Space Jam: NASA’s MADCAP Team Directs Traffic at the Moon
NASA’s Mission Analysis and Design for Cislunar and Planetary (MADCAP) team has been quietly tracking every spacecraft in lunar orbit for the past 15 years. In March 2025 the privately‑run Blue Ghost lander narrowly avoided a collision with another orbiter, prompting a red‑alert from the team. Today only 11 vehicles circle the Moon, but the fleet is expanding as the United States, China, India, Korea and commercial firms increase activity. The incident underscores the growing need for formal space‑traffic management around Earth’s satellite.
MJets Buoyant on Regional Outlook
Private jet operator MJets is leveraging rising Southeast Asian demand by expanding its service portfolio and geographic footprint. The company has become Thailand’s exclusive Gulfstream dealer, added a minority stake in Singapore’s WingsOverAsia, and launched FBO operations in New Delhi...
Qantas Adjusts to Weakness in Demand on Its US Routes, While Aircraft Deliveries Accelerate
Qantas is reshaping its international network as US outbound demand softens, reallocating an Airbus A380 from US routes to the high‑yield Singapore corridor and launching a seasonal Las Vegas service. The airline also announced an accelerated fleet renewal, targeting roughly 50...
Video of the Week: Azul's Quiet AI Revolution: Augmentation, Not Transformation
Artificial intelligence has vaulted from experimental projects to a boardroom priority across airlines, prompting sizable investments in data science, automation and machine learning. Yet many initiatives stall within complex technology programs that fail to deliver clear commercial outcomes. The industry...
Cubesat Ultraviolet Space Telescope Achieves First Light
NASA’s SPARCS cubesat, roughly the size of a cereal box, has achieved first light by capturing both near‑ and far‑ultraviolet false‑color images of a nearby star. The mission is designed to monitor flare and sunspot activity on low‑mass stars that...
KC-135 Tanker Involved in Epic Fury Goes Down in Iraq: CENTCOM
A U.S. Air Force KC‑135 Stratotanker crashed in Iraq during Operation Epic Fury, the campaign against Iran. CENTCOM said the incident occurred in friendly airspace and was not caused by hostile or friendly fire. Casualties remain unclear and rescue efforts...
US Air Force KC-135 Goes Down in Iraq, CENTCOM Says
A U.S. Air Force KC-135 tanker crashed in western Iraq, killing all six crew members. The incident occurred during Operation Epic Fury and involved two aircraft, with the second landing safely. CENTCOM said the loss was not caused by hostile...
EXCLUSIVE: Freeman Out as Head of Amazon Leo Government
Rick Freeman, Amazon's vice president for Leo Government, left the company in late February, prompting a quiet reorganization of the satellite business’s marketing teams. Amazon Leo, formerly Project Kuiper, is building a 3,000‑satellite low‑Earth‑orbit network and currently has about 200...
ESA's Mars Orbiters Watch Solar Superstorm Hit the Red Planet
In May 2024 a massive solar superstorm struck both Earth and Mars, producing spectacular aurorae and intense radiation. ESA’s Mars Express and ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter used a rare radio‑occultation technique to record the storm’s impact on Mars, finding electron densities...
NASA Targets April 1 for Artemis II Launch
NASA announced a target launch date of April 1 for Artemis II, the first crewed mission beyond low‑Earth orbit since 1972. The crew—NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen—will fly a 10‑day lunar flyby. After a series...
KC-135 Crashes In Iraq While Supporting Iran Ops
A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq while supporting Operation Epic Fury, the campaign targeting Iran. The incident involved two KC-135s; one went down and the other landed safely despite visible tail damage. CENTCOM said the crash...
Fever Dreams: On Demand Launch, Daily Launches, Responsive Space
The March 2026 New Space Economy piece separates the hype of daily orbital launches from the emerging reality of responsive space. While on‑demand launch remains a niche tool, true responsiveness is being built through standby assets, modular spacecraft, and flexible licensing,...
This Top-Secret Satellite Spied on Enemy Weapons for the U.S. Air Force, Declassified Files Reveal
The National Reconnaissance Office declassified the JUMPSEAT satellite program, a covert U.S. space‑based intelligence system that operated from 1971 to 2006. Using highly elliptical Molniya orbits, the satellites intercepted signals, emissions, and imagery to monitor Soviet weapon development throughout the...
