AI rocket engine startup LegendSpace raises $29.5 million angel round

Chinese startup LegendSpace, founded only six months ago, said it has raised 200 million yuan, or about $29.5 million, in angel funding to speed rocket-engine development with AI tools. The company says it will use the capital to push multiple liquid-engine designs through approval, testing and hot-fire verification while upgrading its AI-driven design and simulation platform. LegendSpace is also building out an engine test facility and has already begun 3D-printed trial production on a 2.5-ton-thrust engine. The unusually large early-stage round signals continued investor appetite for propulsion and launch-adjacent technology in China.

Live coverage: SpaceX to launch 24 Starlink satellites on Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg SFB

SpaceX is preparing a Falcon 9 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base to add 24 more Starlink V2 Mini satellites to its low Earth orbit broadband constellation. Spaceflight Now reports the Starlink 17-39 mission is the company’s 85th Falcon 9 launch of the year, with 67 launches tied to Starlink alone. The mission uses booster B1082 on its 23rd flight, with a droneship recovery attempt planned in the Pacific.

US expands attacks on Iran after death of another American service member

The Hill reports U.S. forces completed a ninth consecutive day of strikes against Iran late Sunday after another American service member died in Iraq. According to U.S. Central Command, the strikes targeted Iranian military command centers, air defense systems and coastal infrastructure. The move signals further escalation in a conflict that is already reshaping regional force posture and allied planning.

What’s Happening in Space Policy July 19-26, 2026

Space Policy Online’s weekly outlook says the House and Senate are both in session during a packed week for civil and commercial space policy. The schedule includes attention to a possible new Starship launch attempt, the Soyuz MS-28 crew return and public events tied to Apollo 11 and Viking 1 anniversaries. The roundup frames a week in which legislative activity, launch milestones and NASA-linked commemorations are converging.

Newly independent Honeywell Aerospace seeks organic growth, but won’t rule out M&A

Honeywell Aerospace CEO Jim Currier said the newly independent company is prioritizing organic growth, especially supply-chain investment, as demand rises for its aerospace and defense products. Speaking ahead of the Farnborough Airshow, he said capital allocation will focus first on internal expansion before possible acquisitions, dividends or stock buybacks. The company is leaving the door open to domestic and international deals, but only after its core growth agenda is funded.

Anduril reveals Thunder, a ‘loyal wingman’ drone for helicopters

Anduril and Archer unveiled Thunder, a Group 5 autonomous armed reconnaissance tiltrotor meant to fly alongside helicopters such as the Apache and the future Cheyenne fleet. Company executives said the aircraft has been in development for about three years and draws on lessons from Anduril’s Fury aircraft and from combat observations in Ukraine. The partners say the design aims to pair Apache-like payload capacity with higher altitude performance and autonomous teaming.

Philippine Sailor Injured in Violent Clash with China Coast Guard off Second Thomas Shoal

USNI News reports a Philippine sailor was injured during a clash with a Chinese small boat at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. Philippine authorities said the confrontation left the service member with a head injury and released photos and video from the incident. The episode adds to a pattern of increasingly dangerous encounters around one of the region’s most contested maritime flashpoints.

USAF Chief Wilsbach on lessons from Iran, T-7 flight and F-35 delays

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach told Breaking Defense that recent fighting with Iran is sharpening concerns about base defense and hardened shelter capacity for high-value aircraft. In the same interview, he discussed a milestone in the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program along with continued problems around the T-7 trainer and F-35 upgrade delays. His comments tie active combat lessons directly to Air Force modernization and force-survivability planning.