2018 NIAC Symposium

On September 25-27, 2018, the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Program’s 2018 Symposium will be held at the Omni Parker House Hotel in Boston, MA.

Attendance is free but registration is required. Registration can be done in advanc…

The 21st Annual International Mars Society Convention

The annual International Mars Society Convention brings together leading scientists, engineers, aerospace industry representatives, government policymakers and journalists to talk about the latest scientific discoveries, technological advances and…

NASA deputy administrator nominee seeks focus on managerial and acquisition issues

The space industry outsider nominated to become NASA deputy administrator said he would focus on acquisition reform and adapting NASA to a “new role” with commercial partners if confirmed by the Senate.

NASA says RS-25 engine test a success despite ending early

NASA says an Aug. 14 test of an engine for the Space Launch System was a success despite an unspecified “facility issue” that caused the test to end early.

Committee praises NASA’s planetary science program but raises some concerns

NASA has done a good job implementing the recommendations of its latest planetary science decadal survey despite past budget problems, but needs to improve some programs, a recent report concluded.

SN Military.Space | Space Force a political football • The next big thing in space missile defense • How to make satellites ‘defendable’

The Pentagon's Joint Oversight Requirements Council will be briefed this fall on potential solutions to a major national security vulnerability: hypersonic weapons that fly into space at supersonic speeds and descend back down to Earth directly on top of targets.

NASA launches Parker Solar Probe mission to study the sun up close

A NASA mission to travel closer to the sun than any previous spacecraft is on its way after a successful launch from Cape Canaveral Aug. 12.

NASA funds commercial technology development and market studies

NASA announced more than 20 contracts valued at $55 million Aug. 8 intended to develop commercial technologies for space exploration as well as study future markets for commercial activities in low Earth orbit.

Government agencies welcome small rockets with contracts, awards and reduced red tape

To prepare for a new generation of small rockets promising dedicated rides to orbit for small satellites, NASA, the U.S. Air Force, the National Reconnaissance Office and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency are setting aside money and trimming oversight.

NASA bolsters smallsat science programs

NASA is responding to the growing interest in, and capabilities of, small satellites for science applications with an initiative that will spend $100 million a year on a series of projects.

NASA assigns astronauts to first commercial crew missions

NASA announced Aug. 3 the assignment of eight agency astronauts, a mix of veterans and rookies, as well as one company astronaut to fly on the first set of commercial crew missions by Boeing and SpaceX.

NASA confirms delays in Boeing and SpaceX commercial crew flights

NASA released an updated schedule of commercial crew test flights Aug. 2 that confirms Boeing’s revised plans as well as delays for SpaceX’s two demonstration missions.

Senate science hearing debates effectiveness of decadal surveys

A Senate hearing Aug. 1 intended to discuss NASA’s search for life beyond Earth turned into a discussion about the long-standing process the scientific community uses to prioritize missions.

Senators seek focus on Mars in NASA’s exploration plans

Senators preparing a new NASA authorization bill want to ensure that the agency’s long-term focus remains human missions to Mars even as it plans flights to the moon.

NASA Inspector General skeptical of ISS commercialization plans

A new report by NASA’s Office of Inspector General raises doubts about the feasibility of NASA’s plans to transfer ISS operations to the private sector in 2025.