Design And Production Challenges Loom For C-5M, C-17 Replacement
U.S. Air Force leaders warned that a prospective stealthy strategic airlifter to replace the aging C‑5M and C‑17 faces significant design and production hurdles. Gen. Randall Reed told the Senate Armed Services Committee that while strategic airlift remains a top...
NASA Clears Its Artemis Moon Rocket for an April Launch with Four Astronauts Following Repairs
NASA announced that the Artemis II Space Launch System rocket has passed its final flight‑readiness review and is slated for a launch as early as April 1, following repairs that sealed hydrogen leaks and corrected a helium‑flow fault. The 322‑foot vehicle will...
To Achieve Space Dominance, the U.S. Must Eliminate Strategic Ambiguity
The article argues that U.S. space dominance hinges on eliminating strategic ambiguity through persistent, high‑fidelity Space Domain Awareness (SDA). It highlights Russian LUCH satellites shadowing commercial GEO assets and the Intelsat 33E debris incident as concrete examples of gray‑zone threats that...
Advanced Air Mobility Takes Off Under the FAA’s eIPP, While Intellectual Property Tensions Rise
On March 9, 2026 the U.S. DOT and FAA unveiled the Advanced Air Mobility and eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), selecting eight multi‑state projects to begin real‑world operations by summer 2026. The program gives manufacturers a structured pathway to fly in national...
NASA's Tiny Spacecraft Sends First Exoplanet Images
NASA's SPARCS CubeSat has returned its first ultraviolet images, proving the spacecraft’s camera and detectors work in orbit. The one‑year mission will continuously monitor far‑UV and near‑UV emissions from about 20 low‑mass stars, whose frequent flares influence the habitability of...
UK Confirm New Medium Helicopter Timeline for the First Time
The United Kingdom has announced a definitive delivery schedule for its New Medium Helicopter (NMH) programme, with the first Leonardo AW149 expected in summer 2030 and the final unit arriving by autumn 2033. The £1 bn contract awards Leonardo UK 23...
Italy’s Leonardo Rides High on Soaring Global Defense Spending
Leonardo announced a bullish industrial plan targeting €32 billion in annual orders by 2030, up from €23.8 billion last year. The firm projects revenue to climb 50% to €30 billion, driven by a new air‑defence system, the Michelangelo Dome, and an expanded focus...
Dual-Use Autonomous Unmanned Helicopter for Long-Endurance & Heavy-Lift Missions
Swiss firm Roze Mobility has introduced the SH-917, an autonomous unmanned helicopter designed for both civilian and military missions. The platform delivers up to eight hours of endurance and can lift 250 kg, thanks to a carbon‑fiber airframe and a turbocharged...
Avianca Cargo Introduces A330F Link Between Bogota and Caracas
Avianca Cargo launched a weekly Airbus A330F freighter between Bogotá and Caracas on March 7, providing up to 60 tonnes of maindeck capacity. The service adds 7 tonnes of belly cargo on passenger flights, creating a combined 67‑tonne weekly offering. The airline also...
Fairmat to Recover Carbon Composite Panels From Airbus and Work with Several Other Fields
Fairmat announced a contract with Airbus to recycle carbon‑composite panels from the A350, using its patented Infinity cold‑plasma technology that preserves mechanical performance. The process produces virgin‑quality fibers while dramatically lowering carbon emissions compared with new material production. At JEC...
Leonardo to Launch Michelangelo Air Defense Dome Test in Ukraine
Leonardo announced that its Michelangelo air‑defence dome will undergo its first operational test in Ukraine by the end of 2026, followed by NATO‑wide trials in 2027 and full EU integration by 2030. The system, built around the MC5 plug‑in module,...
UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía Will Ensure the Safe Cross-Domain Operation of UAS to Protect and Safeguard Lives Through Advanced Hidden Threat...
UAV Navigation‑Grupo Oesía is joining the EU‑funded TICHE project to enable safe cross‑domain operation of UAV and UGV swarms for hidden‑threat detection. The consortium will integrate advanced sensors, AI‑driven data fusion and the company’s guidance, navigation and control (GNC) expertise...
