☆ International Space Station, ~415-km LEO: The seven-member Expedition 74 crew is investigating how bacteria that cause pneumonia can lead to long-term heart damage, as well as testing IVGEN hardware, which filters drinking water to produce medical-grade IV fluid. Augmented and virtual reality technologies are also being tested to advance astronaut care. Options to resolve the ongoing air leak in the Zvezda service module’s transfer tunnel include further sealant applications, repairs, or possibly decommissioning the section. Soyuz MS-29, with a crew of three, is now planned to launch to the ISS in mid-July.

☆ Tiangong Space Station, ~390-km LEO: Shenzhou-23 crew is tasked with a rice cultivation experiment to study its genetic stability and regenerative capacity in support of future deep space missions. China has confirmed it is moving forward with plans to double the current size of the station (currently consisting of three modules) by using its repurposed Tianhe backup module, eventually expanding it to a six-module station.

☆ International Space Station, ~415-km LEO: Expedition 74 seven crew member consisting of 3 Russian Cosmonauts, 3 NASA and 1 ESA Astronauts are continuing to assess the increased air leak in the PrK transfer tunnel inside the Zvezda module, while also entering “safe haven” safety mode when deemed necessary and continuing science hardware installations, plant and tissue experiments, air quality analysis, and systems upkeep, alongside routine operations. Currently docked at ISS are SpaceX CRS-34 Dragon cargo ship, Northrop Grumman Cygnus, Russian Progress resupply ships 94P and 95P, and crew vehicles SpaceX Crew-12 Dragon and Soyuz MS-28.

☆ Tiangong Space Station, ~390-km LEO: Shenzhou-23 Commander Zhu Yangzhu, Zhang Zhiyuan and Lai Ka-ying (also known as Li Jiaying, the first Astronaut from Hong Kong) are conducting dozens of scientific experiments including those involving lipid metabolism, rice plant growth, perovskite solar cells. They are performing daily exercise, system upkeep, and science hardware work following the recent handover. Docked to Tiangong are the Shenzhou 23 crew craft and Tianzhou-10 cargo ship, which brought ~7 tons of supplies, propellant, a new spacesuit and experiment payloads. 

☆ International Space Station, ~415-km LEO: Expedition 74 seven crew members are examining how bacteria responds to weightlessness, measuring how cartilage grows in space, harvesting stem cells, studying molecular structure of metals with an electron microscope, watering plants, and monitoring their own blood pressure and cardiac function. They also are maintaining plumbing and ventilation systems, cleaning heat exchangers for the station HVAC system, observing how various fluids boil / condense / flow in microgravity, and analyzing air samples for ammonia / carbon dioxide / other substances to determine station air quality. (Image Credits: NASA)

☆ Tiangong Space Station, ~390-km LEO: Three Shenzhou-23 Taikonauts, who are currently adjusting to life in orbit and testing fibers derived from Chang’E-5 regolith samples, are expected to stay aboard TSS for either six months or one year. Two will return after six months, while the other will fulfill a one-year mission. The final decision on the stay durations will be made later based on their physical and psychological health assessments. Commander Zhu Yangzhu was an associate professor of aerospace engineering. Li Jiaying is the first Taikonaut from Hong Kong, where she was a Police Force Chief Inspector. Pilot Zhang Zhiyuan had been a pilot in the air force. (Image Credits: CNSA)

 Near-Earth Objects Close Approaches – Tue June 9: Amor Asteroid 2026 KM3 (0.015 AU) | Fri June 12: Apollo Asteroid 530520 2011 LT17 (0.041 AU) | Sat June 13: Amor Asteroid 2026 JR3 (0.055 AU) | Sun June 14: Apollo Asteroid 2013 BO27 (0.069 AU)

☆ International Space Station, ~415-km LEO: Expedition 74 seven Astronauts are continuing biotechnology and botany research, Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev installed a solar radiation experiment and removed physics and microbiology research gear during a 6-hour spacewalk, with assistance of Andrey Fedyaev using the European robotic arm. Jessica Meir is nourishing cartilage-forming cells to assist understanding that may improve astronaut fitness regimens. Chris Williams photographed white clover seeds, and Jack Hathaway photographed alfalfa plants. Sophie Adenot serviced ultrasound, bio-lab and DNA-sequencing devices. (Image Credits: NASA)

