China   Europe   ESA   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Space Policy & International Cooperation  
SpaceNews.com • Andrew Jones

ESA–China SMILE mission slips into its launch phase May 19 to map the shape of Earth’s magnetosphere

ESA and China’s SMILE spacecraft is scheduled to launch May 19 after about a decade of preparation. The mission aims to deliver a “wide and unique” view of how solar wind streams and bursts of radiation from the Sun reshape Earth’s invisible magnetic shield—after an extensive pre-launch journey.

Also: ESA and science.org
2026-05-15T11:15:23.779720-07:00
Satellite   Europe   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Space Defense & Militarization   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

ICEYE hands over POLSARIS SAR satellite constellation to Poland in under a year

By AeroTime: Finland's ICEYE has delivered POLSARIS, a four-satellite SAR reconnaissance constellation, to Poland's armed forces less than a year after contract signature.

2026-05-15T07:52:37.895683-07:00
Supply Chain   Europe   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Defense & Militarization  
Space Intel Report • Peter B. de Selding

Avio CEO: Europe should invest in current rockets to meet surging demand instead of years-long work on startups

By Space Intel Report: JAKARTA — Orbital rocket and tactical defense propulsion hardware manufacturer Avio SpA reported a 19% increase in revenue and a 30% increase in EBITDA for the three months ending March 31 as both its space and defense businesses continued their growth.

2026-05-15T07:52:56.927246-07:00
Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Human Spaceflight & Space Stations   NASA  
Universe Today • Mark Thompson

Artemis III: The Mission That Has to Work Before Humans Can Return to the Moon.

By Universe Today: Artemis II has barely left the headlines. On April 1st 2026, four astronauts climbed aboard NASA's Orion spacecraft, rode the most powerful rocket ever to carry humans beyond low Earth orbit, and swung around the far side of the Moon.

2026-05-15T00:10:25.542881-07:00