NASA

A stunning collection of apparent moon colors has been documented by an Italian astrophotographer over 10 years from different locations across Italy. The featured images showcase a range of colors, including red, yellow, blue, and purple, which are influenced by the Earth's atmosphere and the scattering of light. A red or yellow-colored moon typically indicates a moon seen near the horizon, where some blue light has been scattered away by the atmosphere. A blue-colored moon is more rare and can indicate an atmosphere carrying larger dust particles. The cause of the purple moon is unclear, but it may be a combination of several effects.

NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft, launched in 1977, is nearing a significant milestone in its journey through the solar system. On November 18, 2026, it will cross the one-light-day mark, a distance of 16.1 billion miles from the Sun. The spacecraft has been traveling for nearly 49 years, using gravity assists from the outer planets to continue its journey. Voyager 1 carries the Golden Record, a 12-inch phonograph record with greetings in 55 languages, musical tracks, and images of Earth. The record is protected by an outer cover featuring etchings that show the Sun's location relative to 14 pulsars. Voyager 1 is currently being tracked by NASA's Deep Space Network, with the Canberra antenna monitoring its position at 25.80 billion km. The spacecraft has crossed the heliopause, the boundary between the solar wind and the interstellar medium, and is now in the interstellar medium.

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope released a mid‑infrared image of the Cat’s Head Nebula on Oct. 29, 2026, showing intricate filaments and dense pillars within the iconic feline‑shaped cloud. The nebula’s distinctive silhouette is thought to have been carved by intense ultraviolet radiation and stellar winds from massive stars in the Carina Nebula. As the feedback from these stars erodes surrounding gas and dust, the denser material in the pillar resists erosion, preserving the structure for now. The image, processed by Joseph DePasquale of STScI, highlights the complex interplay between stellar feedback and interstellar matter, offering a new view of how massive stars sculpt their environments.

NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day for October 30, 2026 showcases the Cepheus Flare, a dusty region 1,200 light‑years from Earth. The image centers on vdB 141, also known as Sh2‑136 or the Ghost Nebula, which spans more than two light‑years and outshines nearby structures. Inside the nebula, reddish cores signal dense material collapsing in the early stages of star formation. To the left, the Iris Nebula glows with bluish light reflected from the hot young stars of NGC 7023, creating a striking contrast against the dark background. The combined view covers almost six full moons across the sky, revealing the complex interplay of dust and nascent stars in this fertile interstellar field. The APOD description, written by professional astronomers, invites viewers to explore the mechanics of stellar birth within our galaxy’s molecular clouds.

NASA’s Juno spacecraft has mapped Jupiter’s magnetosphere and found that the planet’s defense against the solar wind relies on a network of powerful plasma waves and several distinct shock regions. The study shows that Jupiter’s magnetic shield is far more intricate than Earth’s, which uses a single bow shock. The data suggest that the Jovian system can generate and sustain multiple shock fronts, a capability that may be common in other gas giants. By comparing Jupiter’s shield to Earth’s, researchers can refine models of how massive planets interact with stellar winds. The findings also provide a laboratory for studying the extreme shock waves produced by supernovae, offering a new way to test theories about stellar explosions.

A NASA-funded study has revealed that a Martian meteorite, named Teghaza 001, is one of the oldest ever found on Earth. The rose-colored rock, discovered in the Sahara Desert in 2022, was age-dated to be over 4.1 billion years old, making it a unique piece of Mars' ancient crust. Researchers from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory characterized the meteorite's mineralogy and chemistry, providing a rare snapshot of Mars' formation. The study's lead author, Yang Liu, described Teghaza 001 as a 'Rosetta Stone for Mars,' due to its distinctive mineralogy and age. The meteorite's texture and age set it apart from other Martian meteorites, offering valuable insights into the planet's geological history. Further analysis revealed that Teghaza 001 has a mix of igneous minerals that tell a story about how the planet's crust formed from cooling magma before it was altered by subsurface water. The study's findings could help answer questions about how water and rocks interacted on ancient Mars.

NASA's Artemis I mission has provided new insights into cosmic radiation near the Moon. The mission revealed that radiation levels near the Moon are higher than in Earth orbit, but not by as much as scientists expected. Tiny experimental detectors on board the mission uncovered surprising details about how radiation passes through the human body. These findings offer valuable insights for future lunar exploration. The mission's data showed that radiation levels near the Moon are higher than in Earth orbit, but the difference is not as significant as anticipated. The experimental detectors also provided new information on how radiation interacts with the human body, which is crucial for planning future lunar missions. This knowledge will help scientists better understand the risks associated with space travel and develop strategies to mitigate them. The findings from the Artemis I mission will be essential for future lunar exploration, as they provide a better understanding of the radiation environment near the Moon. This knowledge will help scientists and engineers plan safer and more effective missions to the Moon and beyond.

Reid Wiseman, former NASA astronaut and commander of the Artemis II mission, has been named Caltech associate vice president and deputy director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. He begins his new role on November 30, 2026. Wiseman led the Artemis II crew on a historic lunar flyby, traveling farther than any humans have ever gone before. He joins JPL, a laboratory that has made significant contributions to space exploration, and will be responsible for strategic leadership and operational excellence. Wiseman brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served as a flight engineer on the International Space Station and as the agency's chief astronaut. He has also conducted hundreds of scientific experiments and has a remarkable ability to inspire people everywhere.

After 378 days of isolation, four NASA volunteers will exit their simulated Mars habitat on October 31. The Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) mission aimed to develop methods to counter human spaceflight risks for future Artemis and Moon Base missions. The crew members, Ross Elder, Ellen Ellis, James Spicer, and Matthew Montgomery, conducted simulated spacewalks, exercised, and performed habitat maintenance while operating under stressors like communication delays and resource limitations. Their data will aid preparation for lunar missions by optimizing food systems, crew time, and bandwidth on NASA's Deep Space Network. The exit ceremony will be streamed on NASA Johnson's YouTube and social accounts.

After breaking free from the Brunt Ice Shelf in January 2023, Iceberg A‑81 drifted for more than three years along the Weddell Gyre, reaching the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula and then the Scotia Sea. By late October 2026 it approached the remote island of South Georgia, 2,300 km north‑northwest of its calving point. MODIS imagery from NASA’s Terra satellite shows the berg’s movement slowing noticeably and appearing to bump against the island’s underwater shelf. South Georgia has previously grounded icebergs, such as A‑23A in 2025, which later broke apart. The current slowdown suggests A‑81 may become grounded or fragment, prompting continued monitoring by scientists.

Daniel Cohen, a Guidance, Navigation & Control (GN&C) engineer at NASA's Johnson Space Center, has been mentoring interns, including Malvika Bhardwaj, a Rice University student. Through NASA's Office of STEM Engagement, interns contribute to agency projects while learning from NASA mentors and gaining technical skills. Bhardwaj is developing tools to analyze thruster firings on the U. S. Deorbit Vehicle, which will help NASA safely deorbit the International Space Station at the end of its operational life. Cohen's mentorship has shaped Bhardwaj's internship experience, teaching her about the culture of community and support at Johnson and NASA. He sets aside time to teach interns topics such as orbital mechanics and control systems, and has introduced Bhardwaj to the team and included her in conversations and meetings.

NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) showcased the Orion Nebula (M42) on October 26, 2026. The deep‑field image, rendered in colors that emphasize hydrogen emission, reveals the nebula’s glowing gas and dust structures. Located only 1,500 light‑years from Earth, M42 spans roughly 40 light‑years and sits in the same spiral arm of the Milky Way as the Sun. The nebula hosts the bright Trapezium open cluster and numerous stellar nurseries, where hot young stars, proplyds, and high‑speed jets interact with surrounding hydrogen gas. Visible to the unaided eye near Orion’s three‑star belt, the nebula remains one of the most studied and iconic regions of star birth. APOD’s presentation of M42 provides a clear, high‑resolution view that illustrates the complex processes that give rise to new stars.

NASA, Blue Origin and SpaceX have streamlined their lunar lander designs and altered operational plans to meet a 2028 crewed landing. The agency will test rendezvous and docking between each company’s test landers and the Orion spacecraft in low‑Earth orbit next year, before certifying the systems for crewed missions. SpaceX’s Starship will use a series of tanker Starships to transfer cryogenic propellant in orbit, then dock with Orion, perform a trans‑lunar injection burn, and deliver two astronauts to the Moon’s surface for a brief stay before returning them to Orion. Blue Origin will launch its Blue Moon Mark 2 Alpha Lander on three transfer stages, placing it in an elliptical polar orbit that shortens the return time and reduces propellant needs. NASA will decide which company first delivers astronauts to the lunar surface, with the initial missions targeting two two‑hour moonwalks for sample collection and suit testing.

At NASA's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, a team led by Danny Nowlin conducted a hot fire test of RS-25 engine No. 10001 on October 21, 2026. The test lasted almost eight and a half minutes, simulating the engine's launch performance with a 111% power level. This test is a crucial step in proving the engine's flightworthiness before it is used in an Artemis mission. The RS-25 engine will produce up to 2 million pounds of combined thrust, along with three other engines, to launch the SLS rocket. Although this engine will not be used in flight, the test will provide valuable data to improve engine performance and reliability.

NASA’s Curiosity rover has taken a high‑resolution image of a series of wind‑carved cliffs on Mars that may preserve evidence of ancient volcanic activity. The cliffs, located in a region the rover is now approaching, display unusual shapes that scientists believe could reveal how Mars’ surface was reshaped by past eruptions and wind erosion. Curiosity’s instruments will soon analyze the rocks and surrounding terrain to determine the cliffs’ composition and formation history. The team plans to conduct detailed studies in 2027, aiming to clarify the processes that produced the formations and to assess their significance for Mars’ geological evolution. The new images provide a clear target for upcoming investigations and expand the rover’s ongoing search for clues about the planet’s volcanic past.

