ANDREW CHAIKIN, Author at SpaceNews https://spacenews.com Covering the business and politics of space Fri, 13 Feb 2026 10:58:25 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://spacenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/cropped-SN_forza_star-32x32.png ANDREW CHAIKIN, Author at SpaceNews https://spacenews.com 32 32 80681979 China’s iSpace launch firm raises record $729 million for reusable rockets https://spacenews.com/chinas-ispace-launch-firm-raises-record-729-million-for-reusable-rockets/ https://spacenews.com/chinas-ispace-launch-firm-raises-record-729-million-for-reusable-rockets/#respond Fri, 13 Feb 2026 10:58:22 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=573518

Chinese launch firm iSpace has secured a record D++ funding round to accelerate its reusable rocket development efforts and expand its industrial footprint.

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China tests crewed spacecraft abort and rocket recovery in major lunar milestone https://spacenews.com/china-tests-crewed-spacecraft-abort-and-rocket-recovery-in-major-lunar-milestone/ https://spacenews.com/china-tests-crewed-spacecraft-abort-and-rocket-recovery-in-major-lunar-milestone/#respond Wed, 11 Feb 2026 10:00:36 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=572912

China took a major step forward in its lunar and human spaceflight programs late Tuesday with successful in-flight abort and rocket recovery tests.

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China launches reusable spaceplane on fourth secretive orbital mission https://spacenews.com/china-launches-reusable-spaceplane-on-fourth-secretive-orbital-mission/ https://spacenews.com/china-launches-reusable-spaceplane-on-fourth-secretive-orbital-mission/#respond Sat, 07 Feb 2026 11:00:43 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=571625 Liftoff of the Long March 2F carrying Shenzhou-12 at 9:22 p.m. Eastern, June 16, 2021.

China launched its experimental reusable spacecraft for the fourth time late Friday, once again maintaining strict secrecy around the mission.

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China set for in-flight abort test of Mengzhou crew spacecraft https://spacenews.com/china-set-for-in-flight-abort-test-of-mengzhou-crew-spacecraft/ https://spacenews.com/china-set-for-in-flight-abort-test-of-mengzhou-crew-spacecraft/#respond Fri, 06 Feb 2026 10:12:21 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=571178 China’s Mengzhou crew spacecraft launches away from the pad during a successful pad abort test at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on June 17, 2025, with plumes of smoke and dust rising from the desert launch site.

China appears set for an in-flight abort test of its new-generation Mengzhou spacecraft next week in a key step for the country’s human spaceflight plans.

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China launches AlSat-3B for Algeria, further launches delayed ahead of key human spaceflight test https://spacenews.com/china-launches-alsat-3b-for-algeria-further-launches-delayed-ahead-of-key-human-spaceflight-test/ https://spacenews.com/china-launches-alsat-3b-for-algeria-further-launches-delayed-ahead-of-key-human-spaceflight-test/#respond Sat, 31 Jan 2026 10:10:55 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=569722 A Long March 2C rocket lifts off from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in China’s Gobi Desert, trailing a thick plume of orange-brown exhaust and dust as it rises beside the launch tower under a clear blue sky, with low buildings and flat desert terrain stretching into the distance.

China launched a satellite for Algeria late Friday, as signs mount that multiple missions have been delayed amid preparations for a key human spaceflight test.

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China eyes space resources, space tourism and on-orbit digital infrastructure https://spacenews.com/china-eyes-space-resources-space-tourism-and-on-orbit-digital-infrastructure/ https://spacenews.com/china-eyes-space-resources-space-tourism-and-on-orbit-digital-infrastructure/#respond Thu, 29 Jan 2026 13:33:35 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=569370

China’s main space contractor says it will push into new commercial space domains in the coming years as the country formulates its latest Five-year plan.

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China set for crewed lunar tests, record launches, moon mission and reusable rockets in 2026 https://spacenews.com/china-set-for-crewed-lunar-tests-record-launches-moon-mission-and-reusable-rockets-in-2026/ https://spacenews.com/china-set-for-crewed-lunar-tests-record-launches-moon-mission-and-reusable-rockets-in-2026/#respond Wed, 28 Jan 2026 14:36:14 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=569198 A Long March rocket stands on a launch pad in a desert setting during a static fire test, with engines firing and producing a large plume of white and gray exhaust and dust spreading outward across the ground, framed by lightning towers under a clear sky.

China appears set to accelerate its launch rate this year while also conducting tests key to its crewed lunar ambitions and launching major missions.

