Space News reports, “Voyager Technologies says it is ready should NASA change plans for supporting development of commercial space stations. In March, NASA outlined a proposed new direction for its Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations, or CLD, program. The agency, outlining its concerns that a commercial market for space stations had not emerged, said it was considering instead procuring a new “core module” for the International Space Station that commercial modules could attach to as a precursor to standalone stations.”
Full Story (Space News)
Tag: May 2026
The Space Station’s Past and Future Converge at ASCEND 2026
FROM THE INSTITUTE
The International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory will bring a full day of programming to ASCEND 2026 on Tuesday, 19 May, plus nearly 60 technical papers on ISS utilization and space-based research expected to be presented on Wednesday and Thursday, 20–21 May. From microgravity-enabled medical breakthroughs to startup innovation in low Earth orbit (LEO), the ISS National Lab sessions are designed to show how researchers and commercial players alike are using the orbiting laboratory as an engine for science, technology, and a sustainable space economy.
Don’t Miss the Premier Aviation Technical Event of the Year
FROM THE INSTITUTE
Discover how aviation is transforming at AIAA AVIATION Forum 2026. Join industry leaders, government officials, and academic experts in San Diego, a premier aviation center, to examine the next-generation technologies and strategies that are reshaping the industry.
Webb Telescope Captures First Direct Look at Distant Exoplanet’s Surface
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)
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.
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)
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