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China Satellite Moon Space Exploration & Science Missions

SpaceWatch Global • Joshua Faleti

China demonstrates two-way Earth–Moon laser communications over 400,000 km

China says it has completed an Earth–Moon laser communications demonstration, verifying two-way, high-speed optical links across more than 400,000 km. The milestone highlights progress in lunar communications technology as China expands its ambitions for sustained activity and infrastructure around the Moon.

1 Source

2026-08-31T01:52:55.573791-07:00

Space Force Space Policy & International Cooperation Workforce & Skills Development NASA

SpaceWatch Global • Joshua Faleti

Trump Signs Executive Order Establishing a U.S. Space Academy

By SpaceWatch Global: U.S. President Trump has begun the process of establishing the United States Space Academy to strengthen the country's space workforce.

Also: Aero-News

3 Sources

2026-08-31T01:12:54.760736-07:00

Satellite Europe Commercial Space

Reuters

Germany's OHB lands first major EU IRIS² satellite contract worth nearly €1 billion

By Reuters: German satellite maker OHB said on Monday it had signed a contract worth nearly €1 billion ($1.2 billion) to develop and build 18 satellites for the European Union's IRIS² secure communications programme.

Also: Seeking Alpha and exterrajsc.com

3 Sources

2026-08-31T00:20:07.284261-07:00

Moon Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Space Exploration & Science Missions Human Spaceflight & Space Stations NASA

NASA Spaceflight • Alejandro Alcantarilla Romera, Chris Bergin

SLS picks up the pace, four vehicles in production

By NASA Spaceflight: The NASA and contractor workforce continues to make progress ahead of next year’s Artemis III mission, with Solid Rocket Booster stacking continuing, while RS-25 engines are being installed on Core Stage 3.

1 Source

2026-08-30T17:20:09.635588-07:00

China Moon Space Exploration & Science Missions

The Hill • Mark Whittington

What China’s delay means for the US-China moon race

By The Hill: The liftoff of China’s Chang’e 7 mission to the moon has been delayed into 2027. Ars Technica reports that the Chinese are being vague about the exact reasons for the delay, only suggesting it is due to, adhering to “the principle of proceeding prudently and reliably, and ensuring absolute success.”.

1 Source

2026-08-30T18:05:36.796867-07:00

JWST Satellite Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Space Exploration & Science Missions NASA

Space.com • Monisha Ravisetti

NASA’s Roman Space Telescope Successfully Launches on Mission to Study the Universe

By Space.com: The Roman Space Telescope successfully launched to space on Sunday (Aug. 30). Its liftoff was met with excitement from scientists, love from its team and a surprising call from President Trump.

Payload

Roman Space Telescope Begins Its Journey to L2

CBS News

NASA's groundbreaking Roman Space Telescope launches into space

Also: cosmiclog.com

5 Sources

2026-08-30T11:50:06.010708-07:00

ISS Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Human Spaceflight & Space Stations NASA

Bloomberg • Rachel Cohrs Zhang

NASA, SpaceX Postpone ISS Mission Launch After Spacecraft Leak

By Bloomberg: SpaceX and NASA are delaying the launch of a planned mission to the International Space Station to fix an oxidizer leak in the Dragon spacecraft’s propulsion system, the US space agency said.

Also: Seeking Alpha

2 Sources

2026-08-30T13:35:36.666705-07:00

Space Exploration & Science Missions Space Policy & International Cooperation NASA

Ars Technica • Eric Berger

Why it matters that President Trump just dialed into a NASA news conference

By Ars Technica: With just one more major mission upcoming, NASA's science programs need a boost.

1 Source

2026-08-30T10:50:06.855143-07:00

China demonstrates two-way Earth–Moon laser communications over 400,000 km

Trump Signs Executive Order Establishing a U.S. Space Academy

Germany's OHB lands first major EU IRIS² satellite contract worth nearly €1 billion

SLS picks up the pace, four vehicles in production

What China’s delay means for the US-China moon race

NASA’s Roman Space Telescope Successfully Launches on Mission to Study the Universe

Roman Space Telescope Begins Its Journey to L2

NASA's groundbreaking Roman Space Telescope launches into space

NASA, SpaceX Postpone ISS Mission Launch After Spacecraft Leak

Why it matters that President Trump just dialed into a NASA news conference

China Demonstrates Earth-Moon Laser Communication Link as Lunar Ambitions Expand

Trump Signs Executive Order Establishing a U.S. Space Academy

Germany's OHB lands first major EU IRIS² satellite contract worth nearly €1 billion

What China’s delay means for the US-China moon race

SLS picks up the pace, four vehicles in production

NASA, SpaceX Postpone ISS Mission Launch After Spacecraft Leak

Trump Begins Process to Establish U.S. Space Academy for NASA and Military Missions

SpaceX test-fires Starship Super Heavy booster ahead of critical Flight 14 (video)

ESA awards first European Launcher Challenge contracts

NASA Announces Next Steps for Swift Rescue Mission

Trump signs order to establish U.S. Space Academy for military, NASA and commercial workforce

ESA commits €543.6 million to three startups in first European Launcher Challenge contracts

SpaceX test-fires all 33 Super Heavy engines ahead of Starship’s first orbital attempt

Artemis II Crew Receives Congressional Space Medal of Honor for Historic Lunar Flyby

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

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