NASA on ‘aggressive’ schedule to complete SLS repairs for April launch
NASA is working on an "aggressive" timeline to complete necessary repairs to the Space Launch System's upper stage in order to meet the upcoming launch window for the Artemis 2 mission, scheduled for early April. With only three weeks remaining, the agency is focused on ensuring the rocket is ready for its critical role in returning humans to the Moon.
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NASA Adds Mission to Artemis Lunar Program, Updates Architecture
NASA has announced an expansion of the Artemis lunar program, increasing the frequency of missions to facilitate the return of American astronauts to the Moon and establish a sustainable presence. The updated plan includes standardizing vehicle configurations and adding an additional mission in 2027, with a goal of conducting at least one lunar surface landing each year thereafter.
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NASA revises plans for future Artemis missions, cancels upgrades to SLS
NASA has revised its Artemis lunar mission plans by introducing a test flight for lunar landers in low Earth orbit, while simultaneously canceling previously planned upgrades to the Space Launch System (SLS). These changes aim to streamline the mission architecture and enhance the overall efficiency of future Artemis missions.
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Teams Begin Artemis II Repairs in Vehicle Assembly Building
NASA teams have commenced repairs on the Artemis II SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft at the Vehicle Assembly Building, focusing on resolving an interruption in helium flow to the upper stage. Technicians are installing internal access platforms and removing thermal blankets to address potential issues with a seal and check valve in the helium tubing. Additionally, the teams will replace batteries, retest the flight termination system, and recharge the Orion spacecraft's launch abort system batteries during this maintenance period.
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Vast and Axiom awarded new private missions to ISS, continue work on commercial space stations
NASA has awarded private astronaut missions to Vast Space and Axiom Space, set to launch in 2027, as part of its efforts to enhance commercial activities in low-Earth orbit. This initiative includes training and transportation of four-person crews to the International Space Station (ISS) in partnership with SpaceX. Both companies are also developing their own commercial space stations, with Vast's Haven-1 and Axiom's first module expected to launch in 2027, as NASA prepares for the ISS's decommissioning in 2030.
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NASA Invites Media to Discuss Next Steps for Artemis Campaign
NASA has announced a news conference scheduled for February 27, 2026, to discuss the next steps for the Artemis II mission following the rollback of the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft to the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center. The conference will provide updates on troubleshooting the helium flow to the rocket's upper stage and preparations for the upcoming test flight, which aims to send four astronauts around the Moon. The event will be streamed live on NASA's YouTube channel, with an instant replay available afterward.
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NASA’s Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel Releases 2025 Annual Report
NASA's Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) has released its 2025 annual report, highlighting both achievements and ongoing challenges in the agency's safety practices as it prepares for more complex missions, including Artemis III. While noting progress in Artemis II readiness and astronaut health research, the panel emphasized the need for improved governance and risk management to address high-risk factors associated with upcoming missions. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman affirmed the agency's commitment to transparency and safety as it navigates these challenges.
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NASA Study to Analyze Fermented Food Samples from Space
NASA's BioNutrients-3 experiment aboard the International Space Station aims to develop on-demand production of essential nutrients using microorganisms, addressing the challenge of nutrient shelf life for long-duration space missions. As part of the Artemis campaign, the experiment's samples will return to Earth via a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft for analysis, potentially paving the way for sustainable food sources for future lunar and Martian explorers. This initiative is part of NASA's broader Synthetic Biology project, funded by the Game Changing Development program.
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NASA to Cover 33rd SpaceX Resupply Mission Station Departure
NASA is set to cover the undocking of its 33rd SpaceX Commercial Resupply Services mission on February 26, 2025, as a Dragon spacecraft returns to Earth carrying over 5,000 pounds of scientific research and supplies. The mission includes critical experiments such as the Euro Material Ageing study, which investigates material degradation in space, and the Stellar Stem Cells Mission 2, focused on understanding stem cell growth in microgravity. Live coverage of the undocking will be available on multiple platforms, with splashdown expected later that evening off the California coast.
