13 July, Monday
India: ISRO successfully completes three key tests for Gaganyaan crew module
On 12 July, ISRO reported that it had successfully completed three major tests for the crew module systems of Gaganyaan mission. These uncrewed tests are part of ISRO’s plan to launch its first crewed Gaganyaan mission in 2027. The three tests include: Float inflation test of crew module up-righting system, Umbilical separation testing of crew module service module connect disconnect system, and Crew module structural qualification test for apex cover separation loads. The goal of these tests are to flip the crew module right-side up if it flips over after landing, to test the clean disconnection of the connection lines between crew capsules and the power capsule, and to check if the capsule can handle the force of shedding its top protective lid respectively. These safety and structural tests validate essential systems required to protect astronauts during re-entry and landing.
(“Successful accomplishment of Major Qualification Tests Crew Module systems of Gaganyaan Mission,” ISRO, 12 July 2026)

09 July, Thursday
Hayabusa2 successfully completes asteroid torifune flyby
On 08 July, Universe Today reported that the Japanese spacecraft Hayabusa2 completed a successful flyby of asteroid Torifune in the Solar System. Providing scientists with important scientific observations. Even though Hayabusa2 finished its first mission to collect samples from an asteroid in 2020, it remains operational and continues studying asteroids in an extended mission. This new information and images obtained will help scientists increase their knowledge about asteroids and small bodies' evolution in the Solar System. This new observation demonstrates how important and valuable the spacecraft is and how Japan has improved in terms of long-term deep space exploration.
(Matthew Williams, “Another Success for Hayabusa 2 as it Completes a Flyby of Asteroid Torifune,” Universe Today, 08 July 2026)

Study reveals galaxy mergers are harder to detect than expected
On 08 July, Universe Today reported that galaxy mergers are typically much harder to detect than scientists had anticipated before. Many galaxies may look pristine despite having gone through violent mergers due to the fact that the evidence of the mergers slowly fades away with time. With the help of sophisticated simulations and observations, scientists have shown that depending merely upon what is visible is not enough to gauge the frequency at which galaxies are merged. Such studies enhance scientists’ knowledge regarding galaxy evolution and the part mergers play in it.
(Matthew Williams, “Galaxy Mergers Aren't Always Obvious,” Universe Today, 08 July 2026)

06 July, Monday
Researchers develop solar wind forecasts for New Horizons mission
On 04 July, Universe Today reported that a new solar wind forecasting model has been created by researchers from the Southwest Research Institute, which can be used to forecast the period during which NASA’s New Horizons probe would cross the termination shock of the heliosphere, the border between the Solar System and interstellar space. Using the new model along with models of the heliosphere, scientists predict that the spacecraft would cross the border in the period between 2029 and 2040.
(Matthew Williams, “In Anticipation of New Horizons Entering Interstellar Space, Researchers are Developing a Solar Wind Forecasting Method,” Universe Today, 04 July 2026)

ISRO tests new SOLVE rocket for Gaganyaan missions
On 04 July, ISRO announced the successful ground test of the solid motor for its new Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments (SOLVE) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Conducted on 03 July, the test validated the motor's performance as expected. SOLVE is being developed as a dedicated test platform for the Gaganyaan programme to validate the Crew Module's parachute-based deceleration system under different flight conditions. The vehicle will carry the Crew Module to an altitude of 10–17 km before deploying a series of ten parachutes for a controlled splashdown, providing greater flexibility for future crewed mission tests.
(“ISRO conducts ground test for new sub-orbital solid motor-based test vehicle,” ISRO, 4 July 2026)

03 July, Friday
NASA and Katalyst mission to tow Aging swift observatory due to weather and technical issues
On 03 July, Reuters reported that Weather and technical issues have caused NASA and its partner space company Katalyst to delay the mission to tow an old US satellite observatory to safe orbit. The robotic spacecraft that was designed to deliver the mission over the Pacific was a Pegasus XL rocket built by Northrop Grumman. Link, the half ton spacecraft built by Katalyst was supposed to latch on tot the older satellite into an orbit that was safe, helping the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory save USD 500 million and extend its mission by years.
(“Satellite rescue mission to NASA orbiting observatory postponed,” Reuters, 03 July 2026)

India’s private company Skyroot to launch Vikram-1
On 03 July, Reuters reported that India’s Skyroot Aerospace is preparing to launch the Vikram-1 rocket. It is India's first privately made rocket to place a satellite into orbit. The company has stated that it will launch its maiden rocket Vikram-1 from the Sathish Dhawan Space Centre between 12 July to 04 August. The main goal is to test the rocket's engines, steering, and stages in real-time. It will also carry test satellites from different countries. The launch comes as India is letting private companies built rockets and satellites. Seeking a bigger share of ⁠the global market for satellite launches and related services.
(“India's Skyroot Aerospace readies country's first private orbital rocket launch,” Reuters, 03 July 2026)

