Space Policy

NASA's Artemis II mission is set to fly astronauts around the moon for the first time since the Apollo era more than 50 years ago. The long gap has drawn attention to why the United States took so long to resume crewed lunar missions, with explanations pointing to shifting political priorities, funding fluctuations, and technical setbacks across successive programs since Apollo ended in 1972.

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission can single-handedly approve massive spaceflight projects, such as large satellite constellations, that could permanently alter the view of the night sky for everyone on Earth. Space law experts note that despite public outcry over these projects, the FCC holds largely unrivalled authority over such approvals, with few other regulatory avenues available to challenge them.

The United States is helping double the volume of oil exiting the Gulf, with the US military now guiding tanker ships through the strait in broad daylight rather than under cover of darkness. The shift marks a more open American role in securing one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints, reassuring shippers and oil markets that traffic can move safely at scale.

A Washington Examiner report argues that the growing strain AI places on data centers — power demand, cooling needs and land use — could eventually push computing infrastructure into orbit, where satellites would get continuous solar energy. The idea is gaining attention as AI companies face rising energy costs and grid constraints on Earth, though significant technical and cost hurdles remain before space-based data centers become realistic.

The four astronauts assigned to NASA's SpaceX Crew-13 mission have arrived at Kennedy Space Center in Florida ahead of their launch to the International Space Station. Arrival at KSC roughly one to two weeks before liftoff is standard procedure, allowing the crew to complete final training, quarantine and preflight checks as SpaceX readies the Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 rocket.

The U.S. Space Force has scheduled on-orbit servicing missions for 2027 with Astroscale U.S. and Starfish Space. The missions would mark a step toward routine in-space refueling, repair and satellite maintenance, an emerging commercial capability the military sees as key to keeping spacecraft operating longer and making space assets more resilient.

Jared Isaacman, the billionaire private astronaut nominated to lead NASA, spoke at a Wall Street Journal event about what he calls the agency's new era. The discussion focused on how NASA may shift toward closer collaboration with commercial space companies and a faster, more ambitious approach to exploration, drawing wide attention from space policy watchers.

The US Air Force secretary has acknowledged that the United States possesses weapons in space, a rare official confirmation of American offensive capabilities in orbit. The statement is drawing attention because US officials have historically avoided detailing space-based weaponry, and it lands amid growing concerns over military competition in orbit with rivals such as China and Russia.

Four environmental organizations filed a petition Thursday asking the Federal Communications Commission to reverse its approval of a startup's plan to beam on-demand sunlight from space to Earth. The groups argue the agency failed to consider the project's potential impacts on wildlife and astronomy, opening a new front in debates over regulating commercial space ventures.

Being hit by falling space debris remains far less likely than a lightning strike, but former NASA administrator Sean O'Keefe and other experts say those odds are shifting as more rockets and satellites re-enter the atmosphere. They argue governments and companies should be required to use materials that fully burn up on re-entry, as launches multiply and debris concerns grow.

ISRO is opening its facilities and programmes to India's private space sector, according to Dr M G Suresh Kumar speaking in a widely discussed Malayalam interview. The discussion covers how private companies can now take part in satellite launches, space technology development and related ISRO initiatives, a shift seen as a major step in India's evolving space policy.

The core stage rocket for NASA's upcoming Artemis III mission has arrived at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The delivery marks a key step in preparations for the mission, which aims to return astronauts to the lunar surface. Attention now turns to assembly and testing as NASA works toward its next crewed moon landing.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made a series of key announcements on India's economic growth, technology and startups during an IIT Madras dialogue held in Bengaluru. The remarks covered the government's priorities for supporting innovation, the startup ecosystem and the broader technology-driven growth agenda. Details of specific measures were released through the government's press bureau.

The Trump administration is seeking to cancel nearly $1 billion in funds already approved by Congress, according to a report by KEYE. The move, if it goes ahead, would claw back money lawmakers had specifically earmarked, raising questions over presidential authority over federal spending and likely triggering opposition from members of both parties on Capitol Hill.

