SPACE · NASA · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
NASA and Boeing will hold a joint news conference on Monday, 28 September, at 3 p.m. EDT to brief the media on the ongoing development of the CST‑100 Starliner spacecraft. The briefing will focus on the progress made toward regular crewed flights between the United States and the International Space Station, a capability that has been delayed by earlier technical setbacks. NASA officials and Boeing senior leaders are slated to discuss the current test‑flight schedule, certification milestones, and the roadmap for integrating Starliner into NASA’s commercial crew program. The event will be streamed live on NASA’s website (https://www.nasa.gov/live), and media credentialed for the upcoming Crew‑13 mission may attend in person at the Kennedy Space Center. No new launch dates were announced, but the conference is expected to outline the next series of uncrewed test flights that will validate the vehicle’s safety systems. The update underscores the agency’s commitment to maintaining a domestic crew‑transport option alongside SpaceX’s Dragon, preserving competition and redundancy for future ISS missions and deep‑space exploration. What to watch: the announced timeline for the next uncrewed Starliner test flight.
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SPACE · NASA · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
The Republic of San Marino officially became the 76th signatory to the Artemis Accords during a ceremony held in Rimini on Friday. NASA and officials from the U.S. Department of State were present for the signing, underscoring the United States’ effort to broaden the coalition of nations that support the Artemis program’s goals of peaceful, transparent and responsible exploration of the Moon and beyond. NASA’s Deputy Administrator, speaking at the event, noted that San Marino joins a growing group of like‑minded countries committed to those principles. The Accords outline a set of non‑binding norms covering topics such as lunar resource extraction, space debris mitigation and the protection of heritage sites. By signing, San Marino signals its intention to align its future space activities with these guidelines, even though the tiny nation currently has limited indigenous launch capability. The ceremony reflects the broader diplomatic push to ensure that emerging space actors adhere to shared standards as lunar missions accelerate in the coming years. What to watch: how San Marino’s accession influences future Artemis partnership meetings.
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SPACE · NASA · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
NASA, together with the Federal Aviation Administration, university partners and industry stakeholders, has launched the 2026‑2027 Design With Universities (DWU) Middle School Design Challenge. The theme for this year’s competition is "Fueling Flight Design Challenge: New Energy Systems." The initiative seeks innovative concepts from middle‑school students that could enhance safety and efficiency as aircraft become an increasingly integral part of the United States National Airspace System. Participants are encouraged to explore novel energy solutions that could be integrated into future aircraft designs. The challenge underscores NASA's commitment to fostering early interest in aerospace engineering and to collaborating with educational institutions to address emerging aviation needs. Submissions will be evaluated on creativity, feasibility and potential impact on the NAS. What to watch: winning designs that may influence future research into sustainable aviation technologies.
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SPACE · NASA · editor 9/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
NASA's Hubble Space Telescope released an image of the spiral galaxy NGC 4698 on 18 September 2026, revealing a chaotic secret within its seemingly tranquil appearance. The galaxy, classified as a spiral like the Milky Way, features arms that wind around a thin disk composed of stars, gas and dust. Detailed analysis of the Hubble image shows irregularities suggesting underlying turbulence in the galactic structure. While the overall shape remains classic, the newly observed chaos may offer insights into the dynamics of spiral arms and the processes governing star formation. The discovery highlights Hubble's continued ability to uncover subtle complexities in nearby galaxies, even as it approaches the end of its operational life. What to watch: follow‑up studies that could clarify the nature of the chaotic features in NGC 4698.
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SPACE · NASA · editor 9/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
NASA has released Technical Bulletin 26‑07, a guidance document concerning the use of aluminum alloy 2219. The bulletin, authored by Donald S. Parker of the Kennedy Space Center (contact: [email protected]), warns that improper casting and forging processes can introduce microstructural defects in the alloy. These defects may compromise the material's response to anodic surface treatments, leading to increased susceptibility to corrosion. The bulletin emphasizes that such defects result in a sub‑optimal performance of the alloy in aerospace applications where corrosion resistance is critical. Interested parties are directed to download the PDF version for a complete risk assessment and recommended mitigation strategies. The document serves as a reminder that manufacturing quality control remains essential for maintaining the integrity of high‑performance aluminum alloys used in space missions.
