Serbia signs the Artemis Accords
Serbia has officially signed the Artemis Accords, aligning itself with the U.S.-led initiative aimed at fostering international cooperation in lunar exploration. This move comes over two years after the country initially joined China's lunar base project, marking a significant shift in its space collaboration strategy.
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NASA Welcomes Serbia as Newest Artemis Accords Signatory
Serbia has officially joined the Artemis Accords, becoming the 69th signatory committed to the peaceful exploration of space. The signing ceremony, held at NASA Headquarters, highlighted Serbia's historical contributions to space exploration, particularly during the Apollo program, where Serbian engineers played crucial roles. NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson emphasized the importance of international collaboration in achieving significant milestones in space.
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NASA Taps SpaceX’s Starlink to Deliver Artemis III Imagery from Orion
NASA has chosen SpaceX to provide laser communications for the upcoming Artemis III mission, allowing for high-quality 4K imagery and video transmission from the Orion spacecraft. Two Starlink mini laser terminals will be installed on Orion to enhance its communication capabilities, enabling real-time data downlink to Mission Control during the mission's critical rendezvous and docking tests. This technology builds on previous successes with optical communications demonstrated during Artemis II, which showcased the ability to transmit various data types using laser signals.
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Live coverage: SpaceX to deploy first Starlink V3 satellites on suborbital Starship-Super Heavy flight
SpaceX is set to launch its Starship Flight 13 mission, which will mark the debut of its Starlink Version 3 satellites during a suborbital test flight. Scheduled for liftoff from Texas, the mission aims to deploy 20 Starlink V3 satellites that will briefly connect to the broader network before reentering the atmosphere. This flight will also test engine relight and controlled landing capabilities, building on objectives from the previous flight.
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How NASA’s Artemis III Lander Test Will Pave Way for Moon Landings
NASA's Artemis III mission is set to conduct a crucial demonstration in 2027, allowing teams to practice rendezvous and docking operations between commercial human landing systems and the Orion spacecraft before astronauts land on the Moon in 2028. The mission will involve test versions of crewed landers developed by SpaceX and Blue Origin, which will launch using commercial rockets, while the Artemis III crew will be sent to low Earth orbit aboard the SLS rocket. This collaboration aims to enhance astronaut safety and mission success for future lunar landings.
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NASA’s Artemis III Flight Hardware Stacks Up at Kennedy
NASA is making significant progress on the Artemis III mission, with the assembly of the solid rocket booster segments for the Space Launch System (SLS) now underway at the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building. Following the successful return of the Artemis II crew, teams are also processing the SLS core stage and its RS-25 engines, preparing for integration and testing ahead of the upcoming crewed launch. Monthly countdown simulations have commenced to ensure readiness for the mission.
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Where Venezuela’s Earthquakes Shifted the Ground
On June 24, 2026, northern Venezuela experienced two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, causing significant destruction and loss of life. Utilizing data from the NISAR satellite, scientists created maps of ground displacement that revealed intense shifts in the land near Caracas and La Guaira, providing valuable insights into the geological forces at play. The maps, produced through InSAR technology, highlight areas of vertical and horizontal movement, aiding in understanding the impact of these seismic events.
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NASA Sets Coverage for Astronaut Anil Menon Launch to Space Station
NASA astronaut Anil Menon is set to launch aboard the Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft to the International Space Station on July 14, alongside cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina. The crew will join Expedition 74, contributing to ongoing scientific research, and will spend approximately eight months in orbit before returning to Earth in April 2027. Live coverage of the launch and docking will be available on multiple platforms, including NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube.
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Blue Origin outlines return to flight logistics for its New Glenn rockets
Blue Origin is actively investigating the recent explosion of its New Glenn rocket, with CEO Dave Limp indicating that early analysis suggests an issue in the aft section of the first stage. The company plans to resume pad operations later this year, but the timeline for launching its Blue Moon Mark 1 cargo lander, which will carry NASA science payloads, has been pushed to early 2027 due to the mishap and damage to Launch Complex 36. NASA is collaborating closely with Blue Origin to monitor recovery timelines and explore alternative options.
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Next-gen astronaut Moon rovers aim for deployment ahead of Artemis 4 crew arrival
NASA is advancing its Moon Base program by selecting Astrolab and Lunar Outpost to develop next-generation lunar terrain vehicles (LTVs) for astronaut transportation, with deployment aimed for 2027. These vehicles will support the Artemis 4 crewed landing, scheduled for early 2028, by facilitating movement across the lunar surface, including missions up to 10 km during crewed operations. The simplified designs prioritize readiness over long-term durability, ensuring they can effectively operate in the Moon's challenging environment.
