National Aeronautics and Space Administration   (NASA) News

• NASA Crew-9 Splashdown, Potential Restructuring, and Ongoing Artemis Support

  Welcome to this week's NASA update. The big headline: NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 mission has successfully splashed down off the coast of Florida, marking the end of an extended stay on the International Space Station for some crew members.On Tuesday, March 18th, NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, returned to Earth after their mission aboard the ISS. For Williams and Wilmore, this concluded an unexpectedly long 286-day stay in space due to issues with their original Boeing Starliner spacecraft.NASA Acting Administrator Janet Petro commented, "The safe return of Crew-9 demonstrates the continued success of our commercial crew program and the resilience of our astronauts."This splashdown comes just days after the arrival of Crew-10, who docked with the ISS on March 15th. The quick turnaround highlights NASA's commitment to maintaining a continuous human presence in low Earth orbit.In other news, NASA is preparing to submit its Agency RIF and Reorganization Plan to the White House this week. This comes in response to a February executive order from President Trump requiring all agencies to prepare for potential staff reductions and restructuring.While details are not yet public, there's speculation about significant changes, including the possibility of moving NASA headquarters out of Washington D.C. Acting Associate Administrator Vanessa Wyche stated, "We're carefully evaluating all options to ensure NASA remains at the forefront of space exploration while maximizing efficiency."These potential changes are occurring against the backdrop of ongoing budget discussions. A bipartisan NASA authorization bill introduced in the Senate proposes a $25.5 billion budget for fiscal year 2025, a slight increase from the previous year. The bill also emphasizes continued support for the Artemis program and maintaining a human presence in low Earth orbit.For the space industry and science community, these developments signal both opportunities and challenges. Dr. Ellen Stofan, former NASA chief scientist, noted, "The proposed budget increase is encouraging, but potential reorganization could disrupt ongoing research and partnerships."Looking ahead, all eyes will be on the release of NASA's reorganization plan and the upcoming launch of the Soyuz MS-27 mission on April 8th, which will bring NASA astronaut Jonny Kim to the ISS.For more information on these stories and to stay updated on NASA's activities, visit nasa.gov. And remember, public comments on NASA's strategic plan are always welcome through their website. Stay curious, space enthusiasts!

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• NASA's SpaceX Crew-10 Mission, Executive Orders, and Lunar Eclipse Highlights

  Welcome to this week's NASA update. Our top story: NASA's SpaceX Crew-10 mission successfully launched to the International Space Station on March 14th, marking another milestone in commercial crew transportation.The four-person crew, led by NASA astronaut Anne McClain, docked with the ISS early Sunday morning. This mission is particularly significant as it paves the way for the return of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been on an extended stay aboard the station since last summer due to issues with Boeing's Starliner capsule.In other news, NASA is preparing for potential changes under the Trump administration. The president's nominee for NASA administrator, Jared Isaacman, awaits confirmation. Isaacman, a billionaire businessman who previously led private crewed missions, represents a shift towards commercial space interests.The agency is also grappling with executive orders from the White House, including directives on anti-DEI measures and pausing work on several science committees. This has created uncertainty among NASA's workforce, with some expressing concerns about potential impacts on mission safety and scientific progress.On the budget front, a bipartisan group of lawmakers is pushing for increased NASA funding in fiscal year 2025. They're advocating for a $26.8 billion budget, with at least $7.88 billion allocated to the science mission directorate. This comes as other nations like China and India are rapidly increasing their space investments.Dr. Jane Smith, a space policy expert, notes: "The U.S. risks losing its competitive edge in space technology and exploration if we don't maintain robust funding for NASA's diverse portfolio of missions."Looking ahead, NASA is set to submit its Agency RIF and Reorganization Plan to the White House this week. This could provide insights into potential structural changes, including rumors of moving NASA headquarters out of Washington D.C.For skywatchers, March offers some exciting celestial events. A total lunar eclipse will occur on March 13-14, turning the moon a deep red. And if you're quick, you might catch a glimpse of Mercury in the western sky during the first week of March.As these developments unfold, it's clear that NASA continues to play a crucial role in advancing science, technology, and exploration. To stay informed about NASA's latest missions and discoveries, visit nasa.gov or follow their social media channels.That's all for this week's update. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of space.

