THE HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT BLOG: From the Space Shuttle to Beyond

SpaceShipTwo's Successor Will Soon Begin Test Flights Before Its Starts Commercial Operations Next Year...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 29 Oct 2026 04:21:00 +0000

Virgin Galactic

Virgin Galactic’s Spaceship Apeiron Arrives Home to Spaceport America (Press Release)

TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, NEW MEXICO — Virgin Galactic, the world’s first commercial spaceline, today flew Apeiron, the lead Spaceship in its next-generation fleet, to Spaceport America in New Mexico, its permanent home and base of operations.

Earlier today, the Spaceship was named and revealed in its completed livery for the first time at Virgin Galactic’s Spaceship Factory in Mesa, Arizona. Spaceship Apeiron then departed Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport at 10:29 a.m. MST, mated to Eve, the company’s launch vehicle, and landed at Spaceport America at 12:59 p.m. MDT. Pilot in Command Michael Masucci and Pilot Dan Alix flew Eve, with Flight Test Engineer Tori Crichton on board.

Apeiron, ancient Greek for “boundless,” was chosen by public vote from a shortlist developed by Virgin Galactic teammates and members of its astronaut community, with people from more than 80 countries taking part.

“This morning, we gave Apeiron a name. This afternoon, Apeiron came home,” said Michael Colglazier, Chief Executive Officer of Virgin Galactic. “Seeing the ship fly beneath Eve to Spaceport America was a moment years in the making. To our team and our astronaut community: your Spaceship has arrived.”

With Apeiron now at Spaceport America, Virgin Galactic’s engineering team plans to complete avionics software integration and validation while conducting flight test preparations. Upon successful completion of the flight test program, Virgin Galactic plans to begin flying customers aboard Spaceship Apeiron, with commercial spaceflights expected to begin in early Q2 2027.

Apeiron is Virgin Galactic’s lead next-generation Spaceship, produced in partnership with major aerospace suppliers. Designed to fly twice per week with a vehicle lifetime of more than 500 missions, each Spaceship in the next-generation fleet is built to support the economics of a scaled commercial operation, with increased flight cadence and a cost profile unprecedented in the industry.

Production of the fleet is already moving forward. At the Spaceship Factory, assembly of the static test article and the second Spaceship is underway, and teams are preparing the rocket motor assembly line. The second Spaceship is expected to begin commercial operations in late Q2/early Q3 2027.

Source: Virgin Galactic

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Virgin Galactic

Wheels up. Spaceship Apeiron is in the air for the first time! https://t.co/WWQkrvlHES
— Virgin Galactic (@virgingalactic) October 28, 2026

This crowd got the best seat in the house at @Spaceport_NM. https://t.co/GNgkMqCrxf
— Virgin Galactic (@virgingalactic) October 28, 2026

Wheels down at @Spaceport_NM. Spaceship Apeiron is home. https://t.co/0LtfnzTCX8
— Virgin Galactic (@virgingalactic) October 28, 2026

The 'Short Stack' for the Next Space Launch System Rocket Is Complete...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 06:59:00 +0000

NASA / Frank Michaux

Artemis III SLS Core Stage Integration (Photo Release)

The SLS (Space Launch System) rocket core stage is integrated with the solid rocket boosters for Artemis III in High Bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Monday, October 26, 2026, to complete its short stack configuration.

The 212-foot rocket stage was lifted from the transfer aisle using a one-of-a-kind lifting beam designed to lift the stage.

The Artemis III mission will launch crew in the Orion spacecraft on top of the SLS rocket to test rendezvous and docking capabilities between Orion and commercial spacecraft needed to land astronauts on the Moon.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA / Sean Cannon

NASA / Sean Cannon

NASA / Frank Michaux

NASA / Frank Michaux

NASA / Frank Michaux

The Next SLS Rocket Continues to Take Shape in Florida...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 24 Oct 2026 05:41:00 +0000

NASA

Artemis III Core Stage Lift (Photo Release)

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Artemis III core stage lifts out of its holding cell into the Vehicle Assembly Building's transfer aisle.

The core stage is set to be mated to the Artemis III vehicle's twin solid rocket boosters atop the Mobile Launcher in High Bay 3 next week.

Source: NASA.Gov

Another Hot Fire for the SLS Program Was Recently Completed in Mississippi...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 06:59:00 +0000

NASA / Danny Nowlin

NASA Conducts RS-25 Engine Test in Support of Future Artemis Missions (News Release)

NASA tested RS-25 engine No. 10001 on October 21 on the Fred Haise Test Stand at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.

Test teams fired the developmental engine for almost eight-and-a-half minutes (500 seconds), the same amount of time that RS-25 engines fire during launch of NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket.

During the test, operators also fired the engine up to the 111% power level, matching the thrust needed for new production engines to launch the SLS rocket and the Orion spacecraft to orbit.

