China   Satellite   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space  
SpaceNews.com • Andrew Jones

China suffers dual launch failures as Long March 3B loses classified Shijian and Ceres‑2 maiden flight fails

China experienced two launch failures Friday: a Long March 3B lost a classified Shijian satellite, and the debut Ceres‑2 rocket failed on its maiden flight, with both missions failing to place their payloads into orbit. The twin setbacks affect both an established launcher and a new vehicle.

2026-01-17T02:45:55.426807-08:00
China   Moon   Space Exploration & Science Missions  
Universe Today • Matthew Williams

Analysis of Chang'e-6 Samples Addresses Mysteries About the Far Side of the Moon.

By Universe Today: Our nearest neighbor, the Moon, is still something of a mystery to us. For decades, scientists have wondered why it appears so lopsided, with dark volcanic plains on the near side (the side we see) and rugged, cratered mountains and a thicker crust on the far side.

2026-01-16T16:12:40.876136-08:00
Space Exploration & Science Missions   Space Defense & Militarization  
Universe Today • Matthew Williams

Study: Iron-Rich Asteroids Far More Resilient Than Expected — Implications for Planetary Defence

By Universe Today: Physicists at the University of Oxford have contributed to a new study which has found that iron-rich asteroids can tolerate far more energy than previously thought without breaking apart - a breakthrough with direct implications for planetary defence strategies.

2026-01-16T14:27:12.334384-08:00
Satellite   North America   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Defense & Militarization  
Spaceflight Now • Will Robinson-Smith

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

By Spaceflight Now: ![](http://spaceflightnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/20260117_NROL-105.jpeg) Update Jan. 17, 12 a.m. EST (0500 UTC): SpaceX landed its booster at Landing Zone 4.

2026-01-16T09:07:06.409528-08:00