
Anduril announces partnership with Kraken for small USVs
Anduril is partnering with Kraken Technology Group to develop small unmanned surface vessels (USVs) for the US Navy. This collaboration aims to enhance the Navy's unmanned capabilities, with Kraken providing scalable systems and Anduril integrating payloads and autonomy software. The K5 and K7 platforms will support over 1,000-pound payloads, reflecting a strategic shift towards unmanned operations.

3D vision is redefining how drones navigate without GPS
Vantor's Raptor solution utilizes 3D vision-based navigation to enable drones to operate without GPS, crucial for logistics and combat missions. By integrating onboard cameras with high-resolution terrain maps, drones can verify their position in real-time, mitigating risks from GPS denial. This technology enhances navigation accuracy, allowing drones to maneuver effectively in complex environments, ensuring mission success.

MQ-9B SeaGuardian® offers Navy-Marine Corps a decisive edge in today’s battlespace
MQ-9B SeaGuardian offers the U.S. Navy-Marine Corps a decisive edge in complex battlespaces, providing unmatched endurance and multi-domain awareness. With over 9 million operational hours, it excels in ISR-T and ASW, integrating seamlessly with existing platforms. The aircraft's advanced sensor suite enhances situational awareness, enabling effective monitoring and engagement of adversaries across diverse environments.

Boeing lands Chinook without a pilot at the controls
Boeing successfully landed a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook autonomously, showcasing the Army's commitment to autonomous aircraft. Utilizing Boeing's A2X software, the Chinook executed its final approach and landing with pre-set parameters. This capability aims to reduce pilot workload, allowing crews to focus on mission-critical tasks, while the Army continues to develop its future long-range assault aircraft, the MV-75 Cheyenne II.

Saildrone unveils new medium unmanned surface vessel for anti-sub warfare, ISR
Saildrone has unveiled the Spectre, a new medium unmanned surface vessel (MUSV) designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. The Spectre features two variants: the Silent Endurance and Stealth Strike, with costs around $40 million. Production will occur at Fincantieri’s shipyard, with sea trials expected in early 2027.

Space Symposium 2026 – Leap’s Rocket Logistics – Anywhere on Earth in 45 Minutes with Chris Beckman
Leap's Chris Beckman presented a revolutionary concept at Space Symposium 2026, showcasing a logistics solution that promises to deliver goods anywhere on Earth within 45 minutes using space technology. This innovative approach aims to transform global delivery systems, leveraging advancements in aerospace to enhance efficiency and speed in logistics operations across various sectors and industries.

Rheinmetall Signs MoU with the Norwegian Municipality of Andøy to Establish a Satellite Test Center in Andøya
Rheinmetall Nordic AS has signed a letter of intent with Andøy Municipality to establish the Rheinmetall Integrated Process Facility, a satellite test center located at the Prærien Business Park in Andenes, Andøya. Rheinmetall will provide technical specifications, while Andøy Municipality will ensure efficient processing and access to necessary infrastructure for the project.

Pragmata's tale of AI slop, humanity, & lunar conquest makes it the timeliest sci-fi game of the year
Capcom's Pragmata is a new sci-fi action-adventure game set on the Moon, featuring a system auditor named Hugh Williams and an AI called IDUS. The game explores themes of AI and humanity through its gameplay and narrative, drawing inspiration from classic titles while offering unique hacking mechanics. Its timely perspective on AI's potential dangers resonates with current trends.

Air Force unit executes test of Anduril’s semiautonomous combat drone
U.S. Air Force airmen tested Anduril's YFQ-44A semiautonomous combat drone, enhancing the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program. Conducted by the Experimental Operations Unit at Edwards Air Force Base, the exercise involved autonomous operations, showcasing rapid capability development. The Air Force aims to procure at least 1,000 CCAs for various missions, with production decisions expected soon.

9 firms win orbital AMTI deals, Space Force says
US Space Force awarded nine firms contracts for a satellite constellation capable of airborne moving target indication (AMTI). The contracts, issued as competitive Other Transaction Agreements, aim to enhance tracking capabilities for aircraft from orbit. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink emphasized the system's potential superiority, with a $7 billion budget request for space-based AMTI systems in fiscal 2027.

Army exploring refueling requirement for Cheyenne II MV-75: Official
U.S. Army is evaluating a refueling requirement for the Cheyenne II MV-75, a next-gen tiltrotor aircraft. Maj. Gen. Clair Gill indicated the Army is considering a removable refueling kit, similar to those for SOCOM variants. He emphasized the need for organic refueling assets, potentially utilizing fixed-wing solutions, to enhance operational capabilities for aerial refueling logistics.