The main objectives of the test were to acceptance test RS-25 flight components for future Artemis missions and validate the new thermal protection system, which protects the RS-25 engine nozzle from the thermal environment surrounding SLS during launch.

While this developmental engine will not be used in flight, the hot fire test provides NASA and NASA’s prime contractor L3Harris Technologies with the capability to capture critical data to improve engine performance and reliability.

Four RS-25 engines produce up to 2 million pounds of combined thrust to help launch the SLS rocket for each Artemis mission.

All RS-25 engines are tested and proven flightworthy at NASA Stennis prior to use. Tests are conducted by a team of operators from NASA, L3Harris and Nova Space Solutions.

Source: NASA.Gov

Nation #77 Has Joined NASA's Moon Exploration Initiative...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 06:59:00 +0000

NASA

NASA Welcomes Uzbekistan as Newest Artemis Accords Signatory (News Release)

The Republic of Uzbekistan became the 77th signatory of the Artemis Accords during a ceremony in Samarkand on Monday, committing to the practical principles that guide safe, transparent and responsible civil space exploration.

Uzbekistan has increasingly engaged with NASA and the broader international space community through its development of a national space program aimed at advancing Uzbekistan’s space industry and participation in global space forums. Uzbek students are also working to develop and launch the country’s first CubeSat, or small satellite technology demonstration, by 2028.

In early October, NASA officials met with representatives from Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Digital Technologies and Uzbekistan’s space agency, Uzcosmos, during the 2026 International Astronautical Congress in Antalya, Türkiye, where the two sides discussed civil space cooperation and opportunities for increased engagement. Uzbekistan is scheduled to host the annual global space event in 2028.

In 2020, NASA and the State Department joined with seven other founding nations to establish the Artemis Accords, responding to the growing interest in lunar activities by both governments and private companies. They introduced the first set of practical principles aimed at enhancing the safety and coordination between nations as they explore the Moon, Mars and beyond.

Signing the Artemis Accords means committing to explore peaceably and transparently, to render aid to those in need, to enable access to scientific data that all of humanity can learn from, to ensure that activities do not interfere with those of others, and to preserve historically significant sites and artifacts by developing best practices for space exploration for the benefit of all.

More countries are expected to sign the Artemis Accords in the months and years ahead, as NASA continues its work to establish a safe, peaceful and prosperous future in space.

Source: NASA.Gov

Looking Ahead to Orion's Fourth Flight to the Moon...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 19 Oct 2026 22:49:00 +0000

Lockheed Martin

Artemis IV Orion Heat Shield (Photo Release)

More than 180 blocks of Avcoat are bonded to the Orion spacecraft’s heat shield for NASA’s Artemis IV mission.

The heat shield will protect Orion and its crew during their return to Earth from the Moon.

Source: NASA.Gov

A Snapshot from Starbase's Starfactory in Texas...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 18 Oct 2026 04:49:00 +0000

SpaceX

SpaceX Starship Nose Cones (Photo Release - October 13)

An image of SpaceX Starship manufacturing in the company’s Starfactory facility at Starbase in Texas.

Source: NASA.Gov

An Update on NASA's First Crewed Lunar Landing Mission Since Apollo 17 in 1972...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 23:33:00 +0000

Artemis IV Blue Origin Concept of Operations (Image Release - October 14)

The graphic above shows the concept of operations for an Artemis IV mission with Blue Origin’s Blue Moon Mark 2 lander.

Source: NASA.Gov

Artemis IV SpaceX Concept of Operations (Image Release - October 14)

The graphic below shows the concept of operations for an Artemis IV mission with SpaceX’s Starship lander.

Source: NASA.Gov

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Both infographics courtesy of NASA

An Update on Orion's First Crewed Flight to the Moon...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 04:53:00 +0000

NASA

Rigorous Analysis Confirms NASA’s Artemis II Heat Shield Performance (News Release)

NASA’s Artemis II mission sent four astronauts around the Moon and brought them safely back to Earth, laying a foundation for crewed flights to the Moon’s surface.

Additional engineering data analysis of the Orion spacecraft’s heat shield confirmed initial data showing that the heat shield performed as expected.

In particular, NASA measured whether the thermal protection system effectively safeguarded the crew and Orion systems as the spacecraft reentered Earth’s atmosphere. This test flight was the first time astronauts flew aboard Orion.

Orion reached a maximum velocity of 39 times the speed of sound and experienced external temperatures exceeding 4,000° Fahrenheit at its peak, all while the four astronauts inside Orion stayed relatively cool with a cabin temperature in the mid-70° Fahrenheit range during their return to Earth from the Moon.

After NASA’s thorough analysis of Artemis I heat shield findings, informed by extensive arc jet material testing at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley, the agency modified Orion’s reentry trajectory for Artemis II by shortening the maximum downrange distance that the spacecraft could fly between when it entered Earth’s atmosphere and splashed down in the Pacific Ocean. Analysis prior to the mission showed that limiting downrange distance would limit how long the spacecraft’s heat shield spent in the temperature range at which the Artemis I heat shield phenomenon occurred.

