2019 NIAC Symposium

The 2019 NIAC Symposium will feature progress presentations from our new Phase I Fellows and current Phase II Fellows.

This portfolio of NIAC studies addressing diverse research areas includes : Revolutionary Exploration Systems, Novel Prop…

SLS contractors expect first launch in 2021

While NASA has yet to update the schedule for the first flight of its Space Launch System, companies working on the heavy-lift rocket now expect the rocket to launch in early 2021 rather than 2020.

NASA issues call for proposals for Gateway logistics

NASA formally issued a call for proposals to provide cargo transportation services for its lunar Gateway Aug. 16, offering up to $7 billion in contracts to support operations of the human-tended facility.

Marshall selected to lead NASA human lunar lander program

NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center will manage the agency’s efforts to develop a lander needed to achieve the goal of landing astronauts on the moon by 2024, an announcement overshadowed by political wrangling about what center should be responsible.

NASA to seek independent review of ISS National Laboratory

NASA will perform an independent review of the non-profit organization that runs the portion of the International Space Station designated a national laboratory while also calling for a “strategic pause” in that organization’s work.

Scientists worry about long-term future of NASA’s Mars exploration program

As NASA gears up a decade-long effort to return samples from Mars, some scientists are worried that the campaign may not leave any funding available for other robotic missions to the planet.

NASA planning to keep BEAM module on ISS for the long haul

An experimental module added to the International Space Station three years ago to test expandable module technologies has been cleared to remain on the station through the late 2020s.

Blue Canyon Technologies continues NASA cubesat operations

Small satellite manufacturer Blue Canyon Technologies (BCT) announced plans Aug. 5 to continue operating two NASA-funded cubesats, TEMPEST-D and HaloSat, from its mission operations center in Boulder, Colorado.

Senator criticizes cost and schedule issues with NASA programs

The chairman of a key Senate committee said he’s “troubled” by cost and schedule growth on major NASA programs and is asking the agency for more information on their status.

GOES-17 instrument problem blamed on blocked heat pipe

A report released Aug. 1 concluded that a problem with an instrument on the GOES-17 weather satellite is likely caused by some kind of blockage in a system used to cool the instrument.

NASA seeks “industrialization” of low Earth orbit with ISS commercialization strategy

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine says he believes the agency’s new strategy for increasing commercial use of the ISS will lead to an “industrialization” of low Earth orbit, although experts warn it may take time for those markets to emerge.

Blue Origin and SpaceX among winners of NASA technology agreements for lunar landers and launch vehicles

Blue Origin and SpaceX have secured multiple agreements with NASA intended to support the development of technologies for launch vehicles and lunar landers.

NASA warns commercial crew delays create uncertainty in ISS operations

As NASA praises the increased amount of research being performed on the International Space Station, the station’s manager cautions that uncertainty about commercial crew vehicles may disrupt station operations in the year ahead.

Commercial lunar lander company terminates NASA contract

One of the three companies NASA selected less than two months ago to carry payloads to the moon has informed the agency it won’t be able to perform that mission and has terminated its nearly $100 million contract.

Mars sample return mission plans begin to take shape

While neither NASA nor ESA has yet to give formal approval, or funding, for missions to return samples from Mars, both agencies are taking steps to refine plans for what those missions will be.