Rising Over Louisiana
On August 28, 2026, a significant partial lunar eclipse was visible across much of the Americas, with 96.3% of the Moon obscured by Earth's shadow at its peak. The event was captured in southern Louisiana, where NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility is located, a key site for the assembly of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket that supports the Artemis missions. This celestial occurrence highlights the connection between lunar events and NASA's ongoing efforts in lunar exploration.
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NASA Selects Blue Origin as Mars Telecommunications Network Provider
NASA has awarded Blue Origin a contract valued at up to $700 million to develop the Mars Telecommunications Network, a cutting-edge communications system designed to support current and future Mars missions. This initiative aims to enhance reliable, high-bandwidth communications and navigation services, establishing a robust infrastructure for sustained exploration of Mars. The project aligns with NASA's Artemis program, which focuses on lunar exploration as a precursor to human missions to the Red Planet.
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Historic Engines Take Their Place on Artemis III
On August 24, NASA technicians began the installation of four historic RS-25 engines into the core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket for the Artemis III mission, set to launch in 2027. Each engine, which has a rich flight history including missions with space shuttle Atlantis and Discovery, will play a crucial role in carrying the Artemis III crew into low Earth orbit. Notably, one of the engines previously supported the mission that made John Glenn the oldest person to fly in space.
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NASA Welcomes Türkiye as Newest Artemis Accords Signatory
On August 31, 2026, Türkiye officially became the 71st signatory of the Artemis Accords during a ceremony at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Turkish Minister of Industry and Technology, Mehmet Fatih Kacır, signed the agreement, which emphasizes international cooperation for peaceful and transparent space exploration. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman highlighted Türkiye's commitment to space exploration, noting its recent advancements in human spaceflight and inviting signatories to contribute to future Artemis missions.
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NASA’s Artemis II Crew Receives Congressional Space Medal of Honor
NASA's Artemis II crew, consisting of astronauts Victor Glover, Christina Koch, Jeremy Hansen, and Reid Wiseman, was awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor by President Donald J. Trump on August 28, 2026, at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. This prestigious award recognizes their exceptional bravery and contributions during the Artemis II mission, adding them to a distinguished list of 34 recipients since the award's inception in 1969.
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President Trump Signs Executive Order to Create US Space Academy
On August 28, 2026, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to establish the U.S. Space Academy at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, aimed at strengthening the nation's space workforce and cultivating future leaders in space exploration. The academy will focus on technical education, leadership development, and public service, aligning with the U.S. ambitions for lunar missions and beyond. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman will chair a new Presidential Commission to oversee the academy's creation, emphasizing the importance of education in advancing U.S. interests in space.
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NASA Astronaut Jonny Kim Departs Agency to Continue Military Service
NASA astronaut Jonny Kim has officially departed the agency after nearly ten years of service, including an eight-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). During his time at NASA, Kim contributed significantly to scientific research and operations, including overseeing a historic milestone where all docking ports on the ISS were occupied for the first time in 25 years. He will continue his military career as a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy, with NASA officials praising his dedication and impact on future exploration missions.
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The electronics ‘under the hood’ of space networking
In a recent interview, Jeff Janicik, founder and chairman of Innoflight, discussed the technological advancements in space networking, particularly in relation to the Artemis mission and the Space Development Agency's initiatives. The conversation highlighted the importance of sophisticated electronics in supporting the ambitious goals of space exploration.
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NASA Begins Moon Mission Plume-Surface Interaction Tests
NASA has launched a series of plume-surface interaction tests at its Langley Research Center to study the effects of lunar lander engine plumes on the Moon's surface. Using a 60-foot vacuum chamber, the tests aim to gather critical data that will enhance predictive models and inform the design of hardware for upcoming Artemis missions, particularly Artemis IV in 2028. This complex testing campaign involves collaboration among various NASA centers, academic institutions, and commercial partners to ensure crew safety and mission success during lunar landings.
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Contractor to Civil Servant: NASA Welcomes Jeret Howard
NASA has welcomed Jeret Howard as a civil servant at the Stennis Space Center, transitioning from a long-time contractor to a logistics management specialist. With over 15 years of experience in rocket propulsion testing, Howard views this new role as a continuation of his commitment to national service, ensuring efficient use of taxpayer dollars while supporting critical testing operations, including those for Blue Origin. His journey reflects a deep personal pride in serving both his country and NASA.
