Deep Space Extra

Here is a list of news that were published in our Newsletter the week of June 16th, 2025:

Human Space Exploration

• Next Starship explodes on test stand;
• China’s next-gen astronaut capsule for Moon missions aces crucial pad-abort test (video);
• Axiom-4 mission to be launched soon, Shubhanshu Shukla to get a shot at history again
  Coalition Member in the News – Axiom Space;
• The Exploration Company outlines plans for human spaceflight;
• Members of Congress want White House to quickly nominate new NASA administrator;
• The administration’s anti-consensus Mars plan will fail;
• NASA confirming success of ISS leak repairs before finalizing Ax-4 launch date
  Coalition Member in the News – Axiom Space;
• How bubble muscles could help astronauts get their space legs;
• Blue Origin reveals passengers for 13th space tourism launch;

Space Science

• Satellite streaks: Can the huge new Vera Rubin Observatory function in the megaconstellation age?
• Exoplanetary systems are diverse. Our search for life should be the same;
• Using a unique method, astronomers have discovered an exceptional new planet;
• Varda to launch its first in-house built spacecraft for on-orbit manufacturing;
• Thick clay layers on Mars may have been stable place for ancient life;
• Mysterious radio pulses detected high above Antarctica may be evidence of an exotic new particle, scientists say;
• Scientists find universe’s missing matter while watching fast radio bursts shine through ‘cosmic fog’;
• NASA just found one of the coldest planets ever and it’s in a twisted orbit;
• Don’t be surprised if there’s an X-flare today;
• Proposed NASA radio probe could use gravity ‘lumpiness’ to reveal the insides of alien worlds;

Other News

• Firefly Aerospace aims to deploy first commercial lunar imaging service;
• 2 Chinese spacecraft just met up 22,000 miles above Earth. What were they doing?
• Venturi Space announces European lunar rover design;
• How ATMOS Space Cargo is shaping Europe’s spaceflight future through reentry capsules
  Coalition Member in the News – Boeing;
• China lays foundation for cislunar infrastructure with spacecraft in novel lunar orbits;
• Is AI the next frontier in spacecraft design, or just a shiny buzzword?
• Three steps to stopping killer asteroids;

Major Events This Week:

• Axiom Space, NASA and SpaceX are looking to Thursday for the delayed launch of Axiom Space’s fourth private astronaut mission to the ISS. Following weather and technical delays last week, the U.S., Indian, Polish and Hungarian foursome could liftoff for a 14-day stay aboard the ISS to conduct about 60 research activities.
• The 55th annual Paris Air Show takes place all week.
•  The National Space Society’s International Space Development Conference (ISDC) is scheduled from Thursday through Sunday in Orlando, Florida. The speakers include Jared Isaacman, President Trump’s previous nominee to become NASA administrator.
• In Washington, the U.S. House is off this week. The Senate is in session on Monday through Wednesday, with a focus on budget appropriations.

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