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NASA Announces Winners for 2026 Human Lander Challenge
NASA has announced the winners of the 2026 Human Lander Challenge, highlighting innovative student-developed solutions for environmental control and life support systems crucial for future crewed lunar landers. The competition, which concluded with presentations from 11 finalist teams, emphasized the importance of reliable technologies for maintaining breathable air, potable water, and thermal stability during long-duration space missions. As part of the Artemis program, these advancements are essential for returning astronauts to the Moon by 2028 and preparing for future missions to Mars.
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NASA Tests New Refuel Device for Future In-Space Refueling Missions
NASA has successfully tested a new cryocoupler, a crucial technology for future in-space refueling missions, at its Marshall Space Flight Center. This device will enable spacecraft to connect to orbital propellant depots, allowing them to refuel before venturing deeper into the solar system. The development of reliable cryogenic fluid transfer systems is essential for the success of upcoming deep space exploration missions, as current ground-based refueling methods are not suitable for use in orbit.
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Expedition 73 Crew Reflects on Science, Teamwork, and Life in Orbit
On June 16, 2026, the Expedition 73 crew celebrated their return from the International Space Station at a debrief and awards ceremony in Space Center Houston, reflecting on their collaborative efforts and scientific achievements. NASA officials, including Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche, praised the crews for their professionalism and resilience, highlighting the unprecedented simultaneous occupancy of all docking ports with eight spacecraft. The event underscored the importance of international cooperation and the success of NASA's multi-vehicle crew transportation strategy.
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NASA Welcomes Botswana as 68th Artemis Accords Signatory
NASA has officially welcomed Botswana as the 68th signatory of the Artemis Accords, marking a significant step in international collaboration for peaceful space exploration. The signing ceremony, held at NASA headquarters, was attended by key officials, including Botswana's Minister of Communications and Innovation, who emphasized the importance of promoting sustainable and responsible activities in space. This addition strengthens the Artemis community as preparations continue for the upcoming Artemis III mission.
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A Turquoise Tint for the Black Sea
NASA's PACE satellite captured a stunning image of the Black Sea's surface, which transformed into a vibrant turquoise color due to a bloom of coccolithophores, a type of phytoplankton, on June 22, 2026. This phenomenon typically occurs in late spring and summer, as these organisms thrive and dominate the waters, contrasting with the darker hues seen at other times of the year. An astronaut aboard the International Space Station also documented the blooming phytoplankton in the Bosphorus strait a month earlier, highlighting the significant impact of these microscopic organisms on marine ecosystems.
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NASA at the Ion: Orion Lessons from Artemis II Shape NASA’s Moon to Mars Path
NASA's Artemis II mission, which marked humanity's first crewed journey around the Moon since Apollo, has provided valuable insights for future lunar and Mars exploration. Orion Vehicle Manager Branelle Rodriguez shared her reflections on the mission's achievements and its impact during a talk at the Ion in Houston, emphasizing the significance of the mission for both NASA and humanity. The Orion spacecraft is currently undergoing post-mission work at NASA's Kennedy Space Center following its successful return of four astronauts.
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58th Girl Scouts Unite Event
NASA will participate in the 58th Girl Scouts Unite Event from July 23-25, 2026, showcasing a series of engaging presentations at Booth #206 in the Exhibit Hall. Among the highlights will be an overview of the Artemis mission, along with discussions on topics ranging from careers at NASA to planetary defense and Mars exploration. This event aims to inspire young girls to pursue careers in science and engineering, emphasizing that NASA is for everyone.
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This is How NASA Flight Tests New Technology
NASA's flight testing program plays a crucial role in developing new technologies for both aviation and space missions, including Artemis II. By conducting rigorous tests, NASA ensures that innovative designs are safe and effective, ultimately benefiting the public and advancing aerodynamics. Chief pilot Wayne Ringelberg emphasized that each mission, including those related to Artemis, involves unique challenges that require thorough testing and iteration.
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Hanging in the Balance
NASA's Artemis II crew captured a stunning image of the Moon on flight day 6, showcasing its half-illuminated surface and the dramatic contrast of the terminator, the line between light and darkness. This photograph highlights the Moon's rocky and uneven features, providing a unique perspective of the lunar landscape visible from Earth. The mission continues to offer valuable insights and imagery as it progresses.
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I Am Artemis: Jason Peterson
Jason Peterson, range operations manager at NASA's Stennis Space Center, played a crucial role in the Artemis II mission by overseeing video and communication feeds during the launch and splashdown. His journey to NASA was inspired by his childhood experiences in Mississippi, and his extensive military background prepared him for the demanding work required for the mission. The nearly 10-day Artemis II mission will see astronauts orbit the Moon aboard the Orion spacecraft, showcasing Peterson's contributions to this historic endeavor.
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