NASA
Astra launch of NASA TROPICS cubesats fails
An Astra launch of two NASA cubesats to monitor tropical storms failed June 12 when the rocket’s upper stage shut down prematurely.
Efforts continue to fully deploy Lucy solar array
Leaders of NASA’s Lucy asteroid mission are increasingly confident that the mission can continue as planned even if ongoing efforts to fully deploy and latch a solar array don’t succeed.
NASA embraces high-risk, high-reward research with UAP study
NASA will commission a small independent study of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), a move the agency says is part of its desire to support risky research that has the potential for high payoffs.
Astra ready for first of three NASA TROPICS launches
Astra Space is preparing to conduct the first of three launches of NASA cubesats to monitor tropical storms as soon as June 12, pending receipt of a launch license.
NASA audit reveals massive overruns in SLS mobile launch platform
A new mobile launch platform that Bechtel is building for NASA will cost up to four times as much as originally planned and could push back the first launch of an upgraded version of the Space Launch System to the late 2020s, a NASA audit concluded.
Psyche launch delay forcing revamp of rideshare mission
A delay in the launch of NASA’s Psyche asteroid mission is forcing another asteroid mission hitching a ride to revise its plans.
France joins Artemis Accords
France joined the U.S.-led Artemis Accords June 7, a long-anticipated but significant milestone for the effort to establish best practices for sustainable space exploration.
Cargo Dragon mission postponed to investigate potential propellant leak
NASA and SpaceX have postponed the launch of a cargo Dragon mission to the International Space Station after discovering a potential propellant leak in the spacecraft’s thrusters.
NASA to buy five additional Crew Dragon flights
NASA is planning to purchase five more Crew Dragon missions to the International Space Station from SpaceX, a move the agency says is needed to ensure long-term access to the station.
NASA selects Axiom Space and Collins Aerospace for spacesuit contracts
NASA awarded contracts to Axiom Space and Collins Aerospace to provide spacesuits for International Space Station spacewalks and Artemis moonwalks, although neither the agency nor the winning companies offered many technical or financial details.
House committee questions proposed delay in NASA asteroid mission
Members of the House Science Committee used a hearing about the planetary science decadal survey to criticize a proposal in NASA’s budget request to delay work on a space telescope to track near Earth objects.
Next SLS countdown rehearsal scheduled for June 19
NASA has tentatively scheduled the next attempt to fuel the Space Launch System and go through a practice countdown for June 19, two weeks after the vehicle returns to the launch pad.
NASA to reexamine space-based solar power
NASA is starting a study to reexamine the viability of space-based solar power, a long-touted solution to providing power from space that may be getting new interest thanks to technological advances and pushes for clean energy.
SpaceX replacing heat shield on upcoming Crew Dragon mission after failed test
SpaceX will replace the heat shield on the next Crew Dragon spacecraft flying to the International Space Station after it failed inspections, but NASA says there is no risk of a similar problem for the spacecraft currently at the station.
Additive manufacturing has progressed far beyond brackets
Spacecraft developers are additively manufacturing engine nozzles and other complex spacecraft components.
Space logistics experts broadly endorse standards
A panel of space logistics experts underscored the importance of open standards to encourage the growth of the market.
Starliner concludes OFT-2 test flight with landing in New Mexico
Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner safely landed in New Mexico May 25, concluding a six-day uncrewed test flight to the International Space Station.
Supply chain challenges also present opportunities for the space industry
Supply chain disruptions continue to pose a challenge for the space industry, but some see those disruptions as an opportunity for new approaches and innovation.
Software problem delays NASA Psyche launch
The launch of a NASA mission to the asteroid Psyche has been delayed at least a month and a half because of a problem with the spacecraft’s software, the agency confirmed May 23.
NASA plans to make Starliner crew assignments this summer
As Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner prepares to return from its brief trip to the International Space Station, NASA officials say they’ll wait until this summer to determine the schedule for the vehicle’s first crewed flight and the astronauts who will fly it.