NASA is hosting the 2026 von Braun Space Exploration Symposium from October 26 to 28 at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. The event will focus on humanity's return to the Moon, sustainable lunar infrastructure, advanced space propulsion, and the evolving space workforce. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman will pilot an F-5 fighter jet during a flyover at the University of Alabama vs. Texas A&M football game on October 24, highlighting NASA's contributions to aeronautics and its commitment to advancing aviation technologies. The NASA Experience Zone will be open to the public, offering opportunities to meet NASA team members and learn about the agency's missions in aeronautics and space exploration.

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has captured a series of gravitational lensing images in preparation for science with the new Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. These images showcase the bending and magnification of light around foreground galaxies, allowing researchers to study dark matter and its role in the universe. By analyzing the distortion of background galaxies, scientists can determine the mass of the foreground galaxies and the amount of dark matter they contain. Hubble's observations will help lay the groundwork for future Roman observations, which will provide a greater sample of gravitational lenses and a more comprehensive picture of the cosmos.

Astronomers have identified a white dwarf star, WD J1330+6435, that would appear green due to the interaction of trace elements with its stellar atmosphere. This phenomenon is a result of accreted gas and rocks orbiting the star. The star's color is not a reflection of its temperature, unlike other stars that appear red or blue. The discovery was made by NASA and its partners, who found that some white dwarf stars can appear in various colors, including yellow, cyan, pink, or purple. However, these stars are too faint to be seen from Earth. The featured image is an illustration of WD J1330+6435, showcasing the star surrounded by its accretion disk. This finding expands our understanding of the properties of white dwarf stars and the effects of accretion on their appearance.

On October 21, NASA conducted a 500‑second hot‑fire test of RS‑25 engine No. 10001 on the Fred Haise Test Stand at Stennis Space Center. The engine ran at 111 % of its rated power, matching the thrust required for future SLS launches that will carry the Orion spacecraft into orbit. The test’s primary goal was to accept flight components for Artemis missions and to validate a new thermal‑protection system designed to shield the engine nozzle from the extreme heat of the SLS ascent. Although the developmental engine will not fly, the data collected will refine engine performance and reliability for the four RS‑25 units that together produce up to 2 million pounds of thrust on each Artemis launch. The test was carried out by teams from NASA, L3Harris Technologies, and Nova Space Solutions, all of whom routinely certify RS‑25 engines before flight.

NASA’s Space Reactor‑1 Freedom, the first spacecraft to use fission power beyond Earth orbit, is progressing on its nuclear power module. The module combines a reactor that generates heat and a closed Brayton cycle system from Sierra Lobo Inc. to convert that heat into electricity for propulsion. The reactor, designed by DOE’s Idaho National Laboratory, will remain off until the vehicle exits Earth orbit. Contract actions signed with partners aim to reduce technical risk and keep the 2028 launch on schedule. Freedom will deliver the SkyFall payload—a trio of Mars helicopters—to study the planet and test deep‑space exploration concepts, laying groundwork for future lunar bases that rely on nuclear power when solar energy is insufficient.

The Republic of Uzbekistan has become the 77th signatory of the Artemis Accords, committing to safe, transparent, and responsible civil space exploration. Uzbekistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bakhtiyor Saidov, signed the accords on behalf of the country during a visit by U. S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This move marks Uzbekistan's growing engagement with NASA and the international space community, including its development of a national space program and participation in global space forums. Uzbek students are also working to develop and launch the country's first CubeSat by 2028.

NASA is making progress on its Moon Base program, with commercial lunar terrain vehicles and robotic rovers being developed for early development and exploration. The rovers will play a crucial role in technology demonstrations, astronaut transport, terrain mapping, scientific investigations, and resource prospecting. NASA's VIPER rover will embark on a mission to the lunar South Pole region in 2027 to search for water and other valuable resources. The agency has awarded task orders to Astrolab and Lunar Outpost to build the first phase of Moon Base rovers, which will be delivered to the Moon ahead of crewed Artemis missions. The rovers will be remotely operated from Earth, mapping the lunar surface and collecting information to help scientists learn about operating in the extreme environment. The data collected will inform Moon Base development and improve on design and capability for future mobility systems, hardware, and infrastructure.

NASA’s latest analysis of more than two decades of GRACE and GRACE‑FO satellite gravity data shows that human activities—such as irrigation, reservoir construction, and land‑use change—are the dominant drivers of terrestrial water storage changes in 40 regions worldwide. The study, which combines high‑resolution spatial mapping with statistical weighting of anthropogenic and climatic factors, highlights stark declines in groundwater‑irrigated areas like California’s Central Valley, the southern High Plains, Chihuahua, and northern India, where pumping has accelerated water depletion. In contrast, some agricultural expansions in sub‑Saharan Africa and Brazil have coincided with rising water tables, suggesting that crop type and local practices can mitigate losses. The finer spatial detail also brings previously obscured hydrologic projects into view, such as the Boguchany Reservoir in Russia and the Karakum Canal in Turkmenistan, which have altered regional water balances. Lead author Mary Michael O’Neill plans to refine temporal resolution and isolate downstream impacts of dams and diversions in future work.

NASA's Mars rover Curiosity has acquired an image of high-altitude twilight clouds above Gale Crater, marking the start of autumn on Mars. The image was taken on Sol 5037, or Martian day 5,037, using the rover's Right Navigation Camera. The clouds are characteristic of the sky above Gale Crater at this time of year. The new Martian year began at the start of the northern hemisphere spring, and the rover is now in autumn, with the return of high-altitude twilight clouds. The rover has been busy with drill activities and remote-sensing experiments, including a GCMS experiment and contact science of the drill tailings.

Research teams at NASA's Glenn Research Center are developing software to predict the noise from aircraft engines. The software, including JeNo, MGBK, V072, TFaNS, Linflux, BFANS, RSI, WOBBLE, MPT, and ADPAC, helps engineers design and analyze new and improved aircraft propulsion systems. These codes can be requested from NASA's Software Catalog and are used for various purposes, such as predicting jet noise, analyzing noise reduction benefits, and studying rotor/stator interaction tone noise.

Research teams at the NASA Glenn Research Center are conducting experiments in state-of-the-art facilities to prepare for next-generation moonwalk simulations. The 9- by 15-Foot Low-Speed Wind Tunnel and the Aero-Acoustic Propulsion Laboratory are key facilities used to study aircraft engine aerodynamics and acoustics. These facilities help reduce noise in communities near airports and enable researchers to develop quieter nozzles. The Small Hot Jet Acoustic Rig and the Nozzle Acoustic Test Rig are also being used to test jet noise reduction concepts and evaluate advanced nozzle designs.

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, engineers have streamlined shock and vibration analysis using a commercial digital software tool. The software performs finite element modeling to predict how spacecraft and rockets behave under extreme conditions, ensuring mission safety. The team recently used the software to certify a commercial launch provider's rocket, providing new insights on shock during transport. The software replaces older tools and provides a standard template for engineers to quickly and thoroughly analyze vibration profiles and shock conditions.

In December 2025 NASA lost contact with its Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (Maven) orbiter, reducing the active Mars fleet to seven and NASA’s to two. The cause remains unknown, and a final report is due later this year. The remaining orbiters—2001 Mars Odyssey (25 years), Mars Express (23 years), and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (20 years)—have provided continuous simultaneous surface‑to‑orbit observations that enable scientists to track seasonal changes, dust storms, and surface‑atmosphere interactions. Beyond science, these orbiters carry powerful radios that relay data from rovers such as Perseverance and Curiosity back to Earth. To mitigate the gap, NASA selected Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin to deliver a dedicated Mars telecommunications satellite no later than 31 December 2028. The new orbiter will support future landings and surface operations but will not carry science instruments. If the 2028 launch window is missed, the next opportunity will be in 2030 or 2031, underscoring the urgency of maintaining a robust orbital infrastructure for Mars exploration.

NASA has released a sonified version of the Eagle Nebula Pillars, allowing people to experience the famous nebula with their ears. The sonification moves left to right, with vertical position determining pitch. The Eagle Nebula, also known as M16, is a 6,500 light-years distant nebula in the constellation of the Serpent (Serpens). It is sculpted and eroded by the energetic ultraviolet light and powerful winds from its cluster of massive stars. The nebula's turbulent environment is likely similar to the environment that formed our own Sun.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced that Stephen Cash will assume the role of director of the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, effective Oct. 19. Cash, a veteran NASA engineer who began his career at Marshall in 1982, returns after a 34‑year tenure that included leading the Space Shuttle Propulsion Office and directing the Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate. He will oversee more than 5,000 civil‑service and contractor employees and a portfolio that includes propulsion, space systems, scientific research, and technology development. Marshall is a key partner in the Artemis program, managing the Space Launch System and Human Landing System, and is expanding its work on nuclear power and propulsion for future Mars exploration. Cash’s experience and technical judgment are expected to guide the center into its next chapter.

NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope has released a new image of the edge‑on, intermediate spiral galaxy NGC 1827, located about 37 million light‑years away in the constellation Columba. The photo, taken with Hubble’s Advanced Camera for Surveys, shows bright‑blue regions along the disk where new stars are forming, bisected by dark dust lanes. A foreground star with four diffraction spikes is also visible. This observation is part of a survey of 260 satellite galaxies around 22 Milky Way‑like hosts within roughly 32 million light‑years. Hubble has already imaged 111 of these satellites; the remaining 149 will require one orbit each. The data will help astronomers test cosmological models on small scales and refine our understanding of low‑mass galaxies in Milky Way‑like systems.