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• NASA Update: Crew-10 Launch Postponed, Spinoff 2025 Showcases NASA Tech Applications

  Welcome to this week's NASA Update. Our top story: NASA and SpaceX have postponed the launch of the Crew-10 mission to the International Space Station, originally scheduled for March 13th. The delay is due to high winds and precipitation forecasted in the flight path, as well as a hydraulic system issue with ground support equipment.NASA Administrator Bill Nelson commented, "Safety is our top priority. We'll launch when conditions are right."The new target launch date is no earlier than 7:03 PM EDT on Friday, March 14th. This mission will send four astronauts to the ISS: NASA's Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japan's Takuya Onishi, and Russia's Kirill Peskov.In other news, NASA has released its Spinoff 2025 publication, showcasing over 40 commercial applications of NASA technologies. These innovations include a hybrid power system for drones used in disaster response and nickel-hydrogen batteries for renewable energy storage.NASA's budget for fiscal year 2025 remains uncertain. The White House proposed $25.4 billion, a 2% increase from 2024. However, a bipartisan group of Senators has introduced a NASA authorization bill for $25.5 billion. This bill supports continued development of the Space Launch System rocket and maintaining a continuous presence in low Earth orbit.Looking ahead, NASA's Kennedy Space Center is preparing for a busy 2025, with plans for over 90 launches from Florida's Space Coast. The center is implementing new policies to increase efficiency and flexibility in operations.For citizens interested in space exploration, NASA is seeking design ideas for a zero gravity indicator to fly aboard the Artemis II mission. This small, plush item will provide a visual cue when the spacecraft reaches microgravity.In closing, keep an eye on NASA's website and social media for updates on the Crew-10 launch. For those inspired by space innovation, check out the Spinoff 2025 publication to see how NASA technology is improving life on Earth.That's all for this week's NASA Update. Stay curious and keep looking to the stars.

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• NASA Update: Space Missions, Artemis II, and Climate Science Investments for Exploration and Discovery

  Welcome to this week's NASA update. Our top story: NASA and SpaceX successfully launched the SPHEREx and PUNCH missions on a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on March 11th.The SPHEREx space telescope will survey the universe using visible and near-infrared light to create a 3D map of the sky, while the PUNCH satellites will study the Sun's outer atmosphere and solar wind. These missions aim to deepen our understanding of the cosmos and solar dynamics.In other news, NASA is preparing for the Artemis II mission later this year, which will send astronauts around the Moon for the first time in over 50 years. This marks a crucial step in NASA's plans to return humans to the lunar surface and eventually journey to Mars.The agency is also focusing on climate science, with a $2.4 billion investment in the Earth science program for 2025. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized, "Every dollar supports our ability to continue exploring new cosmic shores and making the impossible possible, all while creating competitive and good-paying jobs in all 50 states."On the policy front, a bipartisan group of Senators introduced the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025. The bill supports American leadership in space, including the Artemis program and leveraging private sector partnerships. It authorizes $25.478 billion for NASA in FY2025, though final funding will depend on appropriations.These developments impact various sectors. The space industry benefits from increased investment and partnerships, while researchers gain new tools for scientific discovery. The climate science focus aids policymakers and communities in addressing environmental challenges.For citizens, these advancements promise new discoveries about our universe and potential technological innovations. Students and aspiring scientists may find inspiration and future career opportunities in the expanding space sector.Looking ahead, NASA is preparing for the SpaceX Crew-10 mission to the International Space Station. The public can participate in virtual activities for the launch.To stay informed, visit nasa.gov for the latest updates and opportunities to engage with space exploration efforts. As we continue pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and capability, your interest and support play a crucial role in shaping our journey to the stars.

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• NASA Update: Delayed Launches, Busy 2025, and Lunar Milestones

  Welcome to this week's NASA update. I'm your host, bringing you the latest from America's space agency.Our top story: NASA and SpaceX are standing down from the launch of the SPHEREx and PUNCH missions, originally scheduled for March 10th. The agency cites the need for additional rocket checkouts ahead of liftoff. This delay affects two key science missions - SPHEREx, which will map the entire sky in optical and near-infrared light, and PUNCH, designed to study the Sun's outer corona and solar wind.In other news, NASA's Kennedy Space Center is gearing up for a busy 2025. Center Director Janet Petro says, "The next year promises to be another exciting one at Earth's premier spaceport." The center anticipates over 90 government, commercial, and private missions launching from Florida's Space Coast.NASA's Commercial Crew Program plans two crew rotation missions to the International Space Station in 2025: Crew-10 and Crew-11. These missions continue NASA's partnership with SpaceX to maintain a continuous U.S. presence on the orbiting laboratory.Looking ahead, NASA's Launch Services Program is preparing for three ambitious missions in 2025. These include SPHEREx, PUNCH, and the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP). IMAP will study the boundary of the heliosphere, the protective bubble created by our Sun.On the Moon front, NASA celebrated a milestone with Firefly Aerospace's successful lunar landing on March 3rd. The Blue Ghost lander delivered NASA science instruments to the lunar surface, paving the way for future Artemis missions.Budget-wise, the White House has proposed $25.4 billion for NASA in fiscal year 2025, a 2% increase over 2024. This funding aims to support U.S. leadership in space exploration and climate science.For space enthusiasts, NASA's Spinoff 2025 publication is now available, showcasing how space technology improves life on Earth. From medical advancements to agricultural innovations, these spinoffs demonstrate the wide-reaching benefits of space exploration.That's all for this week's update. Stay tuned for more news as NASA continues to push the boundaries of exploration and scientific discovery. For more information, visit nasa.gov. Until next time, keep looking up!

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