BREAKING: The Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to Francis Halzen “for decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin.” More to follow.

China's national day tomorrow. Wonder if the occasion will provoke the release of some new images from Tianwen-2...

Inspector Smile is ready for science! 🫡 This is Smile’s first ultraviolet view showing an auroral substorm. With the ultraviolet camera now operational, Smile becomes the first spacecraft since 2008 to capture the full ring of northern lights around the north pole in ultraviolet light. 🔭 🧪 ☀️

HKOR 100 kg robot for the Chang'e-8 mission from Hong Kong.

Galactic Energy earlier this year presented a chopsticks at sea recovery plan for its Pallas-2 (20-58 tons to LEO) rocket.

Looks like Chang'e-8, related payloads, and possibly China's wider moon program, are undergoing changes. This follows a merger seeing China's human spaceflight agency, already in charge of crewed lunar efforts, take control of robotic Chang'e missions, formerly overseen by CNSA.

Mission update: START passed and expert review in July and they're now building the spacecraft. Mass increased to 300kg, starting orbit will be 500 km, flying on a Zhuque-3 in early 2028.

Tianwen-2 arrived at Kamo'oalewa nearly two months ago, and no updates since. Thankfully, space exploration historian Phil Stooke uncovered a few more pics from CNSA from the first encounter in early July. Hopefully an update soon.

Debut launch of Galactic Energy's Pallas-1 kerolox rocket set for early September 1 UTC from Jiuquan. No first stage recovery attempt expected.

Successful VTVL landing for Landspace with Zhuque-3 Y2. China's second second successful orbital booster recovery.