CHINA’S SHENZHOU-20 ASTRONAUTS COMPLETE SECOND SPACEWALK TO ENHANCE TIANGONG SPACE STATION - Two Chinese astronauts conducted an extravehicular activity outside the Tiangong space station Thursday, marking their second spacewalk in five weeks. Astronaut Chen Zhongrui opened the Wentian module hatch at 3:04 a.m. Eastern (0704 UTC) June 26, beginning activities, ascending to the tip of Tiangong’s robotic arm. Mission commander Chen Dong, wearing a Feitian EVA suit with blue stripes, joined his colleague two hours later. Wang Jie, formerly an engineer with the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), assisted operations from within Tiangong. More (Source: SpaceNews - Jun 30)
EU'S SPACE ACT WOULD TRACK SPACE OBJECTS AND CLEAR SATELLITE DEBRIS - Ambitious new legislation aims to revolutionize Europe's approach to space safety by integrating advanced systems to monitor and track orbital objects while actively managing and removing satellite debris. Experts emphasize that this initiative will not only improve real‐time situational awareness in orbit but also foster international collaboration, reducing the risk of collisions among satellites and other man-made objects. By establishing a framework for debris identification and clearance, the proposed act is seen as a key step toward preserving the longevity and strategic value of space assets in an increasingly congested orbital environment. More (Source: Accuweather - Jun 28)
AXIOM MISSION 4 ASTRONAUTS DOCK TO STATION INSIDE DRAGON - At 6:31 a.m. EDT on Thursday, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docked to the International Space Station for the fourth private astronaut mission to the orbiting laboratory, Axiom Mission 4. NASA’s arrival coverage will continue through hatch opening and welcome remarks from the crew. More (Source: NASA - Jun 27)
FEDS CUT SATELLITE DATA FORECASTERS SAY IS CRUCIAL TO TRACKING HURRICANES: 'A HUGE LOSS' - Meteorologists, emergency planners, and local officials are grappling with the fallout from NOAA's decision to reduce its public hurricane forecast data, a move that many fear may compromise the clarity and timeliness of storm tracking during critical weather events. Reduced access to high-resolution forecasting details is triggering debates over public safety, as experts struggle to reconcile the gap between legacy data and emerging storm patterns. Concerns are mounting over how this data cut may affect early warning systems, evacuation protocols, and overall preparedness during what could be an increasingly active hurricane season, leaving key decision-makers to reassess their reliance on longstanding forecasting tools in the face of evolving operational protocols. More (Source: NOLA.com - Jun 27)
ROCKET LAB LAUNCHES 'GET THE HAWK OUTTA HERE' MISSION FROM NEW ZEALAND - Rocket Lab has launched a quartet of satellites for Virginia-based company Hawkeye 360. An Electron rocket lifted off from Rocket Lab's Pad-A at Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand today at 1:28 p.m. EDT (1728 GMT; 5:28 a.m. local New Zealand time on June 27). The rocket carried Hawkeye 360's "Get the Hawk Outta Here" mission. More (Source: Space.com - Jun 27)
ESA’S LEO-PNT SATELLITES SET TO LAUNCH BY END OF YEAR - ESA is accelerating the deployment of a new generation of low Earth orbit positioning, navigation, and timing satellites designed to complement existing global navigation systems. These satellites, developed under an innovative approach that combines advanced technology with rigorous testing, promise to improve accuracy and resilience amid evolving operational challenges. Their imminent launch by year’s end marks a pivotal move toward enhancing Europe’s navigation infrastructure and boosting performance in increasingly contested environments. More (Source: European Space Agency - Jun 26)
SPACEX LAUNCHES 27 STARLINK SATELLITES ON FALCON 9 ROCKET FROM CAPE CANAVERAL - SpaceX followed up its predawn launch of four astronauts to the International Space Station with the flight of another Falcon 9 rocket, this time carrying the company’s Starlink internet satellites on board. The mission, dubbed Starlink 10-16, had 27 of the Version 2 Mini Optimized satellites on board that add to a growing constellation of nearly 8,000 satellites in low Earth orbit. Liftoff from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station happened at 3:54 p.m. EDT (1954 UTC). More (Source: SpaceFlight Now - Jun 26)
COMMERCIAL CREW BLASTS OFF ON PRIVATELY-FUNDED SPACE STATION RESEARCH MISSION - A privately financed crew lifted off this week on a historic flight destined for a novel commercial space station where they’ll pursue pioneering research and technology demonstrations. The mission, organized through a collaboration of innovative aerospace partners, marks a significant shift in space exploration toward private funding and commercially operated infrastructure. Key experiments onboard aim to test advanced life-support and spacecraft systems while paving the way for sustainable space operations beyond traditional government-led programs. More (Source: SpaceFlight Now - Jun 25)
SPACE INVENTOR LAUNCHES FIRST DANISH ARCTIC SATELLITE - Danish innovator Space Inventor has marked a significant milestone by introducing its inaugural Arctic satellite, purpose-built for monitoring environmental shifts in the polar region. Blending cutting-edge space technology with sustainable design, the mission aims to capture crucial data on climate trends, sea-ice dynamics, and other regional indicators that inform both environmental stewardship and security measures. Backed by strategic partnerships and advanced engineering, the launch reinforces Denmark’s growing role in the competitive space arena, opening new avenues for research and satellite-based observation in extreme environments. More (Source: SpaceNews - Jun 25)
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