NASA Top Stories
Space.com
• Elizabeth Howell
Boeing's Starliner is ready to fly astronauts after years of delay. Here's what took so long.
NASA is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government responsible for the civil space program, aeronautics research, and space research. Established in 1958, it has since led most American space exploration, such as the Apollo Moon landing missions and the Space Shuttle. It also oversees the Launch Services Program, and conducts research into Earth's atmosphere, heliophysics, planetary exploration and astrophysics.
NASA and International Space Station
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2024-05-02T03:05:34.211073-07:00 •
Boeing Starliner's Inaugural Astronaut Test Flight Scheduled for May 6
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2024-05-01T07:26:41.944603-07:00 •
Boeing Starliner: A Decade of Challenges Before Maiden Crewed Voyage
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2024-04-30T08:26:42.743504-07:00 •
SpaceX Dragon Relocation Aids Boeing's Starliner ISS Docking
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2024-04-30T04:49:55.778054-07:00 •
Shenzhou-17 Astronauts Conclude Six-Month Space Mission
NASA and Mars Exploration
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2024-05-03T10:04:38.015116-07:00 •
2024 Humans to Mars Summit Scheduled for May in D.C.
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2024-05-03T06:26:22.153246-07:00 •
NASA Taps Companies for Mars Commercial Mission Studies
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2024-05-02T05:57:42.933664-07:00 •
Chang'e-6 Lunar Probe Set for Launch by China
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2024-05-02T05:25:01.079406-07:00 •
Curiosity Rover Finds Evidence of Earth-Like Mars
NASA and Starliner
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2024-05-03T08:15:07.394679-07:00 •
Atlas-V Set for Historic Launch with Starliner
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2024-05-03T03:02:51.492442-07:00 •
Boeing's Starliner Sets Course for Historic Crewed Spaceflight
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2024-05-02T10:03:54.111450-07:00 •
ULA's Atlas V Assembly for Boeing Starliner Test Flight Commences
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2024-05-02T03:05:34.211073-07:00 •
Boeing Starliner's Inaugural Astronaut Test Flight Scheduled for May 6
NASA and Boeing
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2024-05-03T14:43:23.902997-07:00 •
Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 Panel Loss Blamed on Boeing's Deception
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2024-05-03T12:33:11.560623-07:00 •
Boeing's Reputation Questioned Amid Recent Incidents
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2024-05-03T12:29:54.163228-07:00 •
Deadline for DOJ Boeing 737 Max Deal Violation Decision
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2024-05-03T11:20:07.414260-07:00 •
Boeing Delays Lead to Southwest Pilot Pay Cuts
NASA News and Events
NASA to Triple Launch Capacity at Wallops Island
In a bid to accommodate increased launch demands, NASA initiates an environmental assessment aimed at expanding launch capabilities at Virginia's Wallops Island facility.
NASA Selects Kiwi Brand Fix & Fogg for Space Mission
In a notable first for New Zealand, Fix & Fogg's nut butter will journey to space, commemorated by a special edition jar.
Atlas-V Set for Historic Launch with Starliner
The upcoming Atlas-V rocket launch from Alabama, carrying two astronauts and NASA's new Starliner capsule, is poised to make space history.
NASA Taps Companies for Mars Commercial Mission Studies
A selection of nine firms by NASA marks a pivot towards leveraging commercial capabilities for future missions and services on Mars.
National Space Day 2024 Celebration Launches Kids into Aerospace Adventure
SpaceKids Global initiates a competition for eight students to explore Florida's Space Coast, including visits to Blue Origin and NASA's Kennedy Space Center, in celebration of National Space Day.
XRISM Space Telescope Embarks on X-ray Universe Exploration
With just 36 pixels, the XRISM spacecraft, a collaborative effort by JAXA and NASA, is expanding our knowledge of the X-ray universe — challenging the necessity of millions of pixels for profound space discovery.
China's Chang'e-6 Mission Embarks to Retrieve Moon's Far Side Samples
In an unprecedented effort, China's Chang'e-6 spacecraft is on a mission to collect and return the first-ever samples from the moon's far side, marking a significant milestone in lunar exploration.
