Satellite M&A Space Exploration & Science Missions Commercial Space

SpaceWatch Global • Joshua Faleti

Rocket Lab to acquire Motiv, bringing Mars-heritage space robotics and precision mechanism capabilities in-house

Rocket Lab has agreed to buy Motiv Space Systems, a maker of multi-degree-of-freedom robotic arms, actuators and drive electronics used across missions including NASA’s Mars Perseverance rover and lunar rovers. The deal also adds precision space mechanisms—such as solar array drive assemblies—critical for satellite constellation manufacturing, with Motiv to be branded Rocket Lab Robotics.

2026-05-11T06:19:48.716854-07:00

Satellite Africa Space Policy & International Cooperation Sustainability & Climate Initiatives

SpaceWatch Global • Joshua Faleti

#SpaceWatchGl Opinion: Beyond Data: Why Satellite Access Alone Won’t Deliver Climate Resilience in Africa

By SpaceWatch Global: Africa has expanded access to satellite data through initiatives like GMES & Africa and Digital Earth Africa, but climate resilience depends on turning data into coordinated government action, technical capacity, and scalable national implementation.

2026-05-11T06:54:06.385531-07:00

China Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Space Exploration & Science Missions Human Spaceflight & Space Stations

SpaceNews.com • Andrew Jones

Tianzhou-10 cargo spacecraft arrives at Tiangong space station

By SpaceNews.com: China launched the Tianzhou-10 cargo spacecraft late Sunday, docking with the Tiangong space station hours later to deliver supplies, equipment, experiments and propellant.

2026-05-11T04:30:09.956686-07:00

Europe Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Space Exploration & Science Missions

European Spaceflight • Andrew Parsonson

Italy Completes Air-Launched Rocket Demonstrator Test

By European Spaceflight: Italy has successfully completed a suborbital demonstration of its Aviolancio air-launched rocket using a T4i HAX25 sounding rocket.

2026-05-11T04:30:08.683788-07:00

Europe Space Exploration & Science Missions Space Policy & International Cooperation Space Debris & Traffic Management Asia-Pacific (APAC)

SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

ESA and JAXA finalize agreement on Apophis asteroid mission

By SpaceNews.com: ESA and JAXA have finalized an agreement to collaborate on a mission to study the asteroid Apophis during its close flyby of Earth in 2029.

SpaceWatch Global

ESA and JAXA Sign Dedicated Collaboration Agreement for 2028's Ramses Mission to Asteroid Apophis

2026-05-10T10:47:18.759164-07:00

Space Exploration & Science Missions Human Spaceflight & Space Stations

SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

MDA Space continues work on Gateway robotic arm

By SpaceNews.com: MDA Space is continuing work on a robotic arm for the lunar Gateway while it discusses the future of the project with the Canadian Space Agency.

2026-05-09T18:04:38.391468-07:00

Event Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

NASA Spaceflight • Ryan Weber

Full Stack Flight 12 prepares for WDR

By NASA Spaceflight: Following Booster 19’s successful full-duration, full-thrust 33-engine static fire on May 7, 2026, its partner Ship 39 rolled out to join the booster and form the Flight 12 stack ahead of this weekend’s Wet Dress Rehearsal.

2026-05-08T17:21:29.965735-07:00

Space Exploration & Science Missions NASA

Space.com • Elizabeth Howell

NASA's twin Voyager spacecraft are very low on power after nearly 50 years. How long can they keep going?

By Space.com: Voyager, the iconic twin spacecraft that NASA launched in 1977, are still flying in interstellar space. But their power is dwindling, and it's unclear how much longer they can last.

2026-05-09T07:53:09.090996-07:00

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