA-Artemis III to use SpaceX Starlink laser terminals on Orion for HD/4K video and data-heavy downlinks NASA is partnering with SpaceX to equip the Artemis III Orion spacecraft with Starlink laser communications terminals. The upgrade is intended to support high-definition—reported as 4K—video transmission and enable higher-throughput, data-heavy mission downlinks during the Artemis III timeframe.

2026-07-21T10:07:35.730508-07:00

NASA-Artemis III to use SpaceX Starlink laser terminals on Orion for HD/4K video and data-heavy downlinks

Politico

1 source

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NASA nuclear Mars mission slated to cost more than $2B, excluding science payload delivery costs NASA’s nuclear Mars mission is projected to cost over $2 billion, but that figure does not include the additional expense of the science mission the new spacecraft would carry to the Red Planet. The total program cost will therefore be higher once science delivery requirements are accounted for.

2026-07-21T09:17:47.862775-07:00

NASA nuclear Mars mission slated to cost more than $2B, excluding science payload delivery costs

SpaceNews.com

1 source

UK and Florida pledge $400,000 for joint space research, innovation and commercialization The UK government and Florida’s space-focused economic development agency each committed $200,000 to support joint research, innovation and commercialization projects. The funding is aimed at accelerating collaboration that turns space R&D into commercial outcomes.

2026-07-21T05:17:24.999192-07:00

UK and Florida pledge $400,000 for joint space research, innovation and commercialization

SpaceWatch Global

5 sources

deltaVision raises €10.2M to scale spacecraft fluidic systems and in-orbit refueling payload slated for 2027 Munich-based spacecraft component developer deltaVision secured €10.2 million (from KT Ventures and Valemount Capital in its first funding round) to expand production of valves and related propulsion/fluidic equipment. The funding supports manufacturing capacity growth and acceleration of in-orbit refueling technology, targeting its first refueling payload in 2027.

2026-07-21T00:53:50.658012-07:00

deltaVision raises €10.2M to scale spacecraft fluidic systems and in-orbit refueling payload slated for 2027

SpaceNews.com

4 sources

IHI evaluates Kuva Space’s next-gen hyperspectral satellites for Japan’s planned multi-sensor Earth observation constellation Japan’s IHI is considering incorporating hyperspectral satellites from Finnish startup Kuva Space into its planned ~100-strong, multi-sensor sovereign Earth observation constellation. The move would expand the constellation’s sensing mix by adding hyperspectral capability to support Japan-led Earth observation requirements.

2026-07-21T00:37:17.888871-07:00

IHI evaluates Kuva Space’s next-gen hyperspectral satellites for Japan’s planned multi-sensor Earth observation constellation

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