On April 1, 2026, NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) roared to life at Kennedy Space Center, sending the Artemis I vehicle toward the Moon. Allison Mjoen, the agency’s operations manager for the Exploration Ground Systems Program, watched the launch with her family and recalled a career that began with the Space Shuttle Program and evolved through the International Space Station and Artemis I integration work. Mjoen’s responsibilities include developing integration plans and overseeing ground operations for booster and Orion spacecraft processing, ensuring that every decision and communication supports safe, real‑time operations. She emphasized the importance of preparation, collaboration, and trust—values she carries into daily coordination across teams. Mjoen sees Artemis as a new generation’s chance to create shared moments of wonder and lasting lunar presence.

NASA’s Black Marble HD nighttime light imagery captured widespread power disruptions along the Florida Panhandle after Hurricane Isaias made landfall on Oct 9 as a Category 2 storm. The satellite data show sharp reductions in lights around Pensacola and along U. S. Route 98 toward Destin, with gaps indicating outages. By Oct 12, many lights had returned, and by Oct 14 the pattern resembled pre‑storm conditions. The imagery, processed from VIIRS on NOAA‑20, provides high‑resolution insight into the storm’s immediate impacts and recovery pace, aiding emergency responders and decision makers in prioritizing resources. NASA’s Disasters Program is sharing these maps with FEMA, USGS, and local agencies.

NASA will contribute instruments and sample curation to JAXA’s Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission, which launches Oct. 19 from Tanegashima. The spacecraft will arrive at Mars in August 2027, survey Phobos and Deimos, and collect a surface sample from Phobos no earlier than December 2028. NASA’s MEGANE spectrograph will map gamma‑ray and neutron emissions to determine the moon’s composition, while the Pneumatic Sampler will gather material using high‑pressure nitrogen. About 15 % of the returned sample will be curated at Houston’s Johnson Space Center for long‑term study. The data will help resolve whether the moons are captured asteroids or impact debris, informing models of early solar‑system evolution and future human missions to Mars.

NASA’s post‑mission analysis of the Orion spacecraft’s heat shield from Artemis II confirms the system met all performance expectations. Four astronauts rode the spacecraft around the Moon, reaching 39 Mach and enduring peak temperatures over 4,000 °F while the cabin stayed in the mid‑70 °F range. The heat shield, made of 186 Avcoat blocks, suffered only nine spots of char loss—ten times fewer than the 103 spots seen on Artemis I—thanks to a trajectory change that shortened the downrange distance during reentry. Divers captured underwater imagery of the shield after splashdown, and subsequent x‑ray scans at Marshall Space Flight Center are refining material models. The data will inform upgrades for Artemis III, ensuring uniform Avcoat performance and bolstering crew safety for future lunar landings.

NASA has announced that registration is now open for its 2026 Space Apps Challenge, a two‑day global hackathon taking place on Saturday, Nov. 14, and Sunday, Nov. 15. The event invites participants of any age or background—including students, scientists, engineers, designers, storytellers, and technologists—to collaborate on projects that draw from NASA’s free, open data. Teams will tackle real‑world problems in three key areas: supporting lunar exploration under the Artemis program, preparing for deep‑space missions such as Mars and beyond, and expanding our understanding of the universe through current astrophysics missions like SPHEREx. Challenges cover everything from surface operations at the Moon’s South Pole to monitoring astronaut health on long‑duration flights, and from modeling outpost logistics to visualizing sky changes over time. NASA emphasizes that science is for everyone and encourages the next generation to help build solutions that benefit both space explorers and people on Earth.

NASA's Dynamic Aviation A200 will conduct low‑flying research flights over farmland near Transit, Texas, from Oct. 22 to Nov. 9, 2026. The mission, part of the FarmFlux program, will deploy more than a dozen sensors to measure ozone, methane, ammonia, particulates, and other pollutants emitted by animal feeding operations and crop lands. The study is jointly led by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Colorado State University, and Boston University. Additional low‑altitude flights with a NASA P‑3 Orion are planned for the 2027 growing season in the Midwest and California’s Central Valley, focusing on cropland. The data will improve understanding of agricultural contributions to atmospheric chemistry and help refine climate models.

NASA’s satellite network has documented the strongest El Niño since 1950, with an 83% probability per NOAA. Sentinel‑6 altimetry shows sea‑surface heights rising 1–1. 3 ft in the eastern Pacific, while PACE’s ocean‑color instrument records a shift to bluer hues as phytoplankton decline. Kelvin waves first spotted near Micronesia in January 2026 triggered a chain reaction that weakened trade winds, redistributed heat, and raised sea levels. The warming waters are about 3 °F above long‑term averages and are expected to rise further. These changes are already affecting global weather, agriculture, firefighting, and coastal communities.

NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) released on October 15, 2026, showcases the Milky Way arching over Manhattan. The image was captured with a filter that blocks most visible light, allowing only near‑infrared wavelengths to pass. This technique suppresses the glow from incandescent and some neon streetlights while leaving fluorescent and LED lights largely invisible, reducing urban light pollution. Stars remain bright in the near‑infrared, making the galaxy visible against the city’s skyline. The photograph serves as a reminder that, despite our bustling metropolis, we all share the same night sky and can learn about our place in the cosmos through astronomy.

NASA is advancing its Venus exploration agenda, with the Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging (DAVINCI) set to launch in December 2030—one year ahead of its original schedule. DAVINCI will deploy a parachute‑assisted descent probe that will capture the first direct images of Venus’s surface since the 1982 Magellan mission. A follow‑up orbiter, Venus Emissivity, Radio science, InSAR, Topography, And Spectroscopy (VERITAS), is slated for launch in November 2032 and will use radar to map the planet’s terrain from orbit. The European Space Agency is also preparing an Envision orbiter for a 2032 launch, while Rocket Lab plans a privately funded probe next year to search for organic material in Venus’s clouds. Together, these missions will dramatically expand our understanding of Venus’s geology, atmosphere, and potential for past habitability.

NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney will answer prerecorded STEM questions from Florida students during a live call from the International Space Station on Friday, Oct. 16 at 12 p. m. EDT. The event, hosted by Sally Ride Elementary School in Orlando, will stream on NASA’s Learn With NASA YouTube channel and is open to K‑12 students and the community. The call is part of NASA’s effort to deepen understanding of space exploration and raise awareness of STEM careers. Media wishing to cover the event must RSVP by Oct. 15. The ISS has supported continuous human presence and scientific breakthroughs for over 25 years, laying the groundwork for Artemis and future Mars missions.

NASA will hold a news conference on Oct. 20 to preview two spacewalks that will install the seventh and eighth roll‑out solar arrays on the International Space Station, boosting power by up to 30 % to about 215 kW. Astronauts Anil Menon and Joshua Kutryk will conduct the 285th and 286th spacewalks on Oct. 29 and Nov. 5, respectively, adding power for critical operations and future deorbit. The conference will be streamed live; media can attend in person or by phone with deadlines. NASA will provide further details closer to the events.

NASA will hold a briefing on Friday, Oct. 23 at 2 p.m. EDT at Kennedy Space Center to update on its Artemis program. The session, led by Administrator Jared Isaacman, Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya, and Artemis manager Jeremy Parsons, will cover the status of upcoming missions and the agency’s plan to return American astronauts to the Moon by 2028. Highlights include details on Artemis III, which will send four astronauts to low Earth orbit next year to test critical systems for future lunar landings, and the broader strategy to explore the lunar South Pole. Media interested in attending must apply online by Oct. 16, while remote participants can request a dial‑in number an hour before the briefing. The briefing also noted that the Artemis II crew captured an image of a crescent Earth on the Moon’s limb on April 6, 2026, underscoring the program’s progress toward deeper lunar exploration.

NASA’s SPEARS (Solid Power for Extreme Environment Adaptability and Resilience in Space) project has produced prototype solid‑electrolyte batteries that operate reliably from –80 °C to 100 °C and survive lunar temperature swings from 212 °F to –274 °F. Thermal‑vacuum tests at Langley Research Center confirmed no damage after exposure to these extremes, and small heaters can bring the cells back to operating temperature without continuous heating. The batteries can be tuned for energy, power or durability, making them suitable for tools, rovers, emergency packs and long‑duration scientific instruments on the Moon. SPEARS began in 2026 with agency funding and is moving toward flight hardware development at Ames Research Center, with potential commercial spin‑off for Earth‑based portable power.

Voyager Technologies' Griffin-1, a lunar lander, has completed nearly three months of environmental testing at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. The tests demonstrate the spacecraft's ability to withstand the harsh conditions of launch, its journey to the Moon, and landing on the surface. Griffin-1 underwent thermal vacuum testing, simulating extreme temperatures, as well as electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic compatibility testing, vibration testing, and acoustic testing. The spacecraft was positioned in a historic 25-Foot Space Simulator, where it was exposed to temperatures ranging from 167 degrees Fahrenheit to minus 148 F. The testing also included the use of a crane, anechoic chamber, and a shaker table to simulate the ride out of Earth's atmosphere. After completing the testing, Griffin-1 was shipped back to Voyager Lunar Systems' Pittsburgh facility for final assembly. The lander is expected to launch in late 2026 aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket as part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative.

SpaceX has shown three NASA‑supported small spacecraft—ASCENT Propulsion Dual Mode CubeSat, SPRITE (Supernova Remnants and Proxies for ReIonization Testbed Experiment) CubeSat, and SSPICY (Small Spacecraft Propulsion and Inspection Capability)—alongside numerous commercial payloads before they are encapsulated in a Falcon 9 rocket. The launch is scheduled for October 1, 2026. ASCENT will test new propulsion technologies, SPRITE will investigate how galactic dust and high‑energy radiation travel through galaxies, and SSPICY will develop techniques for inspecting inactive satellites. These missions aim to advance propulsion science, deepen our understanding of cosmic environments, and improve satellite maintenance capabilities.

