Blue Origin   AI   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Human Spaceflight & Space Stations  
Space.com • Andrew Jones

After Artemis II, NASA’s 2028 Moon-landing plan depends on unproven Starship and Blue Moon landers

With Artemis II completed, NASA’s next milestone—landing astronauts on the Moon in 2028—now hinges on two commercial lunar landers still facing major technical and schedule risk: SpaceX’s Starship and Blue Origin’s Blue Moon. A parallel question: whether SpaceX’s AI-led strategy will accelerate capability—or introduce new uncertainty for NASA’s program.

Also: Scientific American and spacewar.com
2026-05-05T03:51:16.136752-07:00
Satellite   Europe   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Defense & Militarization   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
SpaceWatch Global • Joshua Faleti

Planet Launches Three High-Resolution Pelican Satellites Including one for the Swedish Armed Forces

By SpaceWatch Global: Planet Labs has launched three new Pelican satellites, one of which is the first satellite to orbit for the Swedish Armed Forces (SwAF).

2026-05-05T02:07:18.245195-07:00
Europe   LEO   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Human Spaceflight & Space Stations   Commercial Space  
SpaceWatch Global • Guest Author

#SpaceWatchGL Opinion: From Microgravity Research to Market: Why Germany Holds a Unique Position in the Emerging LEO Economy

By SpaceWatch Global: Germany has quietly built one of the most comprehensive microgravity ecosystems worldwide. It is not a vision, nor a future ambition. It is already operational.

2026-05-05T02:28:21.240624-07:00
Space Force   Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space   Space Defense & Militarization  
SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

Firefly plans late summer launch of first Alpha Block 2 rocket

By SpaceNews.com: Firefly Aerospace plans to debut the upgraded version of its Alpha rocket late this summer as it sees strong demand for the vehicle.

Also: Seeking Alpha, GlobeNewswire and fireflyspace.com
2026-05-04T18:30:33.232070-07:00
Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space   Space Debris & Traffic Management  
NASA Spaceflight • John Sharp

Launch Preview: three launches — a calm before the storm?

By NASA Spaceflight: Two Falcon 9 launches and a Chang Zheng 7 make up the launch roster for the week commencing Monday, May 4, 2026. SpaceX will use its launches to place a further 48 Starlink satellites into Group 17 of the huge constellation of over 7,000 satellites.

2026-05-04T12:07:53.549383-07:00
Museums   Supply Chain   M&A   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space   Space Defense & Militarization   Policy & Regulation  
Via Satellite • Rachel Jewett

Lockheed Martin Joins Seagate Space and Firefly Aerospace to Develop Sea-Based Launch

By Via Satellite: Johnathon Caldwell, vice president and general manager of Strategic and Missile Defense Systems for Lockheed Martin Space, said in a statement it builds on Lockheed’s “legacy in missile defense, targets and counter‑measures.”.

2026-05-04T14:04:28.560841-07:00