Aerospace Daily & Defense Report

By Steve Trimble
The annual China Military Power Report estimates China’s nuclear arsenal totaled about 600 warheads at the end of last year, a gain of 100 compared to the end of 2022.
Missile Defense & Weapons

By Chen Chuanren
Chinese astronauts Cai Xuzhe and Song Lingdong have completed extensive extravehicular activities on the Tiangong space station lasting 9 hr. 6 min.
Operations & Safety

By Robert Wall
Ispace says it is targeting another attempt to touch down a lunar lander on the Moon’s surface around four to five months after launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9.
Space Exploration

By Irene Klotz
The FAA cleared SpaceX to conduct a series of Starship-Super Heavy flight tests from Boca Chica Beach, Texas.
Launch Vehicles & Propulsion

By Guy Norris
Ursa Major in partnership with missile developer Raytheon has completed two flight tests of a newly developed long-range solid rocket motor.
Missile Defense & Weapons

By Matthew Fulco
Though Red Cat reported modest revenue of $4.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2025, the company’s forecast for 2025 is bullish.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Vivienne Machi
The spacecraft was launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 7:52 p.m. EST from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral.
Satellites

By Mark Carreau
The return ended a nearly eight-week roundtrip to the seven-person International Space Station.
Space Exploration

By Brian Everstine
The FBI has received more than 5,000 reported drone sightings over the past few weeks, with about 100 leads generated.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Garrett Reim
The cellular service provider has opened registration to potential beta testers on a first-come, first-served basis.
Commercial Space

By Guy Norris
The planned test of the second Talon TA-2 flight was scrubbed because winds at the planned recovery site at Vandenberg Space Force Base were out of limits.
Missile Defense & Weapons

By Robert Wall
The European satellite operator on Dec. 17 said Airbus is due to start delivering the satellites in late 2026.
Commercial Space

By Tony Osborne
The company says the opening of the Embraer Defense Europe office demonstrates its increased commitment to European defense and security activities.
Supply Chain

By Chen Chuanren
KRW40 billion ($27.8 million) was invested in the facility and the designing of the center in 2022.
Advanced Air Mobility

By Tony Osborne
The British Army decided to withdraw its Thales Watchkeeper uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) because they are “no longer fit for operational purpose."
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Mark Carreau
NASA has outlined objectives in its "Low Earth Orbit Microgravity Strategy," committing to keeping LEO as habitable as ever to advance research and tech development.
Space Exploration

By Kim Minseok, Chen Chuanren
South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration has approved an F-15K upgrade plan in the midst of political turmoil.
Sensors & Electronic Warfare

By Chen Chuanren
The Australia Space Agency (ASA) has selected by the ELO2 Consortium to build the country’s first lunar rover, dubbed the "Roo-ver" by the public.
Space Exploration

By Robert Wall
European officials plan to move quickly to put on contract risk reduction efforts for the IRIS² satellite communications program to mature critical tech.
Satellites

By Irene Klotz
Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lander is due to launch mid-January onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and attempt a soft landing on the Moon about 60 days later.
Space Exploration

By Garrett Reim
AFWERX does not have any specific requirements, a program of record, or impending contracts for hybrid eVTOLs.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Steve Trimble
The Army’s UAS program office released a sources sought notice on Dec. 13 for the “Brigade-level UAS.”
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Tony Osborne
Lisbon signed an agreement to purchase 12 of the turboprop-powered counterinsurgency and training aircraft for €200 million ($210 million) on Dec. 16.
Light Attack and Advanced Training

By Michael Bruno
The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025.
Supply Chain

By Tony Osborne
The country’s defense minister hopes the new branch can be formed in the third quarter of 2025.
Aircraft & Propulsion