The spacecraft reentered with precision, entering within only 192 feet of its targeted entry interface, and successfully splashed down only 0.59 miles from the predicted landing site off the coast of San Diego. Initial inspections of the thermal protection system, including diver imagery of the spacecraft’s heat shield taken just after splashdown and further inspections on the recovery ship, found that it performed as expected, with a significant reduction in the amount of cracks and char loss as compared to Artemis I.

Upon the spacecraft’s return to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida after the Moon mission, thermal protection system experts began additional examination of the heat shield, made of 186 unique blocks of an ablative material called Avcoat. The heat shield was then transported to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, where work on sample extraction and internal x-ray scans began in August to provide further engineering insight into the system and behavior of the material.

A thorough post-flight assessment review found that Orion’s aerodynamic and aerothermal performance, including the heat shield and backshell thermal protection system, was in line with engineering predictions based on pre-flight analyses and ground testing. The shorter allowable downrange during entry reduced the cracking and char loss experienced on the Artemis II heat shield relative to the Artemis I heat shield by a factor of ten, proving the effectiveness of the trajectory modification. Engineers found only nine spots of char loss of varying sizes on the Artemis II heat shield dish, compared to 103 during Artemis I.

The analysis also showed that Orion’s robust heat shield design showed consistency from Artemis I to Artemis II, evident by the performance of system features such as the seams between the heat shield Avcoat blocks and the Avcoat surrounding the heat shield compression pad separation bolts.

Post-flight inspection of Orion’s backshell, the protective cover on the sloped sides of the crew module made up of 1,300 ceramic tiles, showed expected performance across the crew module surface. Visual inspections indicated that backshell features designed to seal and protect penetrations such as windows, vents, thrusters and the side hatch also met expectations, with no signs of overheating observed.

The team also performed post-flight laser scans of the heat shield surface and is comparing this data to pre-flight measurements to determine material recession, which will then be compared to analysis predictions. Engineers are continuing with heat shield sample extraction at NASA Marshall and subsequent material test and assessment and thermal analysis, to support long-term heat shield development, manufacturing efforts, and data capture.

Orion’s performance and the team’s analysis on Artemis II reflect system robustness, capability to support crew, and critical insights gathered that will enhance the Artemis III mission and beyond. Following the extensive Artemis I heat shield investigation, upgrades were made to the heat shield design for Artemis III to achieve uniformity and consistent permeability of the Avcoat blocks. Technicians attached the heat shield for the Artemis III Orion crew module at NASA Kennedy in early July, and the Orion crew and service modules were joined at the end of July.

The Artemis III spacecraft has since been successfully powered up for the first time, enabling engineers to check that all connection lines between the two modules are working as planned.

NASA continues to advance towards Artemis III as teams ready the Orion spacecraft for next year’s mission in low-Earth orbit. NASA will launch the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft with NASA astronauts Randy Bresnik, Frank Rubio, Andre Douglas, and ESA (European Space Agency) Luca Parmitano, to rendezvous with human lander test articles from Blue Origin and SpaceX to demonstrate critical systems and operations needed for future lunar landings, beginning with Artemis IV in 2028.

Source: NASA.Gov

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U.S. Navy

Looking at Flight Hardware for the Next SLS Rockets...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 22:59:00 +0000

L3Harris

RS-25 Engines for Future Artemis Missions (Photo Release - October 13)

Several RS-25 engines for NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket are lined up at the L3Harris facility in Canoga Park, California.

Source: NASA.Gov

All Four Artemis 2 Crew Members Have Officially Retired from Spaceflight Status...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 05:59:00 +0000

NASA / Glenn Benson

NASA Names Astronaut Christina Koch Acting Deputy Chief Engineer (News Release)

NASA engineer and astronaut Christina Koch will serve as the agency’s acting deputy chief engineer beginning on Sunday, November 1, following the retirement of Katherine Van Hooser, who will conclude more than 35 years of distinguished service to the agency on Wednesday, October 21.

In her new role, Koch will help lead NASA’s engineering community, supporting technical oversight, mission readiness, and engineering excellence across the agency’s programs and projects. With this appointment, Koch will transition to management astronaut status and will no longer be eligible for future spaceflight assignments.

“Christina has seen NASA engineering from both sides of the equation: developing complex systems on the ground and trusting them with her life in space,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. “After spending nearly a year living and working aboard the International Space Station and helping lead America back around the Moon on Artemis II this year, she brings an extraordinary combination of technical expertise, operational experience, and judgment to this role. I am excited to see the impact she will have across NASA as we return Americans to the lunar surface, build the Moon Base, get underway on nuclear power in space, and develop the capabilities that will ultimately take us on to Mars.”