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Damaged Shenzhou-20 spacecraft survives reentry, Shenzhou-23 arrives at spaceport https://spacenews.com/damaged-shenzhou-20-spacecraft-survives-reentry-shenzhou-23-arrives-at-spaceport/ https://spacenews.com/damaged-shenzhou-20-spacecraft-survives-reentry-shenzhou-23-arrives-at-spaceport/#respond Thu, 22 Jan 2026 22:53:16 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=568538

China’s damaged Shenzhou-20 spacecraft returned safely to Earth after on-orbit internal repairs, concluding the country’s first human spaceflight emergency triggered by a suspected debris impact.

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China hit by dual launch failures as Long March 3B and Ceres-2 debut mission fail https://spacenews.com/china-hit-by-dual-launch-failures-as-long-march-3b-and-ceres-2-debut-mission-fail/ https://spacenews.com/china-hit-by-dual-launch-failures-as-long-march-3b-and-ceres-2-debut-mission-fail/#respond Sat, 17 Jan 2026 10:34:47 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=567908

China suffered a pair of launch failures Friday, seeing the loss of a classified Shijian satellite and the failed first launch of the Ceres-2 rocket

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China conducts static fire test of new reusable Long March 12B rocket https://spacenews.com/china-conducts-static-fire-test-of-new-reusable-long-march-12b-rocket/ https://spacenews.com/china-conducts-static-fire-test-of-new-reusable-long-march-12b-rocket/#respond Fri, 16 Jan 2026 18:06:43 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=567855 A Long March rocket stands on a launch pad in a desert setting during a static fire test, with engines firing and producing a large plume of white and gray exhaust and dust spreading outward across the ground, framed by lightning towers under a clear sky.

China’s main space contractor performed a static fire test of a new reusable Long March rocket Friday, paving the way for a test flight.

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China advances plans for dual solar system boundary missions https://spacenews.com/china-advances-plans-for-dual-solar-system-boundary-missions/ https://spacenews.com/china-advances-plans-for-dual-solar-system-boundary-missions/#respond Fri, 16 Jan 2026 11:42:04 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=567814 Bow shock around very young star LL Ori. The Chinese heliosphere probes would study such regions.

China has published coordinated papers outlining dual missions to the solar system’s edge, suggesting the long-studied project is nearing formal approval.

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China launches AlSat-3A for Algeria, Ceres-1 sea launch adds to Tianqi constellation https://spacenews.com/china-launches-alsat-3a-for-algeria-ceres-1-sea-launch-adds-to-tianqi-constellation/ https://spacenews.com/china-launches-alsat-3a-for-algeria-ceres-1-sea-launch-adds-to-tianqi-constellation/#respond Fri, 16 Jan 2026 10:51:15 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=567806

China conducted its third and fourth launches of 2026 with Long March 2C and Ceres-1 rockets lifting off from Jiuquan and a sea platform respectively.

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CAS Space conducts first suborbital launch and capsule landing test https://spacenews.com/cas-space-conducts-first-suborbital-launch-and-capsule-landing-test/ https://spacenews.com/cas-space-conducts-first-suborbital-launch-and-capsule-landing-test/#respond Wed, 14 Jan 2026 21:41:33 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=567579

Chinese commercial firm CAS Space launched its first Lihong-1 suborbital flight and recovery test mission, seeing a successful parachute descent of the capsule.

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China’s first launches of 2026 send Yaogan spacecraft into unusual orbit, loft Guowang satellites  https://spacenews.com/chinas-first-launches-of-2026-send-yaogan-spacecraft-into-unusual-orbit-loft-guowang-satellites/ https://spacenews.com/chinas-first-launches-of-2026-send-yaogan-spacecraft-into-unusual-orbit-loft-guowang-satellites/#respond Wed, 14 Jan 2026 10:46:43 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=567524

China conducted a pair of Long March rocket launches Tuesday, kicking off what is likely to be a record-breaking year for the country.

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India’s PSLV launch fails during ascent, 16 satellites lost https://spacenews.com/indias-pslv-launch-fails-during-ascent-16-satellites-lost/ https://spacenews.com/indias-pslv-launch-fails-during-ascent-16-satellites-lost/#respond Mon, 12 Jan 2026 10:33:34 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=567174

India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle failed late Sunday during ascent, resulting in the loss of a primary Earth observation satellite and 15 smaller co-passenger spacecraft.

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China files ITU paperwork for megaconstellations totaling nearly 200,000 satellites https://spacenews.com/china-files-itu-paperwork-for-megaconstellations-totaling-nearly-200000-satellites/ https://spacenews.com/china-files-itu-paperwork-for-megaconstellations-totaling-nearly-200000-satellites/#respond Mon, 12 Jan 2026 09:21:23 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=567145 A Long March 8A rocket lifts off at night from the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Center, with bright flames and exhaust clouds illuminating the launch tower and surrounding gantry structures.