SpaceX launched a Falcon Heavy rocket carrying the NROL-97 mission for the US National Reconnaissance Office from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The classified payload's purpose has not been disclosed, consistent with standard practice for national security launches. The mission highlights the growing role of commercial launch providers in delivering US government spy satellites into orbit.

Cape Canaveral Spaceport is set to deploy laser weapons designed to shoot down drones, according to a report by TWZ (The War Zone). The move reflects growing concerns about unauthorized drones near sensitive launch facilities, where airspace security is critical for rocket operations. It marks a notable expansion of directed-energy defenses at a major US space launch site.

Australian researchers have developed technology that allows scientists to measure how flammable eucalypt forests are from space, using satellite data. Eucalypts are highly fire-prone trees central to Australian bushfire risk, and the technique could improve fire danger forecasting and help authorities prepare for bushfire seasons by monitoring vegetation flammability across vast, remote landscapes without ground surveys.

The US Space Force is acquiring directed-energy laser systems to shoot down drones flying over Cape Canaveral, Florida, home to a major space launch complex. The weapons are intended to protect rockets, spacecraft and infrastructure from small unmanned aerial threats near the busy spaceport. Details on which systems will be fielded and when remain limited, but the move reflects growing concern about drone threats to critical launch sites.

The United States and China have agreed to a trade truce, pausing escalation in their ongoing tariff conflict as economic and political pressure mounts on both sides. The deal is being read as a temporary measure that buys time for negotiations rather than a lasting resolution, with observers watching to see whether talks can ease tensions before the truce expires.

Lowe's has entered the drone delivery market, becoming one of the latest major US retailers to experiment with aerial delivery of home improvement products to customers. Details on partners, launch locations and timelines remain limited, but the move follows a broader retail push toward drone logistics as companies seek faster last-mile delivery options.

The US Space Force has installed laser systems at Cape Canaveral following roughly 500 drone flights recorded at the port. The move points to growing concern over unmanned aircraft operating near sensitive launch and military facilities on Florida's Space Coast. Lasers are increasingly seen as a counter-drone option for protecting restricted airspace, and the deployment signals tighter security around America's busiest launch site.

India's government is highlighting efforts to strengthen the country's space sovereignty, according to official communication from the Press Information Bureau. The push reflects India's broader strategy of building self-reliant space capabilities, from indigenous satellite and launch technology to a growing private space sector following reforms that opened the domain to private players.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg and the group Aurora have filed a new lawsuit against Sweden, arguing the state has failed to protect children from the consequences of climate change. The case renews a legal campaign against Swedish climate policy and is drawing attention to the growing use of courts to hold governments accountable for emissions targets.

An Indiana senator is calling for the U.S. Space Academy to be located at Grissom, advancing the state's bid for the new national space institution. The proposal puts the former air reserve base in the running as debate over the academy's home draws interest from multiple states, with supporters citing Indiana's aerospace ties and existing infrastructure as reasons it should be chosen.

China has started mass production of a new battery developed using space technology, according to CGTN reporting framed under its energy innovation coverage. The item highlights the transfer of aerospace-derived technology into civilian energy storage, though details on the battery's chemistry, capacity or intended applications have not been made clear. The announcement fits into ongoing Chinese efforts to showcase advances in energy technology and industrial self-reliance.

Jaipur plans to relocate government offices into multi-storey complexes under a new land policy, according to the Times of India. The policy is expected to free up valuable land in the city by consolidating scattered government departments into shared high-rise hubs. Details on timelines, locations and which departments will move first have not yet been made public.

The Space Foundation, based in Colorado Springs, has selected a retired general and an actress to join its board of directors. The announcement, reported by the Colorado Springs Gazette, drew attention because of the unusual pairing of a military figure and an entertainer in space-sector leadership. Details on the individuals' names and terms were not included in the available reports.