“Katherine has been an extraordinary leader throughout her career, bringing technical expertise, sound judgment, and an unwavering commitment to mission success to some of NASA’s most complex engineering challenges,” said Amit Kshatriya, NASA associate administrator and chief engineer. “Her leadership has strengthened our engineering community and helped guide the agency through critical milestones and transitions. Christina brings a unique combination of engineering expertise, operational experience, and proven leadership, both on the ground and in space. I am grateful to Katherine for her exceptional service and confident Christina will continue the tradition of technical excellence that is essential to everything we do at NASA.”

Koch most recently served as a mission specialist aboard NASA’s Artemis II mission in April, helping carry out the first crewed flight around the Moon in more than 50 years. She previously spent 328 consecutive days aboard the International Space Station, setting the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman and participating in the first all-female spacewalks.

Koch began her NASA career as an electrical engineer at the agency’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, developing scientific instruments for space missions. Before her selection as an astronaut in 2013, her experience also included scientific field engineering in Antarctica and the Arctic. She has since held leadership positions within NASA’s Astronaut Office and at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, bringing a combination of technical expertise, operational experience, and firsthand understanding of the demands of human spaceflight to her new role.

Van Hooser joined NASA in 1991 at the agency’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, beginning a distinguished career in propulsion engineering and technical leadership. Her early work focused on liquid rocket engine turbomachinery before she became chief engineer for the space shuttle main engine, leading engineering efforts through the final 21 shuttle flights. She later served as the first chief engineer for the Space Launch System’s Liquid Engines Element, helping advance the propulsion systems supporting NASA’s Artemis missions.

As Marshall’s chief engineer and, since 2023, NASA’s deputy chief engineer, Van Hooser provided critical technical leadership and oversight across the agency’s programs. Her steady guidance through complex engineering challenges and organizational transitions helped maintain continuity, strengthen collaboration, and keep mission readiness at the forefront of NASA’s work.

Source: NASA.Gov

NASA Looks Ahead to the 'Standardized' SLS Configuration...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 22:27:00 +0000

NASA

Stretch Centaur and Orion (Image Release - October 8)

A graphic showing NASA’s Orion spacecraft attached to a stretched ULA Centaur upper stage.

Source: NASA.Gov

Freedom and Her Four Astronauts Have Safely Landed in the Pacific...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 06:59:00 +0000

NASA / Keegan Barber

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 Splashdown (Photo Release)

The SpaceX Crew Dragon Freedom spacecraft is seen as it lands with NASA astronauts Jessica Meir, Jack Hathaway, ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev aboard in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Los Angeles, California, on Thursday, October 8, 2026.

Meir, Hathaway, Adenot and Fedyaev are returning after seven months in space as part of Expedition 74 aboard the International Space Station.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA / Keegan Barber

A New Group of Spacefarers Has Arrived at the ISS...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 19:41:00 +0000

NASA / Joel Kowsky

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-13 Launch (Photo Release - October 1)

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the company's Dragon spacecraft is launched on NASA’s SpaceX Crew-13 mission to the International Space Station with NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney, CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Joshua Kutryk, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov onboard, Thursday, October 1, 2026, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-13 mission is the 13th crew rotation mission of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 rocket to the International Space Station as part of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program.

Watkins, Delaney, Kutryk and Teteryatnikov launched at 11:10 a.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station to begin a mission aboard the orbital outpost.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA / Joel Kowsky

SpaceX

NASA

NASA

NASA

Both SRBs Are Fully Stacked for the Next Flight of the Space Launch System!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 18:15:00 +0000

NASA / Cory S Huston

Assembly of the Artemis III SLS rocket (Photo Release - September 30)

Engineers with NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems completed integrating the aerodynamic nose cones onto the left and right forward assemblies on the twin SLS (Space Launch System) solid rocket boosters, finishing their stacking operations for Artemis III inside the Vehicle Assembly Building’s High Bay 3 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida - on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

Each forward assembly contains an aerodynamic top, a forward skirt housing avionics, and frustum housing motors that allow the boosters to separate from the SLS core stage after launch.

The twin solid boosters will help support the remaining rocket components and the Orion spacecraft during final assembly of the Artemis III rocket and provide more than 75 percent of the total SLS thrust during liftoff from NASA Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39B.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA / Cory S Huston

NASA / Cory S Huston

NASA / Cory S Huston

Both SRBs Will Soon Be Fully Stacked on the Mobile Launcher for the Next Flight of SLS...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 18:01:00 +0000

NASA / Frank Michaux

Artemis III Booster Stacking - Right Forward Booster Segment Mated (Photo Release - September 24)

In High Bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the final left and right forward solid rocket booster motor segments for Artemis III are integrated onto the Mobile Launcher for the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket on Thursday, September 24, 2026.

The twin boosters, consisting of five segments each manufactured by Northrop Grumman in Utah, will provide more than 75 percent of the SLS rocket’s total thrust at launch.

