Explore

Rapid Read Rapid Read
NASA Expands Private Astronaut Missions to Boost Orbital Economy

NASA Expands Private Astronaut Missions to Boost Orbital Economy

NASA has announced the selection of three providers for private astronaut missions, aiming to enhance America's presence in low Earth orbit. This initiative is part of NASA's broader strategy to foster a vibrant, sustainable marketplace in space. The agency is working to send more astronauts to space, thereby accelerating the growth of new ideas, industries, and technologies. The announcement includes a new order for the seventh private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, set to launch no earlier than 2028 from Florida. This mission is part of NASA's efforts to collaborate with commercial partners to develop multiple commercially operated space stations.
Trendline Trendline
Voyager Technologies to Propose Crew for NASA's Private Astronaut Mission

Voyager Technologies to Propose Crew for NASA's Private Astronaut Mission

Voyager Technologies to Propose Crew for NASA's Private Astronaut Mission
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Asteroid Apophis to Pass Close to Earth in 2029, Offering Scientific Opportunities

Asteroid Apophis to Pass Close to Earth in 2029, Offering Scientific Opportunities

The asteroid Apophis, officially known as 99942 Apophis, is set to pass approximately 20,000 miles above Earth's surface on April 13, 2029. This close approach will allow scientists to observe the effects of Earth's gravity on the asteroid, potentially altering its spin and surface. Initially considered a threat, Apophis is now seen as a unique opportunity for scientific study. Radar observations have ruled out any impact risk for the next 100 years, transforming the event into a rare chance to study asteroid dynamics and surface changes.
AP News AP News
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket is grounded after launching satellite into the wrong orbit

Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket is grounded after launching satellite into the wrong orbit

Jeff Bezos' rocket company Blue Origin is blaming a bad engine for a failed launch that left a satellite in the wrong orbit, dooming it
Rapid Read Rapid Read
NASA and Voyager Technologies Partner for Seventh Private Crew Mission to ISS

NASA and Voyager Technologies Partner for Seventh Private Crew Mission to ISS

NASA has announced a partnership with Voyager Technologies to launch the seventh private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS), targeting a launch no earlier than 2028. This mission, named VOYG-1, will be Voyager's first private astronaut flight to the ISS and is expected to last up to 14 days. During the mission, the crew will conduct research and demonstrate new technologies in microgravity. Voyager will propose a four-person crew, subject to NASA's review, and will be responsible for purchasing mission services from NASA, including cargo delivery and daily crew consumables. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman emphasized that these private missions are crucial for accelerating the growth of industries that reinforce the U.S. presence in low Earth orbit.
Trendline Trendline
NASA Expands Private Astronaut Missions with New Partnership

NASA Expands Private Astronaut Missions with New Partnership

NASA Expands Private Astronaut Missions with New Partnership
Rapid Read Rapid Read
NASA and Voyager Technologies Partner for Seventh Private Mission to Space Station

NASA and Voyager Technologies Partner for Seventh Private Mission to Space Station

NASA has selected Voyager Technologies for its seventh private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS), with a launch targeted no earlier than 2028 from Florida. This mission, named VOYG-1, marks Voyager's first selection for a private astronaut mission to the ISS. The mission is expected to last up to 14 days aboard the space station. Voyager will propose four crew members for the mission, who will undergo training with NASA, international partners, and the launch provider. This initiative is part of NASA's strategy to foster a commercial space economy and expand private industry opportunities in low-Earth orbit. The mission's launch date will depend on spacecraft traffic and other planning considerations.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Voyager Technologies to Launch Private Astronaut Mission with NASA Services

Voyager Technologies to Launch Private Astronaut Mission with NASA Services

Voyager Technologies has signed an agreement with NASA for the seventh private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, set to launch no earlier than 2028 from Florida. This marks Voyager's first selection for such a mission, highlighting NASA's commitment to fostering a commercial space economy. The mission, named VOYG-1, will last up to 14 days aboard the space station. Voyager will propose four crew members for NASA and its international partners to review. Once approved, these crew members will undergo training with NASA and other partners. The mission underscores NASA's strategy to expand private industry opportunities in low-Earth orbit.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
NASA Signs Launch Contract for Rosalind Franklin Mission Amid Budget Cuts

NASA Signs Launch Contract for Rosalind Franklin Mission Amid Budget Cuts

NASA has signed a $175.7 million contract with SpaceX to launch the European Space Agency's Rosalind Franklin Mars rover in 2028, despite the White House's budget proposal to eliminate funding for the project. The mission, originally a joint European-Russian endeavor, faced setbacks after ESA severed ties with Roscosmos. NASA's involvement includes providing critical components such as braking engines and radioisotope heater units. The contract highlights a contradiction between NASA's operational commitments and the administration's budgetary decisions, which propose significant cuts to NASA's Science Mission Directorate.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
NASA Signs Launch Contract for Mars Mission Despite White House Budget Cuts

NASA Signs Launch Contract for Mars Mission Despite White House Budget Cuts

NASA has signed a $175.7 million contract with SpaceX to launch the European Space Agency's (ESA) Rosalind Franklin Mars rover using the Falcon Heavy rocket in late 2028. This decision comes despite the White House's fiscal year 2027 budget proposal, which eliminates funding for the project. The mission, originally a joint European-Russian endeavor, lost its Russian components after ESA severed ties with Roscosmos due to geopolitical tensions. NASA's Launch Services Program is proceeding with the mission's procurement and integration, even as the administration's budget suggests the mission should not proceed. The contract reflects NASA's commitment to providing the necessary American components, such as braking engines and radioisotope heater units, to replace the Russian technology initially planned for the mission.
Trendline Trendline
Axiom Space Prepares for 2027 Mission with New Space Suit Testing

Axiom Space Prepares for 2027 Mission with New Space Suit Testing

Axiom Space Prepares for 2027 Mission with New Space Suit Testing
Rapid Read Rapid Read
NASA Signs Launch Contract for Mars Rover Despite White House Budget Proposal to Defund

NASA Signs Launch Contract for Mars Rover Despite White House Budget Proposal to Defund

NASA has signed a $175.7 million contract with SpaceX to launch the European Space Agency's Mars rover, Rosalind Franklin, using the Falcon Heavy rocket in late 2028. This decision comes despite the White House's fiscal year 2027 budget proposal, which eliminates funding for the project. The contract aims to replace the Russian components lost after ESA severed ties with Roscosmos due to geopolitical tensions. NASA's Launch Services Program is proceeding with procurement and integration planning, even as the administration's budget request suggests the mission should not proceed. The project faces budgetary uncertainty, with Congress historically stepping in to restore funding for such missions.