April 2025 Space News

Kuwait - PATRIOT Post-Deployment Build 8.1 DSCA 30 Apr 2025 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Kuwait of the PATRIOT Post-Deployment Build 8.1 and related equipment for an estimated cost of $425 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
Iran is developing 20 indigenous satellites, head of space agency says IRNA 30 Apr 2025 -- Head of the Iranian Space Agency (ISA) Hossein Salariyeh says approximately 20 satellites are currently under development through a consortium of state and private companies.
Shenzhou-19 return capsule touches down, marking the complete success of space mission Global Times 30 Apr 2025 -- The return capsule of the Shenzhou-19 crewed spacecraft, carrying taikonauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze, touched down at the Dongfeng landing site in North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on 13:08 pm on Wednesday, marking the complete success of the mission.
Chinese astronauts back from six-month mission with record-setting space tasks People's Daily 01 May 2025 -- The return capsule of the Shenzhou-19 spacecraft landed smoothly Wednesday in the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, with the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) declaring the mission a success.
Romania - PATRIOT Air Defense System DSCA 28 Apr 2025 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Romania of a PATRIOT Air Defense System and related equipment for an estimated cost of $280 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
The Ministry of National Defense released a press statement explaining "The P.R.C. launches a carrier rocket." ROC MND 28 Apr 2025
China launches new data relay satellite Global Times 28 Apr 2025 -- China successfully sent a new data relay satellite into orbit from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province on Sunday.
China's Shenzhou-19 astronauts complete handover, returning to Earth on Tuesday People's Daily 28 Apr 2025 -- The crew of China's Shenzhou-19 spacecraft held a handover ceremony with the Shenzhou-20 crew and transferred the keys of the country's space station to the latter on Sunday.
Pentagon Conducts Secret Test Launch in Florida Sputnik 26 Apr 2025 -- A missile launch was spotted by observers at Cape Canaveral, which was later confirmed as a test launch by a DoD spokesperson.
Astronauts embark on six-month space trip People's Daily 25 Apr 2025 -- China successfully launched its Shenzhou XX manned spaceship on Thursday, sending three astronauts to the Tiangong space station for a six-month mission.
China successfully launches Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship; mission features technical improvements and new life science experiments Global Times 24 Apr 2025 -- The Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China, atop the Long March-2F carrier rocket on 5:17 pm on Thursday, carrying taikonauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie to China's space station.
Pakistan starts preliminary selection of astronaut candidates for China Space Station crewed spaceflight mission: SUPARCO deputy director Global Times 24 Apr 2025 -- China and Pakistan in February signed a cooperation agreement on spaceflight of a Pakistani astronaut on China Space Station, the first time for a foreign astronaut, marking a new chapter of China-Pakistan aerospace cooperation. Updating on the process, Amjad Ali, deputy director general of SUPARCO, Pakistan's national space agency, revealed to the Global Times that they have started preliminary selection in Pakistan and they will select about 10 to 15 candidates.
Shenzhou-20 astronauts enter space station Global Times 25 Apr 2025 -- The three astronauts aboard China's Shenzhou-20 spaceship have entered the country's space station and met with another astronaut trio in the early hours of Friday, starting a new round of in-orbit crew handover.
China advances planning of International Lunar Research Station, on track to implement Chang'e-7, Chang'e -8 lunar probe missions: chief designer Global Times 23 Apr 2025 -- Having successfully carried out its three-step lunar exploration of orbiting, landing and sample return from the Earth's celestial neighbor, China is now implementing its Phase-4 lunar exploration program, advancing the Queqiao communications, navigation and remote sensing satellite constellation and planning the construction of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), according to Wu Weiren, chief designer of China's lunar exploration program on Wednesday.
China Advances Crewed Moon Landing Mission Sputnik 23 Apr 2025 -- China is currently making successful progress in preparing for a crewed mission to the Moon, with key mission equipment in the stages of development and prototype testing, Deputy Director of the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) Lin Xiqiang said on Wednesday.
"With TÜRKSAT 6A, Türkiye has become one of the 11 countries capable of producing its own communications satellite" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 21 Apr 2025 -- Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of TURKSAT 6A, President Erdoğan said: "With TÜRKSAT 6A, which we developed with a domestic production rate of over 80 percent, Türkiye has become one of the 11 countries capable of producing its own communications satellite."