01 July, Wedenesday
NASA awards USD 590 million to boost lunar lander missions
On 01 July, Reuters reported on NASA awarding 590 million USD worth contracts to three private companies. This is to increase uncrewed lunar lander missions scheduled for late 2028. The companies and their allocated funds: Astrobotic received USD 297.9 million to build two landers; Firefly Aerospace secured USD 144.2 million for a single lander mission; Intuitive Machines secured USD 144. 2 million for a single lander mission. These missions aim to master safe surface landings as the US races against China to build a permanent moon base, as a part of the NASA Artemis program.
(Joey Roulette, “Astrobotic, Firefly, Intuitive Machines win more NASA moon lander missions,” Reuters, 01 July, 2026)

15 June, Monday
LISA offers a new way to measure the mass of nearby asteroids
On 15 June, Universe Today published news stating that there is another potential application of Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA), a future project intended to discover gravitational waves. As per a study conducted recently, the advanced equipment onboard this spacecraft can also calculate the mass of neighboring asteroids through the slight gravitational forces they emit. It has been estimated that LISA could measure the mass of around three asteroids during its ten years of operation, providing us with another low-cost method to study near-Earth asteroids and helping scientists improve their understanding of the composition and evolution of these space objects.
(Andy Tomaswick, "LISA Could Double as an Asteroid Scale," Universe Today, 15 June 2026)
https://www.universetoday.com/articles/lisa-could-double-as-an-asteroid-scale?hl=en-In

Lack of gravity in space affects human consciousness, reports Science X
On 15 June, Science X reported that a recent paper published in Frontiers in Psychology claims that space travel could have a drastic effect on human consciousness due to the lack of gravity, which has acted as the oldest anchor in the human mind since the early days of evolution. Scientists say that exposure to microgravity conditions in space could lead to an altered state of awareness and consciousness in astronauts due to the loss of one of the primary environmental constants that human consciousness depends on, which may provide new insights into the functioning and adaptability of the human brain.
(Sayan Tribedi, "Space Travel May Strip Away the Mind's Oldest Anchor, Opening a State of Consciousness Humans Rarely Experience," Science X, 15 June 2026)
https://sciencex.com/news/2026-06-space-mind-oldest-anchor-state.html

Astrobotic unveils new Moon Lander for NASA's Moon Base Program
On 15 June, Space PolicyOnline.com revealed that the US-based spacecraft company Astrobotic unveiled its Griffin moon landing vehicle, which is expected to be christened as Moon Base II once it lands on the moon as part of NASA’s emerging Moon Base program. The landing vehicle is expected to be subjected to environmental testing at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory prior to its takeoff later this year. This mission is expected to contribute towards NASA's larger goal of establishing human habitation on the Moon through robotic transportation and delivering equipment and supplies required for future long-term lunar missions and settlements.
(Marcia Smith, "Astrobotic Unveils Griffin 'Moon Base II' Lander," SpacePolicyOnline, 15 June 2026)
https://spacepolicyonline.com/news/astrobotic-unveils-griffin-moon-base-ii-lander/

New research center in Texas to prepare humans for living on the moon
On 15 June, Astroport Space Technologies, along with WEX Foundation, entered into a memorandum of understanding to create an independent National Lunar Research Center (NLRC) in San Antonio, Texas. The center aims to recreate the geological and environmental conditions of the Moon in order to meet the Moon-to-Mars goals of NASA. Experts suggest that NLRC will act as a high-fidelity lunar analogue where technologies can be tested, experiments can be carried out and astronauts can be prepared for living on the Moon's surface while also supporting scientific research and the development of future lunar missions and infrastructure.
(Southwest Research Institute, "SwRI, Collaborators Sign MOU to Develop a Lunar Research Initiative," EurekAlert, 15 June 2026)
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1132063

Growing space activities could make space-based energy profitable, says SpaceNews
On 15 June, SpaceNews reported that debates regarding the most efficient methods of profiting from energy solutions in space have intensified in recent times. This debate is focused on whether energy solutions for use in space, such as the provision of energy for satellites and other space infrastructure, can eventually evolve into something more profitable once the demand for such energy is increased through the construction of orbiting data centres and satellite systems and the expansion of commercial activities and long-term human presence in outer space.
(SpaceNews Staff, "What's the Best Way to Monetize Space Energy?”  SpaceNews, 15 June 2026)
https://spacenews.com/whats-the-best-way-to-monetize-space-energy

Scientists discover more active supermassive black holes 
On 15 June, astronomy reported that astronomers have discovered that the number of active supermassive black holes is higher than initially assumed. With the help of new observation methods, scientists have discovered several supermassive black holes that were not visible to them in the past because of their hiding behind clouds of dust and gas. It is believed that the study can shed light on the processes of development and impact of supermassive black holes on their galaxies and improve our understanding of the role of black holes in the evolution of the Universe.
("Active Black Holes Are More Common Than We Thought," Astronomy, 15 June 2026)
https://www.astronomy.com/science/active-black-holes-are-more-common-than-we-thought/