SPACE reports astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope have directly analyzed the surface of a distant super-Earth, revealing a dark, airless, Mercury-like world.
Full Story (SPACE)
Author: Lawrence Garrett
AIAA, Aerospace Corporation Launch ASCEND 2026 Classified Day
FROM THE INSTITUTE
In a couple of weeks, the AIAA community will take discussions about building our off-world future and securing the high ground of space into a classified setting. AIAA’s inaugural ASCEND 2026 Classified Day, planned for Monday, 18 May at The Aerospace Corporation’s corporate headquarters in Chantilly, VA, comes at a time of intense transformation in the U.S. space community. This unique, closed-door session at AIAA’s premier space event will bring executive‑level insights at the top-secret level to address evolving global competition and pressing challenges in the national security space domain.
AIAA Launches 30/30 Program to Spotlight Top Aerospace Young Professionals
FROM THE INSTITUTE
AIAA is accepting nominations for its new 30/30 recognition program, which will honor up to 30 early-career aerospace professionals in their 30s. (Consideration will also be given to nominees who are younger than 30 who have made notable accomplishments in their careers.) Nominations are open through 15 June 2026.
Don’t miss SGx 2026, part of ASCEND – Washington D.C. | 17–18 May
FROM THE INSTITUTE
The next era of space starts here. SGx 2026: Inventing New Orbits brings together students, young professionals, and leaders from NASA, Blue Origin, Airbus, Northrop Grumman, and beyond for two days of TEDx-style talks, hands-on workshops, and high-voltage networking at the Washington Hilton. Catch a National Geographic screening on Sally Ride, compete in the space art competition, and hear what’s next straight from the people building it. Early bird pricing ends 10 May.
Navy Eyes Renewed P-8A Poseidon Orders After Procurement Pause
Breaking Defense reports, “The Navy is seeking to purchase P-8A Poseidon aircraft once again, after pausing procurement in fiscal 2025 and FY26, this year’s budget request shows. The FY27 budget request, released in April, requests 12 new P-8A aircraft for just over $4.2 billion. The Navy said that FY27 is the last planned year of production, and that the last aircraft delivery is expected in the first quarter of FY32.”
Full Story (Breaking Defense)
SpaceX Sends South Korean Imaging Satellite, 44 More Payloads to Orbit on Falcon 9
Spaceflight Now reports, “SpaceX launched 45 payloads on an overnight rideshare mission aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Station early Sunday morning. The mission, dubbed CAS500-2, is named for the primary payload called Compact Advanced Satellite 500-2 from the Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI). It’s the second of two satellites that KAI calls Phase 1 of its CAS500 program, which is designed for ‘precision ground-based observation.'”
Full Story (Spaceflight Now)
Video
Spaceflight Now; YouTube
Boeing Lands Record Order from Biman Bangladesh for 787 and 737 MAX Jets
Aerotime reports, “Boeing has secured its largest-ever order from Biman Bangladesh Airlines, with the carrier confirming the purchase of multiple 787 Dreamliners and 737 MAX jets. On April 30, 2026, Boeing announced that Biman Bangladesh Airlines had signed for eight 787-10s, two 787-9s and four 737 MAX 8 aircraft.”
Full Story (Aerotime)
Commercial Space Federation Brings Space Policy Summit to ASCEND 2026
FROM THE INSTITUTE
The Commercial Space Federation (CSF) will take the stage at ASCEND 2026, anchoring the event’s space policy programming 19-20 May, in Washington, D.C. Long recognized as the premier advocacy organization for the commercial space sector, CSF represents satellite operators, launch providers, spaceports, remote sensing companies, commercial LEO destinations, and the broader cislunar exploration community. For ASCEND 2026, CSF has integrated its Space Policy Summit directly into the ASCEND program featuring 14 panels and six fireside chats with senior executives, top government administrators, Hill staff, and members of Congress.
Russia Debuts Next-Generation Soyuz 5 Rocket with First Successful Flight
SPACE reports, “Russia’s new Soyuz 5 rocket has taken to the skies at long last. The Soyuz 5 lifted off for the first time ever on Thursday (April 30), rising off a pad at the Russia-run Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 2:00 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT; 11:00 p.m. local time in Baikonur).”
Full Story (SPACE)
Video
Launch of the new Soyuz-5 rocket (Launch occurs at the 21:14 mark)
Мир авиации; YouTube
Gulfstream Aerospace Hits Record First-Quarter Jet Deliveries
Aviation International News reports, “Gulfstream Aerospace saw its highest-ever first-quarter delivery total, with 38 business jets (31 large-cabin and seven super-midsize G280s) handed over, Danny Deep, president of parent General Dynamics, said this morning during an investor call. That compares with deliveries of 36 aircraft (30 large-cabin and six G280s) in the same period last year.”
Full Story (Aviation International News)