Meet the Space Cowboys: a critical capability at VSFB United States Space Force 21 Apr 2025 -- The 2nd Space Launch Squadron at Vandenberg SFB is home to a uniquely capable team known as the Space Cowboys. This team serves a specialized role within the U.S. Space Force by providing the Department of Defense's only expeditionary space launch and transport capability.
Chinese satellite company refutes US accusation of supporting Houthi attack on US interests as 'completely fabricated' Global Times 19 Apr 2025 -- The US accusations are completely groundless and Chang Guang Satellite Technology has no business dealings with Iran or the Houthi groups, Chang Guang Satellite Technology told the Global Times on Saturday in response to a recent US accusation of supporting Yemen's Houthis in attacking US interests in the region.
China successfully launches new test satellites People's Daily 19 Apr 2025 -- China sent six new test satellites into space on Saturday from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China's Shanxi Province.
China to carry out intensive space missions in 2025: CNSA Global Times 18 Apr 2025 -- China will carry out intensive space missions, including Tianwen-2 for asteroid exploration, in 2025, an official of the China National Space Administration (CNSA) said on Thursday.
U.S. Space Force defines path to space superiority in first Warfighting framework United States Space Force 17 Apr 2025 -- The Space Force released its Space Warfighting framework today, outlining the service's vision for achieving and maintaining space superiority while ensuring the long-term safety and sustainability of the space domain.
China's next manned mission gets ready for launch People's Daily 17 Apr 2025 -- China's next manned mission, the Shenzhou XX, is scheduled to be launched in coming days to transport three astronauts to the Tiangong space station, according to the China Manned Space Agency.
Space Force, USSPACECOM leaders discuss their distinct roles in the joint force United States Space Force 16 Apr 2025 -- To conclude the 40th Space Symposium, Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna and Chief Master Sgt. Jacob Simmons, command senior enlisted leader for U.S. Space Command, participated in a fireside chat in Colorado Springs, Colorado, April 10.
Space Chiefs forum reinforces international partnerships United States Space Force 16 Apr 2025 -- Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman and Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna hosted military space leaders from 18 other countries at the annual Space Chiefs Forum on April 10. The event is part of ongoing Space Force efforts to foster multinational collaboration that builds enduring operational advantages.
Meeting on development of space activities President of Russia 16 Apr 2025 -- The President held a meeting on the development of space activities at Bauman Moscow State Technical University.
Putin Announces Russia's Ambitious Plans to Explore Deep Space Sputnik 16 Apr 2025 -- Russia is planning to explore deep space, including the Moon and Mars, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.
Chinese private space company rolls out 100th engine to be used for country's first reusable rocket Global Times 15 Apr 2025 -- The 100th reusable rocket engine of the TQ series rolled off the production line on Tuesday of a Chinese private space company, a landmark event in the development of the Chinese commercial space industry, according to China Media Group (CMG).
Lt. Gen. Schiess discusses critical role of CIC, JCO commercial capabilities at 40th Space Symposium United States Space Force 15 Apr 2025 -- During the Space Foundation's 40th Space Symposium, U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. Douglas A. Schiess, U.S. Space Forces - Space commander and Combined Joint Force Space Component commander, participated in a one-on-one discussion with U.S. Air Force retired Lt. Gen. David Buck, April 9, and highlighted the importance of commercial partnerships in space operations.
Developing a Combat-Credible Force: STARCOM at the 40th Space Symposium United States Space Force 15 Apr 2025 -- At this week's 40th Space Symposium, leaders from Space Training and Readiness Command made it clear: the U.S. Space Force isn't just refining how it trains Guardians - it's leveraging the development of Guardians—officer, enlisted and civilian—to further the service's combat credibility.
UK and Cyprus strengthen space ties Press and Information Office, Ministry of Interior, Republic of Cyprus 14 Apr 2025 -- Cyprus and the United Kingdom (UK) are set to collaborate more closely on space activities, following a successful bilateral event held in Lefkosia on 27-28 March 2025.
Joint Statement from the Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Korea at the United States-Republic of Korea Civil Space Dialogue US Dept. of State 14 Apr 2025 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Korea at the Fourth United States-Republic of Korea Civil Space Dialogue.
Space Industry Should Be Among Key GDP Growth Boosters - Putin Sputnik 12 Apr 2025 -- Russia's rocket and space industry should become one of the drivers of national economic growth and technological sovereignty, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday.