On October 13, 2026, NASA announced that astronaut Christina Koch will become the agency’s acting deputy chief engineer, effective November 1. She succeeds Katherine Van Hooser, who retires after more than 35 years of service. In her new role, Koch will lead NASA’s engineering community, overseeing technical oversight, mission readiness, and engineering excellence across all programs. The appointment also shifts Koch to management‑astronaut status, making her ineligible for future spaceflight. Koch’s background includes a 328‑day record ISS stay, participation in the first all‑female spacewalks, and a mission specialist role on Artemis II, the first crewed lunar fly‑by in over five decades. Van Hooser’s legacy spans propulsion engineering for the Space Shuttle and the Space Launch System. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya praised Koch’s blend of ground and operational expertise, noting her impact on lunar base development, nuclear power in space, and future Mars missions.

On Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral’s Space Launch Complex 40 carrying more than 6,300 lb of supplies and hardware for NASA’s International Space Station (ISS). The Dragon spacecraft will autonomously dock on Oct. 15 at the Harmony module’s space‑facing port, where astronauts will install the final pair of Roll‑Out Solar Arrays, boosting the station’s power capacity and supporting future deorbit plans. Dragon also delivers a suite of experiments, including microgravity‑fabricated artificial retinas, 3D heart‑tissue models, novel glass‑formation studies, and brain organoids aimed at uncovering treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. These investigations advance biomedical research, materials science, and the groundwork for Artemis and beyond.

Voyager Technologies' Griffin-1 lunar lander has completed a series of rigorous environmental tests at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The tests simulated extreme temperatures, vacuum, and intense shaking and noise of launch. Results show that Griffin-1 is ready to survive the rigors of space exploration. The lander will deliver over 1,100 pounds of cargo to Nobile Crater near the lunar South Pole, carrying 10 science and technology demonstrations from six countries. Griffin-1 will launch later this year aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket as part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative within the Moon Base Program.

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has identified an ancient galaxy cluster that contains an unexpectedly dense concentration of dark matter, a finding that challenges prevailing theories about the universe’s development. The observation also revealed a surprising link between scattered starlight and the invisible dark matter, suggesting a new method for astronomers to probe the early cosmos. This dual discovery—both the anomalously massive dark matter core and the starlight connection—offers fresh insights into the distribution and behavior of dark matter in the early universe, potentially reshaping models of cosmic structure formation.

The NASA-USGS Landsat 9 satellite captured an image of the Spider Crater, a 13-kilometer-long impact structure in Western Australia's Kimberley region. The crater has an oval shape with a central uplift and sandstone ridges that resemble spider legs. Geologists believe the crater formed between 900 million and 600 million years ago after a meteorite impact. The crater's formation was previously unclear, with some scientists proposing a volcanic origin. However, lab analyses of shocked quartz and zircon crystals from the sandstone have confirmed the impact origin. The crater's age is estimated based on rocks in the region.

On September 14, 2026, Antarctic sea ice reached its annual maximum extent, covering an estimated 17.59 million square kilometres (6.79 million square miles). That figure is the third‑lowest maximum in the satellite record, according to NASA and the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC). The Antarctic, a continent surrounded by ocean, typically expands during the Southern Hemisphere’s winter and retreats by February. From 1979 to 2014, Antarctic sea ice grew about 1 % per decade, but the trend reversed in 2015 and has since declined, with record lows in both minimum and maximum observed in 2023. Satellite observations rely on passive microwave sensors that detect the higher microwave emission of ice versus open water, allowing continuous monitoring regardless of cloud cover. The 2026 maximum underscores the variability of Antarctic ice and its sensitivity to climate drivers, offering a key benchmark for scientists tracking long‑term changes in the Southern Ocean’s cryosphere.

NASA’s Inspiration Tour will feature a flyover by the Freedom 250 F‑5 team during the national anthem at the Cleveland Browns‑Carolina Panthers game on Sept. 27, 2026, and a kickoff flyover for the New York Jets‑Cleveland Browns game on Oct. 11, 2026. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman will pilot one of three F‑5 jets. Before the Jets game, NASA team members will host fans at the Experience Zone in the Jets Tailgate Zone from 10 a. m. to 1 p. m. EDT, offering interactive games, a photo opportunity with a large inflatable SLS rocket, and information about the Artemis lunar program. Isaacman will be available for limited media interviews during the game. The tour will culminate in the MAX POWER exposition at Kennedy Space Center on Nov. 7‑8, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary and showcasing next‑generation aerospace technology.

NASA released a 360‑page request for proposals (RFP) on Friday, inviting U. S. commercial companies to design and build private space stations that could replace the International Space Station (ISS) by 2030. The RFP, which includes a cover letter outlining NASA’s goal of sustaining a human presence in low‑Earth orbit for science and exploration, is open to any U. S. contractor. Industry responses are due by December 8, with NASA planning to select at least two contractors in this round and make a final decision in April. The solicitation marks a significant shift toward commercial solutions for long‑term orbital habitats.

NASA’s KREPE‑3 experiment, launched aboard a Northrop Grumman Cygnus XL cargo ship, carried 12 small capsules that will detach during the vehicle’s final descent and record data on a range of thermal‑protection materials. The capsules include a 3‑D‑printed heat shield from the Additive Manufacturing of Thermal Protective Systems project, MERINO fabrics stitched from carbon and phenolic fibers, a deployable umbrella‑shaped shield, and a dual‑cone design that combines tungsten, carbon, and phenolic‑impregnated plastic. Sensors inside each capsule will log temperature, pressure, motion, magnetic field, and light, transmitting live telemetry to researchers as the capsules re‑enter and the Cygnus disintegrates. The mission, a collaboration among NASA, the University of Kentucky, and international partners, provides inexpensive, high‑impact flight data that will inform the design of future crew and cargo heat shields for lunar and Martian missions.

NASA released its final Request for Proposals for commercial low Earth orbit stations, with submissions due Dec. 8 and contract awards slated for spring 2027. The solicitation seeks companies that can design, build, test, certify, and operate end‑to‑end destination and transportation services for human spaceflight. NASA will award firm‑fixed‑price, multi‑award contracts, selecting two or more contractors early in development and then issuing competitive task orders for final design, testing, certification, and operational services. The RFP follows a series of industry‑engagement steps—including the Ignition event, March RFIs, a July draft RFP, an industry day, and one‑on‑one meetings—to shape the agency’s low‑Earth‑orbit strategy. By fostering commercial stations, NASA aims to maintain a sustained U. S. presence after the International Space Station retires, support research, technology development, crew training, and prepare for lunar and Mars missions while opening new commercial opportunities for American industry.

NASA’s SpaceX Crew‑12 astronauts completed a 237‑day expedition, covering more than 100 million miles and completing 3,792 orbits around Earth. During the flight, the crew conducted research aimed at preparing for future lunar and Martian missions. Highlights included record‑setting spacewalks and a series of experiments that could transform medical practices both in space and on Earth. The mission’s return marked a significant milestone in long‑duration human spaceflight and the development of technologies essential for deep‑space exploration.

NASA's HiRISE camera onboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter captured an enhanced-color image of Stickney Crater, the largest crater on the martian moon Phobos. The crater is approximately 9 kilometers across and nearly half the diameter of Phobos itself. The image suggests loose material slid down inside the crater walls over time, and light bluish regions near the crater's rim may indicate a relatively freshly exposed surface.

The SpaceX Crew Dragon Freedom spacecraft successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Los Angeles on October 8, 2026, marking the end of NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 mission. The crew, consisting of NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, spent 237 days aboard the International Space Station, traveling over 100 million miles and completing more than 3,792 orbits around Earth. During their mission, the crew conducted hundreds of hours of scientific research, including testing stem cell production, demonstrating on-demand IV fluid generation, and studying the effects of bacteria on heart damage. The crew will discuss their mission during a news conference at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston on October 15.

NASA’s SPHEREx, an infrared space telescope launched in March 2025, is mapping the entire sky and has already identified thousands of brown dwarfs—substellar objects that sit between stars and planets. In a recent study published in The Astrophysical Journal, scientists analyzed spectra from 37 nearby brown dwarfs, revealing chemically rich atmospheres that contain water, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and methane. These free‑floating bodies are heated from within, not by a host star, and their spectra vary even at similar temperatures, indicating complex cloud and weather patterns. The team is now processing data from thousands more objects, aiming to refine models of brown dwarf evolution and to better understand the diversity of substellar atmospheres. The findings also demonstrate SPHEREx’s unique ability to capture wavelengths blocked by Earth’s atmosphere, providing a more complete view of the universe’s dark wanderers. By expanding the catalog of well‑studied brown dwarfs, the mission offers new benchmarks for atmospheric physics and informs the search for exoplanetary conditions. "No two brown dwarfs are alike," said lead author Zafar Rustamkulov, highlighting the need for larger samples to test theoretical models. The publicly available SPHEREx dataset will enable researchers worldwide to probe these enigmatic objects further.

On October 1, 2026, NASA launched the Small Spacecraft Propulsion and Inspection Capability (SSPICY) mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The CubeSat‑sized Otter spacecraft, built by Starfish Space, will autonomously approach up to four inoperable U. S. satellites or rocket bodies in low Earth orbit. Using computer vision, autonomous guidance, an electric propulsion system, and an articulating robotic boom, the Otter will conduct close‑range inspections—measuring spin rate, orientation, and surface condition—without docking or touching the targets. The data will validate integrated technologies that could one day enable in‑space repairs or safe debris removal, marking the first test of these systems together. The mission is funded through NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs.

NASA announced two new programs at the White House Golden Age Summit. One is a metascience initiative that will expand dual‑anonymous peer review across the Science Mission Directorate to improve fairness and innovation. The other is the Genesis Mission Fellowship, which will award 10 accelerated doctoral students with expertise in super‑intelligence and a science or engineering discipline to work on NASA missions and labs. The initiatives build on the Trump Administration’s “Science: A New Golden Age” report and aim to strengthen scientific practices and invest in future talent. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the agency will lead the country into a new era of discovery.

