Feb 27, 2026 // Diplomatic Courier’s Stephanie Gull brings you weekly under–the–radar stories from around the world. This week in the Hinterlands: Scientists around the world are exploring how AI can be used for space exploration.

In August 2023, Axiom Space secured $350 million in Series C funding led by Aljazira Capital and Boryung to advance development of its commercial low-Earth orbit platform, Axiom Station. The raise brought the company’s total investor backing to more than $505 million, as it prepares to launch the station’s first module to the ISS as early as 2026.

Beginning Feb. 12, STARBASE Maxwell pivoted its classroom focus to introduce future innovators to the Artemis program, the long-term mission aiming to return humans to the lunar surface. The mission also includes a milestone of the first woman and person of color establishing a sustainable lunar presence near the South Pole by 2026 or 2027.

While NASA’s ancien régime imposed a death sentence on the International Space Station, the super-icon can still be saved by NASA’s new wunderkind leader and by Congress.

The Lunar Gateway is planned space station that will orbit the Moon. It is part of the Nasa‑led Artemis programme. Artemis aims to return humans to the Moon, establishing a sustainable presence the

Feb.23 - Chinese researchers have developed an artificial intelligence model for astronomical imaging that significantly enhances scientists' ability to peer into the deepest reaches of the cosmos. A cross-disciplinary research team from Tsinghua University developed the model,

The two biggest commercial space companies are stepping up.

Elon Musk SpaceX AI satellites launch planned within two to three years as billionaire argues space offers lowest-cost AI computing with solar power advantages.

An entertainment and cultural technology company dedicated to creating the theatrical layer of the space age. MIAMI,

Space Center Houston's Accelerate Space program helps professionals transition into aerospace jobs through training and networking.

Falcon 9 launches on Tuesday, Wednesday and today (Feb. 24, 25 and 27) put more than 80 satellites into low Earth orbit.