May 4-10, 2026 | Vol 45, Week 18 | Hawai`i Island, USA
Canada is Building a Spacefaring Nation — Mirroring May 5 Canadian Space Launch Conference
Canadian Space Agency (CSA-ASC) Astronaut Jeremy Hansen was part of the Artemis II lunar flyby crew, and Canada contributes to the Artemis program, yet CSA-ASC terminated its first Moon rover project as Canada redirects spending toward initiatives to foster the countryʻs launch capabilities, such as described by the Canadian Space Launch Act introduced last month. Canadaʻs Department of National Defence (DND) and Maritime Launch Services (MLS) now have a C$200M agreement for a dedicated launch pad in Nova Scotia to be operational by end of this year, and DND has awarded C$8.3M each for NordSpace, Canada Rocket Company, and Reaction Dynamics to “develop and demonstrate breakthrough technologies to advance Canada’s sovereign space launch capabilities.” MLS President / CEO Stephen Matier says Spaceport Nova Scotia is ready to provide launches for both national and international customers. NordSpace is advancing its Tundra orbital launch vehicle—a two-stage rocket utilizing the 3D-printed, multi-fuel Hadfield engine. Reaction Dynamics has the Aurora-8 launch vehicle using storable, non-cryogenic propellants. Canada Rocket Company engineers have over 100 years of combined orbital launch experience. Canada intends to become a full member of NATO STARLIFT initiative. DND Launch The North describes adding 4,000 kg medium-lift orbital capability in next phase. (Image Credits: NordSpace, Maritime Launch, RDX, Canada Rocket Company)
Artemis Accords and ILRS Continue Seeking New Members
The Artemis Accords, subtitled Principles for Cooperation in the Civil Exploration and Use of the Moon, Mars, Comets, and Asteroids for Peaceful Purposes, have drawn 65 nations since 2020 including 6 this year. Building on the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, the seven-page document outlines a framework for harmonious space exploration. Similar to the Artemis Accords, the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) Guide for Partnership is developing a strategy to utilize the Moon as a platform for deep space exploration—and shares similar goals of peaceful scientific development, exploration and permanent human habitation. Open to all interested countries and international partners, the China- and Russia-led ILRS now has about a dozen other nations plus numerous NGOs and research institutions as signatories. Thailand exemplifies this dual engagement: its space agency GISTDA signed the Artemis Accords, while the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) joined the ILRS. Construction of the ILRS advances through China’s Chang’E Phase 4 missions, including CE-7 and CE-8 starting this year, followed by major phases ILRS 1–5 between 2030 and 2035. Both initiatives are also supported through formal agreements, MoUs, and broader partnerships across governments, organizations and entities. (Pictured: Dina Kawar of Jordan; Image Credits: NASA-Keegan Barber, CNSA & Roscosmos)
Humans in Space
☆ International Space Station, ~415-km LEO: Expedition 74 seven members comprised of crews from Soyuz MS-28 and SpaceX Crew-12, working with ongoing science experiments in quantum physics, biomedicine, DNA radiation repair, stem cells, and computing tech, plus routine maintenance and life support tasks. A possible spacewalk preparation may occur. Also docked at ISS are Northrop Grumman Cygnus XL, Progress 94P and 95P cargo craft, as well as Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM).
☆ Tiangong Space Station, ~390-km LEO: Shenzhou-21 three-member crew, now in orbit over 5 months assisted in a study of liver cells for clues to keeping the organ healthy in space, continue research in life sciences and microgravity physics, and daily monitor the environment, inspect and maintain equipment, and organize materials; Pakistani Astronaut candidates Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud have been selected to train in China in advance of one of them launching to TSS.
◐ Lunar Enterprise News: Preparing for Artemis III (launching late 2027), core stage assembly shipped to Cape Canaveral FL. | For the 1st time, nitrogen-bearing organic compounds were found in lunar soil samples, on analysis of regolith returned by Chang’E-5 and Chang’E-6. | Factory construction has begun for a facility to build Long March 9 Moon base rocket. | ispace of Tokyo partners with ground station network, initiates Lunar Connect Service compatible with LunaNet. | Astrobotic tests Rotating Detonation Rocket Engines that generate supersonic waves and could reduce cost and increase capacity for cislunar missions. | Deficit of neutrons on Moon surface indicates hydrogen below; NSS instrument can measure. | NASA Johnson team has now confirmed the production of CO from regolith simulant through a solar-driven chemical reaction. | Simulated regolith mixed with 25%+ vermicompost-mycelium compensates for regolith sterility-toxicity to grow chickpeas-garbanzos.
☄ Near-Earth Objects Close Approaches – Tue May 5: Apollo Asteroid 2026 HK4 (0.028 AU); Wed May 6: Apollo Asteroid 2026 HN1 (0.023 AU); Thu May 7: Apollo Asteroid 2026 HA4 (0.010 AU); Thu May 7: Apollo Asteroid 2026 HY2 (0.012 AU); Sat May 9: Aten Asteroid 2020 GE3 (0.028 AU
First Woman Lands on the Moon …
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