The US Air Force will decommission 162 A-10 attack aircraft and cancel the E-7 Wedgetail program in 2026

 In fiscal year 2026, the U.S. Air Force plans to decommission the last 162 A-10 Warthog attack aircraft as part of a larger program to decommission 340 aircraft of various types. This will be the largest reduction in the fleet of combat aircraft in recent years. In addition to the A-10, 62 F-16C/D, 21 F-15E, 13 F-15C/D, 14 C-130H transport aircraft, 14 KC-135 tanker aircraft and other aerial platforms are planned to be decommissioned.

At the same time, the Pentagon intends to cancel the program for the purchase of Boeing E-7 Wedgetail long-range radar detection and control aircraft due to significant delays in development, rising costs and doubts about the survival of the device in the face of modern combat threats. Instead, it is planned to strengthen purchases of E-2D Hawkeye carrier-based aircraft and develop space surveillance systems.

The cancellation of the E-7 Wedgetail program and the accelerated decommissioning of the A-10 reflect the U.S. Air Force's strategic shift toward fleet modernization and a shift toward new technologies, despite criticism and concerns about possible gaps in air control and troop support capabilities.

The United States creates the first fuel storage in space: a revolution in the satellite industry

 

The space race is entering a new phase. The United States is launching an ambitious project to create the world's first orbital refueling station, which could fundamentally change the rules of the game for the satellite industry and national security. Astroscale US, a company specializing in servicing orbital objects, has announced its readiness to carry out a historic mission in the summer of 2026.

This project is funded by the US Department of Defense, which underlines its strategic importance. As part of the operation, the 660-pound (about 300 kg) spacecraft will not only refuel satellites directly in orbit, but also test refueling technology using intermediate storage. This will solve one of the key problems of modern space exploration — the limited life of satellites due to lack of fuel.

"If you run out of fuel, your life will end," is how Astroscale representatives figuratively describe the importance of the new project. The technology involves the use of hydrazine, one of the most common fuels in the space industry. The first mission will be a pilot phase, where the refueling facilities are still kept secret by the US Space Force.

Why is this important?

1. Satellite Expansion: Satellites will be able to work longer without needing to be replaced.

2. Cost reduction: Launching new vehicles is more expensive than maintaining them in orbit.

3. Safety in orbit: The project will help to prevent collisions of failed satellites with existing vehicles.

4. Strategic Advantage: The United States will receive an advanced solution to protect its assets in space.

Astroscale has already established itself as a leader in space services. Its technologies can become the basis for future commercial projects, such as the creation of satellite gas station networks for private companies and government organizations.

The 2026 mission is just the beginning. The success of this project can open up new horizons for space exploration, making it more accessible and safer for humanity.

Iran plans to launch satellites and launch vehicles by the end of the year

 

The head of the Iranian Space Agency has announced plans to launch several satellites and space launch vehicles by the end of the year, as well as the development of a 1,500 kg biological capsule capable of carrying humans into space.        

Hassan Salarie, head of the Iranian Space Agency and Deputy Minister of ICT, confirmed that the country will launch a number of domestic and international satellites in the year 1404 of the Persian calendar (2025-2026), including the launches of the Simorgh and Optimized Simorgh satellites, as well as the Zoljanah and Qaem 100 launch vehicles. 

He said that although the launch of the Zafar and Paya satellites was scheduled for 14:03, their launches were postponed and have now been postponed to 14:04. Salarie also said that both the test and operational launches of the Martyr Soleimani satellite constellation are scheduled for 14:04 and 14:05. According to him, the launch of the Nahid-2 satellite is also expected at 14:04 using both domestic and foreign launch vehicles.            

He also said that the first of the three phases of the construction of the Chabahar space base, a key national infrastructure project, is expected to be completed at 2:05 p.m. In addition, Salarieh noted that Iran is currently developing advanced biological capsules weighing 500 kg and 1,500 kg. A large capsule is being built to deliver humans into space.     

He added that Iran is also building a one-ton satellite laboratory, 60% of its physical infrastructure has already been completed.

China paves the way for space dominance with more than 100 satellites under control

 

China continues to strengthen its position in the space sector, taking control of more than 100 huge satellites. This significant step paves the way for China's dominance in space and challenges the long-standing leadership of the United States. China's ambitious successes in space exploration are rapidly changing the global power dynamics in this area.

Chinese space achievements in recent years have been impressive. From pioneering orbital refueling to the development of stealth technology, China is making rapid progress. These successes also include aspirations to explore the Moon and Mars, which highlights the country's ambitions in the space race.

Control of more than 100 satellites allows China to significantly expand its capabilities in space. This includes improved navigation systems, enhanced communications and intelligence, and the development of new technologies. This dominance in space gives China a strategic advantage and allows it to influence global power dynamics.

For a long time, the United States has been a leader in the space sector, but China's successes pose a serious challenge to this dominance. Chinese space programs are developing rapidly, and this is causing concern in Washington. The United States is forced to rethink its strategies and increase investments in space technology in order to maintain its leadership.

China is actively developing programs to explore the moon and Mars. Successful missions such as Chang'e-4 to the Moon and the planned mission to Mars demonstrate the country's technological capabilities. These aspirations underscore China's ambitions to become a leading space power and play a key role in future space missions.

The development of stealth technology is another important achievement of China. These technologies allow satellites and spacecraft to remain invisible to radars and other detection systems, which significantly increases their survival and efficiency in space.

China continues to rapidly develop its space programs, taking control of more than 100 satellites and demonstrating ambitious successes in space exploration. These achievements challenge the long-standing dominance of the United States and change the global dynamics of power in space. In the face of increasing competition, China is striving to become a leading space power, influencing the future of space research and technology.