☆ Tiangong Space Station, ~390-km LEO: Shenzhou-21 three members greeted the Shenzhou-23 crew: Commander Zhu Yangzhu (朱杨柱) on his 2nd Tiangong mission, Payload Specialist Li Jiaying (黎家盈) flying on her 1st mission, and Spacecraft Pilot Zhang Zhiyuan (张志远) on his 1st flight. They brought 9 science experiments with them and will support over 100 in total, in space life sciences and medicine, material sciences, fluid behavior in microgravity, and new technology. June 5 they celebrate the 4th full year of continuous Human occupation of the space station. All 6 Taikonauts worked together briefly; Shenzhou-21 three returned to Earth May 29. (Image Credits: CNSA)

 Near-Earth Objects Close Approaches – Mon June 1: Apollo Asteroids 2026 KV (0.025 AU) and KB1 (0.026 AU), Amor Asteroid 2026 JN (0.040 AU) | Wed June 3: Apollo Asteroid 2021 KN2 (0.014 AU) | Sun June 7: Apollo Asteroid 2018 GE (0.041 AU)

☆ International Space Station, ~415-km LEO: Expedition 74 members are preparing and reviewing procedures for a spacewalk this week by Roscosmos Cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev. They are inspecting two Orlan spacesuits for correct function while Andrey Fedyaev is configuring the European robotic arm. ESA Astronaut Sophie Adenot has been photographing the Moon documented during her “Epsilon” mission. NASA Astronauts Chris Williams, Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway are conducting experiments with cartilage tissue and cancer-treatment drugs and are about to being growing microgreens for a healthy diet. 

☆ Tiangong Space Station, ~390-km LEO: Shenzhou-21 three members are enjoying steaks, chicken wings, peaches and grapes brought on the latest cargo delivery along with a 3rd more-comfortable spacesuit and 41 science items involving fluid physics, fish observing, embryos — zebrafish / mice / human-stem-cell-derived artificial, fibers, and 80-micrometer-thick flexible solar cells. They will soon deploy a small satellite produced for Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics by MinoSpace to demonstrate controlled formation flight between spacecraft. Shenzhou-23 crew planned to launch NET May 24. 

◐ Lunar Enterprise News: Intuitive Machines advancing its lunar communications network with purchase of a company operating dozens of ground antennas, while expecting NASA’s decision on its rover. | Jared Isaacman believes Chinese Taikonauts will fly around the Moon in 2027 — which first requires multiple successful tests of Long March 10 and the Mengzhou spacecraft. | Beyond Earth Institute has published “Securing a Cislunar Future: Markets, Minerals and Momentum”. | New campus doubles the size of Firefly’s facilities in Cedar Park TX to enable assembly line of lunar landers and orbital vehicles. | Artemis III SLS rocket may be stacked within 2 months. | New NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson joins in “accelerating the Artemis Program“. | Ascend2026 panel emphasizes need for nuclear power to survive lunar night. | NASA ranks extended lunar operation #1 in its 2026 shortfall list. | PricewaterhouseCoopers published a Lunar Market Assessment, projecting US$127B annual revenues, dependent on radioisotope or nuclear power to survive lunar night. | Intuitive Machines will use a laser landing unit by Advanced Navigation for its IM-4 mission. | Astrolab FLIP Rover, flying on Astrobotic Griffin-1 lander NET late 2026, to carry 4 CLPS instruments: METAL, LRA, LDES and LiDAR.

 Near-Earth Objects Close Approaches – Mon May 25: Apollo Asteroid 2026 KW (0.008 AU) | Wed May 27: Amor Asteroid 2026 JJ (0.048 AU) | Thu May 28: Amor Asteroid 2026 KD1 (0.028 AU) | Sat May 30: Aten Asteroid 2023 BM4 (0.031 AU)

☆ International Space Station, ~415-km LEO: Expedition 74 seven members transferring ~2,950 kg of cargo from recently arrived SpaceX Dragon CRS-34, while working with alfalfa plants, seed germination studies, artery ultrasound scans for cardiovascular health, DNA-inspired research, exercise device testing, and life support system maintenance. Next crew includes Soyuz MS-29 in July and SpaceX Crew-13 in September, which will rotate personnel and transition toward Expedition 75.

☆ Tiangong Space Station, ~390-km LEO: Shenzhou-21 three-member crew are planned to conduct 27 scientific experiments during their 7-month stay and return to Earth in June in order to further to test long-term habitation technologies and manage supplies delivered by the Shenzhou-22 craft, which is currently docked to the Tianhe forward port. 7,000 kg of cargo / 220 items delivered by Tianzhou-10 are being stowed and utilized. The crew completed their third spacewalk in April and may perform a fourth. Zhang Lu has completed seven EVAs in total, setting a new record for most Chinese spacewalks.

