NASA ceases efforts to deploy Mars InSight heat flow probe

After nearly two years of struggles, NASA has abandoned efforts to deploy a heat flow probe on its InSight lander into the surface of Mars.

SLS core stage ready for Green Run test firing

NASA officials expressed confidence that a key test of the Space Launch System scheduled for Jan. 16 will go well, keeping open the chances that the vehicle will make its long-delayed debut before the end of the year.

Next-generation Dragon cargo spacecraft returns from space station

The first in SpaceX’s new generation of Dragon cargo spacecraft completed its mission with a splashdown off the Florida coast Jan. 13.

NASA and Japan finalize Gateway agreement

NASA and the Japanese government have completed an agreement outlining Japan’s contributions to the lunar Gateway as NASA works to wrap up international contributions to the outpost.

45th Space Wing forecasts more than 50 launches in 2021

As many as 53 space missions are projected to lift off in 2021 from Florida’s Space Coast, the vice commander of the 45th Space Wing said Jan. 12.

White House executive order promotes development of space and defense nuclear power systems

Less than a month after issuing a policy directive on space nuclear power, the White House released an executive order Jan. 12 seeking to promote the development of small nuclear reactors for space and defense applications.

Aerojet Rocketdyne completes assembly of its first AR1 rocket engine

Aerojet Rocketdyne has completed the assembly of the first AR1, a new rocket engine funded by the U.S. Air Force.

NASA to upgrade space station solar arrays

NASA will start an upgrade this year of the solar arrays of the International Space Station to ensure the station has sufficient power to continue operating at least through the end of the decade.

NOAA proposes future geostationary constellation with East, West and Center satellites

After evaluating priorities for NOAA satellites to follow the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite R Series satellites (GOES-R) in the 2030 to 2050 timeframe, NOAA’s National Satellite, Data and Information Service is recommending flying three satellites over the United States.

NASA selects four small astrophysics missions for study

NASA has selected four small astrophysics missions for further study, although the agency cautions that not all may ultimately be flown.

ESA director general to retire early

The outgoing director general of the European Space agency announced Jan. 8 that he will step down at the end of February, four months ahead of schedule.

Thales Alenia Space given €296 million contract to build European Gateway module

JOHANNESBURG — The European Space Agency (ESA) signed a nearly €296 million ($362 million) contract with Thales Alenia Space Jan. 7 to build a European module for NASA’s lunar Gateway space station.

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China gears up for space station, cargo and crewed mission launches

China is preparing to launch three major missions in the next few months to initiate the construction phase of the Chinese space station project.

NASA to conduct SLS static-fire test in mid-January

NASA plans to complete the Green Run test campaign for the Space Launch System core stage with a hotfire test scheduled for mid-January.

AAC Clyde subsidiary Hyperion to fly CubeCAT laser terminal

AAC Clyde Space subsidiary Hyperion Technologies won a 150,000 euro contract to perform an in-orbit verification flight for CubeCAT, the company’s small satellite laser communications terminal.

China’s CASC targets more than 40 space launches in 2021

China’s main space contractor aims to conduct more than 40 orbital launches in 2021, including launching a space station module and human spaceflight missions.