Weekly Space Report 

By Natalia Godlewska (Chief Space News Editor)

American company now in Poland

A leading American space infrastructure company, Redwire Corporation, officially opened its new office in Warsaw, Poland. Redwire’s new Polish office will focus on biotechnology research in microgravity, supporting advancements in space medicine, pharmaceuticals, and life sciences. The company has been at the forefront of developing cutting-edge technologies for space habitats, satellite servicing, and in-space manufacturing, making its presence in Poland a boost for the country’s space ambitions. This move underscores Poland’s attractiveness as a hub for space innovation and reflects Redwire’s commitment to expanding its global footprint in space exploration and commercialization.

Big step or big failure 

It was the first time to launch a rocket from European mainland from Norway’s Andøya Spaceport. The first-ever orbital rocket from German company, Isar Aerospace launched successfully, but after just 30 seconds into flight it exploded, what caused the craft to turn end for end, 180 degrees, and fall into a planned „safe zone” in the water. Despite this situation being called a failure, officials from Isar Aerospace emphasized that the mission provided valuable data and marked a significant step for European commercial space endeavors.

50% budget cut to science programs for NASA

NASA’s Science Mission Directorate is at risk of facing a drastic 50% budget cut in 2026, according to recent reports from U.S. government sources. Such a huge budget reduction could severely affect ongoing and future space projects and missions. The cuts would lead to setbacks in high-profile initiatives, mission cancellations and job losses. NASA officials and members of the scientific community are lobbying Congress to reconsider the proposed budget reduction. They argue that investing in space science fuels innovation, economic growth, and national leadership in space exploration. As the debate over funding continues, the future of many groundbreaking missions remains uncertain, with long-term implications for NASA’s role in global scientific research.

China’s satellites enter Lunar orbit

China’s Queqiao-2 relay satellite, along with the Tiandu-1 and Tiandu-2 experimental satellites, has successfully entered orbit around the Moon. These satellites were launched on March 20 2024, from the Wenchang Space Launch Site using a Long March 8 rocket. This marks another important step in China’s growing Moon exploration program. On March 24, Queqiao-2 performed a braking maneuver about 440 kilometers above the Moon’s surface to slow down and enter orbit. The Tiandu-1 and Tiandu-2 satellites also reached lunar orbit on the same day. The Tiandu satellites are designed to test new navigation and communication technologies, such as laser ranging (to measure distances using laser beams) and microwave signals for communication between satellites. These tests will help China develop a future lunar communication and navigation system. Queqiao-2 will serve as a communication relay for upcoming Moon missions, including Chang’e-6, Chang’e-7, and Chang’e-8. This means it will help send signals between the far side of the Moon, the Moon’s south pole, and Earth. The successful arrival of these satellites in lunar orbit shows China’s progress in space exploration and its commitment to building a long-term presence on the Moon.