Northrop Grumman’s Talon IQ testbed hot-swaps AI brains mid-flight
Northrop Grumman's Talon IQ initiative successfully demonstrated mid-flight AI control swapping using a modified Scaled Composites Vanguard Model 437. Recent tests involved Shield AI, Accelint, and Applied Intuition, showcasing seamless transitions between AIs for mission-specific tasks. This modular architecture allows rapid software integration, enhancing operational flexibility while retaining a human pilot for safety during testing.

Shifting gears: Space Force moves to embrace space mobility for orbital warfare
Space Force's Objective Force plan aims to demonstrate on-orbit refueling and deploy operational space tugs from 2025 to 2030. This initiative reflects a strategic shift towards enhancing orbital warfare capabilities, emphasizing the importance of mobility in space operations. The focus on these technologies is expected to transform operational paradigms in military space engagements significantly.

Vast unveils a proposed docking port more than 3x larger than standard space station ports
Vast unveiled its proposed Large Docking Adapter, designed to exceed standard space station ports by over three times in width. Announced at the 41st Space Symposium, this adapter aims to support larger modules and crewed vehicles, with an open-source interface planned for May 2026 to foster industry collaboration. The design encourages SpaceX to adopt it for Starship integration.

Space Symposium 2026 – Moonshot’s Electromagnetic Cannon – DHL to Space with Shahar Bahiri
Moonshot is developing an electromagnetic cannon aimed at revolutionizing the supply chain for the space economy. This innovative technology could significantly enhance logistics and transportation capabilities in orbit. Shahar Bahiri highlighted the potential applications during the Space Symposium 2026, emphasizing the importance of integrating such systems into existing frameworks to optimize efficiency and reduce costs in space operations.

Voyager wins slot to fly tourist mission to ISS in 2028
Voyager Technologies has secured a slot for the VOYG-1 tourist mission to the ISS in 2028, expected to last 14 days. This mission will involve training with NASA and international partners. Voyager leads the consortium developing Starlab, which will launch on SpaceX's Starship. Other commercial stations like Axiom and Vast also plan ISS missions.

Gravitics targets 2027 flight test for ‘orbital carrier’ architecture
Gravitics aims for a 2027 flight test of its innovative ‘orbital carrier’ architecture, designed to pre-position spacecraft in orbit for rapid deployment. This approach could enhance on-orbit logistics and operational flexibility, addressing the growing demand for efficient space transportation solutions. The startup's strategy reflects a shift towards more dynamic orbital operations in the commercial space sector.

Graphene and lasers for space propulsion
ESA’s 86th parabolic flight campaign in May 2025 featured an international research team testing ultralight graphene aerogels. Continuous laser exposure during microgravity phases caused the samples to propel forward instantly, demonstrating light propulsion potential. Results indicate that stronger lasers yield greater acceleration, unlocking possibilities for steering solar sails and adjusting satellite positions in space.

Korean Air and Exotrail are Partnering to Develop Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) Solutions
Korean Air and Exotrail have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop Orbital Transfer Vehicle solutions. This partnership aims to establish a joint working group focused on coordinating launch schedules and optimizing cost structures for orbital transport. The collaboration highlights the increasing interest in efficient logistics for satellite deployment and in-space operations within the aerospace sector.

Orion Spacecraft Races Toward Historic Lunar Flyby in Artemis II Mission
NASA's Artemis II mission progresses as the Orion spacecraft approaches a historic lunar flyby. This mid-flight phase is critical for validating systems and ensuring crew safety. The mission marks a significant step in lunar exploration, paving the way for future Artemis missions aimed at sustainable lunar presence and eventual Mars exploration. Key systems are under evaluation.

ESA Seeks Commercial Provider to Transport Payload to the Moon
European Space Agency is soliciting a commercial provider for the lunar delivery of its NILS2 instrument, designed to measure negative ions on the Moon's surface. This follows the successful deployment of the original NILS instrument on Chang’e 6 on 1 June 2024. The initiative aims to enhance lunar surface research capabilities significantly.

NASA Requests Funding for $1 Billion ‘Space Tug’ to Deorbit the ISS
NASA is requesting $1 billion for the development of a U.S. Deorbit Vehicle (USDV) to assist in deorbiting the International Space Station (ISS) by 2030. An initial $180 million is sought for fiscal year 2024 to begin technology development. Bill Nelson, NASA administrator, emphasized the importance of this funding for U.S. leadership in space operations.