Space News

China Satellite AI Moon Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Space Exploration & Science Missions

NASA Spaceflight • Martin Smith

Wenchang reaches 50 launches as China advances AI satellites despite third failure

China’s Wenchang Space Launch Site marked its 50th launch at the end of July, even as it suffered a third launch failure this week. The setbacks come alongside expanding activity across China’s launch sites, including deployments of AI-enabled and in-space computing satellites and preparations for a lunar south pole mission.

1 Source

2026-08-12T12:36:29.909064-07:00

Human Spaceflight & Space Stations Commercial Space

NEW

Bloomberg • Loren Grush, Sana Pashankar

Virgin Galactic Delays Debut of Upgraded Spaceplane, Shares Fall

By Bloomberg: Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc. is delaying the debut of its Delta-class spaceplane, pushing the first expected full-power flight of the upgraded tourism vehicle until February of 2027.

Also: Seeking Alpha

2 Sources

2026-08-12T13:51:01.776355-07:00

Moon Space Exploration & Science Missions Human Spaceflight & Space Stations NASA

Associated Press • Marcia Dunn

Radiation vest tested on NASA moonshot can cut astronauts’ exposure in solar storms, study suggests

By Associated Press: A new study suggests a protective vest tested on a manikin during NASA's first Artemis moonshot could slash the radiation exposure of lunar astronauts during severe solar storms.

Also: Space.com, ScienceNews and orlandosentinel.com

4 Sources

2026-08-12T11:05:54.848324-07:00

Satellite LEO Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

Space Intel Report • Peter B. de Selding

AST SpaceMobile: Beta D2D commercial service in US should start this year for half-day coverage, continuous service in 2027

By Space Intel Report: LA PLATA, Maryland— Satellite direct-to-device (D2D) startup AST SpaceMobile, which has 13 satellites in low Earth orbit, said it expects to reach its goal of 45 satellites by early next year and has booked 10 missions on two launch-service providers to reach that goal.

1 Source

2026-08-12T10:35:15.466447-07:00

Airports Airport Infrastructure & Air Traffic Management Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space Policy & Regulation

Skift • Tasmin Lockwood

These 13 Environmental Laws Could be Waived to Speed Up Airport-to-Spaceport Conversions

By Skift: Dozens of airports sit on land, runways, and remote buffer zones that could be turned into spaceports — and the FAA just proposed waiving 13 environmental laws to help them do so.

1 Source

2026-08-12T09:36:30.250355-07:00

Satellite Europe Space Policy & International Cooperation Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact

politico.eu • Milena Wälde

Poland Reignites Dispute With Musk Over Exclusion From Starlink Roaming Zone

By politico.eu: The company has not explained why Warsaw was carved out of a 30-country roaming zone.

2 Sources

2026-08-12T09:05:16.955763-07:00

China Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

SpaceNews.com • Andrew Jones

China’s iSpace raises first batch of series E funding for reusable rocketry

By SpaceNews.com: Chinese reusable launch vehicle maker has secured a first batch of series E funding, months after a huge D++ round, with fundraising still ongoing.

2 Sources

2026-08-12T06:15:41.076212-07:00

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

Payload • Victoria Woodburn

Firefly Aerospace Reports Record Quarter Backed by Launch and Defense Announcements

By Payload: Firefly Aerospace ($FLY) posted its first-ever $100M+ quarter on Tuesday, backed by a fresh slate of launch and defense announcements.

1 Source

2026-08-12T05:21:04.614403-07:00

Wenchang reaches 50 launches as China advances AI satellites despite third failure

Virgin Galactic Delays Debut of Upgraded Spaceplane, Shares Fall

Radiation vest tested on NASA moonshot can cut astronauts’ exposure in solar storms, study suggests

AST SpaceMobile: Beta D2D commercial service in US should start this year for half-day coverage, continuous service in 2027

These 13 Environmental Laws Could be Waived to Speed Up Airport-to-Spaceport Conversions

Poland Reignites Dispute With Musk Over Exclusion From Starlink Roaming Zone

China’s iSpace raises first batch of series E funding for reusable rocketry

Firefly Aerospace Reports Record Quarter Backed by Launch and Defense Announcements

Virgin Galactic Delays Debut of Upgraded Spaceplane, Shares Fall

Amid failure, Wenchang celebrates milestone as China launches AI satellites and prepares for lunar south pole mission

Radiation vest tested on NASA moonshot can cut astronauts’ exposure in solar storms, study suggests

AST SpaceMobile: Beta D2D commercial service in US should start this year for half-day coverage, continuous service in 2027

These 13 Environmental Laws Could be Waived to Speed Up Airport-to-Spaceport Conversions

Poland Reignites Dispute With Musk Over Exclusion From Starlink Roaming Zone

Satellogic Reports Positive Operating Income and EBITDA, Projects Continued Profitability

SpaceX wraps Starlink double header day with the launch of 24 Starlink satellites from California

#SpaceWatchGL Analysis: India’s Space Industry Push Pays Off With Successful Launch

Firefly increases vehicle production even as launches lag

Rocket Lab’s Neutron debut faces schedule risk as company unveils GHOST deployable launch system

Long March 7A fails shortly after liftoff during communications-satellite launch

Vietnam’s VinSpace signs SpaceX launch deal for first satellites in 2027

SpaceX shares rebound after $7.8 billion Q2 revenue beat as satellite and Starship ambitions raise commercial-space stakes

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

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