The Artemis III mission will launch crew in the Orion spacecraft on top of the SLS rocket to test rendezvous and docking capabilities between Orion and commercial spacecraft needed to land astronauts on the Moon.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA / Frank Michaux

NASA / Frank Michaux

NASA / Frank Michaux

The Latest News on the CST-100...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 04:25:00 +0000

NASA

NASA, Boeing Share Update on Commercial Starliner Development Plans (News Release - September 28)

On Monday, NASA and Boeing provided an update on the company’s Starliner spacecraft, including adding additional crew missions and certifying a new rocket for crew transportation to low-Earth orbit.

“We are living through the most exciting era of space exploration since Apollo,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. “As this domain continues to open, there will be growing demand for launch vehicles, transfer stages, landers, and, of course, spacecraft that carry astronauts. NASA has been committed to having multiple crew transportation options since the beginning of the Commercial Crew Program. We have worked closely with Boeing to address the issues identified on previous Starliner flights, and we intend to see this vehicle return to flight in support of the International Space Station and future commercial destinations.”

The agency intends to exercise options for a fifth and sixth flight to and from the space station using Starliner, and will work with Boeing and United Launch Alliance to certify the Vulcan rocket for use after the Atlas V rocket’s final flight.

“We are starting with an uncrewed Starliner-1 mission to the International Space Station to validate the improvements made to the spacecraft and gather the flight data we need,” said Isaacman. “From there, we will use what we learn, continue implementing the corrective actions identified by our Program Investigation Team, and complete the testing and certification required for crewed flight. Our current plan is to return astronauts on Starliner-2 by 2028.”

NASA’s commercial crew efforts aim to preserve a U.S. crew transportation capability for ensuring continued access to space. The work is challenging, however, it is essential for responsibly concluding space station operations, transitioning to commercial space stations, and expanding commercial access.

In February, NASA released findings from the agency’s Program Investigation Team outlining the programmatic and technical issues resulting in an uncrewed return of the Starliner during its first crewed flight in 2024. In total, the investigation identified 61 recommendations to NASA to ensure that future missions meet the high standards required for human spaceflight.

The report specifically identified issues with Starliner’s service module reaction control thrusters operating outside of their engineering qualification, which resulted in the loss of control experienced during its Crew Flight Test. Through significant ground testing and analysis, NASA and Boeing learned that the service module thruster performance issues resulted from a combination of factors, including the thermal environment and features inherent in its design.

Based on the findings, Boeing has made thermal modifications to the spacecraft’s service module which NASA will evaluate for improved performance on Starliner-1. NASA and Boeing have also jointly decided to implement an additional thruster valve design modification in support of spacecraft certification and future crewed flights.

The uncrewed Starliner-1 has the potential to fly in December of this year or January 2027. It will serve as an engineering evaluation mission to verify improved thermal environments, obtain necessary performance data for system qualification, and identify residual risk ahead of crewed missions.

“Starliner’s next flight is a critical step on the path to achieving full system certification and ensuring a sustained human presence in low-Earth orbit,” said Dana Weigel, manager of NASA’s Low-Earth Orbit Program. “With the safety of our space station crew and the public as our highest priority, we will test Starliner’s propulsion system through targeted demonstration objectives and disciplined operational controls. These steps are essential to validating Starliner’s thermal performance which is a key element for the certification.”

Following the flight, NASA and Boeing will complete the service module thruster valve design modification, which is focused on addressing poppet seal extrusion and its adverse effects on thruster performance. Boeing will also implement other improvements across the spacecraft including installation of new crew module thrusters, batteries, and minor modifications to the parachute system for increased performance and reliability in support of system certification.

Source: NASA.Gov

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Boeing

Starship Attains Orbit and Provides a Preview to Artemis 3 on its 14th Flight...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 21:25:00 +0000

SpaceX

Earlier today, SpaceX's Starship rocket successfully launched from Starbase in Texas at 7:49 AM, Central Daylight Time...commencing a flight that would mark the first time the giant launch vehicle achieved orbit, and deploying real payloads (26 Starlink V3 satellites) around the Earth.

This was the 14th launch of SpaceX's Super Heavy rocket since 2023. While Ship 41 didn't survive splashdown in the northern Pacific like Ship 40 did in the Indian Ocean after Starship Flight 13 two months back (see the ship's recovery photos below), its major achievement during today's demonstration provided a preview of what we can expect in NASA's Artemis 3 mission—which is currently scheduled to launch next year.

In the first two images below, you see a Starlink V3 satellite slowly floating away from Ship 41 shortly after deployment. Hopefully, we won't have to wait too long to get this view of Starship again...but from inside the crew cabin of NASA's Orion spacecraft on Artemis 3. With Starship officially an orbital launch vehicle (it was an oversized suborbital spacecraft till this morning), the only thing needed for next year's Artemis flight is a mating adapter attached to the SpaceX craft that Orion will dock to as a test for the Artemis 4 mission.

Starship Flight 14 was a major success, and will definitely not have to deal with any mishap investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration. This means that the sooner the next Starship flight takes place, the better. More successful Starship missions brings us closer to the next crewed landing on the Moon!