UAVOS Utilizes In-House Manufactured Composite Curing Oven to Produce UAVRotor Blades with Extended Service Life
UAVOS announced the production of a new batch of high‑performance composite rotor blades for its unmanned helicopters, cured in the company’s proprietary OVEN‑500‑2000 composite curing oven. The blades, featuring a NACA 23012 airfoil and optional stainless‑steel leading‑edge insert, are rated for...
MSC Takes Delivery of Seventh B777-200F
MSC Air Cargo, the freighter arm of MSC Group, has taken delivery of its seventh Boeing 777‑200F at Boeing’s Everett facility. The new aircraft, registered in Italy, expands the carrier’s European AOC fleet to seven 777Fs and adds Rome Fiumicino...
U.S. Air Force Tests ARMD Missile Demonstrator
The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and Ursa Major successfully flight‑tested the Affordable Rapid Missile Demonstrator (ARMD), reaching supersonic speed with the Draper liquid rocket engine. The test validated throttleable liquid propulsion and demonstrated that a complete missile system can...
Leaked Documents Show Chinese Interest in Ka-52 Helicopters
Leaked internal documents from Russia’s Progress helicopter plant show that officials evaluated a production run of up to 48 Ka‑52M attack helicopters for an unnamed foreign client coded “156.” The paperwork details component sourcing, pricing, and a three‑stage financing scheme...
ALL.SPACE Signs Viasat Partnership Deal
ALL.SPACE announced a strategic partnership with Viasat, securing Category 4 certification for its Hydra electronically steered terminal on the Viasat Global Xpress (GX) Ka‑band network. The certification enables full‑performance operation across Viasat’s high‑capacity steerable beams for on‑move, on‑pause, and halt scenarios....
Awery Becomes First Company to Integrate IATA CO2 Connect Tool for Cargo
Awery Aviation Software has become the first digital platform to embed IATA’s CO2 Connect for Cargo into its ERP system, giving users real‑time, flight‑specific emissions data within existing workflows. The calculator draws on operational inputs from over 100 airlines, delivering...
ÖAMTC Flugrettung and Airbus Sign Long-Term Framework Contract for H135, H140 and H145 Helicopters
ÖAMTC Flugrettung and Airbus Helicopters have signed a long‑term framework contract covering the H135, H140 and H145 models. The deal builds on ÖAMTC’s role as launch customer for the H140, which will enter EMS service in 2028. ÖAMTC currently operates...
Air Transport Europe Orders Airbus H135 and H140 Helicopters
Air Transport Europe (ATE), a Slovak‑Czech HEMS operator, has signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters for one H135 and one H140. The H135 will join ATE’s existing fleet equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suite and a 4‑axis autopilot, while...
DRF Luftrettung Expands Fleet with Order for Four Additional Airbus H145 Helicopters
German HEMS provider DRF Luftrettung announced an order for four additional Airbus H145 helicopters, expanding its fleet to become one of the largest H145 operators in Europe. The new aircraft complement the existing 50‑plus H135 and H145 helicopters deployed across...
ADAC Luftrettung and Airbus Sign Framework Contract for H135, H140 and H145 Helicopters
ADAC Luftrettung and Airbus Helicopters have signed a long‑term framework agreement covering the H135, H140 and H145 models. The deal expands ADAC's fleet, which already includes 60 Airbus helicopters operating from 37 stations and handling roughly 50,000 missions annually. The...
IATA Announces New AI Initiatives to Support Air Cargo Operations
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) unveiled three AI‑focused initiatives aimed at modernising air cargo operations. The first is AI Subject Matter Expert (AI SME), a mobile and web app that lets users query IATA cargo and safety manuals in...
EFW to Convert A330 to Freighter for APAL
Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW) has secured a contract to convert an Airbus A330‑300 into a freighter for Hong Kong‑based lessor Asia Pacific Aviation Leasing Group (APAL), marking their first passenger‑to‑freighter (P2F) collaboration. The conversion will start in the second quarter of 2026...
