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SpaceNews.com • Andrew Jones

China to accelerate 2026 launch cadence with crewed-lunar tests, moon mission and reusable‑rocket trials

China plans a stepped‑up 2026 space manifest aiming for a record launch cadence while conducting tests tied to a future crewed lunar program, flying a major lunar mission and validating reusable‑rocket technologies — signalling a push toward operational lunar capability and higher domestic launch tempo.

2026-01-28T06:59:08.523252-08:00

Space.com

Challenger at 40: Ignored O‑ring warnings, cultural failures and what NASA must fix

2026-01-27T21:14:59.991165-08:00

SpaceNews.com

NOAA solar observatory reaches Sun–Earth Lagrange point L1

2026-01-27T21:45:44.719478-08:00

Universe Today

Rubin Observatory to pair with neutrino alerts and rapidly boost core-collapse supernova discoveries

2026-01-27T08:54:59.802814-08:00

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SpaceNews.com

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China to accelerate 2026 launch cadence with crewed-lunar tests, moon mission and reusable‑rocket trials China plans a stepped‑up 2026 space manifest aiming for a record launch cadence while conducting tests tied to a future crewed lunar program, flying a major lunar mission and validating reusable‑rocket technologies — signalling a push toward operational lunar capability and higher domestic launch tempo.

2026-01-28T06:59:08.523252-08:00

China to accelerate 2026 launch cadence with crewed-lunar tests, moon mission and reusable‑rocket trials

SpaceNews.com

NOAA solar observatory reaches Sun–Earth Lagrange point L1 NOAA's new solar observatory has reached the Sun–Earth Lagrange point L1, completing its transfer and assuming its on‑station position. The spacecraft will provide continuous sunward observations to support space‑weather monitoring, research, and operational services that inform satellite and aviation risk management.

2026-01-27T21:45:44.719478-08:00

NOAA solar observatory reaches Sun–Earth Lagrange point L1

Space.com

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Challenger at 40: Ignored O‑ring warnings, cultural failures and what NASA must fix On Jan. 28, 1986, Challenger disintegrated 73 seconds after liftoff, killing seven including teacher Christa McAuliffe. Engineers had warned that cold temperatures would compromise O‑ring seals; their concerns were overruled. Reforms followed, but families and industry say cultural and safety lessons remain urgent as Artemis‑era missions resume.

2026-01-27T21:14:59.991165-08:00

Challenger at 40: Ignored O‑ring warnings, cultural failures and what NASA must fix

orbitaltoday.com

Engineered biofilms: a case for harnessing microbial communities to support long‑duration missions An international study published in npj Biofilms and Microbiomes argues biofilms—microbial communities usually targeted for removal—should be engineered, not eliminated, aboard spacecraft. Researchers outline how managed biofilms could protect crew health, support crop systems and reshape microbiome management for Moon and Mars missions.

2026-01-27T17:13:43.899192-08:00

Engineered biofilms: a case for harnessing microbial communities to support long‑duration missions

Universe Today

Rubin Observatory to pair with neutrino alerts and rapidly boost core-collapse supernova discoveries The Milky Way hasn't seen a directly observed core-collapse supernova in roughly a millennium, despite expectations of one to two per century. The Vera Rubin Observatory, leveraging its wide-fast-deep survey and real-time neutrino detector alerts, should rapidly identify far more supernovae, enabling prompt multi-messenger follow-up.

2026-01-27T08:54:59.802814-08:00

Rubin Observatory to pair with neutrino alerts and rapidly boost core-collapse supernova discoveries

SpaceNews.com

NASA lauds quality of PlanetiQ radio occultation data NASA's evaluation has lauded the quality of radio occultation data produced by PlanetiQ, finding the measurements consistent and reliable for atmospheric profiling. The assessment represents an external validation of PlanetiQ's radio occultation dataset and its suitability for scientific and operational use.

2026-01-27T06:24:05.333815-08:00

NASA lauds quality of PlanetiQ radio occultation data

Universe Today

Habitable Worlds Observatory pre-print: picometer‑level precision and tech maturation needed to find an Earth 2.0 NASA’s Habitable Worlds Observatory, the agency’s flagship 2040s space‑telescope concept, will need picometer‑level precision in stability and measurements to directly image Earth‑like planets, according to a new arXiv pre‑print from the HWO Technology Maturation Project Office that maps required technology maturation and the mission trade space.

2026-01-27T06:23:30.260772-08:00

Habitable Worlds Observatory pre-print: picometer‑level precision and tech maturation needed to find an Earth 2.0

NASA Spaceflight

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NASA moves Artemis II SLS wet dress rehearsal to Jan. 31 ahead of potential Feb. 6 launch NASA advanced the Artemis II campaign by moving the SLS wet dress rehearsal fueling test to Jan. 31 — a final, full-up countdown and propellant loading simulation — ahead of a potential Feb. 6 launch; the four Artemis II astronauts have entered quarantine and NASA is livestreaming pad activities.

2026-01-27T05:56:21.902866-08:00

NASA moves Artemis II SLS wet dress rehearsal to Jan. 31 ahead of potential Feb. 6 launch

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Space Exploration & Science Missions News

China to accelerate 2026 launch cadence with crewed-lunar tests, moon mission and reusable‑rocket trials

Challenger at 40: Ignored O‑ring warnings, cultural failures and what NASA must fix

NOAA solar observatory reaches Sun–Earth Lagrange point L1

Rubin Observatory to pair with neutrino alerts and rapidly boost core-collapse supernova discoveries

News Timeline