April 27 - May 3, 2026 | Vol 45, Week 17 | Hawai`i Island, USA
Amazon Leo Constellation to Gain 61 Additional Satellites this Week
Two launches, April 27 + 28, are planned for the Amazon Leo project for global internet, using different launch providers and vehicles. United Launch Alliance (ULA) will send 29 satellites via an Atlas V from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, and Arianespace will deploy 32 satellites using Ariane 64 from Guiana Space Centre. These are the 10th and 11th launches for Amazon Leo, previously known as Project Kuiper. If the deployment pattern is repeated, they will be released at altitude 465 km about 2 hours after launch, after which they will be tested and boosted to 630 km. After recent approval for an additional 4,500 satellites, Amazon LEO will consist of ~7,736 satellites across 98 orbital planes at altitudes of 590 km, 610 km and 630 km. Starlink currently has 10,000+ satellites in 150+ orbital planes at altitudes 340 km, 480 km and 550 km. Unlike Starlink, Amazon relies on multiple external launch providers. Amazon is merging with Globalstar and partnering with Apple for spectrum access and direct-to-device services. In meeting an FCC date to have 1,600+ in orbit, Amazon is working with ULA and Arianespace to increase the number of satellites per launch and has contracted New Glenn for launches. The ULA launch will be livestreamed. (Image Credits: Amazon, ESA-CNSA-Arianespace-ArianeGroup-Optique Vidéo du CSG, ULA)
IAU APRIM Advancing Astronomy from Earth, Space and the Moon
The next Asia-Pacific Regional IAU Meeting (APRIM) begins May 3, and is held ~3 years and second in size only to International Astronomical Union general assembly. Science, co-operation and friendship are overarching, with nine conference themes of Astronomy Education and Communication; Galaxies / AGN / Redshift; Gravitation Wave Astronomy; Life Cycle of Stars / Planets; Space Sustainability; Large Astronomical Facilities; Time Domain Astronomy; High Energy Astrophysics; and Radio / MM / Sub-MM Astronomy. Each has a theme-song with lyrics. Confirmed plenary speakers include 2 Nobel Prize winners, 5 Shaw Prize winners, and the 2025 Gruber Prize winner. To be held at the iconic waterfront Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, previous conferences were in Japan, Korea, New Zealand and other countries. Lead in Hong Kong for organizing APRIM is Professor Quentin Parker, Director of Laboratory for Space Research at Hong Kong University (HKU). Parker partnered with International Lunar Observatory Association (ILOA), allowing for the ILO-C wide-field camera astronomical instrument to be developed by Beijing Institute of Space Mechanics & Electricity, a Chinese R&D organization specializing in space optical remote sensing. ILO-C will be carried to the Moon via Chang’E-7 lander of China National Space Administration, launching NET August, landing November-December. (Image Credits: ILOA, CNSA, APRIM, HKCEC)
Humans in Space
☆ International Space Station, ~415-km LEO: Expedition 74 seven members expecting resupply ship Progress MS-34 (95P) to arrive April 27 with ~7,280 kg of cargo. They are using blood stem cells and DNA-inspired nanomaterials in research for new treatments with aid of Canadian Space Agency’s Bio-Analyzer and a Microgravity Science Glovebox exploring long-term storage methods of cryogenic fluids. Chris Williams, Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev practiced an emergency departure drill inside the Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft as Roscosmos mission controllers on the ground monitored in real time. Mikaev filled out a questionnaire continuing research on helping international crews work together.
☆ Tiangong Space Station, ~390-km LEO: Shenzhou-21 three-member crew will have their stay extended by one month to early June due to Shenzhou-21 use after Shenzhou-20 suffered damage; Shenzhou-22 will be used by the current crew after Shenzhou-23 arrives. One crew member of Shenzhou-23 is expected to spend 12 months in space, enabling a visit by a Pakistani Astronaut. Zhang Lu and Wu Fei installed more components of the external debris protection equipment on a 5.5-hour spacewalk, supported by Zhang Hongzhang inside the station. This 7th EVA by Zhang Lu is the most by a Taikonaut. Cargo vehicle Tianzhou-9 is currently docked, with Tianzhou-10 possibly launching in May.
◐ Lunar Enterprise News: Blue Origin re-flew a New Glenn 1st stage and again recovered it, 2nd stage 1-min+ burn failed; New Glenn to launch Blue Moon lander NLT September. | New NASA Moon base program manager Carlos Garcia-Galan spoke at Space Symposium about “100s of square miles” as base size. | Benchmark Space Systems will work on Lunar Assay via Small Satellite Orbiter (LASSO). | Latvia became 62nd signer of Artemis Accords. | Charania and Crouse presented at LPSC2026 on lunar nuclear-power using Americium-241. | ispace and Shimizu sign MOU to plan cislunar architecture and lunar surface data center. | Agreement with NASA has Italian Space Agency developing Moon base components. | Astrobotic partnering with Thales on rover wheels. | Artemis II purpose called out: A test mission, not a science mission. | Moon landing space suit readiness questioned.