Boeing's Starliner Sets Course for Historic Crewed Spaceflight
After numerous setbacks, Boeing's Starliner is scheduled to launch its first astronaut crew into space, marking a pivotal attempt to narrow the competitive gap with SpaceX.
NASA's Lucy Spacecraft Discovers Young Asteroid Selam
In a profound discovery, NASA's Lucy spacecraft has identified Asteroid Selam as significantly younger than initially anticipated, underscoring the dynamic nature of our solar system.
Hubble Telescope Resumes Operations; TESS Still in Safe Mode
After both going offline on April 23, the Hubble Telescope has successfully resumed its functions while the TESS exoplanet hunter remains inactive.
NASA's Defense on Artemis II Readiness Questioned
Officials express frustration over perceived redundancy in queries regarding the mission's preparedness, amid rising scrutiny.
Rocket Lab's PREFIRE Mission Aims to Enhance Climate Research with Polar Heat Tracking
The PREFIRE mission by Rocket Lab sets a novel trajectory in climate study by focusing on the intricate dynamics of polar heat anomalies.
GAO Reports NASA's Uncertain Cyber Defenses on Spacecraft
The GAO has issued a warning that NASA may not have sufficient cybersecurity protections for its spacecraft, urging the adoption of a comprehensive best practices guide.
NASA Partners with Albuquerque for Student Satellite Initiative
In an innovative summer program, students will collaborate with NASA at U.S. Air Force facilities in Albuquerque to design and develop satellites.
Curiosity Rover Finds Evidence of Earth-Like Mars
Recent findings by NASA's Curiosity rover indicate elevated manganese levels in Gale Crater's ancient lakebeds, pointing to possible Earth-like conditions in Mars's past.
Orion's Heat Shield and Hardware Concerns Delay Artemis Crewed Missions
Inspector General reports reveal the Artemis I test flight faced critical issues with the Orion spacecraft's heat shield, separation bolts, and power system, impacting the timeline for future crewed launches.
Boeing Starliner's Inaugural Astronaut Test Flight Scheduled for May 6
Boeing's Starliner is set for its first astronaut test flight with 2 NASA astronauts onboard to assess the spacecraft's operational capabilities.
Clemson-NASA Partnership Launches Under Space Act Agreement
A transformative Space Act Agreement has been established between Clemson University and NASA, aimed at augmenting student involvement in space missions.
Take-Two Confirms 'Kerbal Space Program 2' Development to Continue Despite Intercept Games Layoffs
Despite the layoffs at Intercept Games in Seattle, Take-Two Interactive assures that the development of Kerbal Space Program 2 remains on track.
BAE Systems Awarded $365M for NOAA Air Quality Sensor
In a notable contract, BAE Systems (formerly Ball Aerospace) is set to develop an air quality instrument for NOAA's geostationary satellites, a project endorsed by NASA.
NASA Expands Mars Exploration with Commercial Partnerships
NASA has selected nine companies for early-stage studies on commercial services to support Mars exploration missions, marking a significant shift towards integrating private sector capabilities.
NASA's Solar Sail Mission Begins Space Voyage, Successfully Establishes Communication
Ground operators receive first signals from NASA's Solar Sail, inaugurating tests on sunlight-propelled technology expected to alter the dynamics of space exploration.
NASA Braces for Solar Maximum's Impact on Mars Missions
NASA anticipates studying intense solar storms at Mars during the upcoming solar maximum to enhance astronaut safety for future Mars exploration.
James Webb Telescope Unveils Temperature Map of Exoplanet WASP-43b
Utilizing the James Webb Space Telescope, scientists have generated a detailed temperature map of WASP-43b, shedding light on the extreme climates of 'hot Jupiters'.
Mars Auroras Captured by NASA
NASA's latest Mars imagery reveals breathtaking auroras enveloping the planet, highlighting the unique absence of a magnetic field.
Rocket Lab Schedules Dual NASA Missions within Three Weeks
Rocket Lab is set for two NASA launches from New Zealand's Mahia Peninsula, marking a significant operational milestone.
Boeing Starliner: A Decade of Challenges Before Maiden Crewed Voyage
After a decade marked by setbacks and a failed test flight, Boeing's Starliner is poised for its inaugural astronaut mission to the ISS.
