Posts by Jeff Gardner
Washington Updates: Space Soldiers
What You Need to Know: The Army welcomes its first class of enlisted space warfighters. The Artemis Accords reach more than 75 signatories. The SpaceX Crew-13 mission breaks the record for the fastest an American spacecraft has docked with the ISS after launch. United States Space Policy Updates The Army welcomes its first class of…
Read MoreSouth Korea deploys 14 satellites in first launch of 2026
South Korea achieved its first orbital launch of the year when a Nuri rocket took off from the nation’s Naro Space Center on Tuesday, Oct. 6. The mission carried 15 satellites into orbit, successfully deploying 14. This is the fifth launch of the nation’s Nuri rocket family since 2021. “Nuri successfully completed its fifth mission…
Read MoreWashington Updates: Competing For The Academy
What You Need to Know: States are vying to host the proposed U.S. Space Academy. The U.K. Royal Air Force launches its first space squadron. SpaceX is preparing for its first Starship orbital launch. United States Space Policy Updates Multiple states, including Texas, Florida, and Alabama, are competing to host the planned U.S. Space Academy.…
Read MoreWashington Updates: Lunar Base Building
What You Need to Know: NASA calls for proposals for lunar surface technologies. The U.K. releases a new space strategy prioritizing defense. Stoke Space raises $1B in a Series E funding round. United States Space Policy Updates NASA calls for proposals to accelerate lunar surface technologies to help establish a Moon Base. The agency is…
Read MoreWashington Updates: New Space Transportation Policy
What You Need to Know: The White House releases a new National Space Transportation Policy. China delays its Chang’e 7 lunar exploration mission to 2027. SpaceX announces a new launch facility in Louisiana. United States Space Policy Updates The White House releases a new National Space Transportation Policy. The policy aims to expand the nation’s capabilities…
Read MoreWashington Updates: New Chief of Space Operations
What You Need to Know: The Senate confirms Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess as Chief of Space Operations. Europe agrees to expand the planned IRIS² satellite constellation. Rocket Lab unveils a deployable launch system for suborbital and orbital missions. United States Space Policy Updates The Senate confirms Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess to serve as the next Chief of Space Operations.…
Read MoreWashington Updates: FCC’s new satellite licensing process
What You Need to Know: The FCC overhauls its satellite licensing process. The department that houses the UK Space Agency is dissolved. Amazon signals its intent to join the direct-to-device market. United States Space Policy Updates The FCC adopts an overhaul of its space and earth station. Described as a “licensing assembly line,” the new…
Read MoreWashington Updates: Office of Space Commerce mission authorization proposal
What You Need to Know: The House Science, Space and Technology Committee reviews the Office of Space Commerce’s mission authorization proposal. ESA announces plans for a security center in Poland. Reditus Space completes its first reentry vehicle. United States Space Policy Updates The House Science, Space and Technology Committee holds a hearing to review the…
Read MoreWashington Updates: NASA awards lunar lander contracts
What You Need to Know: NASA awards lunar lander contracts to Astrobotic, Firefly, and Intuitive Machines. Japan renames its air force to the Air and Space Self-Defense Force. Rocket Lab announces plans to acquire Iridium Communications. United States Space Policy Updates NASA awards new lunar lander contracts to Firefly, Astrobotic, and Intuitive Machines for missions…
Read MoreBuilding a Map to the Moon
Over the next decade, dozens of robotic landings and a handful of crewed landings are anticipated to build an enduring presence on the lunar surface. Beyond the race for international prestige upon a successful landing, there are multiple benefits for returning to the Moon: national security, potential resource utilization, a gateway for missions deeper into…
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