◐ Lunar Enterprise News: Announcement of Artemis III crew members expected ‘soon’ as mission is now set to launch NET late 2027 (Artemis II crew announced Apr 2023 for originally projected late 2024 mission). | Blue Moon Mk 1 Lunar Lander, dependent on New Glenn, could face launch delay beyond 2026 after the rocket’s failure. | Lunar Outpost raised US$30 million to aid its reconfiguration plans to comply with new Artemis architecture. | Rocket Lab (RKLB) stock spiked 34%+ following record Q1 earnings. | Prof. Joe Silk discusses future observatories on the Moon with IAU members and the public.

 Near-Earth Objects Close Approaches – Mon May 18: Apollo Asteroid 2026 JH2 (0.0006 AU) | Fri May 22: Apollo Asteroid 2026 JE1 (0.007 AU) | Sat May 23: Apollo Asteroid 2026 JM (0.013 AU) | Sun May 24: Aten Asteroid 2023 KH4 (0.014 AU)

☆ International Space Station, ~415-km LEO: Expedition 74 seven members include Chris Williams, Jack Hathaway, Jessica Meir of NASA and Sophie Adenot of ESA, who are growing alfalfa in a Vegetable Production System providing light and nutrients, using a new module for the Cold Atom Lab that chills atoms to near-absolute-zero for insight into their wave functions, and preparing research hardware that will be packed for return to Earth in the Dragon cargo craft expected to arrive this week. Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, Sergei Mikaev and Andrey Fedyaev of Roscosmos unloaded cargo, serviced dehumidifiers.

☆ Tiangong Space Station, ~390-km LEO: Shenzhou-21 three-member crew are expected to be transferring ~6,300 kg of cargo after arrival of Tianzhou-10, having several small altitude adjustments of TSS done ahead of time. The crew is using an electroencephalogram (EEG) machine with virtual-reality glasses to test brain-computer interface and intuitive movements in microgravity, and engaged in training to set goals, plan, focus attention, manage emotions and solve problems, having just completed assessment of their emergency-decision-making capabilities. Shenzhou 21 crew is also maintaining the stationʻs systems and their health.

◐ Lunar Enterprise News: Blue Origin Blue Moon Mk1 “Endurance” lunar lander passes vacuum chamber test. | NASA will increase its spending on Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) for robotic lunar lander missions from $2.6 billion to $4.2 billion, with 13 companies eligible to compete for task orders and special emphasis on rovers in addition to landers in a “shots on goal” agenda. | 12,217 photos released from Artemis II 9-day/2-hour mission. | New Glenn is sidelined. | Intuitive Machines has opened a propulsion testing facility for its lunar lander engine. | The Cislunar Coordination Office has been established with Jaime Stearns appointed to lead it. | Coordination with ~40 ground stations will allow laser Moon transmissions at 260MB per second with 1 Watt, compared with Orion 5Mbps with 20W or Apollo 50KB/second. | Axiom is confident its lunar spacesuits will be ready for 2028 landing.

 Near-Earth Objects Close Approaches – Wed May 13: Apollo Asteroid 2001 MS3 (0.053 AU); Fri May 15: Apollo Asteroid 2015 VE65 (0.054 AU); Sat May 16: Apollo Asteroid 2023 VR5 (0.019 AU); Sun May 17: Apollo Asteroid 2026 HC5 (0.018 AU)

☆ International Space Station, ~415-km LEO: Expedition 74 seven members comprised of crews from Soyuz MS-28 and SpaceX Crew-12, working with ongoing science experiments in quantum physics, biomedicine, DNA radiation repair, stem cells, and computing tech, plus routine maintenance and life support tasks. A possible spacewalk preparation may occur. Also docked at ISS are Northrop Grumman Cygnus XL, Progress 94P and 95P cargo craft, as well as Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM).

☆ Tiangong Space Station, ~390-km LEO: Shenzhou-21 three-member crew, now in orbit over 5 months assisted in a study of liver cells for clues to keeping the organ healthy in space, continue research in life sciences and microgravity physics, and daily monitor the environment, inspect and maintain equipment, and organize materials; Pakistani Astronaut candidates Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud have been selected to train in China in advance of one of them launching to TSS.

◐ Lunar Enterprise News: Preparing for Artemis III (launching late 2027), core stage assembly shipped to Cape Canaveral FL. | For the 1st time, nitrogen-bearing organic compounds were found in lunar soil samples, on analysis of regolith returned by Chang’E-5 and Chang’E-6. | Factory construction has begun for a facility to build Long March 9 Moon base rocket. | ispace of Tokyo partners with ground station network, initiates Lunar Connect Service compatible with LunaNet. | Astrobotic tests Rotating Detonation Rocket Engines that generate supersonic waves and could reduce cost and increase capacity for cislunar missions. | Deficit of neutrons on Moon surface indicates hydrogen below; NSS instrument can measure. | NASA Johnson team has now confirmed the production of CO from regolith simulant through a solar-driven chemical reaction. | Simulated regolith mixed with 25%+ vermicompost-mycelium compensates for regolith sterility-toxicity to grow chickpeas-garbanzos.