NASA will host a media teleconference on Oct. 15 at 4 p. m. EDT to preview its role in JAXA’s Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission, scheduled to launch from Tanegashima Space Center on Oct. 19. The briefing will feature NASA officials, including Acting Director Lindsay Hays, MMX program executive Tom Statler, and MEGANE principal investigator David Lawrence, who will outline the agency’s contributions. NASA’s involvement includes the MEGANE gamma‑ray and neutron spectrometer, the spacecraft’s pneumatic sampler mechanism developed by Blue Origin’s Honeybee Robotics, and Deep Space Network communications and navigation support. The MMX spacecraft will arrive at Mars in August 2027, survey Phobos and Deimos, collect a sample in December 2028, and return it to Earth in 2031. NASA’s funding comes from the Discovery Program, managed by Marshall Space Flight Center.

NASA and partner L3Harris Technologies have delivered the last pre‑flight Engineering Test Unit for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA), a joint ESA‑NASA effort to map low‑frequency gravitational waves. The all‑glass telescope, built from Zerodur ceramic‑glass and finished with a gold‑coated mirror, will sit on each of LISA’s three spacecraft that will orbit the Sun in a 1.6‑million‑mile triangle. The instrument will transmit and receive infrared laser beams between the satellites, measuring minuscule distance changes caused by passing gravitational waves—signals far smaller than a helium atom’s width. The successful test marks a key step toward the mission’s planned mid‑2030s launch and the first flight‑ready hardware for ESA’s array. LISA’s observations will enable scientists to detect mergers of super‑massive black holes billions of light‑years away, chart compact binary systems in our galaxy, and probe the fundamental nature of gravity.

NASA and the U. S. Department of Energy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance the development of safe and reliable next-generation nuclear technologies for space. The agreement establishes a framework for end-to-end collaboration, spanning research, fuel production, testing, launch integration, and operations. The goal is to supercharge civil space exploration, unlock scientific discovery, and solidify American leadership in space nuclear power and propulsion. The partnership aims to enable future Mars missions and cement American leadership in space for generations.

Internal files have added to evidence of an ExxonMobil climate deception campaign. In 1988, a NASA climatologist testified to Congress about climate change, and the UN established the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Weeks before the UN vote, Exxon's Frank Sprow warned colleagues about potential negative impacts on the company if a climate consensus emerged. A previously undisclosed memo from Sprow, released in an ongoing lawsuit, highlights the company's concerns. Other documents challenge Exxon's climate-solution claims about biofuels and carbon capture and storage.

In 1988, NASA climatologist James Hansen testified to Congress about climate change. Weeks before the UN established the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Exxon's Frank Sprow warned colleagues in an internal memo about potential negative impacts on the company if a consensus emerged on mitigating greenhouse gas effects. Recently released documents, part of a lawsuit, include statements from Exxon scientists challenging the company's climate-solution claims on biofuels and carbon capture and storage.

NASA is advancing plans for humanity’s inaugural Moon base by launching three focused investigations. The agency will search for underground shelters that could shield crews from radiation and micrometeoroids, map hidden ice deposits that could supply water and fuel, and monitor hazardous surface conditions such as dust storms and temperature extremes. The data gathered will inform how astronauts can survive and thrive on the lunar surface and will establish a foundation for future missions to Mars. By identifying safe habitats, resource locations, and environmental risks, NASA aims to reduce risk and increase sustainability for long‑term lunar exploration.

A satellite image captured by the NASA/USGS Landsat 8 satellite on September 9, 2026, shows the parched landscape of Lubbock County in Texas, with brown, parched crops and vacant plots dominating the landscape. This is in contrast to a more typical year with a relatively healthy harvest, as seen in the image captured on September 22, 2025. The drought has left many farmers in the region struggling, with some reporting that their dryland cotton has completely died. Lacy Cotter-Vardeman, a farmer based in Lubbock County, said that roughly 90 percent of her dryland cotton was dead. The drought has also highlighted the importance of playa lakes, which are critical in this water-stressed region. However, many of these lakes are no longer functioning due to tilling or sedimentation. The drought remains severe across many parts of the Texas High Plains, despite some recent rainfall.

NASA's Curiosity Mars rover has reached a significant elevation milestone, capturing a panoramic view of the Gale Crater floor on September 5, 2026. The rover, which has been climbing the lower foothills of Mount Sharp since 2014, set the milestone by reaching 1 kilometer of elevation above the crater floor just nine days prior. The panoramic image, made up of 95 individual images, provides a detailed view of the geologic layering inside a nearby sand ridge and the size and composition of its sand grains.

NASA announced in September 2026 that its Probe far‑Infrared Mission for Astrophysics (PRIMA) has been selected as the agency’s newest Probe Explorer. PRIMA will be the first mission in this new class of NASA astrophysics probes, designed to observe far‑infrared light from the outer reaches of the solar system and beyond. By detecting wavelengths that penetrate dense dust clouds, PRIMA will allow scientists to study the birth of planets, stars, and black holes in regions that are invisible to optical telescopes. The observatory could also shed light on the origins of water on Earth. If approved, PRIMA is slated for a 2033 launch and a planned five‑year science campaign.

NASA and SpaceX are targeting a launch date of no earlier than Tuesday, October 13, for the 35th commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station. The mission will deliver over 6,300 pounds of supplies, including research and equipment, to the orbiting laboratory. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft will launch on a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Upon arrival, the spacecraft will autonomously dock to the space-facing port of the Harmony module. The mission will also carry several new science experiments, including studies on artificial retinas, 3D heart tissue models, and unconventional glass formation in microgravity. NASA astronauts Anil Menon and Jessica Watkins will monitor the arrival of the spacecraft and oversee its departure in mid-November, when it will return to Earth with critical science and hardware.

During the Artemis II mission, NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor “Ike” Glover, and CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen logged five faint “pinprick” bursts of light while aboard Orion, 46,000 miles from the Moon. The flashes, captured on a tablet screenshot taken on April 6, 2026, were caused by rocky fragments striking the lunar surface. The crew’s observations, annotated in color—Wiseman in blue, Glover in green, Hansen in red—include the impact locations. From April 1 to April 10, 2026, the crew traveled to the Moon and back, gathering imagery and scientific data. The complete lunar science dataset from the mission is now released to the global scientific community and the public for further study.

NASA has shifted its strategy, prioritizing a surface station near the Moon’s south pole over the previously planned Lunar Gateway. The agency is pursuing “good deals” with foreign partners, notably China, to secure lunar real estate and resources. This move reflects a decision to avoid a large budget increase and to concentrate resources on a single, high‑impact project. By eliminating the Gateway, NASA aims to streamline costs and focus on a surface presence that could support future exploration and commercial activities. The shift signals a new approach to international cooperation in space, emphasizing mutually beneficial agreements over expansive infrastructure.

NASA’s Earth Observatory has released its October 2026 satellite puzzler, inviting the public to identify the location shown in a satellite image. The challenge encourages participants to examine clues, speculate on the area’s uniqueness, and optionally provide technical details such as the satellite, instrument, spectral bands, or geological features. Respondents submit answers via a form, selecting “Puzzler Answer” as the topic and including a preferred name or alias. While no monetary prize is offered, the Observatory promises bragging rights and will highlight the first correct guess, as well as particularly thoughtful responses. A week after the challenge, the correct answer and an explanatory Earth Observatory story will be posted.

NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland has issued a Phase 1 solicitation for the design and construction of an Aerospace Power Systems Laboratory. The lab will provide modern test facilities to advance power‑system research and support current and future missions, including Artemis, the Moon Base, and Mars exploration. Proposals must be submitted by Oct. 30, 2026, 1 p. m. EST, through NASA’s EFSS Box. The award is expected Dec. 16, 2026, with work performed on‑site at Glenn and off‑site at the contractor’s facilities. The NAICS code is 236220 and the small‑business size standard is $45 million. Questions should be sent to contracting officer John Christel by Oct. 12, 2026.

NASA has announced the Lunar Grounding Challenge, a competition offering up to $150,000 in prizes to develop solutions that neutralize the high triboelectric charge astronauts accumulate while walking on the lunar South Pole. The challenge addresses the risk that, in permanently shadowed regions, a suit can build a substantial negative potential due to lack of photoelectron emission and ambient ion flux. When a negatively charged astronaut returns to a positively charged lander, the resulting voltage differential can cause an electrostatic discharge that may damage suit electronics, compromise the oxygen supply, and shock the crew. Participants must propose designs or operational procedures that safely discharge the astronaut before contact with the lander. Submissions are due January 15, 2027, and more information is available on the CrowdPlat platform.

On Friday, Oct. 9, Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft will depart the International Space Station as part of the company’s CRS‑24 mission. After delivering more than 11,000 pounds of supplies and science experiments, the spacecraft will be grappled by the ISS’s Canadarm2 robotic arm. Flight controllers will detach the Cygnus XL from the Unity module’s Earth‑facing port at 12:45 p. m. EDT and maneuver it for release. NASA astronaut Luke Delaney will monitor the operation from orbit. The vehicle, loaded with disposal items, will deorbit on Sunday, Oct. 11, and burn up safely in Earth’s atmosphere. Live coverage of the undocking will be streamed from 12:30 p. m. EDT.

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has revealed numerous stars and protostars within the glowing gases of NGC 7129, a stellar nursery about 3,300 light-years from Earth. The image shows hot, atomic hydrogen gas in the golden region and cooler, molecular hydrogen gas, shocked by embedded protostars, in red. The stars are in different stages of development, with the most massive star, LkH(alpha) 234, being a pre-main-sequence star weighing around 5 to 8 times the mass of our Sun. The central star's outflows carve into the dense molecular cloud of hydrogen, creating conditions for even more stars to form. The region also features protostars, which are in an earlier stage of development, and their outflows interact with the dense gas, creating shocks that cause a textured appearance.

