Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Human Spaceflight & Space Stations   NASA  
Space.com • Leonard David

NASA backs flying Artemis II with Orion's existing heat shield after Artemis I anomaly

After a heat-shield anomaly on Artemis I, NASA and partners say they will proceed with Artemis II using the current Orion heat shield. Agency officials and contractors expressed confidence the flaw has been understood and mitigated and are committed to a safe launch and crewed return.

2026-02-17T03:09:55.730969-08:00
Satellite   Europe   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Commercial Space   Space Policy & International Cooperation  
SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

Leonardo backs development of Earth‑observation constellation to showcase capabilities and seed wider European initiatives

By SpaceNews.com: Leonardo is funding an Earth observation constellation designed to highlight its capabilities while also being a model for larger European initiatives.

2026-02-17T00:52:56.936040-08:00
Satellite   Commercial Space   Asia-Pacific (APAC)   Airbus  
FlightGlobal • Dominic Perry

Airbus AALTO secures northern Australian site for second Zephyr launch-and-landing facility, aims for mid‑2026 construction

By FlightGlobal: Airbus subsidiary AALTO HAPS hopes by mid-2026 to have begun construction of a new launch and landing site in northern Australia for its solar-powered Zephyr high-altitude platform-station (HAPS), paving the way for the start of operations there later this year.

2026-02-16T23:09:28.662154-08:00
Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Human Spaceflight & Space Stations   NASA  
Spaceflight Now • Will Robinson-Smith

NASA to attempt second full fueling test of its Space Launch System rocket

By Spaceflight Now: ![](http://spaceflightnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20260216_WDR-2_annoucement-1_MC-1.jpeg) NASA will try again to fully load its Space Launch System rocket with more than 700,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen this week at the conclusion of a full launch countdown rehearsal.

Also: human-spaceflight.blogspot.com and Times of India
2026-02-16T16:36:23.392567-08:00
Space Exploration & Science Missions   NASA  
Universe Today • Matthew Williams

Study: Amino Acids on Bennu Indicate Different Formation Pathway Than Previously Thought

By Universe Today: According to the researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, some of the amino acids found in the asteroid Bennu likely formed in a different way than was previously thought, effectively challenging what we thought we knew about the origins of life.

2026-02-16T15:53:33.724711-08:00