Near-Earth Objects Close Approaches – Tue May 5: Apollo Asteroid 2026 HK4 (0.028 AU); Wed May 6: Apollo Asteroid 2026 HN1 (0.023 AU); Thu May 7: Apollo Asteroid 2026 HA4 (0.010 AU); Thu May 7: Apollo Asteroid 2026 HY2 (0.012 AU); Sat May 9: Aten Asteroid 2020 GE3 (0.028 AU

☆ International Space Station, ~415-km LEO: Expedition 74 seven members expecting resupply ship Progress MS-34 (95P) to arrive April 27 with ~7,280 kg of cargo. They are using blood stem cells and DNA-inspired nanomaterials in research for new treatments with aid of Canadian Space Agency’s Bio-Analyzer and a Microgravity Science Glovebox exploring long-term storage methods of cryogenic fluids. Chris Williams, Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev practiced an emergency departure drill inside the Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft as Roscosmos mission controllers on the ground monitored in real time. Mikaev filled out a questionnaire continuing research on helping international crews work together.

☆ Tiangong Space Station, ~390-km LEO: Shenzhou-21 three-member crew will have their stay extended by one month to early June due to Shenzhou-21 use after Shenzhou-20 suffered damage; Shenzhou-22 will be used by the current crew after Shenzhou-23 arrives. One crew member of Shenzhou-23 is expected to spend 12 months in space, enabling a visit by a Pakistani Astronaut. Zhang Lu and Wu Fei installed more components of the external debris protection equipment on a 5.5-hour spacewalk, supported by Zhang Hongzhang inside the station. This 7th EVA by Zhang Lu is the most by a Taikonaut. Cargo vehicle Tianzhou-9 is currently docked, with Tianzhou-10 possibly launching in May.

◐ Lunar Enterprise News: Blue Origin re-flew a New Glenn 1st stage and again recovered it, 2nd stage 1-min+ burn failed; New Glenn to launch Blue Moon lander NLT September. | New NASA Moon base program manager Carlos Garcia-Galan spoke at Space Symposium about “100s of square miles” as base size. | Benchmark Space Systems will work on Lunar Assay via Small Satellite Orbiter (LASSO). | Latvia became 62nd signer of Artemis Accords. | Charania and Crouse presented at LPSC2026 on lunar nuclear-power using Americium-241. | ispace and Shimizu sign MOU to plan cislunar architecture and lunar surface data center. | Agreement with NASA has Italian Space Agency developing Moon base components. | Astrobotic partnering with Thales on rover wheels. | Artemis II purpose called out: A test mission, not a science mission. | Moon landing space suit readiness questioned.

 Near-Earth Objects Close Approaches – Mon Apr 27: Apollo Asteroid 2026 HR (0.042 AU); Tue Apr 28: Amor Asteroid 2026 GU1 (0.031 AU); Tue Apr 28: Apollo Asteroid 2026 HW (0.024 AU); Sun May 3: Amor Asteroid 2026 GD1 (0.037 AU)

☆ International Space Station, ~415-km LEO: Expedition 74 seven members are working to unpack ~5,000 kg of supplies from Cygnus NG-24 XL cargo craft “SS Steven R Nagel” that arrived last week and was captured by Canadarm2. Research studies being delivered include a quantum science module seeking dark matter, improved computing technology, equipment for therapeutic stem cell production to treat diseases, a gut microbiome study, and a device to improve ability to predict “space weather” that could help protect space-based GPS and radar systems. As well, the E4D exercise system from ESA arrived. SS Steven R Nagel is to stay docked until October. 

☆ Tiangong Space Station, ~390-km LEO: Shenzhou-21 three-member crew collected and froze saliva samples that will return to Earth with them later this month for analysis of digestive and intestinal function, collected / centrifuged blood samples and used a spectrometer on urine samples to further study of metabolic indicators. The crew is working with cognitive research on emergency decision-making and emotional states, doing physics projects using combustion equipment. As usual, they are maintaining cryogenic and life-support systems, organizing supplies and the cabin, and exercising with treadmill and resistance bands.

