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Space.com • Julian Dossett

Researchers map a fuel-saving Earth-to-Moon trajectory using advanced computer modeling

An international research team reports identifying a “hidden” Earth-to-Moon route that reduces propellant needs, based on advanced computer modeling of cislunar transfer dynamics. The work points to more fuel-efficient trajectory design that could lower mission cost and expand feasible payload and mission profiles for lunar operations.

2026-05-20T13:11:59.045672-07:00

SpaceNews.com

U.S. officials say they’ll be “more prepared” for next WRC on defending spectrum priorities

2026-05-20T12:25:50.005550-07:00

Payload

Report flags national-security risk in NASA-funded collaborations that may include Chinese researchers

2026-05-20T05:06:08.341331-07:00

SpaceNews.com

Isaacman: NASA expects China to fly a crewed lunar-orbit mission in 2027, escalating competition for cislunar presence

2026-05-20T02:40:49.949952-07:00

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Space.com

Researchers map a fuel-saving Earth-to-Moon trajectory using advanced computer modeling An international research team reports identifying a “hidden” Earth-to-Moon route that reduces propellant needs, based on advanced computer modeling of cislunar transfer dynamics. The work points to more fuel-efficient trajectory design that could lower mission cost and expand feasible payload and mission profiles for lunar operations.

2026-05-20T13:11:59.045672-07:00

Researchers map a fuel-saving Earth-to-Moon trajectory using advanced computer modeling

SpaceNews.com

U.S. officials say they’ll be “more prepared” for next WRC on defending spectrum priorities White House officials say the U.S. plans to enter the next World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) “more prepared than ever” to defend its key spectrum priorities. The announcement signals an intensified U.S. position on how future WRC outcomes could shape international spectrum rules and use.

2026-05-20T12:25:50.005550-07:00

U.S. officials say they’ll be “more prepared” for next WRC on defending spectrum priorities

Payload

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Report flags national-security risk in NASA-funded collaborations that may include Chinese researchers A new Congressional report says NASA has potentially funded or supported hundreds of scientific collaborations since 2015 that could involve Chinese researchers. The finding raises concerns that research partnerships enabled by NASA funding may introduce China-related security risks for U.S. interests.

2026-05-20T05:06:08.341331-07:00

Report flags national-security risk in NASA-funded collaborations that may include Chinese researchers

SpaceNews.com

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Isaacman: NASA expects China to fly a crewed lunar-orbit mission in 2027, escalating competition for cislunar presence NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said he expects China’s taikonauts to fly around the Moon in 2027, framing it as an imminent step in Beijing’s crewed lunar ambitions. The forecast heightens perceptions of an accelerated U.S.-China “space race” as Artemis operations progress.

2026-05-20T02:40:49.949952-07:00

Isaacman: NASA expects China to fly a crewed lunar-orbit mission in 2027, escalating competition for cislunar presence

Space Intel Report

EU-backed funding unlocks Ukraine’s “UASAT” “Starlink-lite” broadband satellite constellation (GomSpace, Stetman LLC) A new EU initiative with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense is set to provide €140 million in guarantees and €21 million in grants to advance Ukraine’s government broadband “Starlink-lite” satellite constellation. The effort, led by GomSpace and Stetman LLC, is positioned as a path to faster, resilient satcom deployment for government use.

2026-05-19T11:28:37.680935-07:00

EU-backed funding unlocks Ukraine’s “UASAT” “Starlink-lite” broadband satellite constellation (GomSpace, Stetman LLC)

European Spaceflight

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As ESA Chief Pushes for European Autonomous Human Spaceflight, Agency Prepares Reusable Orbital Spaceplane Proposal ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher says Europe must build an autonomous human spaceflight capability, framing it as a strategic requirement rather than a “luxury.” In parallel, ESA is set to propose a reusable orbital spaceplane to close gaps in Europe’s independent post-ISS transportation capabilities.

2026-05-19T07:54:42.246339-07:00

As ESA Chief Pushes for European Autonomous Human Spaceflight, Agency Prepares Reusable Orbital Spaceplane Proposal

SpaceWatch Global

NATO GEOINT Mastermind: governs AI for geospatial intelligence using space-based sensors At GEOINT 2026, NATO policy leadership discussed how AI will be used for geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) and what governance and security controls are required for deployment. The alliance framed space-based sensors as central to modern GEOINT operations and tied AI adoption to safeguarding data and accelerating decision advantage.

2026-05-19T01:23:42.078337-07:00

NATO GEOINT Mastermind: governs AI for geospatial intelligence using space-based sensors

Wall Street Journal

Contractor death at SpaceX Starbase ahead of next Starship launch push A contractor died at SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Texas, where the incident comes days before the company’s planned launch of a new version of Starship. The fatal workplace accident adds risk to the lead-up schedule as SpaceX prepares to resume rapid test operations.

2026-05-18T14:54:56.974199-07:00

Contractor death at SpaceX Starbase ahead of next Starship launch push

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Space Policy & International Cooperation News

Researchers map a fuel-saving Earth-to-Moon trajectory using advanced computer modeling

U.S. officials say they’ll be “more prepared” for next WRC on defending spectrum priorities

Report flags national-security risk in NASA-funded collaborations that may include Chinese researchers

Isaacman: NASA expects China to fly a crewed lunar-orbit mission in 2027, escalating competition for cislunar presence

News Timeline