China Moon Space Exploration & Science Missions Human Spaceflight & Space Stations Space Policy & International Cooperation Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact

SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

Isaacman: NASA expects China to fly a crewed lunar-orbit mission in 2027, escalating competition for cislunar presence

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said he expects China’s taikonauts to fly around the Moon in 2027, framing it as an imminent step in Beijing’s crewed lunar ambitions. The forecast heightens perceptions of an accelerated U.S.-China “space race” as Artemis operations progress.

Also: Space Policy Online

2026-05-20T02:40:49.949952-07:00

Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

SpaceWatch Global • Joshua Faleti

Southern Launch Welcomes Fourth Varda Capsule back to Earth at the Koonibba Test Range

By SpaceWatch Global: Southern Launch has announced the safe reentry and return of of Varda Space Industries’ W-6 capsule to the Koonibba Test Range, demonstrating the company's position as a global leader for orbital re-entry services.

2026-05-20T01:09:10.577730-07:00

Satellite Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation

Via Satellite • Leandra Bernstein

Northrop Grumman's First MRV Readies for Summer Launch to Expand the Space Servicing Toolkit

By Via Satellite: STERLING, Va. — Northrop Grumman’s SpaceLogistics is scheduled to launch its next-generation space vehicle for on-orbit refueling and satellite life extension this summer, program leaders told reporters Tuesday.

Also: Defense Daily

2026-05-19T15:43:19.876953-07:00

Satellite Space Exploration & Science Missions Human Spaceflight & Space Stations

Space.com • Samantha Mathewson

Lasers in moon craters could create a lunar GPS system

By Space.com: Researchers propose placing lasers in the moon's permanently shadowed craters to build a lunar navigation system that could guide future Artemis missions and support a GPS-like network on the lunar surface.

2026-05-19T14:05:40.632294-07:00

Satellite M&A Commercial Space Space Debris & Traffic Management Sustainability & Climate Initiatives

Via Satellite • Rachel Jewett

Sky Perfect JSAT Invests in Astroscale to Partner on On-Orbit Servicing

By Via Satellite: Sky Perfect JSAT is investing in Astroscale as part of a strategic partnership between the companies to work together on on-orbit servicing initiatives.

Also: Satellite Evolution, spaceanddefense.io and satnews.com

2026-05-19T11:55:55.389621-07:00

Satellite Space Exploration & Science Missions Commercial Space NASA

Ars Technica • Stephen Clark

"I'll buy 10 of those"—NASA science chief yearns for mass-produced satellites

By Ars Technica: How in the hell do I get more science into space? That is my goal.".

2026-05-19T13:54:40.358815-07:00

Space Exploration & Science Missions Human Spaceflight & Space Stations NASA

Space.com • Josh Dinner

NASA satellite will test orbital 'gas station' tech to help astronauts reach the moon and Mars

By Space.com: The Liquid Oxygen Flight demonstration (LOXSAT) will help NASA test and develop technologies to support in-space transfer and storage of cryogenic propellants, critical abilities for the Artemis program to return astronauts to the moon.

2026-05-19T09:05:31.165123-07:00

Satellite Space Defense & Militarization

Via Satellite • Rachel Jewett

Eutelsat Network Solutions Adds Get SAT Aero Blade Terminal to Lineup

By Via Satellite: Eutelsat’s U.S. government service provider Eutelsat Network Solutions has added the Get SAT Aero Blade terminal to its lineup, to give more multi-orbit options to government and defense customers.

2026-05-19T11:55:55.513264-07:00

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