◐ Lunar Enterprise News: NASA Authorization Act of 2026 provides US$24B+ and directs establishment of a permanent Moon base. | NASA is partnering with JAXA / ISRO for LUPEX rover NET 2028 by providing Neutron Spectrometer System water-hunting instrument. | All major elements of Chang’E-7 have arrived at Wenchang for integration / tests prior to launch on Long March 5 NET August. | South Korea’s first lunar rover, from private company UEL, will fly on ispace (Japan) 3rd Moon landing mission NET 2028. | For its Ocula lunar orbiter imaging service, Firefly is partnering with NVIDIA for faster onboard imagery processing. | Russian Academy of Sciences has approved participation in China-led International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) including 5kW nuclear power plant. | First full-duration static fire test completed on Starship V3.

 Near-Earth Objects Close Approaches – Mon Apr 20: Apollo Asteroid 2026 AC4 (0.027 AU); Tue Apr 21: Apollo Asteroid 2026 GJ1 (0.022 AU); Wed Apr 22: Apollo Asteroid 2026 BK2 (0.025 AU); Sat Apr 25: Apollo Asteroid 2022 UU8 (0.022 AU)

☆ International Space Station, ~415-km LEO: Expedition 74 seven members are working to unpack supplies from Cygnus NG-24 XL cargo craft scheduled to launch Saturday, taking hearing tests, measuring internal eye pressure, using the TUSK experimental robotic arm, and participating in a relaxation study to promote calmness, reduce stress and improve sleep quality; the 3 Cosmonauts tested AI tools and ship-to-ship communications with the docked Progress 93 resupply craft and worked with ESA Astronaut Sophie Adenot on vein scans; last Tuesday the ISS crew was able to speak with Artemis II crew after their lunar flyby.

☆ Tiangong Space Station, ~390-km LEO: Shenzhou-21 three-member crew posted 80 pieces of student art work, from 15,000+ hand-painted submissions, for this 5th year of the Sky Art Exhibition; Pioneers and Role Models in My Heart is this year’s theme; the crew praised lofty aspirations of the youth, seeing they depicted the pioneering spirit, dedication and perseverance of those who pressed forward against the odds; they continue their experiments with fluid physics and combustion science, a study related to trust and collaboration, physical exercise and cardiac testing, and daily maintenance and monitoring of the station environment.

◐ Lunar Enterprise News: The Artemis II four Astronauts safely entered Earth atmosphere in the Orion capsule (which was heated to ~ 1,650° C), from which a smaller crew module detached and splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California using parachute deployments at 17:07:27 Pacific Daylight Time on April 10, a mission time of 9 days, 1 hour, 32;15—a historic, international, inter-global, Moon mission SUCCESS!

 Near-Earth Objects Close Approaches – Mon Apr 13: Apollo Asteroid 2026 FV6 (0.019 AU); Tue Apr 14: Aten Asteroid 2013 GM3 (0.001 AU); Sat Apr 18: Apollo Asteroid 2026 FJ6 (0.040 AU)

☆ International Space Station, ~415-km LEO: This week Expedition 74 seven-members training for and planning to dock Cygnus XL supply mission, delivering the latest microgravity quantum physics research gear, stem-cell-therapy tests and food, water and other supplies; filling and flushing spacesuit water systems that regulate Astronaut body temperature on spacewalks; testing new ways to quickly download large amounts of data; conducting an emergency drill to practice cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other medical responses.

☆ Tiangong Space Station, ~390-km LEO: Shenzhou-21 three-member crew are cleaning and maintaining spacesuits after spacewalk that continued installation of space debris protection; are collecting samples for vestibular dynamics project involving the inner ear mechanism responsible for balance, spatial orientation, and coordinating eye movements with head motion; carried out a system-wide-pressure-emergency drill, coordinating with ground control; tested cabin air for cleanliness including level of volatile organic compounds. 

◐ Lunar Enterprise News: Scientists are looking forward to working with Artemis 2 crew for observations of the Moon with human eyes during closest lunar approach, for near-real-time, nuanced value which is complementary to sharper images available from orbiters. The Astronauts may see an eclipse of the Sun by the Moon. They will wear radiation, sleep and movement monitors. There is also an “organs on a chip” experiment using cells from the four astronauts to study effects of radiation and microgravity.

 Near-Earth Objects Close Approaches – Mon Apr 6: Apollo Asteroid 2021 GN6 (0.014 AU); Tue Apr 7: Apollo Asteroid 2011 FT9 (0.008 AU); Tue Apr 7: Apollo Asteroid 2024 TB7 (0.012 AU); Sat Apr 11: Apollo Asteroid 2026 FE7 (0.022 AU