Weekly Space Report

Polish astronaut’s ISS flight postponed again

The long-awaited mission of Poland’s second astronaut, Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, has been delayed once again. Scheduled to fly to the International Space Station aboard Falcon 9 rocket, the launch was postponed due to a liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon 9 rocket during a post-static fire inspection. Second issue that appeared was an air leak in the Russian-built Zvezda module of the ISS.

It’s the fourth delay for the flight, which was originally planned for 29 May, then for 8,10 and 12 June, now rescheduled for June 19, but probably the flight will launch on June 22. For now one we have to wait for official announcement.

Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, trained as a mission specialist under ESA and POLSA and he will perform 13 scientific experiments during his time on the ISS. He will fly alongside Peggy Whitson (USA), Shubhanshu Shukla (India), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary). 

First reusable rocket from car brand Honda

On June 17, car brand Honda surprised the whole world with their successful test of its first reusable rocket. The demonstration, held at the company’s aerospace facility in Taiki Town, Hokkaido, marks Honda’s official entry into space technology. It’s a major expansion beyond its traditional automotive and robotics roots.

The compact rocket, measuring 6,3 meters in height and weighing around 1270 kilograms, ascended to a height of 271 meters during the test flight. It remained airborne for nearly 57 seconds before making a precise vertical landing by touching down the ground within 37 centimeters of the target on retractable landing legs.

As the global space economy continues to expand, Honda’s successful rocket test positions it as an unexpected yet promising new player in Japan’s growing private space sector.

Asteroid has a chance of hitting the Moon

Astronomers are closely monitoring asteroid 2024 YR4, which now has an estimated 4.3% chance of impacting the Moon in December 2032. The asteroid, measuring roughly 50 to 70 meters wide, was recently observed by the James Webb Space Telescope, which helped refine its trajectory.

While Earth is not at risk, a lunar collision could release the equivalent of 6 megatons of TNT, creating a crater up to 1 kilometer wide. Scientists also warn that the impact could send up to 100 million kilograms of debris into space, some of which may threaten satellites in Earth’s orbit.

The potential strike is being seen not just as a risk, but also as a rare scientific opportunity. If 2024 YR4 hits the Moon, it would offer valuable data on asteroid impacts, crater formation, and debris dynamics in a low-gravity environment.

Finnland invests over €40 in ICEYE

The Finnish government has announced a €41.1 million investment in **ICEYE**, a pioneering space technology company based in Finland, to support its next phase of growth in satellite manufacturing and defense applications.

ICEYE is known globally for operating the largest constellation of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, capable of imaging Earth’s surface in all weather and lighting conditions. The funding is part of a broader €250 million initiative under the *European Defence Fund, aiming to strengthen strategic capabilities within the EU.

The investment will enable ICEYE to expand production lines, develop new satellite sensors, and advance platforms for both civil and military use, including real-time surveillance for natural disaster response and battlefield monitoring.