Long March 5 launches classified satellite, Zhuque-2E lofts direct-to-device test sats

China carried out two launches on June 11 to advance communications capabilities. A Long March 5 sent the classified TJS-25 payload toward geosynchronous transfer orbit for multi-band and high-speed communications tests, while Landspace's Zhuque-2E launched experimental direct-to-device satellites tied to Spacesail and China Mobile. Together, the missions show Beijing pushing both state and commercial communications capacity in parallel.

Trump says US will hit Iran again and 'will be taking Kharg Island'

President Trump said the United States would strike Iran again and threatened to seize Kharg Island after fresh exchanges of attacks this week. In remarks quoted by The Hill, he argued that much of Iran's air defense and offensive capacity had already been degraded. The statement points to a sharper escalation risk around Gulf energy infrastructure and the broader regional security picture.

Isaacman Responds to Criticism of All-Male Artemis III Crew

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman defended the all-male Artemis III crew selection after criticism on social media and said political appointees were not involved in the process. He urged the public to celebrate the four selected astronauts: Randy Bresnik, Frank Rubio, Andre Douglas and ESA's Luca Parmitano. The debate has turned the announcement into a broader argument over representation, crew selection and how NASA explains major exploration decisions to the public.

ESA awards contract for next-generation radar imaging satellites

ESA selected Thales Alenia Space to build two Sentinel-1 Next Generation satellites, with Airbus supplying the radar payloads. Thales said the first tranche of its deal is worth 700 million euros, and Airbus said its payload contract is worth 345 million euros. The awards secure major industrial work for Europe's Copernicus radar-imaging program and its next wave of Earth-observation capacity.

ICEYE, Rheinmetall form German joint venture for space-based ISR

Rheinmetall and ICEYE said they have formally created Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions, a German joint venture focused on selling space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance services in Europe. The venture also launched with several German startups as initial partners, including Reflex Aerospace, OroraTech, ConstellR and LiveEO. The move strengthens Europe's push to build a more sovereign defense-space industrial base.

Taiwanese Forces Deploy American-made Attack Drones Against Maritime Targets

Taiwan used newly acquired U.S.-made Altius-600 loitering munitions against maritime targets in live-fire drills along the island's west coast. Taiwanese military media said troops rehearsed the full detect-identify-engage loop and fielded at least three launchers carrying four drones each. The exercise highlights Taipei's focus on distributed strike systems that could complicate a potential invasion attempt.

BALTOPS 2026 Exercise Begins

NATO has begun BALTOPS 2026 with 20 ships and 6,000 personnel from 15 allied nations, though the exercise is smaller than last year because some naval assets remain committed in the Middle East. For the first time since 1972, command and control is being run from Joint Force Command Brunssum to better mirror NATO's wartime structure. Allied commanders say the drill is meant to deter Russian pressure while improving readiness and interoperability in the Baltic region.