ESA is working closely with the Czech Republic to provide its decades of experience in crewed spaceflight.

The agreement between Vast and the Czech Republic expands their cooperation under a memorandum of understanding signed in 2024.

Aleš Svoboda is the designated pilot for the mission and is a member of the ESA astronaut reserve selected in November 2022.

Vast has announced a collaboration with the European Space Agency on behalf of the Czech Republic to send an astronaut to the International Space Station in 2027.

Vast plans to establish its European headquarters in Paris.

Thomas Pesquet has been designated by ESA as the mission commander.

The Czech Ministry of Defence views participation in advanced space programs as an investment in national technological potential and in training new skills.

Josef Aschbacher said that ESA is enabling its member states to participate in crewed spaceflight through a new generation of commercial partnerships.

The Czech Republic wants the mission to strengthen its industrial and technological base and to involve Czech companies and research institutions in high-level international projects.

The mission will use a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft launched on a Falcon 9 rocket.

Aleš Svoboda would become the first astronaut from the Czech Republic to visit the International Space Station if the mission receives approval.

Daniel Neuenschwander said that this mission is the third time ESA has supported a member state’s access to space through commercial solutions.

Vast is expanding its international presence in the European space market.

The Czech Republic views the mission as an investment in future technological, scientific, industrial, and educational capabilities.

SpaceX's Falcon 9 is vertical at pad 4E in California ahead of the NROL-179 launch.

The NROL-179 mission patch identifies the mission with the National Reconnaissance Office, SpaceX, Falcon 9, and Proliferated Architecture.

Launch of NROL-179 is scheduled for 08:40 UTC on June 19, 2026.

SpaceX is preparing to launch another batch of Starshield satellites for the National Reconnaissance Office's Proliferated Architecture.

NROL-179 will be a return-to-launch-site mission.

Astrobotic developed the Griffin-1 lunar lander.

NASA designated Griffin-1 as Moon Base II.

Astrobotic plans to integrate the FLIP rover and the Hinauri archive into Griffin-1 before launch.

Griffin-1 will be equipped with the FLIP rover and the Hinauri archive before launch later in 2026.

Astrobotic’s Griffin-1 mission is part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program.

NASA designated Astrobotic’s Griffin-1 lunar lander as Moon Base II.

Griffin-1 already integrates the Lunar Codex Polaris archive.

Astrobotic’s Griffin-1 lunar lander was completed for a mission planned in 2026.

Griffin-1 was completed in 2026 ahead of its planned lunar mission.

Astrobotic, Intuitive Machines, and Firefly Aerospace are contributing to commercial lunar logistics for future scientific and commercial activity on the Moon.

NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program supports commercial lunar payload delivery services.

The Griffin-1 mission is intended to strengthen U.S. commercial presence on the Moon.

WisdomTree will include SpaceX in the WisdomTree Space Economy UCITS ETF effective 29 June 2026.

SpaceX will enter the WisdomTree Space Economy UCITS ETF with an initial weighting of 5.5%.

SpaceX has reduced space-access barriers by increasing launch frequency and lowering operating costs.

SpaceX’s target weighting in the WisdomTree Space Economy UCITS ETF is above 10%.

SpaceX is expected to reach a target weighting above 10% in the WisdomTree Space Economy UCITS ETF as its post-IPO liquidity develops.

The WisdomTree Space Economy UCITS ETF provides exposure to companies involved in launch and space infrastructure, commercial space activities, defense, and emerging technologies.

SpaceX will be included in the WisdomTree Space Economy UCITS ETF effective 29 June 2026.

SpaceX entered public markets through a recent IPO.

The WisdomTree Space Economy UCITS ETF replicates the WisdomTree Space Economy UCITS Index.

WisdomTree positions the WisdomTree Space Economy UCITS ETF as a diversified investment vehicle for European investors seeking exposure to the space economy.

The WisdomTree Space Economy UCITS ETF tracks the WisdomTree Space Economy UCITS Index.

Isar Aerospace has grown to more than 400 employees across five international locations.

Isar Aerospace will use the new capital to build a second launch site in Canada.

Island Green Capital and Molten Ventures joined Isar Aerospace’s Series D round as new investors.

Isar Aerospace was founded in 2018.

Isar Aerospace’s launch manifest extends through 2028.

Isar Aerospace’s two launch facilities are intended to serve mid- to high-inclination orbits.

Isar Aerospace said its customer base is now 60% defense oriented.

Isar Aerospace signed the €270 million round on June 9, 2026.