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SPACE · NASA · editor 9/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
NASA announced that Côte d’Ivoire became the 75th nation to sign the Artemis Accords on Thursday in Abidjan, the country’s largest city. The signing ceremony marked a milestone for the growing coalition of nations committed to the peaceful, transparent and responsible exploration of the Moon, Mars and beyond. By joining the Accords, Côte d’Ivoire aligns with the United States and other like‑minded partners in supporting the principles that guide NASA’s Artemis program, including open scientific collaboration and adherence to international law. The agreement reinforces the nation’s interest in future lunar activities and signals its willingness to contribute to the broader goals of sustainable space exploration. While no specific mission details were disclosed, the Accords provide a framework for potential participation in upcoming Artemis lunar missions and related deep‑space endeavors. The addition of Côte d’Ivoire expands the geographic diversity of the partnership and underscores the global nature of humanity’s return to the Moon. The Accords, first signed in 2020, have grown to include nations from every continent, and the 75th signature reflects increasing international confidence in NASA’s roadmap to land the first woman and the next man on the lunar surface by the mid‑2020s. Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment also opens opportunities for its scientific community to engage in data sharing, technology development and educational outreach linked to Artemis missions. Observers note that the partnership could pave the way for future collaborations in lunar resource utilization and Mars exploration, aligning with the broader vision of a sustainable human presence beyond Earth. What to watch: future Artemis mission updates involving Côte d’Ivoire.
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SPACE · NASA · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
NASA has announced the crew roster for the upcoming SpaceX Crew-14 mission, slated to launch no earlier than spring 2027. The flight will carry four astronauts to the International Space Station for a long‑duration science expedition. NASA astronauts Kayla Barron and Chris Birch have been designated as spacecraft commander and pilot, respectively. Joining them are Makoto Suwa, representing the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and a cosmonaut from Roscosmos, completing a multinational team from three space agencies. The mission will utilize SpaceX’s Crew Dragon vehicle, continuing the partnership between NASA and SpaceX that began under the Commercial Crew Program. The expedition aims to conduct a series of scientific investigations across microgravity research, technology demonstrations, and Earth observation, extending the station’s operational capabilities into the late 2020s. All crew members will undergo integrated training with NASA, JAXA, and Roscosmos to ensure seamless operations aboard the ISS. The launch window aligns with orbital mechanics that favor a spring departure, though exact dates remain subject to vehicle readiness and international coordination. What to watch: Live coverage of the Crew‑14 launch and the first joint experiment session aboard the ISS.
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SPACE · NASA · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
NASA has announced the winners of its Deep Space Food Challenge: Mars to Table, a competition aimed at fostering innovative solutions for astronaut sustenance during long-duration space missions. The announcement was made on Thursday, highlighting significant advancements in integrated space food systems.
The top prize, a substantial $300,000, was awarded to Chinyere Ukeje from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Ukeje's winning concept, named the Adaptive Nourishment Infrastructure (ANI) food system, impressed judges with its potential to provide safe and nutritious meals in the challenging environment of deep space, particularly for future Mars missions.
The Deep Space Food Challenge called upon solvers to develop novel approaches to space food systems. The core objective was to ensure astronauts have access to wholesome and reliable nutrition, a critical factor for the success and well-being of crews undertaking extended journeys beyond Earth orbit.
This initiative underscores NASA's commitment to overcoming the logistical complexities of human space exploration. Providing sustainable and diverse food options is essential for maintaining crew health and morale during missions that could last for months or even years, such as those envisioned for Mars.
The Adaptive Nourishment Infrastructure (ANI) system represents a step forward in designing food solutions that are not only nutritious but also adaptable to the unique constraints of space travel, including limited resources and the need for efficient storage and preparation. The competition sought to push the boundaries of what is possible in extraterrestrial dining.
What to watch: Future developments in space food technology for upcoming long-duration missions.
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SPACE · NASA · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
A joint US‑India satellite has recorded a time‑lapse sequence of a volcanic eruption on Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula. The footage shows lava streaming from the northern crater of the Krasheninnikov volcano pair, spreading like tendrils across the landscape. The eruption followed a magnitude‑8.8 earthquake that struck the nearby ocean on July 30, 2025, an event that appears to have jolted one of the twin volcanoes into activity. A few days after the quake, the satellite began capturing continuous imagery, marking the first time such a sequence has been documented from space for this region. Analysts note that the data could improve understanding of how seismic shocks trigger volcanic responses, especially in remote, hard‑to‑access settings. The satellite, part of a collaborative Earth‑observation program, continues to monitor the evolving plume and lava flow, providing real‑time inputs to volcanologists and disaster‑response teams. What to watch: Ongoing satellite observations for further eruption dynamics and potential ash‑cloud impacts on aviation.
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SPACE BRIEFquick bite · NASA · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
The NSSC manages travel reimbursement for authorized NASA travel, including domestic, foreign, local, ETDY, and Change of Station, in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations.