On Sol 1965 (August 30, 2026), NASA’s Perseverance rover captured images of a field of light‑colored boulders on the hillside of Lac de Charmes, beyond Jezero crater’s western rim. Initial analyses indicate many of the rocks are gabbro, an iron‑ and magnesium‑rich igneous rock that typically forms deep in the crust. The rover is now examining a nearby breccia outcrop at Idubi, where angular fragments of light and dark rock suggest a violent fracturing event. Such breccias on Mars have previously been linked to asteroid impacts, raising the possibility that the Jezero impact or a similar event excavated these deep fragments to the surface.

During Sols 5029‑5035, NASA’s Curiosity rover spent most of its daily power on laboratory work at the “Basque Lakes” drill hole. CheMin finished analyzing a rock sample, providing mineralogical data that guided the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument to perform a tunable‑laser spectrometer (TLS) run. SAM will use the TLS results to decide whether to conduct a mass‑spectrometry analysis next week. While the lab activities dominated power usage, the rover still captured a 360° Mastcam mosaic of the surrounding geology, performed targeted ChemCam chemistry on nearby rocks and sand, and continued routine environmental monitoring with REMS, RAD, and DAN. These efforts deepen our understanding of Mars’ ancient sedimentary environment and the processes that shaped it.

NASA and SpaceX have scheduled the Crew‑12 Dragon spacecraft to undock from the International Space Station no earlier than 8:05 a. m. EDT on Wednesday, Oct. 7, pending weather and readiness checks. The crew—NASA astronauts Jack Hathaway and Jessica Meir, ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev—will splash down off California’s coast at about 11:34 a. m. on Thursday, Oct. 8. Live coverage will be streamed across multiple platforms, with a detailed schedule that includes hatch closure, undocking, deorbit burn, and splashdown. NASA will also host a briefing on Oct. 8 at 1:15 p. m. to discuss the return and the upcoming SpaceX Commercial Resupply Services‑35 launch.

Astronomers have discovered a second-generation planet orbiting a white dwarf star using data from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The planet is believed to have formed from the material ejected by the star as it died. The discovery was made by analyzing archival data from Hubble's 1999 observation of the star HS 0209+0832. Researchers found a high abundance of the element niobium, which is a signpost of the star's 'death' throes. The team confirmed the Hubble observations with data from NASA's retired FUSE mission and NASA's TESS satellite, which detected periodic brightness variations indicating a planet orbits the white dwarf.

NASA conducted a series of tests in the Icing Research Tunnel at Glenn Research Center from June 8‑11, 2026 to study supercooled large droplet (SLD) icing, a rare but dangerous phenomenon where very cold water droplets up to 2,000 µm freeze on aircraft surfaces not protected by conventional ice protection. Using the Subsonic Flight Demonstrator (SFD) and new drop‑sizing probes that detect droplets larger than 45 µm in real time, researchers measured the full droplet size spectrum and compared it with data from probes that capture smaller droplets. The campaign aims to improve engineering tools that predict icing behavior, helping U. S. industry design safer aircraft. Results will be shared with the aerospace community after analysis.

NASA has selected the GIMLI project to investigate whether the Marius Hill Pit on the Moon opens into a vast underground cave or lava tube. The mission will deploy radar, seismic sensors, gravity measurements, and cameras to map the subsurface and estimate the size of any hidden void. Findings could reveal new details about the Moon’s volcanic past and identify potential natural shelters that might protect future astronauts. By exploring this mysterious pit, scientists aim to deepen understanding of lunar geology and assess the feasibility of using lunar caves for human habitation.

Astronauts capture Earth’s moon‑like anorthosite massif in Madagascar, offering a terrestrial analog for lunar crust studies. On August 28, 2026, an Expedition 75 crew member photographed the Saririaky anorthosite from the International Space Station. The 100‑square‑kilometer outcrop, formed over 600 million years ago during Precambrian tectonics, lies within a ductile shear zone that recorded the collision of Gondwana’s proto‑continents. Its composition matches lunar highland rocks, providing a valuable reference for scientists who study the Moon’s ancient magma ocean. The image, taken with a Nikon Z9 and released by NASA’s Earth Observations Facility, will aid research into planetary crust formation and help contextualize Apollo samples.

Aerospace engineer Richard Spolzino, working at NASA’s Langley Research Center, is cataloguing the missing knowledge that could hinder the agency’s return to the Moon. He defines a “data gap” as a formal record of what is unknown, why it matters, what is currently lacking, and a measurable target for partners to meet. The team has identified about 25 gaps last year and plans to reach 60 by year‑end. Spolzino’s work directly influenced the Voyager (formerly Astrobotic) Griffin‑1 mission, helping the company prioritize which instruments to send back through a limited communication pipeline. He also evaluates new instrument proposals, requiring them to map to a documented gap before advancing. His role illustrates NASA’s culture of early‑career impact, where engineers shape decisions rather than merely executing plans.

NASA's Mars rover Curiosity has entered the Cache Creek quad, named after an area of geological diversity in British Columbia, Canada. The rover successfully drilled into its 48th rock target, 'Basque Lakes,' and collected a sample for analysis. The team plans to use the CheMin X-ray diffraction analysis to determine the mineral composition of the sample. The results will provide insights into the depositional and alteration history of the rock exposure. The rover also conducted additional activities, including imaging the surrounding terrain and analyzing the chemistry of nearby bedrock targets. The analysis of the Basque Lakes drill sample will continue next week with delivery of material to SAM.

NASA's DAVINCI descent probe has successfully passed a key test, demonstrating its ability to withstand the extreme temperatures of Venus. The probe was subjected to temperatures of 869 F (465 C) in a controlled environment, replicating the conditions it will face during its descent to the planet's surface. This achievement brings NASA's mission to study Venus one step closer to reality, with the goal of understanding the planet's origin, evolution, and current state.

NASA’s SpaceX Crew‑12 crew—Jessica Meir, Jack Hathaway, ESA’s Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev—has finished its station science mission and is scheduled to return home in early October. During the stay, the team advanced research in several key areas. Microgravity crystal‑growth experiments improved understanding of pharmaceutical structures, while the Cold Atom Lab’s upgraded setup yielded more data for quantum‑technology development. Bone‑regeneration studies using wood‑based scaffolds and bone‑marrow analogs offered insights into countering space‑induced bone loss. Additional work on antibiotic‑resistant bacteria, stem‑cell expansion, and on‑orbit 3D printing of metal parts and IV fluids demonstrated practical benefits for long‑duration spaceflight and potential Earth‑bound medical applications. The mission’s findings will inform future deep‑space exploration and enhance health technologies on Earth.

NASA astronaut Christina Koch will appear at the Philadelphia Eagles vs. Los Angeles Rams game on Sunday, Oct. 4, as part of the agency’s Inspiration Tour. The 338‑day veteran, who flew on Artemis II and completed a historic lunar flyby, will engage fans at an Experience Zone outside the stadium from 10 a. m. to 1 p. m. There, visitors can learn about the Artemis program, play interactive games, and take photos with a large NASA logo. The tour aims to connect the public with the people, technologies, and organizations that drive U. S. leadership in space. The event precedes the tour’s finale, MAX POWER, a November exposition of next‑generation aircraft and spacecraft at Kennedy Space Center.

NASA is inviting applications for the next generation of flight directors, a pivotal role that will guide human spaceflight missions to the International Space Station, Artemis lunar missions, and future Mars endeavors. The position, based at Johnson Space Center in Houston, requires U. S. citizenship, a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, and extensive experience in high‑stakes, time‑critical decision making. Candidates may come from any background, though many current flight directors have served as flight controllers. Applications close on Monday, Oct. 12, and NASA plans to announce selections by year‑end. Selected directors will undergo rigorous training in flight‑control systems, operational leadership, and risk management before leading teams of controllers, astronauts, and partners in real‑time mission execution.

NASA’s Langley Research Center conducted the first large‑scale test of unsteady pressure‑sensitive paint (PSP) on the Benchmark Supercritical Wing inside the Transonic Dynamics Tunnel. The PSP coating glows pink‑purple under ultraviolet illumination, while high‑speed cameras capture pressure variations as the wing moves freely in a low‑oxygen environment. This marks the first use of PSP on a freely moving, large model in such conditions, opening the door to future wind‑tunnel studies of flexible aircraft that bend and adapt during flight. The resulting data will help refine computational models and support the design of more efficient aircraft technologies.

On October 1, 2026, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, carrying NASA’s Crew‑13 to the International Space Station. The crew includes NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney, Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov. The Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to dock with the ISS at 7 p. m. EDT. NASA will stream the arrival across multiple platforms, with a live broadcast beginning at 5:20 p. m. EDT. The mission will support a long‑duration science program aboard the space station.

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has examined 21 extreme debris disks—rare dusty environments around young stars that signal violent collisions. Webb’s mid‑infrared spectra, combined with archival Spitzer data, revealed that one‑third of these disks are silica‑rich, pointing to high‑energy impacts between Mars‑sized bodies, while the remaining two‑thirds are silica‑poor, indicating smaller, grazing collisions involving Moon‑sized objects. The study shows that silica‑rich disks appear only around stars younger than 300 million years, whereas silica‑poor disks persist across a wide age range and often display pronounced brightness variations. These findings help astronomers reconstruct the chaotic early stages of planetary systems, including the violent event that likely formed Earth’s Moon.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted the Dragon spacecraft from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 11:10 a. m. EDT on Oct. 1, 2026, carrying NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney, CSA astronaut Joshua Kutryk, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov. The Dragon will autonomously dock to the forward port of the ISS’s Harmony module around 7 p. m. , marking the fastest launch‑to‑docking by a U. S. spacecraft in ISS history. After a brief handover, the crew will join Expedition 75 and begin work on microgravity research, including stem‑cell tissue production, autonomous plant growth, and new health‑monitoring devices. The mission underscores the role of commercial partners in sustaining U. S. presence in low‑Earth orbit and advancing science for future lunar and Martian endeavors.