Near-Earth Objects Close Approaches – Mon Apr 27: Apollo Asteroid 2026 HR (0.042 AU); Tue Apr 28: Amor Asteroid 2026 GU1 (0.031 AU); Tue Apr 28: Apollo Asteroid 2026 HW (0.024 AU); Sun May 3: Amor Asteroid 2026 GD1 (0.037 AU)
First Woman Lands on the Moon …
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Events
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Launch Vehicle Avionics Systems Design and Applications – Online Short Course
OnlineGeorge N. Andrew, with 46+ years of experience relating to launch vehicle, spacecraft / instrument avionics architecture, design, manufacturing, integration / testing / program management, convenes this course Tuesdays / Thursdays through April 30 at 13:00–15:30 EDT | 17:00-19:30 UTC | 09:00-11:30 HST (6 Classes, 15 Total Hours). All sessions […]
US$495 – US$1095 -
Progress MS-34 (95P) Docks With ISS
Low Earth Orbit (LEO)Expected 2 days after launch from Kazakhstan, arriving ~22:21 UTC with ~7,280 kg of cargo.
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Launch Atlas V 551 / Amazon Leo (LA-06)
SLC-41 (~28°N), Cape Canaveral SFS FL, USALaunch window 20:52-21:21 EDT | 14:52-15:21 HST | UTC April 28 00:52-01:21, for 29 satellites to Low Earth Orbit for Amazon Leo internet system. Constellation planned to be composed of ~7,236 satellites. ULA is a joint venture of Lockheed Martin Space and Boeing Defense, Space & Security.
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Launch Falcon Heavy / ViaSat-3 F3 (ViaSat-3 Asia-Pacific)
SLC-39A, ~29°N, Kennedy Space Center FL, USALaunch window 10:21-11:46 EDT | 04:21-05:46 HST | 14:21-15:46 UTC for first Falcon Heavy launch since 2024, sending to Geostationary Transfer Orbit 3 Ka-band satellites offering 1-terabit-per-second capability. Side Booster B1072 expected to land again, after this 2nd flight, on Landing Zone 40 (LZ-40), triggering a sonic boom. Falcon Heavy […]
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Campaign Closes: Send ‘Overview Effect’ Author Frank White to Space
OnlineWrite an essay, make a video, contribute and perhaps be chosen yourself for a second seat on the suborbital flight.
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Celestial Crossroads: Encounters, Intersections and Influences
Istanbul, TürkiyePlanned topics include star and constellation myth and imagery; modern and ancient astronomy of China, India, Central Asia, West Asia, North Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean and Europe.
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Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS 2026)
Dayton OH, USASpeakers include Bhavya Lal and Clive Neal, to bring together visionary engineers building the hardware, policymakers writing the standards, and agency leaders deploying the capital. When NASA, the DOE, the DOW and the commercial aerospace sector need to align on the future of space power, they do it here. At […]
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Space Weather Workshop: Space Weather & Society: Transforming Services & Science to Meet User Needs
Boulder CO, USAMeeting annually since 1996, industry, academia, and government explore impacts of space weather on modern technology, including communications, navigation, spacecraft operations, human space exploration, aviation, space traffic coordination, and electric power systems. Discussions will also focus on the most pressing needs for operational services, guiding future research and the development […]
US$50 – US$500 -
Cislunar Exploration: Challenges and Opportunities – Online Short Course
OnlineThrough May 11, Four instructors convene this class because current USA / international / commercial mission plans, both crewed and uncrewed, will be challenged by multiple new hurdles, including regulatory, habitat, mining, and navigation and positioning. This course aims to present a few key challenges related to the return to […]
US$495 – US$995 -
Launch Ariane 64 / Amazon Leo (LE-02)
Launch Area 4, ~5°N, Guiana Space Centre, French GuianaLaunch window 05:51-06:39 French Guiana Time | 08:51-09:39 UTC | HST April 17 22:51-23:39, to carry 32 satellites to Low Earth Orbit for broadband internet, part of projected 7,236 satellites.
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NET April 28 – Launch Long March 10B / Unknown Payload
Wenchang Space Launch Center, ~19°N, Hainan Island, ChinaFlight hazard notices were filed for a launch between April 28 and 30. This first Long March 10B vehicle has had a successful wet dress rehearsal and was rolled back to integration facilities, likely to integrate the payload. After launch, China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology will attempt recovery of […]
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Shaping the Space Frontier: A Hands-On Simulation
Phoenix AZ, USAFrom 09:30-15:00 MST for an "immersive, limited-capacity session" for Arizona Space Congress delegates, deploying a real-world simulation of strategic decision-making for the emerging space economy. At Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Arizona, in downtown Phoenix. The program is intentionally designed around the Mobilization Method, an applied framework developed to move delegates […]
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Space Tank Arizona and Arizona Space Congress
Phoenix AZ, USASpace Tank hope to ignite innovation in space by having entrepreneurs / inventors / designers / engineers describe their start-up business, for the purpose of receiving support including grants, with awards and opportunities going to those offering the best solutions to address space challenges. In conjunction with the Arizona Space […]
$125 -
Lunar Surface Innovation Consortium – LSIC 2026 Spring Meeting
Online / Washington DC, USATheme Accelerate the Pace: Touch Down, Power Up, and Explore! focuses on urgency for lunar infrastructure technology efforts, inviting discussions on how we can accelerate progress together. No cost for Online attendance; US$150-220 for in-person (April 28 at Bloomberg Center, 555 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC, USA; April 29-30 at […]
Free – US$220 -
Spacecraft Rendezvous and Proximity Operations
OnlineOnline short course on Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO), critical for crew transfer, in-space assembly and space debris removal, among other uses. Instructor is Pradipto Ghosh; 12 classroom hours / 2.4 CEU-PDH; online via Zoom with replays available. Students will receive Certificates of Completion from both AIAA and Johns Hopkins […]
US$1595 – US$1795 -
Launch Falcon 9 / Starlink Group 17-36
SLC-4E (~35°N), Vandenberg SFB CA, USALaunch window 19:00-23:00 PDT | 16:00-20:00 HST for 25 internet satellites to LEO. First stage booster B1071 expected to land on ASDS barge OCISLY in the Pacific Ocean after this 33rd use.