Remarks by CSO Gen. Chance Saltzman at the 40th Space Symposium United States Space Force 11 Apr 2025 -- Thank you so much! How's everybody doing today? I feel great. That might be a surprise to some of you. We're in the middle of a year-long CR... there's a rumor that we'll have a trillion-dollar budget incoming... there's also these sudden, unscheduled personnel changes... and I've got all these space threats to deal with?
Ministry of National Defense Issues Statement Regarding Chinese Communist Party's Carrier Rocket Launch ROC MND 11 Apr 2025
China launches new communication technology test satellite Global Times 11 Apr 2025 -- China sent a new communication technology test satellite into space from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province early on Friday.
China launches new communication technology test satellite People's Daily 11 Apr 2025 -- China sent a new communication technology test satellite into space from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province early on Friday.
United States Welcomes Bangladesh's Signing of the Artemis Accords US Dept. of State 10 Apr 2025 -- Bangladesh became the 54th signatory of the Artemis Accords at a ceremony at the 2025 Investor Summit in Dhaka on April 8.
Saltzman details Space Force's international partnership strategy at Space Symposium United States Space Force 10 Apr 2025 -- Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman gave insights into a new, soon-to-be-released International Partnership Strategy to unify like-minded nations' efforts in the space domain during his keynote at the 40th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, April 9.
USSF launches Orbital Watch, strengthens US commercial space industry United States Space Force 10 Apr 2025 -- he Space Systems Command Front Door office has launched a new initiative designed to enhance unclassified threat-information-sharing with commercial space companies.
USSF releases new capstone doctrine United States Space Force 09 Apr 2025 -- The U.S. Space Force - the service charged with securing the Nation's interests in, from and to space - has published Space Force Doctrine Document 1 - The Space Force, articulating doctrine that defines the service's foundational tenets moving forward.
Space Force, NGA leaders discuss power of collaboration United States Space Force 09 Apr 2025 -- U.S. Space Force Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. Mike Guetlein and U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Frank Whitworth, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency director, took part in a fireside chat moderated by Tanya Pemberton, Aerospace Corporation executive vice president, in Colorado Springs, April 8.
Space Systems Command awards National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 2 contracts United States Space Force 04 Apr 2025 -- Space Systems Command awarded three National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 2 contracts April 4.
PARLIAMENT QUESTION: ESTABLISHMENT OF THIRD LAUNCH PAD India PIB 03 Apr 2025 -- A Third Launch Pad (TLP) will be established at Sriharikota
PARLIAMENT QUESTION: USING REMOTE SENSING DATA FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT India PIB 03 Apr 2025 -- Remote sensing data and space technology are widely employed for societal development activities/ programmes
PARLIAMENT QUESTION: UPDATES ON THE SPACE APPLICATIONS CENTRE OF ISRO India PIB 03 Apr 2025 -- The genesis of the Centre dates back to 1966, with establishment of the Experimental Satellite Communication Earth Station (ESCES), by late Dr
PARLIAMENT QUESTION: REDUCING DEPENDENCE ON FOREIGN SATELLITE BROADBAND PROVIDERS India PIB 03 Apr 2025 -- A fleet of 19 communication satellites are operational over India and these satellites support the telecommunications, broadband and broadcasting services as well as societal and strategic communications
Kuwait - Upgrade and Recertification of PATRIOT Missiles DSCA 03 Apr 2025 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Kuwait of the Upgrade and Recertification of PATRIOT Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $400 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
US, Australia demonstrate current, future space priorities at Avalon International Airshow United States Space Force 03 Apr 2025 -- U.S. and Australian forces demonstrated their combined focus on cooperation, warfighting effectiveness and lethality in the Indo-Pacific space domain during the Avalon International Airshow and Trade Days, March 25-30.
21st Security Forces Squadron improves military excellence, readiness with field training exercise United States Space Force 03 Apr 2025 -- The 21st Security Forces Squadron sharpened its Air Base Ground Defense skills during a recent field training exercise at Peterson Space Force Base.
Third India-Japan Space Dialogue ( April 01, 2025) India MEA 01 Apr 2025 -- The third India-Japan Space Dialogue was held in Tokyo on 01 April 2025.
Iran to inaugurate second phase of Chabahar spaceport Press TV 01 Apr 2025 -- The head of the Iranian Space Agency has announced that the second phase of the Chabahar spaceport for semi-heavy liquid-fueled launchers is to be inaugurated in the current Persian calendar year.

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