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Meet Regina Senegal, Acting Chief of Johnson’s Quality and Flight Equipment Division
Regina Senegal has been appointed as the acting chief of the Quality and Flight Equipment Division at NASA's Johnson Space Center, where she oversees safety and quality management for key Artemis mission components, including the Orion and Gateway Programs. Her role involves collaborating with various teams to ensure that hardware and software meet safety standards and program requirements, while also managing extravehicular activity operations. Senegal's diverse division is integral to maintaining high safety and quality standards across multiple NASA initiatives.
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NASA preparing for Artemis 2 rollback to fix upper stage problem
NASA is preparing to roll back the Artemis 2 mission to address an issue with the Space Launch System's upper stage, which could potentially delay its planned launch on March 6. The decision comes just a day after the launch date was announced, highlighting ongoing challenges in the mission's preparation.
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Artemis II Crew Enters Quarantine Ahead of March Launch Opportunity
The Artemis II crew has entered quarantine ahead of their anticipated launch on March 6, pending final preparations and a Flight Readiness Review. The four astronauts, including NASA's Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, will limit their interactions to ensure their health before the mission. NASA recently completed a successful wet dress rehearsal, with technicians now focusing on final launch pad preparations.
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NASA targeting March 6 for Artemis 2 launch
NASA has set a target launch date of March 6 for the Artemis 2 mission, following a successful countdown test that encountered minimal issues. This mission aims to further advance the agency's goals for lunar exploration.
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NASA completes second Artemis 2 fueling test
NASA successfully conducted a second wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis 2 mission on February 19, marking a significant improvement over the first test, which encountered hydrogen leaks. This successful fueling test is a crucial step in preparing for the upcoming crewed lunar mission.
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NASA Begins Artemis II Launch Pad Ops After Successful Fuel Test
NASA has successfully completed a wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis II mission, fueling its Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with over 700,000 gallons of liquid propellant at Kennedy Space Center. The test demonstrated critical launch countdown procedures, including closing the Orion spacecraft's hatches and managing hydrogen fueling operations, which had posed challenges in prior tests. Despite a temporary loss of ground communications during the operation, backup systems were employed to ensure safety, and normal communications were restored without incident.
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Award-Winning NASA Camera Revolutionizes How We See the Invisible
NASA has introduced the Self-Aligned Focusing Schlieren (SAFS) system, a groundbreaking camera technology that enhances the visualization of air movement around aerospace vehicles. This compact and cost-effective tool simplifies the process of studying airflow, leading to improved aircraft designs and increased safety. Developed by engineers at NASA's Langley Research Center, the SAFS system represents a significant advancement over traditional schlieren imaging techniques used for nearly 80 years.
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NASA Advances High-Altitude Traffic Management
NASA is advancing high-altitude traffic management to enhance airspace accessibility for various sectors, including telecommunications and emergency response. The agency is developing a new air traffic management system that focuses on "station-keeping" for aircraft operating at altitudes above 50,000 feet, ensuring safe and reliable operations in this emerging airspace. This initiative aims to provide improved internet connectivity and situational awareness for disaster response, moving away from the current manual management approach.
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Artemis haters, can we have a moment, please?
Critics of the Artemis mission are voicing concerns about its lengthy timeline, high costs, and perceived lack of historical significance and safety. Despite the negative sentiment expressed in various forums, the article calls for a moment of reflection on the mission's potential and importance for future space exploration.
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NASA, SpaceX set for launch of Crew-12 to ISS
NASA and SpaceX are preparing for the launch of Crew-12, the 12th operational crew rotation mission to the International Space Station (ISS) under the Commercial Crew Program. Scheduled for liftoff on February 13 at 5:15 AM EST, the mission will transport four astronauts from NASA, ESA, and Roscosmos for an eight-month stay as part of Expedition 74/75. The crew, led by NASA astronaut Jessica Meir, will dock with the ISS approximately 34 hours after launch.
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NASA Moon Mission Spacesuit Nears Milestone
NASA's Artemis III mission spacesuit, the AxEMU developed by Axiom Space, has successfully passed a critical technical review, marking a significant milestone in preparations for the upcoming lunar mission. Testing is currently underway, with astronauts simulating moonwalk tasks underwater to assess the suit's safety and mobility features, which include enhanced flexibility and advanced life-support systems. As Axiom Space begins assembling parts for the first flight unit, NASA will conduct further evaluations to ensure the suit meets all requirements for the historic return of humans to the Moon's South Pole.
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