NASA announced on Sept. 30, 2026 that it has selected three new scientific investigations under its PRISM program to fly to the lunar surface via the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative. The payload suites—Lunar Environment Monitoring Station – South Pole (LEMS‑SP), Geophysical Investigation for Mapping Lunar Interior (GIMLI), and Depth Imager with Spectral and Color Optics (DISCO)—will provide long‑term environmental monitoring, search for subterranean lava tubes, and map hidden ice, respectively. The data will help assess hazards, identify natural shelters, and evaluate resource availability, laying groundwork for a safe, sustained human presence at the Moon Base and future Mars missions. The selections reinforce NASA’s Artemis and Moon Base goals and strengthen U. S. leadership in lunar exploration.

NASA’s new Overlap Zoo project invites volunteers to help identify pairs of galaxies that appear to overlap from Earth or space telescopes. When one galaxy lies in front of another, the foreground dust casts dark silhouettes against the background galaxy’s light, allowing astronomers to map dust distribution and study how it absorbs, scatters, and dims starlight. By building the largest catalog of such overlapping pairs, scientists aim to refine distance estimates to far‑away objects and improve models of galactic evolution. Volunteers can start classifying images with no prior experience, contributing directly to the first large‑scale dust‑study dataset.

NASA, the Canadian Space Agency, and the German Aerospace Center have signed a joint statement to begin coordinated work on a Lunar Agriculture Module-Ground Test Demonstrator. This project aims to develop technologies for growing space crops and studying their performance in controlled environments similar to those expected during missions at Moon Base. The goal is to provide astronauts with whole-food nutrition, increase dietary variety, and support an enduring human presence near the Moon's South Pole. This work will also advance science and technology, preparing for future human missions to Mars.

NASA’s SpaceX Crew‑13 mission will launch four astronauts to the International Space Station on October 1. The Dragon spacecraft is projected to reach the orbiting laboratory in just 7 hours and 50 minutes, a record for U. S. crewed spacecraft. The rapid transit will cut the time astronauts spend traveling, allowing more time for research and maintenance aboard the ISS. The mission demonstrates the efficiency of SpaceX’s launch and orbital insertion procedures and sets a new benchmark for future crewed missions.

NASA will attend the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Antalya, Turkey, from Oct. 5‑9, showcasing U. S. leadership in lunar and Martian exploration, the Artemis Accords, and cutting‑edge science. The delegation, led by Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson, will participate in plenary sessions, technical discussions, and media engagements. Highlights include a “One‑to‑One with Heads of Space Agencies,” a review of Artemis II mission results, a session on space manufacturing technology, a talk on trusted AI on Mars, and the preliminary lunar science release from Artemis II. Other topics cover organ‑chip research in space and a personal interview with astronaut Chris Williams. NASA will also display its contributions at Hall 1 of the NEST Convention Centre, celebrating the U. S. Freedom 250 commemoration.

NASA’s Human Lander Challenge, announced on September 29, 2026, invites U. S. college and university teams to propose systems‑level solutions that will improve communications for future lunar landers and surface operations. Teams must submit a notice of intent by October 15, 2026, and a full proposal—five to seven pages plus a two‑minute video—by March 4, 2027. NASA has identified three focus areas: hardware (space‑rated wireless networks, antennas, and environmental mitigation), software (data efficiency, link optimization, network management), and architecture (surface and orbital communication systems). Up to 12 finalists will receive $9,000 and advance to a final design review in Huntsville, Alabama, in June 2027, with the top three teams sharing $18,000. The competition, administered by the National Institute of Aerospace, aims to secure reliable communications essential for the Artemis program and future crewed missions to Mars.

NASA will stream live coverage of the SpaceX Crew‑13 mission, scheduled to lift off at 11:10 a. m. EDT on Oct. 1 from Cape Canaveral’s Space Launch Complex 40. The four‑member crew—NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney, Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov—will travel aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule to the International Space Station for a long‑duration science mission. The 7‑hour, 50‑minute transit will be the fastest U. S. spacecraft to dock with the ISS, targeting the Harmony module’s forward port at 7 p. m. NASA’s coverage includes pre‑launch, launch, and docking streams on NASA+, YouTube, and social media, plus audio‑only updates and a virtual guest program for the public. Post‑launch, a news conference will discuss the mission’s status and the crew’s handover with Crew‑12.

NASA has incorporated Blue Origin’s New Glenn 9×4 launch vehicle into its Launch Services (NLS) II contract through an on‑ramp clause. The vehicle will be available to the Launch Services Program Office for future missions, with the NLS II contracts covering an indefinite‑delivery/indefinite‑quantity period through June 2030 and overall performance through December 2032. The on‑ramp provision allows new launch providers to compete annually and enables existing contractors to introduce new vehicles not yet on the contract. The addition supports NASA’s Human Spaceflight, Science, and Research and Technology Mission Directorates and permits launch services for other agencies such as NOAA. The program is managed from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

For two decades, NASA has encouraged private companies to build spacecraft for the International Space Station, aiming to create a low‑Earth orbit economy. In April 2024, the agency clarified its stance: it backs a robust commercial space ecosystem that advances American industry and fuels technological discovery through in‑space work and research. The latest Ars Technica piece highlights that, despite this commitment, NASA still grapples with unresolved challenges—particularly around the Dragon spacecraft—underscoring the complexity of transitioning from a single‑customer model to a diversified commercial market. NASA’s continued support signals a strategic shift toward a broader, industry‑driven space economy, but the path remains fraught with technical and logistical hurdles.

NASA and SpaceX plan to launch the Crew‑13 Dragon capsule from Florida on October 1, carrying four astronauts to the International Space Station. The spacecraft is expected to reach the orbiting outpost in less than nine hours after liftoff, a record‑fast transit for a crewed Dragon flight. The crew will join Expedition 75 upon arrival. The launch follows a final round of intensive launch‑readiness checks, confirming the vehicle’s systems and crew preparedness for the mission. The rapid transit underscores the efficiency of the current Dragon launch architecture and supports NASA’s schedule for continuous ISS operations.

On August 11 2026, NASA’s ER‑2 aircraft equipped with the MASTER sensor photographed a veil‑like pileus cloud hovering above a pyrocumulus generated by the Sand Creek wildfire in Montana. The image, taken at 5:40 p. m. local time, shows the pileus forming when the fire’s intense updraft pushed moist air upward, cooling and condensing into the characteristic circular cloud. The observation, part of the INSPYRE campaign, links surface fire dynamics to the convective plume and cloud processes, providing detailed data on the extreme updrafts that drive wildfire‑induced weather. The pileus was visible in only one of the 30‑minute‑interval images, underscoring its brief lifespan.

NASA's Mars Perseverance rover has been exploring the 'Lac de Charmes' area, an ancient region of valleys and ridges west of the Jezero crater rim. The rover has created 13 abrasion patches on rocks, providing a wealth of scientific data. Investigations suggest that many of the rocks formed from cooled lava or magma, while others formed in the aftermath of a violent impact. The rover has also discovered a region nicknamed 'Idubi,' where hundreds of light-toned boulders were spotted. Perseverance has stopped to investigate an interesting outcrop named 'Gardenia,' which could be a breccia, a rock comprised of fragments of many older rocks.

A commercial effort to lift NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory to a higher orbit ended without a boost, but the mission delivered critical experience for future in‑space servicing. Launched on a Pegasus XL rocket on June 8, 2026, Katalyst Space’s LINK robotic spacecraft reached orbit and began initial checkouts. Intermittent communications and orientation control problems forced a rapid decision to abandon the grapple and boost attempt. Instead, LINK performed technology demonstrations, firing its xenon ion thrusters and operating three robotic arms to validate key capabilities. The swift turnaround—from concept to launch in under a year—showed how public‑private teams can meet aggressive timelines and adapt to unforeseen challenges. NASA will use the lessons learned to refine its engineering, safety, and project‑management processes for future satellite life‑extension missions.

On September 30, 1946, five NACA engineers reached the high‑desert skies of Muroc Army Airfield, achieving the first supersonic flight with the X‑1 aircraft. Two decades later, that same site became NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center, now home to the X‑59 supersonic X‑plane, which is being tested to prove that supersonic flight can be quiet. Over its 80‑year history, Armstrong has supported landmark missions—from space shuttle landings to SR‑71 flights—and has been named NASA’s Center of Excellence for Flight Test and Aircraft Operations. The center also supports Artemis missions with research aircraft such as a 737 for suit testing, a G‑III for heat‑shield data, and an F/A‑18 that tested the SLS autopilot. Beyond human spaceflight, Armstrong flies ER‑2, C‑20A, and Gulfstream G‑III/IV/V aircraft to gather data on wildfires, glacier melt, pollution, and minerals, advancing safer, more autonomous, and efficient flight worldwide.

On September 28, 2026, NASA and Boeing announced a new schedule for the Starliner spacecraft. The plan includes an uncrewed Starliner‑1 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in December 2026 or January 2027 to validate thermal modifications and gather flight data. Following that, a crewed Starliner‑2 flight is targeted for 2028. NASA will exercise options for a fifth and sixth ISS flight using Starliner and will work with United Launch Alliance to certify the Vulcan rocket after the Atlas V’s final flight. Boeing has added thermal changes to the service module and a new thruster valve design to address issues identified in the 2024 Crew Flight Test. The agency will also install new crew‑module thrusters, batteries, and parachute upgrades to support full system certification.