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SPACE · NASA · editor 9/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
NASA's SpaceX Crew-13 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) will focus extensively on understanding human health and performance in microgravity. During their tenure aboard the orbiting laboratory, astronauts will participate in a comprehensive series of biomedical and human performance investigations designed to advance knowledge critical for future space exploration.
A key element of these studies includes a new collaborative effort specifically aimed at examining how spaceflight impacts blood flow and clotting mechanisms in the human body. This research is vital for addressing potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to the space environment.
Beyond physiological responses, NASA will also assess crew members' manual piloting skills, an essential aspect of operational capabilities for both current and future missions. Furthermore, the Crew-13 mission will involve evaluating various methods to counter vision and brain changes that can occur during extended periods in space. The astronauts will also be engaged in gathering essential health data, contributing to a broader understanding of human adaptation and resilience in extraterrestrial conditions. These investigations underscore NASA's commitment to ensuring astronaut well-being and mission success.
What to watch: Upcoming reports on the preliminary findings from these critical health studies.
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SPACE · NASA · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
The Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) for 24 September 2026, titled “The Ghosts of Five Supernovas,” showcases a composite image that reveals the lingering remnants of five historic stellar explosions. Curated by NASA’s APOD team, the picture combines data from space‑based observatories and ground‑based telescopes to illustrate the faint nebular shells that persist long after the initial blast. The accompanying description, written by a professional astronomer, explains how each ghostly filament traces the shockwave’s interaction with interstellar gas, providing clues about the progenitor stars’ mass and the chemical enrichment of the galaxy. While the image itself is a visual highlight, the write‑up also notes that the supernovae occurred over a range of centuries, allowing researchers to compare evolutionary stages across different remnants. The APOD entry links to the full archive and offers a brief educational guide for readers interested in supernova physics. What to watch: upcoming NASA releases on supernova remnant spectroscopy and any scheduled public webinars tied to the APOD feature.
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SPACE · NASA · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
A recent atmospheric phenomenon brought a distinct autumn ambiance to the western regions of Washington and Oregon. The area was blanketed by a low-lying cloud layer, creating a pervasive "cloudy cloak" over the landscape, according to observations from NASA. This widespread cloud cover significantly impacted visibility and the general feel of the environment across these states.
The cloud formation was notably concentrated in the lower elevations of western Washington and Oregon. In contrast, mountainous areas situated along the coast presented a different picture. These higher geographical features remained distinctly above the pall of clouds, enjoying clearer conditions. This stark division illustrates how local topography can play a crucial role in shaping meteorological patterns, with elevated terrains often escaping the atmospheric conditions prevalent in the surrounding lowlands.
The event provided a clear example of how specific weather systems can introduce a particular seasonal feel, in this case, an autumnal one, even without other typical markers like falling leaves or temperature drops. Such cloud layers are a common feature in certain climates, influencing everything from light quality to local microclimates. The persistent nature of this particular layer contributed to a consistent atmospheric character throughout the affected areas.
What to watch: Further observations on how local topography influences regional cloud distribution.
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SPACE · ScienceDaily Space · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
Scientists have made a remarkable discovery on the Sun's surface: incredibly tiny plasma whirlpools, previously unseen. These newly identified vortices are surprisingly small, with some measuring just 20 kilometers in width. This finding offers new insights into the complex dynamics of our star, challenging existing understanding of solar phenomena.
These minuscule whirlpools are believed to play a crucial role in several solar processes. Researchers suggest they may be responsible for twisting magnetic fields on the Sun. Furthermore, these vortices could contribute to the build-up of energy that is subsequently released in small solar eruptions, known as nanoflares. Nanoflares are minor, frequent energy bursts on the Sun, distinct from larger, more powerful solar flares.
Another significant implication of this discovery is their potential to explain how magnetic fields propagate through the Sun’s atmosphere. Current solar models struggle to account for the speed at which these fields spread. The newly found plasma whirlpools might provide the missing mechanism, facilitating a far faster dispersion than previously understood. This discovery opens new avenues for research into solar physics.
What to watch: Further studies on the role of these whirlpools in solar activity.
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SPACE · NASA · editor 9/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
NASA’s venerable Hubble Space Telescope has reached a significant operational milestone, completing its 200,000th orbit around Earth on September 19. This achievement further solidifies Hubble's legacy as a pivotal observatory that continues to reshape humanity's understanding of the cosmos.
Over its remarkable 36-year lifetime, the Hubble Space Telescope has traversed an immense distance, traveling more than 5 billion miles in its journey around our planet. This extensive operational period has enabled the observatory to conduct an extraordinary volume of scientific work, exceeding 1.7 million total observations.
