SpaceNews.comAndrew Jones

China completes static fire of reusable Long March 12B ahead of planned test flight

China’s main space contractor performed a static fire test Friday of a new reusable Long March 12B rocket, completing a key ground check ahead of a planned test flight. The hot-fire verifies engine and stage systems as Beijing advances reusable-launch capabilities.

2026-01-16T10:26:20.173577-08:00
Spaceflight NowWill Robinson-Smith

NRO, SpaceX to launch reconnaissance satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base

By Spaceflight Now: ![](http://spaceflightnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/20260115_NRO_proliferated_architecture_patch.jpg) SpaceX is preparing for a late night Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Friday, which will carry an undisclosed number of intelligence-gathering satellites for the National Reconnaissance Office.

Also: Space.com
2026-01-16T09:07:06.409528-08:00
Bloomberg

Artemis II: NASA’s Upcoming Crewed Lunar Flyby Faces Unnecessary Safety Risks

By Bloomberg: Wish them well. Next month, four astronauts are expected to board a space capsule called Orion, blast off on a rocket known as the Space Launch System, and exit low-Earth orbit for the first time since 1972, en route to a 10-day flyby of the moon.

Also: CBS News, indiatoday.in and BBC
2026-01-16T04:53:03.590998-08:00
Universe TodayAndy Tomaswick

Using Mars’ Thin Atmosphere to 3D‑Print Metal Parts Could Save Millions on Missions

By Universe Today: Additive Manufacturing, more commonly known as 3D printing, will be an absolutely critical technology for any long-term settlement on another world. Its ability to take a generic input, such as plastic strips or metal powder, and turn it into any shape of tool an astronaut will need is an absolute game changer.

2026-01-16T04:53:15.673114-08:00