SpaceX

SpaceX

SpaceX

NASA

Views from of one of the first 26 Starlink V3 satellites successfully deployed to orbit by Starship

Thanks for the ride, @SpaceX! pic.twitter.com/B2SSUA0N0q
— Starlink (@Starlink) September 28, 2026

SpaceX engineers spent several days inspecting Ship 40 in the waters off Christmas Island. They collected heatshield samples and gained vital insight into how the vehicle handled reentry with improvements now planned on future vehicles pic.twitter.com/8NWXpmhlLi
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) August 27, 2026

And that's Ship 40 loaded! Forte has raised out of the water, with Ship 40 safely in the cradle on its deck. Crews will now prepare for departure to the next destination in Ship 40's journey, which hopefully is the Port of Brownsville.

📸 https://t.co/v8IjDSUT8J https://t.co/e7LJQfcjIe pic.twitter.com/ex2nAML5Zq
— Lukas C. H. (@GewoonLukas_) August 26, 2026

Were is Starship 40?

Ship 40 remains aboard the Boskalis Forte, currently in the Indian Ocean roughly north of Mauritius and still pushing west toward the Cape of Good Hope.

Latest tracking and community updates keep the ETA at the Port of Brownsville around 8 October 2026.… pic.twitter.com/MuwcsCSgYK
— KiwiThinker (@KiwiThinker) September 6, 2026

Nation #76 Has Joined NASA's Moon Exploration Initiative...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 05:23:00 +0000

NASA

NASA Welcomes San Marino Signing the Artemis Accords (News Release - September 25)

The Republic of San Marino became the 76th signatory to the Artemis Accords during a ceremony in the city of Rimini on Friday with NASA and U.S. Department of State officials present.

Minister of Industry and Technological Research Rossano Fabbri signed on behalf of San Marino. Gregory Mann, NASA Europe representative, participated in the ceremony with the U.S. Consul General in Florence Joseph Tordella.

“We are pleased and honored that the Republic of San Marino has been welcomed as the 76th signatory state of the Artemis Accords,” said Fabbri. “We fully share the principles and values expressed in the Artemis Accords, and we are convinced that the signatory states united under the Accords will make a tangible contribution to promoting international cooperation in space and ensuring the use of space for peaceful purposes.”

In 2020, NASA and the State Department joined with seven other founding nations to establish the Artemis Accords, responding to the growing interest in lunar activities by both governments and private companies. They introduced the first set of practical principles aimed at enhancing the safety and coordination between nations as they explore the Moon, Mars and beyond, committing nations to:

-- Explore peaceably and transparently
-- Render aid to those in need
-- Enable access to scientific data
-- Ensure that activities do not interfere with those of others
-- Preserve historically significant sites and artifacts by developing best practices

By signing the Artemis Accords, nations open the door to opportunities for future lunar exploration with NASA, advancing humanity’s return to the Moon, and shaping the Golden Age of exploration and innovation.

Source: NASA.Gov

Nation #75 Has Joined NASA's Moon Exploration Initiative...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 20:19:00 +0000

NASA

NASA Welcomes Côte d’Ivoire as Newest Artemis Accords Signatory (News Release - September 24)

Côte d’Ivoire signed the Artemis Accords on Thursday, becoming the 75th signatory and marking a major milestone for this growing coalition. With the signing ceremony in the nation’s largest city, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire joined other like-minded nations and committed to the peaceful, transparent and responsible exploration of the Moon, Mars and beyond.

“The United States and Côte d’Ivoire already cooperate on Earth,” said NASA’s Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson. “Today, we expand that partnership beyond it. Joining the Artemis Accords opens new opportunities for our scientists, engineers and institutions to work together as humanity returns to the Moon and prepares for what comes next. We’ve aligned on the principles. The opportunities are in front of us. And now we can get to work.”

The nation’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Adama Diawara signed on behalf of the country in a ceremony held during Africa Space Expo ASPEX 2026. Chargé d’affaires Junaid Munir from the U.S. Department of State witnessed the ceremony.

“This is a great achievement, and important for Côte d’Ivoire’s ambitions and for the rest of the African Union members,” said Director General of the Space Agency of Côte d’Ivoire Tidiane Outtara.

Côte d’Ivoire has expanded its involvement in space science and technology through years of international cooperation. Since 2019, the National Office of Technical Development of Côte d’Ivoire and NASA have collaborated on Earth observation and geodesy, a field that measures Earth’s shape, gravity and movement. Together, the partners have advanced global geodetic networks, improved space‑based measurement techniques, and increased understanding of how Earth’s systems interact.

The country later established the Space Agency of Côte d’Ivoire in 2025 to coordinate national efforts in Earth observation, space weather, astronomy, satellite navigation, and communications.

