ISS repair spacewalk highlights concerns about station health

NASA scheduled a June 30 spacewalk for astronauts Jessica Meir and Chris Williams to replace a failed Canadarm2 wrist joint on the International Space Station. The repair became more urgent after advisers raised broader concerns about the station's aging hardware and the condition of NASA's spacesuits. Together, the maintenance task and the safety warnings underscored how much ISS operations now depend on keeping legacy systems reliable deep into the station's extended service life.

Federal AI security center measure advanced by House Science

The House Science, Space and Technology Committee advanced bipartisan legislation to formally establish a federal AI center inside NIST. Lawmakers deferred debate over higher funding levels, but the bill would rename the office the Center for AI Security and Innovation and authorize $20 million annually through 2032.

Senate Democrats press Trump administration to retain all election-related records

Senate Democrats led by Chuck Schumer and Mark Warner urged the Trump administration to preserve all records tied to the 2026 midterm election. Their request reflects growing concern that disputes over administration handling of election material could intensify ahead of November.

Rocket Lab wins NASA award for three Electron launches

NASA selected Rocket Lab to launch the PolSIR and TSIS-2 science missions on three Electron rockets in 2027. The award strengthens Rocket Lab's position in the small-launch market while giving NASA a dedicated path to orbit for a pair of Earth science payloads.

Starlink veterans launch startup to broaden megaconstellation ownership

Former SpaceX engineers emerged from stealth with Eclipse Space, a new company aimed at helping governments and commercial customers build and control their own megaconstellations. The startup plans to deliver initial hardware later this year and target an integrated demonstration spacecraft in 2027.

Small satellite operators confront a bottleneck to space access

SpaceNews reported that smallsat operators are struggling to secure future rideshare slots as SpaceX's Transporter manifest fills and reservations beyond 2028 become scarce. The squeeze is forcing satellite companies to reassess launch plans and exposes how dependent much of the market has become on a single low-cost provider.

Amphib USS Fort Lauderdale, LCS USS Billings Headed to Venezuela

U.S. Southern Command dispatched two warships and Air Force cargo aircraft to support a State Department relief mission after two earthquakes in Venezuela. The deployment pairs humanitarian assistance with visible regional military presence as U.S. forces help move personnel, rescue teams and emergency supplies.

Europe’s next security challenge is in orbit

A SpaceNews analysis argued that Europe must treat space situational awareness as a strategic priority as satellites underpin a growing share of the continent's economy. The piece frames orbital monitoring and attribution as essential defenses against gray-zone activity from Russia and the rapid military-space buildout underway in China.