Space News Roundup: Week of June 28, 2025

Axiom Mission 4: A Milestone for International Space Collaboration

On June 25, 2025, the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center at 2:31 a.m. EDT, carrying four astronauts aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, Grace. The crew, led by veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson, included Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), alongside representatives from Poland and Hungary. The spacecraft docked with the ISS on June 26 at 6:31 a.m. EDT for a two-week research mission. Shukla, reflecting on his experience in microgravity, described it as “like learning to move like a baby again.” This mission not only advances scientific research but also strengthens India’s human spaceflight ambitions, paving the way for its Gaganyaan mission slated for 2027.

Space News Roundup: Week of June 28, 2025

Honda’s Breakthrough in Reusable Rocket Technology

In a surprising development, Honda R&D Co., Ltd. conducted a successful test of its experimental reusable rocket on June 17, 2025, at its facility in Taiki Town, Hokkaido, Japan. The 6.3-meter rocket, weighing 1,312 kg at launch, achieved a 271.4-meter ascent and landed within 37 cm of its target after a 56.6-second flight. Equipped with four retractable legs and aerodynamic fins, the rocket demonstrated precise landing capabilities, drawing comparisons to SpaceX’s Falcon 9. Honda’s CEO, Toshihiro Mibe, highlighted the test as a step toward leveraging the company’s engineering expertise in the space sector. With plans for a suborbital launch by 2029, Honda is positioning itself as a contender in the $9.6 billion small-satellite launch market, potentially revolutionizing Japan’s role in commercial spaceflight.

Space News Roundup: Week of June 28, 2025

SpaceX: GPS Success Amid Testing Setbacks

SpaceX launched an advanced GPS satellite into medium-Earth orbit on June 27, 2025, bolstering global navigation systems. However, the week was not without challenges. An explosion during a Starship engine test in Texas on June 23 raised concerns about the program’s timeline for lunar and Martian missions. Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration initiated an investigation into unspecified launch issues earlier in the week, which may have impacted SpaceX’s operations. These developments highlight the high-stakes nature of SpaceX’s ambitious goals.

Lunar Data Storage: A Cosmic Backup Plan

Lonestar Data Holdings, in collaboration with Skycorp, is advancing an innovative project to store critical data on the moon, safeguarding it against Earth-based digital catastrophes. Discussed in a recent SpaceNews podcast, this initiative underscores the growing role of space in data security, with the moon serving as an off-world “backup drive” for humanity’s most vital information.

Chinese Spacewalk and Solar Observations

On June 26, 2025, two Chinese astronauts completed a spacewalk outside the Tiangong space station, their second in five weeks, reinforcing China’s active presence in low-Earth orbit. Meanwhile, NASA’s CODEX experiment on the ISS captured unprecedented solar images, offering new insights into the sun’s behavior and its impact on space weather.

Astronomy and Technology Highlights

The James Webb Space Telescope unveiled a map of nearly 800,000 galaxies, providing a stunning view of the universe’s structure. Closer to home, the crescent Moon graced evening skies, inviting stargazers to observe its nightside. Additionally, Ascent Solar Technologies announced a partnership with NASA to develop thin-film photovoltaic technology for space-based power systems, with a 2026 project alongside NOVI Space generating buzz on platforms like X.

Looking Ahead

This week’s developments—from international missions to reusable rocket tests—highlight the dynamic evolution of space exploration. As commercial players like Honda and SpaceX push technological boundaries, and global collaborations expand, the cosmos continues to captivate and inspire. For the latest updates, check trusted sources like nasa.gov, spacenews.com, or global. Honda.