In 2020, NASA and the State Department joined with seven other founding nations to establish the Artemis Accords, responding to the growing interest in lunar activities by both governments and private companies. The Artemis Accords are the first set of practical principles aimed at enhancing transparency, safety and coordination among nations as they explore the Moon, Mars and beyond, committing nations to:

-- Explore peaceably and transparently
-- Render aid to those in need
-- Enable access to scientific data
-- Ensure that activities do not interfere with those of others
-- Preserve historically significant sites and artifacts by developing best practices

By signing the Artemis Accords, nations open the door to opportunities for future lunar exploration with NASA, advancing humanity’s return to the Moon, and shaping the Golden Age of exploration and innovation.

Source: NASA.Gov

Photos of the Day: A Quick Update on Virgin Galactic's Delta-class Spaceship...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 19:47:00 +0000

Virgin Galactic

Just thought I'd share these two images of the new Delta-class Spaceship that Virgin Galactic is building at its Spaceship Factory in Mesa, Arizona.

In the photo above, the nearly-completed Spaceship is about to be mated to its VMS Eve mothership for a fit check. And in the picture below, the Spaceship was adorned with its purple color scheme a few months ago.

The first commercial flight of the Delta Spaceship is set to take place next February, while glide and flight tests should be commencing at New Mexico's Spaceport America by the end of this year.

A second Delta Spaceship is currently in production and will hopefully begin taking paying passengers to suborbital space by the second quarter of 2027! But as a reminder, it is now $750,000 per seat if you plan on flying with Virgin Galactic once it resumes commercial spaceline operations.

And yes, the VSS Unity is still flying...as shown below. Carry on!

Chief Engineer Gabe Williams takes you inside our Spaceship Factory in Mesa, AZ, for the first mate of our new spaceship and Eve. Attachment points lined up within thousandths of an inch.

Precision design. Precision build. Precision verification. pic.twitter.com/aD4EqUY0Uy
— Virgin Galactic (@virgingalactic) September 24, 2026

VSS Unity completed its 34th flight today, the second in our Unity glide series preparing pilots and ops teams for the new spaceship flight test program. CJ Sturckow and Andy Edgell flew Unity; Dan Alix and Jameel Janjua flew VMS Eve. More on the glide series here →… pic.twitter.com/Z1uGlcv5Rs
— Virgin Galactic (@virgingalactic) September 16, 2026

Nation #74 Has Joined NASA's Moon Exploration Initiative...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 06:33:00 +0000

NASA

NASA Welcomes Croatia as Newest Artemis Accords Signatory (News Release)

The Republic of Croatia became the 74th signatory to the Artemis Accords on Wednesday during a ceremony in the capital city of Zagreb, with NASA and U.S. Department of State officials present.

“It is my privilege to welcome the Republic of Croatia as the latest signatory of the Artemis Accords,” said NASA Deputy Matt Anderson in pre-recorded remarks during the ceremony. “Joining the Artemis Accords opens another chapter. We’ve aligned on the principles. The opportunities to contribute are growing. And now we can look toward what the United States and Croatia can accomplish together beyond Earth. Humanity’s opportunities in space are endless, and we are proud to welcome Croatia to the Artemis Accords community.”

Croatia’s Minister of Science, Education, and Youth Radovan Fuchs signed on behalf of the country. U.S. Ambassador to Croatia Nicole McGraw and Gregory Mann, NASA Europe representative, attended the event.

“Croatian scientists and companies are demonstrating growing interest in the space industry,” said Fuchs. “We have therefore decided to expand our international cooperation by joining the Artemis Accords. This international agreement has been recognized as a key opportunity for the robust development of Croatia’s scientific community, the introduction of new technologies, and the strengthening of the economy.”

Croatia marked a major milestone with the successful launch of its first satellite, CroCube, on December 21, 2024. The satellite reached orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, highlighting Croatia’s growing technological capabilities and interest in space collaboration.

NASA and the State Department joined with seven other founding nations to establish the Artemis Accords in 2020, responding to the growing interest in lunar activities by both governments and private companies.

The Artemis Accords are the first set of practical principles aimed at enhancing transparency, safety and coordination among like-minded nations as they explore the Moon, Mars and beyond, committing nations to:

-- Explore peaceably and transparently
-- Render aid to those in need
-- Enable access to scientific data
-- Ensure that activities do not interfere with those of others
-- Preserve historically significant sites and artifacts by developing best practices

By signing the Artemis Accords, nations open the door to opportunities for future lunar exploration with NASA, advancing humanity’s return to the Moon, and shaping the Golden Age of space exploration and innovation.

Source: NASA.Gov

Nation #73 Has Joined NASA's Moon Exploration Initiative...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 05:19:00 +0000

NASA / Bill Ingalls

NASA Welcomes Albania as Newest Artemis Accords Signatory (News Release)

The Republic of Albania signed the Artemis Accords Monday during a ceremony hosted by NASA at the agency’s headquarters in Washington, joining the coalition of like‑minded nations committed to the responsible and transparent exploration of space.