China has submitted two filings for huge non-geostationary satellite networks to the International Telecommunication Union, indicating moves to secure options for next-generation megaconstellations.

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Landspace secures launch contracts for China’s megaconstellation projects https://spacenews.com/landspace-secures-launch-contracts-for-chinas-megaconstellation-projects/ https://spacenews.com/landspace-secures-launch-contracts-for-chinas-megaconstellation-projects/#respond Fri, 09 Jan 2026 17:32:12 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=566982

Commercial launch startup Landspace has secured formal contracts to launch satellites for China’s two main megaconstellation projects, helping to address a launch capacity bottleneck.

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China’s astronauts complete cave training amid preparations for moon missions https://spacenews.com/chinas-astronauts-complete-cave-training-amid-preparations-for-moon-missions/ https://spacenews.com/chinas-astronauts-complete-cave-training-amid-preparations-for-moon-missions/#respond Mon, 05 Jan 2026 13:26:06 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=566246

China’s astronaut corps has completed a near month-long underground cave training, conducted in part to prepare for future crewed lunar landing missions.

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Landspace targets $1 billion for reusable rockets as IPO application accepted https://spacenews.com/landspace-targets-1-billion-for-reusable-rockets-as-ipo-application-accepted/ https://spacenews.com/landspace-targets-1-billion-for-reusable-rockets-as-ipo-application-accepted/#respond Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:05:16 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=566049

Landspace, one of China’s leading launch startups, has had its application for an initial public offering accepted by the Shanghai Stock Exchange’s STAR Market.

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China to debut reusable Long March 10-derived rocket in first half of 2026 https://spacenews.com/china-to-debut-reusable-long-march-10-derived-rocket-in-first-half-of-2026/ https://spacenews.com/china-to-debut-reusable-long-march-10-derived-rocket-in-first-half-of-2026/#respond Wed, 31 Dec 2025 11:01:53 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=565979 A Long March 5 rocket lifts off at night from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center in Hainan, China, illuminating the launch pad with bright exhaust flames and surrounded by thick clouds of smoke.

China is aiming for a first launch of a reusable, cargo-optimized variant of its new crew launch vehicle in the first half of the year.

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China caps record year for orbital launches with Tianhui-7 and Shijian-29 technology test missions https://spacenews.com/china-caps-record-year-for-orbital-launches-with-tianhui-7-and-shijian-29-technology-test-missions/ https://spacenews.com/china-caps-record-year-for-orbital-launches-with-tianhui-7-and-shijian-29-technology-test-missions/#respond Wed, 31 Dec 2025 09:33:13 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=565973 A Long March-7A rocket lifts off at night from Wenchang Space Launch Center, flames and exhaust illuminating the pad as twin towers frame the launch.

China reached 92 orbital launches in 2025 with back-to-back missions this week, capping a record year for both the country and the global space sector.

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China hits 90 launches as Guowang deployment continues, Fengyun-4C heads to GEO https://spacenews.com/china-hits-90-launches-as-guowang-deployment-continues-fengyun-4c-heads-to-geo/ https://spacenews.com/china-hits-90-launches-as-guowang-deployment-continues-fengyun-4c-heads-to-geo/#respond Mon, 29 Dec 2025 12:12:54 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=565747

China reached 90 orbital launches in 2025 with consecutive Long March missions deploying Guowang megaconstellation satellites and the advanced Fengyun-4C weather spacecraft.

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Long March 12A reaches orbit in first reusable launch attempt, but landing fails https://spacenews.com/long-march-12a-reaches-orbit-in-first-reusable-launch-attempt-but-landing-fails/ https://spacenews.com/long-march-12a-reaches-orbit-in-first-reusable-launch-attempt-but-landing-fails/#respond Tue, 23 Dec 2025 04:57:45 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=565490

A first launch of the Long March 12A Chinese state-owned reusable rocket reached orbit late Monday, but attempted recovery of the first stage downrange failed.

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Japan’s H3 suffers second-stage anomaly, QZS-5 satellite lost https://spacenews.com/japans-h3-suffers-second-stage-anomaly-qzs-5-satellite-lost/ https://spacenews.com/japans-h3-suffers-second-stage-anomaly-qzs-5-satellite-lost/#respond Mon, 22 Dec 2025 10:09:38 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=565350

Japan’s flagship H3 rocket suffered an issue with its second stage late Sunday resulting in the loss of the Michibiki 5 (QZS-5) navigation satellite.

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