A former Disney star has been appointed to the board of directors of the Space Foundation, the Colorado-based nonprofit that promotes space education and industry. The appointment, reported by Fox21 News, puts a celebrity with a mainstream following on a body usually staffed by aerospace executives and policy figures, drawing attention to the foundation's outreach efforts.

California's beverage container recycling program is marking its 40th anniversary. The program, launched in the 1980s, pays consumers a refund for returning bottles and cans and has become one of the largest container deposit systems in the United States. Coverage highlights its long record of reducing litter and boosting recycling, alongside ongoing debate over falling redemption rates and calls to modernize the system.

Deutsche Bank has raised its price target for German space and technology group OHB to €300, with analysts pointing to defense-driven growth as the reason for the more optimistic outlook. The upgrade reflects growing investor interest in European defense and security-related space capabilities, a sector that has attracted rising attention as governments increase military and security spending.

Starlab, the planned commercial space station being developed by Voyager Space and Airbus, is being discussed as a possible answer to Europe's orbital ambitions once the International Space Station is retired around 2030. The question being raised is whether the station can give European astronauts and researchers continued access to low Earth orbit, and whether Europe should commit to the project or pursue other options.

The annual Chhapar Mela fair in Punjab has turned into a stage for Sikh political rivalry, with the two competing Akali Dal factions holding parallel shows of strength. The confrontation underlines how Panthic politics continues to dominate the gathering, as both sides vie for support among Sikhs ahead of a shifting political landscape in the state.

Legal and industry analysts say the biosimilars market has reached an inflection point, with regulatory reform, a maturing patent litigation framework and an approaching wave of major biologic patent expirations reshaping merger and acquisition strategy. Commentators expect pharmaceutical companies to pursue deals to capture market share as blockbuster biologics lose exclusivity and cheaper biosimilar competition intensifies.

A woman from Biloxi, Mississippi has been appointed the newest director of NASA's Stennis Space Center. The appointment is being reported by local outlet WLBT. Details about her background, start date, or priorities have not been made widely available yet. The Stennis Space Center, located in Mississippi, is a major NASA rocket testing facility, so leadership changes there draw regional attention.

A new market outlook projects growth in space-based solar power through 2035, driven by rising demand for energy security. The report points to expanding investment and development in the sector as countries look to diversify energy sources. Interest in the technology continues to build as governments and industry weigh its potential role in future energy supply.

NASA's Artemis II mission is drawing attention as coverage explains the key terms and jargon around the crewed lunar flight. Explanatory pieces break down phrases such as Orion, SLS and translunar injection, helping readers follow what the mission involves and what each stage of the journey to the Moon means ahead of launch.

Voters in Hatfield, Pennsylvania, will weigh in on an open space referendum during the 2026 election. The ballot measure would let residents decide whether the township should commit funding to preserving open land. Local officials and residents are expected to debate the costs and benefits of land conservation ahead of the vote, making the measure a key local issue on next year's ballot.

Frax Finance has put forward a tokenization strategy for its frxUSD stablecoin, outlining how the asset will be issued and used across blockchain networks. The proposal is drawing attention from decentralized finance observers tracking how stablecoin issuers expand into tokenized real-world assets and multi-chain distribution.

A Diamond Open Access Policy Forum has been established for Latin America and the Caribbean, aimed at coordinating regional policy on non-fee scholarly publishing. Diamond open access, in which journals charge neither authors nor readers, is a strong tradition in the region through Latin American research networks. The forum is intended to strengthen cooperation among governments, universities and publishers supporting this model.

Questions are being raised about whether a Miami restaurant campaigning against the city's Referendum 3 ballot measure benefits from a below-market rent arrangement, an arrangement that could suggest a financial motive behind its opposition. The report, published by Florida Politics, examines the restaurant's lease situation as the city's referendum debate intensifies. Details of the rent terms and the restaurant's role in the campaign remain limited.