The Chang’e-5 orbiter module is currently on its way back to the Moon following deep space tests according to reports. Last year, the orbiter delivered a return module containing 1.731 kg of lunar samples to Earth before setting off to deep space. Chang’e-5 orbiter was in orbit around Lagrange point 1 (L1) where it carried out orbit control tests and observations.

The U.S. Space Force and the Republic of Korea (ROK) Air Force reached an agreement on 27th August to join South Korea’s air force in U.S. Space Force-led military drills, ROK Air Force said. The aim is to reinforce the U.S. Space Force’s defence capabilities in outer space.

NASA began flight testing with Joby Aviation’s all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft on 30th August, NASA reported. The testing forms part of the agency’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) National Campaign. eVTOL aircraft could potentially be used as air taxis transporting people and cargo.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) barred Virgin Galactic from flying SpaceShipTwo until the final mishap investigation from its July flight is over, Reuters reports. The FAA is investigating a deviation in the descent of the Virgin Galactic space plane to determine the issues would not affect public safety. Virgin Galactic rocket plane carried Richard Branson to space on 11th July.

Firefly’s Alpha rocket launched on 2nd September suffered a fatal problem, exploding in the California sky. The company’s first ever orbital test flight lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 9:59 p.m. EDT. The final launch was nearly an hour after an initial try had to be aborted during countdown.

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. announced the construction of a new production facility capable of supplying up to 2,000 reaction wheels per year. The news comes after the company signed contracts to supply major satellite constellations. The new production facility will add to Rocket Lab’s existing 35,303 square metres of manufacturing competence.

Danish billionaire Anders Povlsen’s objections to Space Hub Sutherland was dismissed by Judge Lord Doherty, The Register reported. Mr Povlsen had invested heavily in the proposed Shetland Space Centre over 400 km away on the isle of Unst. The rejection of his objections helps moving Scotland towards a commercial vertical launch capability.

Swinburne University of Technology partnered with Titomic to get one of their TKF1000 3D printing systems, of which only two exists in the world, the university said. This is the first system at an Australian university and will allow access for students, researchers and industry partners as well.

Nanoracks partnered with Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and launched a new Space AgTech company, StarLab Oasis, Nanoracks announced. The aim of the project is to accelerate the growth of Abu Dhabi’s AgTech ecosystem. The multi-year economic development will grant a commercial space and farming research centre in the city.

Russian cosmonauts discovered small cracks in the ISS’ Zarya module, according to Reuters. The fissures are superficial but may spread over time. At this point, it is unclear whether the cracks are causing any air leaks from the orbiting lab. Zarya was launched in November 1998. It is part of the ISS’ Russian segment and was the first piece of the station to reach orbit.