Satellite Supply Chain M&A Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Space Exploration & Science Missions Commercial Space

SpaceWatch Global • Joshua Faleti

Rocket Lab to acquire Motiv Space Systems, bringing Mars-proven robotics and precision mechanism capabilities in-house

Rocket Lab has agreed to acquire Motiv Space Systems, a move designed to expand its internal space-robotics portfolio. Motiv is known for multi-degree-of-freedom robotic arms, actuators and drive electronics used on missions including NASA’s Mars Perseverance rover, CADRE lunar rovers and precision scientific-instrument mechanisms.

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

Space Force Defense Budgets & Spending Space Policy & International Cooperation Space Defense & Militarization Policy & Regulation

SpaceNews.com • Thomas Taverney

Failing to pass a defense budget is a self-inflicted wound in the space race

By SpaceNews.com: If you want to undermine our ability to fight and win in space, don’t pass a budget — just crush progress through a Continuing Resolution.

2026-05-11T08:27:40.026216-07:00

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

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Rocket Lab to acquire Motiv Space Systems, bringing Mars-proven robotics and precision mechanism capabilities in-house

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

Failing to pass a defense budget is a self-inflicted wound in the space race

Tianzhou-10 cargo spacecraft arrives at Tiangong space station

Italy Completes Air-Launched Rocket Demonstrator Test

ESA and JAXA finalize agreement on Apophis asteroid mission

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

MDA Space continues work on Gateway robotic arm

Full Stack Flight 12 prepares for WDR

Failing to pass a defense budget is a self-inflicted wound in the space race