“It is my privilege to welcome the Republic of Albania as the 73rd signatory of the Artemis Accords,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson. “The relationship between our nations goes back more than a century. Today, we extend that partnership into space.”

Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha signed on behalf of the country. Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to the United States Ervin Bushati and the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Space and Environment Connor Tomlinson also participated in the event.

“It is a great honor for Albania to join the growing community of nations that have signed these important Artemis Accords,” said Hoxha in remarks during the ceremony. “By taking this step, Albania affirms its commitment to peaceful, transparent, sustainable and cooperative exploration of space. We do so as a country deeply committed to international law, multilateral cooperation, and the belief that humanity’s greatest achievements are realized not in isolation, but through partnerships.”

Marking a significant step in Albania’s efforts to strengthen its use of space‑based data, Albania launched two dedicated Earth‑observation satellites, Albania‑1 and Albania‑2, in January 2023 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an example of how the United States is supporting Albania’s capabilities in space.

Albania has also played an active role in NASA’s Space Apps Challenge, hosting local events that connected students, technologists and innovators with NASA’s openly-available Earth and space science data. NASA Space Apps is the world’s largest annual global hackathon, mobilizing participants in more than 150 countries to develop creative solutions to real-world challenges using open data from NASA and partner space agencies to advance exploration for the benefit of all.

In 2020, NASA and the State Department joined with seven other founding nations to establish the Artemis Accords, responding to the growing interest in lunar activities by both governments and private companies. They introduced the first set of practical principles aimed at enhancing the safety and coordination between nations as they explore the Moon, Mars and beyond, committing nations to:

-- Explore peaceably and transparently
-- Render aid to those in need
-- Enable access to scientific data
-- Ensure that activities do not interfere with those of others
-- Preserve historically significant sites and artifacts by developing best practices

By signing the Artemis Accords, nations open the door to opportunities for future lunar exploration with NASA, advancing humanity’s return to the Moon, and shaping the Golden Age of space exploration and innovation.

Source: NASA.Gov

The Left SRB Continues to be Stacked on the Mobile Launcher for the Next Flight of SLS...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 04:41:00 +0000

NASA / Frank Michaux

Artemis III Booster Stacking Coverage (Photo Release)

Technicians integrate the left forward booster segment for NASA’s Artemis III SLS (Space Launch System) rocket onto the left booster segments atop the Mobile Launcher in High Bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida - on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

The SLS rocket’s twin boosters, each made up of five segments manufactured by Northrop Grumman in Utah, will provide more than 75 percent of the rocket’s total thrust at launch.

The Artemis III mission will launch crew in the Orion spacecraft on top of the SLS rocket to test rendezvous and docking capabilities between Orion and commercial spacecraft needed to land astronauts on the Moon.

Source: NASA.Gov

****

NASA / Frank Michaux

Nation #72 Has Joined NASA's Moon Exploration Initiative...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 06:49:00 +0000

NASA / Bill Ingalls

NASA Welcomes Djibouti as Newest Artemis Accords Signatory (News Release)

The Republic of Djibouti became the 72nd nation and eighth African country to sign the Artemis Accords during a ceremony Monday at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The Artemis Accords are the first set of practical principles aimed at enhancing transparency, safety and coordination among nations as they explore the Moon, Mars and beyond.

“Djibouti joins this coalition of like-minded nations at an important time,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson, who hosted the ceremony. “NASA will lead, but we will not do it alone. We are creating opportunities for Artemis Accords nations to contribute hardware, scientific payloads, technology demonstrations, CubeSats and other capabilities to future missions.”

Ambassador of Djibouti to the United States Mohamed Siad Douale signed on behalf of Djibouti. U.S. State Department Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Frank Garcia also participated in the event.

Djibouti’s national space program, launched in 2020 and managed by the Centre for Studies and Research of Djibouti within the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, has steadily expanded its technical capabilities. The nation successfully launched its first satellites, Djibouti 1A and Djibouti 1B, in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Both reached orbit aboard American Falcon 9 rockets launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, an early example of how the U.S. is supporting Djibouti capabilities in space.

“By joining the Artemis Accords, Djibouti seeks to deepen its partnership with the United States and with the growing community of nations committed to peaceful space cooperation,” said Douale. “We look forward to building partnerships in scientific research, satellite applications, education and technical training, while creating new opportunities for Djibouti students, researchers, engineers and entrepreneurs.”

In 2020, NASA and the State Department joined with seven other founding nations to establish the Artemis Accords, responding to the growing interest in lunar activities by both governments and private companies, and committing nations to:

-- Explore peaceably and transparently
-- Render aid to those in need
-- Enable access to scientific data
-- Ensure that activities do not interfere with those of others
-- Preserve historically significant sites and artifacts by developing best practices

By signing the Artemis Accords, nations open the door to opportunities for future lunar exploration with NASA, advancing humanity’s return to the Moon, and shaping the Golden Age of space exploration and innovation.

Source: NASA.Gov