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

Space.com • Robert Lea

NASA’s Psyche spacecraft to use a Mars gravity assist with a close flyby May 15

NASA’s Psyche solar-electric asteroid probe, launched Oct. 13, 2023, will fly within 3,000 miles of Mars on May 15 to gain energy for its journey to the metallic asteroid Psyche. Mission planners will leverage Mars’ gravity alongside xenon-fueled propulsion to shape the interplanetary trajectory.

2026-05-12T08:11:48.565672-07:00

Satellite Space Defense & Militarization

SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Space Force awards TrustPoint $4 million for LEO navigation demonstration

By SpaceNews.com: GTON — TrustPoint, a Virginia startup developing a low-Earth-orbit navigation system intended to complement or back up GPS, said May 12 it received a $4 million contract from the U.S.

Also: Business Wire

2026-05-12T07:30:46.768508-07:00

Satellite Commercial Space

Space.com • Mike Wall

Star Catcher just raised $65 million to build the world's first power grid in space

By Space.com: Star Catcher Industries just raised $65 million to build a constellation of power-beaming satellites, which the Florida company thinks will supercharge the off-Earth economy.

Also: SpaceNews.com

2026-05-12T06:48:33.865401-07:00

Event Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Space Exploration & Science Missions Commercial Space

Space.com • Mike Wall

SpaceX fuels up Starship V3 megarocket for 1st time ahead of crucial test flight (photos)

By Space.com: SpaceX has stacked and fueled the new version of its Starship megarocket for the first time ever, gearing up for a key test flight that could launch as soon as May 19.

Ars Technica

Once again, SpaceX has set a new record for the tallest rocket ever built

indiatoday.in

SpaceX fuels biggest Starship Super Heavy: No leaks, all eyes on May 15 launch

2026-05-12T03:58:49.180951-07:00

Satellite

SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

Transcelestial tests space-to-ground laser communications technologies

By SpaceNews.com: Transcelestial has advanced its work to provide space-to-ground optical communications with a test of lasers from a satellite to ground stations.

2026-05-12T05:28:19.550608-07:00

Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

Payload • Douglas Gorman

Fenix Space Flies Tow-Launch Prototype

By Payload: Fenix completed a week-long test campaign, validating the ability to take off and land—without using a launch pad.

2026-05-12T05:28:25.340734-07:00

Defense Industry & Major Contractors Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Space Defense & Militarization

SpaceWatch Global • Joshua Faleti

Lockheed Martin, Seagate Space and Firefly Aerospace are Collaborating to Accelerate Sea-Based Launch Solutions

By SpaceWatch Global: Lockheed Martin, Seagate Space, and Firefly Aerospace are collaborating on sea-based launch solutions for national security using Seagate's Gateway offshore platform.

2026-05-12T00:56:56.937973-07:00

Satellite Moon Space Exploration & Science Missions Space Policy & International Cooperation NASA

SpaceWatch Global • Joshua Faleti

Lonestar Signs NASA Space Act Agreement to Advance Space Based Data Storage for Resilient Space Infrastructure

By SpaceWatch Global: Lonestar has signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA, establishing a framework for collaboration towards advancing lunar data storage.

2026-05-12T01:42:03.834529-07:00

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