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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Events
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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 -
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 -
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 -
Luxembourg Space Resources Week 2026
Luxexpo, LuxembourgHosted annually in Luxembourg, Space Resources Week is organised by the European Space Resources Innovation Centre (ESRIC), in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), the Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA) and the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST). The event brings together space agencies, industry leaders, researchers and early-stage […]
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Online Course: Applied Space Systems Engineering
OnlinePractical application of space systems engineering processes throughout the mission lifecycle. CE Units available; Live only, no recording; 11:00-17:00 EDT | 15:00-19:00 UTC | 08:00-14:00 PDT | 05:00-11:00 HST on May 4, 5, 6, 7. AIAA Certificate of Completion to be awarded.
US$495 – US$1195 -
4S Symposium (Small Satellites Systems and Services)
Forte Village, Sardinia, ItalyAuthors are invited to contribute to this year’s theme Swarming the Skies, Soaring Beyond: from VLEO to Deep Space. As in the tradition of the 4S Symposium, the selected papers will be discussed in a dedicated session on the first day of the event. The programme will also cover technical sessions, […]
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Observation of First American in Space: Alan Shepard
United States of America (USA)May 5, 1961, Alan Shepard reached the air / space dividing line acknowledged by U.S. government, 50 miles / 80 km. The mission, known as Mercury-Redstone 3 (MR-3) or Freedom 7, was part of Project Mercury, the United States' first human spaceflight program. The internationally accepted altitude of 62 miles […]
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Launch Falcon 9 / Starlink Group 17-29
SLC-4E (~35°N), Vandenberg SFB CA, USALaunch window 19:00-23:00 PDT | 16:00-20:00 HST for 24 internet satellites. Core booster B1081 expected to land on ASDS OCISLY after this 24th use. Its first use took Dragon Crew-7 to the ISS. OCISLY first use was to land the 1st stage for the flight of Dragon Crew-8.
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2nd Canadian Space Launch Conference
Ottawa, Ontario, CanadaWith theme Building a Spacefaring Nation, expects ~400 attendees with added technical content track; at Canada Aviation and Space Museum.
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Space Economy Summit Europe 2026
Lisbon, PortugalConfirmed speakers include Pete Worden, representatives of ESA, Voyager, US State Department, Primo Capital Space Fund and President of the Portuguese Space Agency. At Feira Internacional de Lisboa, R. do Bojador, 1998-010 Lisboa
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Eta Aquariids Meteor Shower Peak
Low Earth Orbit (LEO)Strongest viewed from southern tropics; north of the equator, expect medium rates of 10-30 per hour just before dawn, with this year's waning gibbous Moon reducing viewing to less than 10. Originating from Halley's Comet, seen in constellation Aquarius from April 19 to May 28, 2026.
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C4ISR Global and Space Operations Summit
London, United Kingdom13th Annual General Meeting for the Global Intelligence, Space, and C4 Community, at Hilton London Syon Park, and for the first time including a dedicated Space Operations Summit alongside the main programme.
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Registration Due: Space Explorers Club
OnlineMonthly online aerospace talks with Astronauts and industry leaders; limited to 30 members. Talks begin May 9 and run through March 2027. Benefits Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. Program now in its 6th year and includes: Bill Nelson, Clay Anderson, Chris Cassidy, Tim Duquette, Peter Smith, Derek Lang, Susan Helms and a […]
US$999 -
GEGSLA 14th Operational Meeting
OnlineGlobal Experts Group on Sustainable Lunar Activities continues discussions on ongoing workstreams and priorities related to the sustainable exploration and use of the Moon, with focus on expert dialogue, coordination, and long-term strategic planning for responsible lunar activities. 15th Operational Meeting: September 16, 2026 16th Operational Meeting: December 16, 2026
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Orbital Edge Accelerator Networking Reception
San Mateo CA, USAA one-of-a-kind program in the space industry connecting private capital, International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory–provided access to orbit, and a world-class expert ecosystem to build and accelerate businesses in low Earth orbit. 18:00-20:00 PDT. No cost to attend; registration required. Other dates available; see schedule. https://orbitaledgeaccelerator.com/
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International Institute of Space Law (IISL) Spring Space Law Symposium
OnlineOrganized with the support of the Amsterdam Space Law & Sustainability Centre and Durham University Space Research Centre (SPARC), the Symposium will examine the extent to which the existing international legal framework governing outer space is capable of accommodating rapid technological and operational developments. 10:30-16:00 CEST | 08:30-14:00 UTC | […]
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Rocketry Organization of California (ROC) High Power Launch
Lucerne Valley CA, USASport Launch, with FAA waiver to 7,000' AGL, 07:00-14:00 PDT, Lucerne Dry Lake Launch Site (34.496343, -116.958720), Cambria Road https://rocstock.org/lucerne-dry-lake-launch-site/. See organization knowledge base for instructions.
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Launch Falcon 9 / Starlink Group 17-37
SLC-4E (~35°N), Vandenberg SFB CA, USALaunch window 07:00-11:00 PDT | 04:00-08:00 HST for 24 internet satellites. Booster B1103 expected to land on ASDS OCISLY after this 2nd flight.
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Meet Astronaut Steve Frick
Kennedy Space Center FL, USAPilot, space shuttle Atlantis (STS-110); Commander, space shuttle Atlantis (STS-122). Astronaut Encounter and autograph sessions free with admission; can purchase Chat With an Astronaut.
