The first Russian robotic lunar lander of the post-Soviet era is nowhere ready for flight, industry insiders say, despite official promises to launch a mission next year.

A week after winning a $135 million NASA contract to support work on its fully reusable, deep-space transportation system, SpaceX conducted a successful static test fire of a full-size, second-stage Starship prototype. 

Space startup Firefly Aerospace aims to complete the first launch of its two-stage Alpha rocket as early as September and says testing of engines and site preparation remain on track despite the threat of potential disruption related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

China has confirmed plans to send a spacecraft to Mars and the Chang’e 5 mission to the Moon by the end of 2020.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine expressed confidence May 4 that the agency’s quest for a nearly 12% budget increase will fare well in Congress despite a mounting deficit linked to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of long-term ambitions to develop a high-speed, long-range commercial transport system, Virgin Galactic and its subsidiary The Spaceship Company have signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA to help foster the development of technology for high Mach-capable vehicles. 

China has launched its new manned spacecraft with the first flight of the Long March 5B, a rocket version intended mainly for missions for building a forthcoming space station.

NASA is close—perhaps within days—of striking a deal with Russia for the purchase of another seat on a Soyuz launch to assure a continuing U.S. presence aboard the International Space Station (ISS).