During a routine walk-off maneuver on the International Space Station, astronauts moved the 58‑foot Canadarm2, the station’s large robotic arm supplied by the Canadian Space Agency. The arm, which can traverse the station’s exterior by moving both ends, was followed by its mobile transporter along the main truss. Following the maneuver, both the arm and its transporter could no longer be moved. NASA has not yet identified the cause or provided a timeline for restoring mobility. The immobilization limits the crew’s ability to reposition equipment, conduct repairs, or perform external tasks that rely on the arm’s flexibility.

On Oct. 1 at 11:10 a. m. EDT, a SpaceX Falcon 9 carrying the Dragon spacecraft Grace lifted off from Cape Canaveral’s Space Launch Complex 40. The four‑member crew—Commander Jessica Watkins, Pilot Luke Delaney, Mission Specialists Joshua Kutryk and Sergey Teteryatnikov—will join Expedition 75 aboard the International Space Station. Watkins becomes the first NASA astronaut to fly twice on a Dragon, while Kutryk and Teteryatnikov make their first spaceflight. The mission will run long‑duration experiments on human stem‑cell tissues to aid heart disease and Parkinson’s research, test crop production for extended missions, study blood‑flow abnormalities, and evaluate new diagnostic medical equipment. Support teams are finalizing Dragon‑Falcon integration and a static‑fire rehearsal before launch, and Crew‑12 will return shortly after Crew‑13 arrives.

NASA announced that the Artemis Accords now have 76 signatories, a record number that includes Albania, Croatia, Côte d’Ivoire, and San Marino. The expansion reflects a rapid growth in international cooperation in civil space, with nearly 40% of the world’s nations now collaborating under the Accords’ framework. The Accords, which were launched in 2020, set practical principles for safe, peaceful lunar exploration, including non‑interference, data sharing, and debris mitigation. NASA’s Administrator Jared Isaacman highlighted the coalition’s role in supporting the U. S. goal of returning astronauts to the Moon and preparing for Mars. The next Principals’ Meeting will be held at the International Astronautical Congress in Antalya, Turkey, on Oct. 5, where leaders will discuss support for emerging space nations and refine lunar debris‑mitigation recommendations.

The Dexterous Robotics Team at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston is developing robotic hardware and software to support human spaceflight. Led by Shaun Azimi, the team focuses on creating robots that can complete tasks humans do with their hands. The team supports various agency projects and programs, including those exploring connections to building the Moon Base. They also collaborate with private industry and other external partners to leverage robotic technologies in harsh environments. The team's major focus has been the development of the Integrated Mobile Evaluation Testbed for Robotics Operations (iMETRO) facility at Johnson, which offers digital and physical facilities to test robotic technologies. This enables different teams to learn from each other and develop more effective robots for space exploration.

Kristie Foster, a quality engineer who had worked as a contractor at NASA’s Stennis Space Center since 2008, was officially hired as a civil servant on September 28, 2026. The move follows an agency directive to strengthen core technical competencies in the civil service workforce. Foster’s responsibilities include quality assurance and engineering at the High Pressure Gas and Industrial Water Facilities, key components of propulsion testing for missions such as Artemis III and the New Glenn rocket’s second‑stage hot‑fire test. Her promotion preserves institutional knowledge and supports NASA’s goal of returning astronauts to the Moon and establishing a lunar base. Foster’s career path—from local community college studies to a full‑time NASA role—highlights the agency’s commitment to nurturing talent from the ground up.

Victor Glover and Reid Wiseman, the crew who completed the first crewed flight around the Moon, are moving to emeritus status at NASA. Their historic journey, which set a new record for the farthest distance traveled by humans, concluded earlier this year. In their new roles, the astronauts will advise and mentor teams preparing for Artemis III and subsequent lunar missions. Their hands‑on experience with the Orion spacecraft and deep‑space operations is expected to inform the design and execution of future crewed lunar surface returns. NASA’s decision underscores the value of leveraging seasoned astronauts’ expertise as the agency accelerates its lunar exploration agenda.

At 3 p. m. EDT on Monday, Sept. 28, NASA and Boeing leaders will hold a news conference to review the Starliner spacecraft’s progress and outline plans for regular crew flights to and from the International Space Station. The briefing will feature NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, Low Earth Orbit Program manager Dana Weigel, program manager Woody Hoburg, astronaut John Mulholland, and Boeing Commercial Crew vice president and program manager. Boeing’s Starliner, which carried astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to the ISS, is currently docked to the Harmony module’s forward port. The session will be streamed live on NASA’s website (https://www. nasa. gov/live). Media wishing to participate must email ksc-newsroom@mail. nasa. gov for a dial‑in number at least one hour before the call, and can review NASA’s media accreditation policy online.

NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center finished environmental and physical tests on the ASCENT (Advanced Spacecraft Energetic Non‑Toxic) Dual‑Mode propulsion CubeSat, a 6‑U spacecraft that will use a single non‑toxic propellant tank to feed both high‑thrust combustion and low‑thrust electrospray engines. The CubeSat underwent spin, thermal vacuum, and helium leak tests to verify mass properties, thermal resilience, and seal integrity. After final system checkouts and solar array integration, the satellite will launch no earlier than Oct. 1 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg. In low‑Earth orbit it will perform a nine‑month mission alternating between chemical and electric maneuvers to demonstrate the dual‑mode concept, potentially reducing mass and cost for future missions.

On Friday, September 25, 2026, the Republic of San Marino became the 76th country to sign the Artemis Accords during a ceremony in Rimini, Italy. Minister of Industry and Technological Research Rossano Fabbri signed the agreement on behalf of San Marino, while NASA Europe representative Gregory Mann and U. S. Consul General in Florence Joseph Tordella attended. NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson highlighted the Accords’ role in promoting peaceful, transparent, and responsible space exploration and noted that NASA is inviting all signatories to contribute to its lunar return program through scientific payloads, technology demonstrations, CubeSats, and other capabilities. San Marino expressed its commitment to the Accords’ principles and its intent to participate in future lunar missions.

NASA has announced the 2026-2027 Dream with Us Challenge, focusing on 'Fueling Flight Design Challenge: New Energy Systems. ' The challenge is open to middle and high school students, who will design a new concept cargo aircraft using liquefied natural gas (LNG). Teams will need to adapt aircraft design and airport infrastructure to accommodate the new fuel source. The challenge aims to increase safety, make flight more affordable, and reduce travel time. The submission period for middle school entrants begins September 25, 2026, and concludes on January 22, 2027.

NASA’s latest Technical Bulletin (TB 26‑07) warns that improper casting and forging of aluminum alloy 2219 can create microstructural defects—disparate grain sizes, copper‑rich intermetallics, and macrosegregation—that reduce ductility, strength and increase corrosion susceptibility. The bulletin recommends a homogenization step after conventional direct‑chill casting, citing studies that use 535 °C for 10 hours to redistribute copper atoms and dissolve residual phases. Following homogenization, multi‑directional deformation (upset forging at 510 °C and warm rolling at 240 °C) further refines grain size and Al₂Cu particle distribution, yielding superior mechanical properties. Verification of the homogenization process is advised through micrographs, DSC or XRD measurements. These measures are critical for aerospace components such as launch vehicle tanks and ISS modules, where material integrity is paramount.

NASA has launched the 2026-2027 Dream with Us Design Challenge for middle school students, focusing on 'Fueling Flight Design Challenge: New Energy Systems. ' The challenge requires teams to design an airport that incorporates liquefied natural gas (LNG) and traditional aviation fuel. The submission period begins on September 25, 2026, and concludes on January 22, 2027. Teams must submit their designs through the Dream with Us Design Challenge webpage, and all submissions must be created solely by team members without the assistance of AI.

NASA has named the four‑member crew for its 14th commercial rotation with SpaceX, scheduled to launch no earlier than spring 2027. Commander Kayla Barron and pilot Chris Birch, both NASA astronauts, will lead the mission, joined by JAXA’s Makoto Suwa and Roscosmos cosmonaut Arutyun Kiviryan as mission specialists. After docking, the team will join Expedition 75/76 aboard the International Space Station. The crew will conduct scientific investigations and technology demonstrations that support future Artemis lunar missions and long‑duration exploration to Mars. Barron, a seasoned ISS veteran, will bring experience from her 2021 Crew‑3 flight, while Suwa and Kiviryan will make their first station visits.

NASA’s Deep Space Food Challenge: Mars to Table announced five winning teams from 113 entries across 33 countries. The top prize, $300,000, went to Chinyere Ukeje of Philadelphia for the Adaptive Nourishment Infrastructure (ANI) concept—a modular system that blends controlled‑environment agriculture, fermentation, fungi cultivation, and closed‑loop nutrient recycling to produce 50 % of a crew’s meals off‑Earth. ANI is designed to cook fresh meals daily and withstand shortages of power, water, equipment, or crew time. The second prize, $200,000, was awarded to Cislune of Rosemead for a Fresh, Ferment, Reserve system that supplements in‑situ production with a protected Earth‑loaded reserve. Additional awards honored applied frameworks, mission simulation, human‑centered design, and an international winner. The challenge focused on a 15‑person crew for 500 Martian sols (≈513 Earth days), highlighting the need for sustainable, low‑mass food solutions beyond the ISS’s pre‑packaged meals.

NASA’s pioneering Martian resource‑harvesting systems, originally designed to extract CO₂ from the Red Planet’s thin atmosphere, have been repurposed for Earth‑based industries. Pioneer Astronautics’ compact, automated CO₂ capture units were adapted by Earthly Labs, a Texas startup, to recover and purify carbon dioxide from brewing processes. The resulting Craft Brewery Recovery System, licensed in 2015, allows breweries to recycle CO₂ for carbonation, reducing reliance on external supplies that have become scarce and volatile—especially during the pandemic. The technology has since expanded to wineries, distilleries, power plants, and helium‑production facilities, helping companies lower emissions and cut operating costs. Earthly Labs’ partnership with Chart Industries has scaled the system for larger commercial use, demonstrating how space‑derived innovations can address terrestrial resource challenges.