New Glenn Vs. Nova
Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket completed its first flawless propulsive landing in November 2025, cementing the company’s entry into the operational, partially reusable heavy‑lift market. The launch delivered NASA’s ESCAPADE probes and demonstrated a rapid test‑fix cycle after a failed first attempt...
Joby Starts Flight Tests of Its FAA-Conforming Aircraft
Joby Aviation announced the first flight of its FAA‑conforming eVTOL, N547JX, to begin Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) testing. The aircraft, built to FAA‑approved designs, will later host FAA pilots at Joby’s Marina, California facility for rigorous certification flights. The launch...
Riyadh Air Reveals 15 New Global Routes: See All Flights Now
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s flagship carrier aligned with Vision 2030, has submitted an initial network for the 2026 summer season, outlining 15 prospective routes across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The airline already operates daily non‑revenue flights to London...
U.S. Navy Restarts Railgun Firing Trials in New Mexico
The U.S. Navy resumed electromagnetic railgun testing at White Sands Missile Range in February 2025 after years of budget‑driven pauses. The three‑day trial, conducted by Naval Sea Systems Command and the Dahlgren Division, collected data on high‑velocity projectile launches. The...
Norwegian Jets Shadow Russian Coot-A Spy Plane
Norwegian Air Force F‑35 fighters intercepted a Russian Ilyushin Il‑20M “Coot‑A” reconnaissance plane flying in international airspace off Finnmark on two consecutive days. The missions occurred while NATO conducted its Cold Response 2026 exercise, prompting Quick Reaction Alert sorties from Evenes...
IST and Airbus Team up for Training
iGA Istanbul Airport has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Airbus, becoming the aircraft maker’s first direct training partner among airport operators. The deal creates the iGA Academy, a dedicated training and development centre that will deliver regional programmes blending...
China Designates Satellite Broadband as Top Priority
China’s premier Li Qiang has elevated satellite broadband to a national priority, placing it alongside semiconductors and cloud‑computing in the government work report. The National Development and Reform Commission will treat satellite Internet as a "large‑scale major project," unlocking hundreds...
Make 'No Wi-Fi' An Airline Sales Pitch
Air India launched domestic in‑flight Wi‑Fi in January 2025, positioning itself as a tech‑forward carrier. A year later, the article questions whether the service truly adds value for business travelers. It argues that the enforced disconnection of a flight provides a...
Amid Crowded Skies, FAA Kills Rule Aimed at Regulating Space Junk
The FAA withdrew a 2023 proposal that would have forced commercial launch providers to remove upper‑stage rocket debris within 25 years, after industry pushback over cost and authority concerns. The rule aimed to curb a growing orbital junk problem that...
Why Don’t Many US Airlines Offer Premium Economy On Every Aircraft?
U.S. airlines largely skip premium‑economy on domestic flights because the class is tied to wide‑body, long‑haul aircraft and retrofitting costs run into millions. Instead they sell upgraded‑economy products like Comfort+, Economy Plus, and Main Cabin Extra that add legroom with minimal...
Aerowash Selected by IAG to Supply Aircraft Washing Robots to British Airways at Heathrow
Aerowash has been awarded a multi‑year leasing contract by International Airlines Group to provide aircraft‑washing robots for British Airways at London Heathrow. The deal follows a competitive tender and will see several automated washers deployed across BA’s Heathrow operations. CEO...
Embention Integrates Veronte Autopilot with Gotonomi SATCOM for Enhanced BVLOS Operations
Embention has integrated its Veronte Autopilot 1x with Gotonomi SATCOM terminals, creating a plug‑and‑play BVLOS solution that leverages Viasat’s L‑Band satellite network. The new hardware version 4.12 adds a native Ethernet port, removing RS485‑to‑Ethernet converters and reducing UAV weight. VeronteLink...
Air New Zealand to Cancel Over One Thousand Flights, Rebook Passengers Amid Soaring Fuel Costs, Disrupted Energy Supply Routes, and...
Air New Zealand will cancel over 1,100 flights by early May 2026, affecting roughly 40,000 passengers, as soaring jet‑fuel prices strain its finances. The price surge stems from geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, which have disrupted global oil supply...