Lunar Profits

NASA is charged with returning to the Moon by 2024, but private companies are also targeting lunar projects.

Such for-profit efforts could drive a maturation of space law.

Skylights

NASA and others are looking at "skylights" on the Moon-- open pits that could lead to underground lava tubes-- as possible keys to lunar colonization.

Huge underground lava tubes could provide an environment free of temperature swings and safe from radiation.

Planetary Defense

Over the last few days, a potential city-killer asteroid narrowly missed Earth, and a smaller asteroid smacked into the Atlantic.  Neither was detected before it would've been too late.

They're more reminders that planetary defense is essential.

Missiles

Both Iran and North Korea have test fired short range missiles this week.

The launches are seen as provocative in the West.

iSpace

The Chinese firm iSpace successfully put a satellite into orbit today.

It's the first "private" Chinese company to do so.

LightSail2

The Planetary Society's LightSail2 has successfully deployed its sail.

Now, the objective is to demonstrate spacecraft can be propelled by light.

India

India successfully launched its second probe to the Moon recently.

The probe contains a rover set to explore the south polar region and its water deposits.