Missions

Op-ed | The MILO Institute: a new model for deep space exploration
The MILO Institute’s mission is to augment the work of traditional space agencies by enabling more frequent, affordable and science-driven missions to be flown.

Looking at Apollo 8 from below: the story of cameras 37 and 39
Ever so briefly, the millions of people watching the launch that December morning had a unique view never seen before on television — the five huge F-1 First Stage engines starting up.


NASA looking to launch delayed space science missions in early 2019
NASA hopes to get two long-delayed space science missions launched in the first few months of 2019, one of which will go on one of two back-to-back Falcon Heavy missions.

Dream Chaser cleared to begin full-scale production
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) has won NASA approval to begin full-scale production of its Dream Chaser cargo spacecraft scheduled to make its first flight in about two years.

Air Force launch commander ‘not confident’ GPS 3 will lift off Wednesday
45th Space Wing Commander: “We are now working with General Thompson’s folks and SpaceX to see whether we can launch tomorrow."

SpaceIL completes lunar lander for February launch
A privately funded Israeli lunar lander originally built for a prize competition is now complete and ready for launch in early 2019.



NASA moving forward on implementing Earth science decadal survey recommendations
Nearly a year after the release of the latest decadal survey for the field, the head of NASA’s Earth science program says the agency is making good progress in implementing its recommendations.

Chang’e-4 spacecraft enters lunar orbit ahead of first-ever far side landing
China’s Chang’e-4 lander and rover spacecraft successfully entered lunar orbit Wednesday following a four-and-half-day flight to the moon.

Voyager 2 enters interstellar space
As NASA’s Voyager 2 spacecraft enters interstellar space, project officials have high hopes that it and its twin spacecraft will continue to operate for as long as a decade.

NASA lunar orbiter now supporting commercial and international missions
A NASA spacecraft originally built as part of the previous effort to return humans to the moon is now playing a key role in the new effort at human lunar return, including aiding commercial landers.

China launches Chang’e-4 spacecraft for pioneering lunar far side landing mission
China launched its Chang’e-4 moon mission Dec. 7, successfully sending the lander and rover into a lunar transfer orbit ahead of an unprecedented attempt at a landing on the far side of the moon early in the New Year.

NASA and SpaceX still aiming for January commercial crew test flight
While a SpaceX commercial crew test flight might not launch on a date in early January previously announced NASA, both agency and company officials are optimistic the mission will still fly later in the month.