Space News

Mars Space Exploration & Science Missions

Space.com • Mike Wall

Japan unveils MMX spacecraft ahead of Oct. 19 Phobos sample-return launch

Japan has revealed the spacecraft for its Martian Moons eXploration mission, scheduled to launch Oct. 19. MMX will travel to Mars’ moon Phobos, collect surface material and return the samples to Earth, providing a closer look at one of the Red Planet’s enigmatic satellites.

1 Source

2026-08-21T11:05:19.742312-07:00

Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

Space.com • Josh Dinner

SpaceX fires up Starship ahead of megarocket’s 1st orbital flight (video)

By Space.com: SpaceX completed a single-engine test-firing of its next Starship spacecraft to prepare for its coming test flight, which will be the first to reach orbit.

1 Source

2026-08-21T09:13:18.379631-07:00

Satellite LEO Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

Space.com • Mike Wall

SpaceX launches 29 Starlink satellites, lands rocket on ship at sea (video, photos)

By Space.com: SpaceX launched yet another Starlink mission today (Aug. 21), sending 29 more of the broadband satellites to orbit from Florida's Space Coast.

2 Sources

2026-08-21T08:33:21.356932-07:00

Satellite Supply Chain Commercial Space Space Policy & International Cooperation

Space Intel Report • Peter B. de Selding

York Space promises rebound in 2027 after 32% drop in 2026 revenue target, says contracts have been delayed, not lost

By Space Intel Report: TUPPER LAKE, NY — Fast-growing space system provider York Space Systems blamed a sudden change in US government contracting policy for space hardware and supply-chain hiccup for the company’s 32% decrease in projected 2026 revenue just three months after reaffirming it.

1 Source

2026-08-21T08:33:16.912212-07:00

Satellite Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Space Policy & International Cooperation

SpaceWatch Global • Joshua Faleti

Taiwan's First Domestic Rocket Test Ends in Mid-flight Termination as the Island Pursues Launch Independence

By SpaceWatch Global: Taiwan attempted the first flight test of a domestically developed satellite launch vehicle. The flight terminated shortly after liftoff.

1 Source

2026-08-21T02:53:24.605137-07:00

China Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

SpaceNews.com • Andrew Jones

Landspace aims to refly recovered Zhuque-3 booster within six months

By SpaceNews.com: Chinese commercial launch firm Landspace is targeting a reflight of its Zhuque-3 first stage in months, following its historic successful vertical landing Aug.

1 Source

2026-08-21T02:00:40.532471-07:00

Satellite Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation

Ars Technica • Stephen Clark

Rocket Report: SpaceX makes its mark on the Moon; ULA names new boss

By Ars Technica: Taiwan's effort to develop its own satellite launcher hit a setback this week.

1 Source

2026-08-21T04:20:05.364280-07:00

Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Space Exploration & Science Missions

SpaceWatch Global • Joshua Faleti

JAXA Sets October Launch for MMX Mars-Region Sample-Return Mission

By SpaceWatch Global: as the scheduled launch date for its Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission.

1 Source

2026-08-21T02:13:38.592707-07:00

Japan unveils MMX spacecraft ahead of Oct. 19 Phobos sample-return launch

SpaceX fires up Starship ahead of megarocket’s 1st orbital flight (video)

SpaceX launches 29 Starlink satellites, lands rocket on ship at sea (video, photos)

York Space promises rebound in 2027 after 32% drop in 2026 revenue target, says contracts have been delayed, not lost

Taiwan's First Domestic Rocket Test Ends in Mid-flight Termination as the Island Pursues Launch Independence

Landspace aims to refly recovered Zhuque-3 booster within six months

Rocket Report: SpaceX makes its mark on the Moon; ULA names new boss

JAXA Sets October Launch for MMX Mars-Region Sample-Return Mission

Japan unveils Mars moon sample-return spacecraft ahead of Oct. 19 launch (photos)

SpaceX launches 29 Starlink satellites, lands rocket on ship at sea (video, photos)

SpaceX fires up Starship ahead of megarocket’s 1st orbital flight (video)

York Space promises rebound in 2027 after 32% drop in 2026 revenue target, says contracts have been delayed, not lost

Letara Raises $16 Million to Develop Low-Cost Hybrid Rocket Engines

Rocket Report: SpaceX makes its mark on the Moon; ULA names new boss

Musk Touts Starlink for India’s Rural Users Amid Stalled Launch

Boeing Starliner Thruster Failures Turned First Crewed Docking Into Near-Disaster

Elve qualifies millimeter-wave amplifiers for spaceflight

New space transportation policy focuses on increased launch rates

LandSpace Recovers Zhuque-3 Booster, Advancing China’s Reusable Orbital Launch Capability

Katalyst Space rescue mission fails, leaving NASA’s Swift observatory on course for reentry

LandSpace’s Zhuque-3 Completes Second Orbital Flight With First-Stage Landing

NASA releases sharpest images yet of crater formed by SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage on the Moon

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

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