Space Exploration & Science Missions   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Policy & Regulation   Defense Policy   NASA  
SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

White House orders NASA, Pentagon and DOE to develop space nuclear power systems for first launches as soon as 2028

A White House policy released April 14 directs NASA, the Pentagon and the Department of Energy to develop space nuclear power systems with an earliest launch target of 2028. NASA’s goal is to field a nuclear-reactor-powered interplanetary spacecraft capable of a Mars-bound mission by the end of 2028—widely viewed as highly ambitious.

Also: Aviation Week and technologyreview.com
2026-04-14T11:28:19.787759-07:00
Moon   Space Exploration & Science Missions  
NEW
Universe Today • Mark Thompson

Reading the Moon’s Buried Past.

By Universe Today: The lunar south pole is where humanity plans to build its first permanent outpost but we still don't fully understand what lies beneath the surface. A new study has used radar to peer below the ground in one of the Moon's most complex and battered regions and what it's finding raises important questions about the geological minefield that future astronauts will be navigating.

2026-04-14T13:53:11.262768-07:00
China   Satellite   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space  
SpaceNews.com • Andrew Jones

Jielong-3 launches internet test satellite, Kinetica-1 lofts 8 remote sensing sats

By SpaceNews.com: Jielong-3 launches internet test satellite, Kinetica-1 lofts 8 remote sensing sats A pair of solid rocket launches have added to China’s satellite internet and commercial remote sensing capabilities, sending a total of nine satellites into orbit.

2026-04-14T09:15:02.650527-07:00
Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Commercial Space   Space Defense & Militarization   BAE Systems  
Aviation Week • Vivienne Machi

BAE Unveils New Spacecraft Line For Dynamic Space Operations

By Aviation Week: BAE Systems is entering the space tug market, debuting a new vehicle it says will be capable of transporting cargo and small satellites to the Moon.

Also: Defense Daily, defence-industry.eu and insidedefense.com
2026-04-14T05:08:26.678162-07:00