NASA formally invites India’s ISRO to join its Moon Base programme under the Artemis framework, marking a new step in US-India lunar cooperation. The move points to a broader effort to bring more international partners into long-term Moon exploration, with officials discussing how India can contribute to future surface and infrastructure plans.

Vietnam’s VinSpace signs with SpaceX to launch its first satellites in 2027, giving the Vingroup unit an entry point into orbit through a commercial rideshare mission. The satellites are expected to fly on SpaceX’s Transporter model, which combines payloads from multiple customers on a single launch.

A rare total solar eclipse is driving a run on certified viewing glasses across Europe, with pharmacies, opticians and other retailers reporting low stock or sellouts. The shortages underline both strong public interest and the safety challenge of eclipse viewing, as people seek approved eye protection close to the event.

The Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak overnight, with UK observers told the best viewing window runs from around midnight to 5:30am on 12-13 August. If skies stay clear, viewers can expect frequent bright streaks, extending a period of intense public interest in skywatching after the solar eclipse.