Chinese LM-7A Rocket Fails
China experienced a launch failure today of their relatively new Long March 7A rocket. Introduced in 2020, the first launch failed, but the track record since then has been perfect. The cause is under investigation.
What’s Happening in Space Policy August 9-22, 2026
Here is SpacePolicyOnline.com’s list of space policy events for the two weeks August 9-22, 2026 and any insight we can offer about them. The House and Senate are in recess except for pro forma sessions.
Next Starship Will Deliver Operational V3 Starlinks to Orbit, Maybe Catch Ship
During its first earnings call since going public, SpaceX officials said today the next Starship test flight, IFT-14, will put operational Starlink Version 3 satellites into orbit. If they get regulatory approval, they also will try to catch the Starship upper stage back at the launch site for the first time.
SpaceX Replacing MRAPs with Cybertrucks Beginning with Crew-13
NASA and SpaceX are getting ready to launch Crew-13 to the International Space Station in September. For the first time, if an emergency occurs on the launch pad and the crew needs to escape, Tesla Cybertrucks will be waiting for them instead of the usual Mine-Resistent Ambush Protected vehicles or MRAPs.
What’s Happening in Space Policy August 2-8, 2026
Here is SpacePolicyOnline.com’s list of space policy events for the week of August 2-8, 2026 and any insight we can offer about them. The Senate is in session this week. The House is on summer break, with only pro forma sessions between now and August 31.
Still No Date for Starliner’s Next Flight
NASA declined again today to indicate when the next Starliner flight will take place. The agency and Boeing agreed after problems encountered with the 2024 Crewed Flight Test that the next mission, Starliner 1, will carry cargo only, but the question remains as to when. Boeing said earlier this week they are working with NASA to resolve uncertainties about the date and additional cost impacts are possible. Boeing must absorb any cost increases under this fixed price contract.
Swift Reboost Mission Encounters Setback
Katalyst Space’s efforts to reboost NASA’s Swift observatory has encountered a setback. The LINK on-orbit servicing spacecraft is in a multi-axis spin. LINK must attach itself to Swift and raise the orbit to avoid reentering later this year. Other systems are working properly and Katalyst remains hopeful they can regain control of LINK and complete the mission.
DOT Issues Proposed Rule to Waive Environmental Regulations for Space Launches
The Department of Transportation wants to loosen environmental regulations for space launches and reentries. A proposed rule released today would allow DOT to waive “unnecessary environmental laws and regulations” to spur American innovation. The public has 30 days to comment. [Update, July 30: per the Federal Register, comments are due by August 31, 2026.]
What’s Happening in Space Policy July 26-August 1, 2026
Here is SpacePolicyOnline.com’s list of space policy events for the week of July 26-August 1, 2026 and any insight we can offer about them. The Senate is in session this week. The House is on summer recess, returning August 31 with only pro forma sessions until then.
Soyuz MS-28 Back Home After 8 Months on ISS
NASA astronaut Chris Williams and two Russian cosmonauts, Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev, returned to Earth this morning after 8 months on the International Space Station.