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Ground Control #3: Space and the A.I. Revolution
Oslo, NorwayArnt-Børre Salberg is the guest at 17:00-20:00, Mesh Youngstorget, Møllergata 6, Oslo. He and his team have built THOR since he gave a talk on artificial intelligence and Earth observation from space at Spaceport Norway in 2017. The Norwegian Computing Center was already well ahead in this research — but […]
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NASA SmallSat LEARN Forum
Online"Learning from Experiences, Achievements, and Resolution Navigation" -- Representatives from multiple NASA centers and outside organizations meet to advance NASA goals via networking, information exchange, and collaborative learning. By invitation to those affiliated with a NASA-funded SmallSat mission.
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Webinar: From Stage to Weightlessness – The Making of PARABOLES
OnlineCo-Hosted by The AIAA Gravity Dependent Science and Technology Technical Committee (GDST-TC), formerly the Microgravity Space Processes Technical Committee (MSP-TC). Natasha Tsakos shares the story of Space Wonders: the first theatrical company for space, and PARABOLES, a fully choreographed performance in microgravity currently in preparation for flight. Tsakos is a director, […]
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Opportunities for On-Orbit Computing
Washington DC, USAConversations with industry and government leaders on building, powering and managing data infrastructure in space followed by a networking reception. 15:00-19:00 EDT. With FCC Space Bureau Chief Jay Schwarz, Commercial Space Federation President Dave Cavossa, reps from Star Catcher, Planet, Overview Energy, Voyager Technologies, The Aerospace Corporation, Technology Strategy Partners […]
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International Space Day
WorldwideFirst Friday in May, events and presentations to promote STEM education and inspire people to continue the work of Space explorers; originally began as ‘National Space Day’ in 1997 by Lockheed Martin Corp.
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Flower Moon
Moon Orbit17:24 UTC (07:24 HST).
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Launch Falcon 9 / Starlink Group 10-38
SLC-40 (~28°N), Cape Canaveral SFS FL, USALaunch window 13:33-17:33 PDT | 07:33-11:33 HST for 29 internet satellites to LEO. First stage B1069 expected to land on ASDS ASOG after this 31st flight.
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Launch Falcon 9 / CAS500-2 & Others
SLC-4E (~35°N), Vandenberg SFB CA, USALaunch window 23:59 May 2 - 00:39 May 3 PDT | 01:59-02:39 CDT | 20:59-21:39 HST for ride-share of multiple satellites including first spacecraft of Wichita State University, Solar Neutrino Astro-Particle PhYsics (SNAPPY) 3U Cubesat, a test and background-measurement detector being put in polar orbit to explore the fusion core […]
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24th AstroDay
Hilo HI, USAFamily-friendly free event, 10:00-16:00 HST at Prince Kūhiō Plaza shopping center, to educate and entertain about astronomy and space, with >30 organizations hoping to inspire next-generation science and technology leaders. Booths / tables may have a solar telescope for safely viewing the Sun surface, hands-on robotics activities, info on how […]
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GEOINT Symposium 2026
Aurora CO, USAIncludes sessions on The Space Economy, SATCOM, Fusing Space / Air / Surface Sensing. Expecting 4,000+ attendees. Special attention to students and young professionals. At Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, 6700 N Gaylord Rockies Boulevard.
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Asia-Pacific Regional IAU Meeting (APRIM 2026)
Hong Kong, ChinaMore than 570 abstracts were received, 14 plenary and 51 invited speakers span 9 themes, and 58 early career astrophysicists have received travel grants for this Asia Pacific Regional International Astronomical Union (IAU) Meeting, a highly anticipated gathering that convenes astronomers, researchers, and enthusiasts from countries across the Asia Pacific […]
HKD2000 – HKD3000 -
European Geosciences Union General Assembly EGU26
Vienna, AustriaIncludes Lunar Session for discussion of the latest advancement in lunar science, exploration and sustainable utilization, including the deep interior, subsurface structure, surface morphology, up to atmospheric dynamics and the solar wind interaction. Online attendance also offered, with no charge for students and those from certain countries.
Free – €765