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Starbase, Louisiana: The Largest Private Spaceport in the World
SpaceX has announced plans for "Starbase, Louisiana," set to become the largest private spaceport globally, featuring 10 Starship launch pads and a significant production facility. With a targeted first launch in 2029, the project represents a $100 billion investment and is expected to create over 3,000 jobs, benefiting the local community. The site, located in Pecan Island, is strategically chosen for its low population density and industrial history, making it ideal for frequent rocket launches.
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New Next-Gen Dish Adds Muscle to NASA’s Deep Space Network
NASA has officially inaugurated its new Deep Space Station 23 (DSS-23) antenna at the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex in California, enhancing the Deep Space Network's capabilities. This 34-meter-wide antenna is part of the Aperture Enhancement Project aimed at upgrading the network to support over 40 spacecraft, including future Artemis missions and other deep space explorations. With its operational debut on August 3, DSS-23 is set to play a crucial role in advancing NASA's communication and navigation efforts for ambitious space exploration goals.
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Integrating Model-Based Systems Engineering and Fault Management to Enable Autonomous Space Missions
NASA is advancing the Artemis program and future deep-space missions by integrating fault management (FM) with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) to enhance system autonomy and resiliency. A Phase II Small Business Innovation Research contract has been awarded to Qualtech Systems Inc. to develop FM capabilities, which will support the HelioSwarm mission and improve the design of autonomous space operations. This approach aims to ensure that systems are resilient and capable of automatically detecting and mitigating faults without human intervention.
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NASA Astronaut Reid Wiseman at Freedom 250 Grand Prix
NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman, the commander of the upcoming Artemis II mission, participated in the Freedom 250 Grand Prix on August 23, 2026. He was seen preparing for a lap in a two-seat IndyCar, driven by racer Conor Daly, showcasing the intersection of space exploration and motorsports.
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Artemis Mission Patches
On August 6, 2026, NASA's Exploration Ground Systems team conducted a terminal countdown simulation for the upcoming Artemis III mission at the Kennedy Space Center. The simulation, which encompasses the final five hours of the launch countdown, is crucial for testing systems that will support future lunar landings, starting with Artemis IV. A jacket adorned with patches from Artemis I and II was displayed during the event, symbolizing the program's ongoing legacy.
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Human-Related Microbes May Survive Moon’s South Pole, NASA Finds
NASA scientists have discovered that some Earth microbes could survive in the Moon's South Pole region, raising concerns about contamination as humans establish a permanent presence on the lunar surface. Published in *Science Advances*, the study emphasizes the need to understand microbial persistence in extreme environments, which could complicate the search for ancient lunar chemistry. Despite the potential for contamination, researchers see an opportunity to use the Moon as a natural laboratory to explore microbial survival limits in conditions not replicable on Earth.
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NASA Establishes State Hubs to Grow Technical Aerospace Workforce
NASA has launched the Aerospace Skilled Technical Workforce Hubs initiative, awarding approximately $10.5 million to seven institutions aimed at enhancing pathways for students into aerospace technical jobs. This initiative seeks to address the growing demand for skilled workers as the Artemis mission progresses and humanity prepares for future exploration of the Moon and Mars. Over the next three years, these hubs will develop programs to build essential skills and connect students with high-demand careers in the aerospace industry.
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Career Spotlight: Mechanic (Ages 14-18)
NASA highlights the critical role of mechanics in its Artemis mission and broader operations, showcasing their expertise in maintaining various machinery essential for space exploration. From aerospace mechanics at the Armstrong Flight Research Center to those ensuring the functionality of crawler-transporters at Kennedy Space Center, these professionals are vital to the success of missions. Aspiring mechanics can pursue specialized training and certifications to join this dynamic field, contributing to the future of space travel.
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Behind the Lens: Meet NASA Johnson’s Photographers
NASA's Johnson Space Center recently showcased its Imagery Acquisition Group, a team of photographers dedicated to capturing pivotal moments in human spaceflight. These professionals have documented everything from astronaut training to mission control operations, preserving the rich history of NASA's exploration efforts. Notably, photographer Robert Markowitz has spent over three decades chronicling the evolution of NASA's human spaceflight program, contributing significantly to the agency's visual storytelling.
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NASA Glenn’s Legacy Forged Through Decades of Flight Research
NASA Glenn Research Center has a rich history of flight research that has significantly contributed to aerospace advancements since the 1940s. Pioneering pilots and engineers conducted critical flight tests that linked laboratory theories to real-world performance, enhancing aircraft efficiency and reliability. This legacy continues to influence current and future missions, including the Artemis program, as NASA builds on decades of expertise in aeronautics.
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