Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Human Spaceflight & Space Stations   NASA  
Space.com • Mike Wall

Artemis II heat shield “trial by fire” impresses crew during return

NASA says Artemis II’s heat shield appeared to perform “wonderful” during a trial by fire—per crew observations focused on the thermal protection system after reentry exposure. The assessment reinforces confidence in Orion’s return hardware as the mission transitions fully into splashdown readiness.

Also: Military.com
2026-04-17T06:14:26.590771-07:00
Satellite   Supply Chain   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space  
investors.rocketlabcorp.com

Rocket Lab Unveils New Electric Propulsion Satellite Thruster to Meet Constellation Demand | Tue, 04/14/2026

By investors.rocketlabcorp.com: LONG BEACH, Calif., April 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or the “Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today introduced a new electric satellite thruster designed for high-volume production to meet the growing demand for.

2026-04-16T13:00:46.067125-07:00
Europe   ESA   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   NASA  
Ars Technica • Stephen Clark

After a saga of broken promises, a European rover finally has a ride to Mars

By Ars Technica: Europe's first Mars rover mission is now on its fourth rocket: SpaceX's Falcon Heavy...

Also: Times of India and 4 more
2026-04-16T20:29:50.516542-07:00
Satellite   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Asia-Pacific (APAC)  
SpaceNews.com • Jason Rainbow

Taiwan floats shared satcom constellation amid calls for more space collaboration

By SpaceNews.com: Taiwan’s space agency chief has called on other countries to band together on a shared communications constellation to match the scale and growing strategic importance of networks like Starlink.

2026-04-17T01:51:27.232531-07:00