Space

An emerging international space exploration road map is trying to avoid the ongoing Moon vs. Mars exploration debate by showing how NASA systems such as the proposed Deep Space Gateway, Space Launch System and Orion capsule can serve both destinations.

Russia does not plan to launch its new science lab to the International Space Station (ISS) until late 2018.

Russia probably won't detach new module from ISS to form part of new space station.

Prime, OEM and Tier 1 aerospace and defense players are buying major rivals, answering the question of how they will grow in the near- and mid-term.

Development has taken longer than expected, but engine testing is an important milestone in realizing Paul Allen’s new space vision.

The $9.2 billion acquisition may test the Trump administration, which has concern over a shrinking defense base and ordered a study and recommendations.

European Aviation Network to begin commercial service on a British Airways Airbus A321 later this year with service that uses ground and space-based assets.

North Korean missile shows ability to hit beyond Guam; MBDA chief aims for more European defense cooperation post-Brexit; India may pursue satellite to monitor border with China; Canada ups pressures on Boeing.

Stratolaunch Systems, the space launch carrier aircraft venture backed by billionaire Paul Allen, has completed the first phase of engine tests.

The U.S. Air Force says it is not seeking permission from Congress to import additional Russian-built RD-180 rocket engines beyond the 18 already authorized for Atlas V-series rocket launches.

The jury is still out on which business model and network architecture could thrive in the satellite telecommunications market in the near future.

Deal would put Northrop Grumman back in the human spaceflight business.

Only NASA’s Juno spacecraft remains in orbit around a planet beyond Mars, and its days also are numbered.

The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System spacecraft was lost on Aug. 31.

Northrop Grumman will buy Orbital ATK for $9.2 billion, the companies announced early Sept. 18.

LeoLabs teams with Planet; Swiss demo U-space; fuel cell powers multicopter drone.

Boeing and ArianeGroup will jointly develop a new generation of electric thrusters for satellites.

Aviation Week’s team of more than two dozen editors casts a wide net around the globe, but we don’t see everything. That is why it is vital that we receive outside nominations. Know of an individual or achievement in the last year that deserves recognition? Nominate them for the 2018 Laureate Awards.

Two Ariane 6s will launch four Galileo satellites in 2020-2021.

Nearly out of propellant, Cassini will plow directly into Saturn’s clouds on Sept. 15.

Eumetsat's option is for an Ariane 62, the medium version of the rocket destined to replace Arianespace’s workhorse Ariane 5.

Satellite developer Cloud Constellation has formally selected Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne rocket to deploy the first 12 spacecraft forming its initial SpaceBelt constellation of space-based cloud storage data centers.

NASA’s Cassini spacecraft took a final swing around Titan Sept. 11, taking advantage of the giant moon’s gravity to slingshot itself onto a dead-end path into Saturn’s atmosphere.

In the presence of President Emmanuel Macron and the Emir of Dubai, CNES President Jean-Yves Le Gall and Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Chairman of the United Arab Emirates Space Agency (UAESA), signed a joint declaration of interest on tackling climate change.

In this week's Washington Outlook: Lawmakers pounce on inspector’s findings regarding FAA’s next-gen ATC modernization program; Congress makes a deal to keep the government open; and a view of why it is so hard to buy military space gear.