NASA will repurpose its lunar Gateway core module for a deep-space nuclear-electric propulsion demonstration, marking a pivot from its original Moon base plans announced last week. The agency plans to launch the first-of-its-kind Space Reactor-1 mission before 2028, testing nuclear power for efficient space travel. This shift follows NASA's $4.5 billion investment in the Gateway program since 2019, with the Power and Propulsion Element nearing readiness.

A Soyuz rocket launched 16 Rassvet satellites for Russia's military-backed low-orbit internet network from Plesetsk Cosmodrome, deploying them into a 200-mile orbit. Bureau 1440 aims for a 900-satellite constellation by 2035, though Russia's satellite production capabilities remain unproven. Meanwhile, Isar Aerospace delayed its Spectrum rocket's second launch attempt after a boat violated the launch zone, following a failed 2023 test carrying university CubeSats.

Russia repaired its damaged Baikonur launch pad within months, successfully launching a Progress supply ship to the ISS using manual docking after one Kurs antenna failed. The mystery missile test from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station remains unconfirmed, echoing previous hypersonic weapon tests by the Navy and Army.