The 200,000th orbit underscores the enduring capability and scientific productivity of the telescope, which has consistently delivered groundbreaking data and stunning imagery since its deployment. An observation was completed on the very day of this orbital milestone, continuing its mission to explore distant galaxies, stars, and other celestial phenomena.
Hubble’s contributions have been instrumental in numerous astronomical discoveries, from measuring the expansion rate of the universe to capturing the birth and death of stars, continually pushing the boundaries of astrophysical research.
What to watch: Future scientific observations and data releases from the ongoing Hubble mission.
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SPACE · ScienceDaily Space · editor 9/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
A discarded stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket impacted the Moon on August 5, creating a newly formed crater approximately 60 feet wide, NASA has confirmed. The event, resulting from an uncontrolled descent, has provided scientists with a unique opportunity to study lunar geology.
NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) was instrumental in capturing detailed images of the impact site. These high-resolution photographs reveal distinct bright and dark streaks of debris that were blasted across the surrounding lunar surface following the collision. The imagery offers crucial insights into the dynamics of such impacts on celestial bodies.
Significantly, the force of the impact was powerful enough to expose fresh material that had been buried beneath the Moon’s weathered exterior. This exposure of subsurface material is particularly valuable for researchers, as it can provide clues about the Moon's composition and geological history that are otherwise difficult to access.
The incident, while unintentional, has thus served as an impromptu experiment, allowing scientists to observe the direct consequences of a substantial object striking the lunar surface. The data collected by LRO will contribute to a deeper understanding of crater formation processes and the Moon's stratigraphy.
What to watch: Further analysis of the exposed lunar material and its implications for lunar composition.
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SPACE · ScienceDaily Space · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
Recent scientific investigations have revealed a significant and previously hidden temperature divide deep within the interior of Mars. This groundbreaking discovery indicates that the planet's southern interior is potentially hundreds of degrees hotter than its northern counterpart, suggesting a partially molten state beneath the surface in the south.
This newly identified thermal asymmetry could provide crucial insights into several long-standing mysteries surrounding the Red Planet. Researchers believe the heat anomaly may offer explanations for the unusual magnetic fields observed on Mars, as well as its distinctive seismic behavior. Understanding this internal temperature variation could refine current models of Martian geology and evolution.
Furthermore, the discovery holds potential implications for understanding Mars's ancient past, particularly its water history. The internal heat distribution could have played a critical role in the planet's geological processes, influencing the presence and movement of water over eons. This finding marks a significant step forward in deciphering the complex internal dynamics of Earth's planetary neighbor, offering new avenues for future research into its formation and habitability. The research underscores the dynamic nature of planetary interiors and their profound influence on surface phenomena.
What to watch: Future missions exploring Mars's interior.
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SPACE · ScienceDaily Space · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
Astronomers have recently achieved a significant breakthrough in stellar observation, capturing their most distinct image to date of Betelgeuse’s long-suspected companion star. This accomplishment marks a potential conclusion to a scientific quest that has spanned approximately 100 years. The discovery centers on a surprisingly massive, previously hidden star orbiting Betelgeuse. This newly observed celestial body is hypothesized to play a crucial role in understanding the enigmatic variations in Betelgeuse's brightness, a phenomenon that has puzzled researchers for an extended period. Furthermore, the presence and characteristics of this companion star are believed to hold implications for Betelgeuse’s ultimate fate, potentially influencing the timing and nature of its future supernova event. The clearer imaging provides unprecedented insight into the dynamics of this binary system, offering a new perspective on the evolution of massive stars and their interactions. This finding could reshape current models of stellar behavior and the processes leading to some of the universe's most dramatic cosmic events. The detailed observation brings astronomers closer to fully comprehending the complex life cycle of one of the most prominent stars in our night sky. What to watch: Future studies will likely focus on refining models of Betelgeuse's evolution with its newly confirmed companion.
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SPACE · NASA · editor 9/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
NASA updated an outreach feature on September 22, 2026, to reflect a time change for an in‑flight call with students in New Hampshire. Astronaut Anil Menon, currently aboard the International Space Station, will field prerecorded STEM questions from the classroom while orbiting Earth. The live Earth‑to‑space connection is scheduled to begin at 11:40 a.m. EDT on Thursday, September 24, and will be streamed to participating schools. The session is part of NASA's ongoing effort to bring real‑time space science into K‑12 curricula, allowing students to hear directly from an astronaut about daily life in microgravity, ongoing experiments, and the station’s role in international research. No additional details about the number of students or the specific topics were provided beyond the generic STEM focus. The call represents a continuation of NASA's education outreach, leveraging the unique perspective of an orbiting crew member to inspire the next generation of explorers. What to watch: the recorded Q&A segment that will be made publicly available after the live broadcast.
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