Artemis Accords Delegates Convene in Montreal for Space Exploration Summit
Delegates of the Artemis Accords will gather in Montreal to deliberate on sustainable and responsible space exploration practices.
NASA Endorses Dual Astronaut Taxis: Boeing Starliner vs. SpaceX Dragon
NASA's pursuit of both Boeing's Starliner and SpaceX's Dragon for crew missions offers critical redundancy, ensuring reliability and mission success.
Billionaire Space Race: Musk and Bezos Lead the Charge to the Moon
SpaceX and Blue Origin, under Musk and Bezos respectively, are central to NASA's lunar astronaut mission plans, reviving the spirit of the moon race.
Rocket Lab Prepares for NASA's Climate Missions
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. has initiated preparations for two significant NASA missions aimed at climate change research, marking a pivotal step in the collaboration.
NASA's Leadership Update: Jim Free's Strategic Role
In an era marked by ambitious space exploration goals, Jim Free stands at the helm as NASA's associate administrator, setting strategic directions.
NASA Seeks Congressional Funding for ISS Deorbit Plan
NASA's Bill Nelson urged the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee to approve the FY2025 budget for an ISS deorbit vehicle, highlighting the critical nature of this mission.
Mercury-Atlas 9 Rocket Replica Displayed to Commemorate 60th Anniversary
A meticulously restored replica of the Mercury-Atlas 9, used by Gordon Cooper for NASA's last solo orbital mission, is now exhibited at the National Museum of the U.S., marking over six decades since its historical launch.
NASA's Cube Quest Challenge Fuels Space Thruster Innovations
NASA's Cube Quest Challenge, with a substantial $5 million prize pool, aims to stimulate public involvement in advancing space thruster technology, essential for future explorations.
Global Initiative for Lunar Prospecting Launches with NASA's VIPER Mission
NASA's VIPER rover embarks on a pioneering mission to map and analyze lunar resources near the Moon's South Pole, marking a significant step in international lunar exploration efforts.
Court Ruling Challenges ESA's Diplomatic Immunity
A landmark court decision threatens the European Space Agency's long-standing legal protections, potentially exposing it to unprecedented scrutiny.
NASA Revises Artemis Mission Timelines Amid Challenges
Following earlier adjustments, NASA's Artemis II and Artemis III lunar missions face new schedules due to encountered challenges.
NASA to Launch Stadium-Sized Science Balloons Over Arctic
In a major scientific endeavor, NASA's 2024 Sweden Campaign is set for mid-May to launch four stadium-sized balloons for long-duration flights across the Arctic Circle.
China's Moon Base Animation Features Unexpected NASA Shuttle
China's recent animation unveiling its lunar base plans has caused a stir with the unexpected inclusion of a CGI NASA space shuttle in its visuals.
MagniX Advances in NASA's Electric Propulsion Project with Hybrid-Electric Dash 7 Tests Set for 2026
The collaboration aims to revolutionize regional air travel by integrating a hybrid-electric system into a De Havilland Dash 7, marking a significant step towards sustainable aviation.
SpaceX Dragon Relocation Aids Boeing's Starliner ISS Docking
To accommodate Boeing's upcoming Starliner spacecraft, a Crew Dragon spacecraft will be relocated on the ISS, signaling collaboration and logistical maneuvers in space.
magniX Advances in NASA's Electric Aircraft Initiative
As proponent of electric flight, magniX has successfully passed the initial testing stage within NASA's EPFD program, marking a significant milestone at the NEAT facility.
NASA Prepares for 45-Day Simulated Mars Mission
In a pivotal exploration endeavor, four volunteers will embark on a 45-day journey simulating life and work on Mars, testing the bounds of human resilience and ingenuity in a controlled terrestrial habitat.
John Bailey Appointed Director of Stennis Space Center
In a move confirming NASA's commitment to leadership continuity, John Bailey takes the helm at Stennis Space Center, Mississippi.
Starliner's Inaugural Crewed Flight Scheduled for May 6
Set for launch from Kennedy Space Center, the mission marks a significant step for Boeing and NASA's collaboration, carrying astronauts Wilmore and Williams to the ISS.
NASA's Top 21 Photos Capture Dynamic 2023
NASA's dynamic year visualized through a curated collection of its most striking images, showcasing significant milestones and discoveries.
NASA Initiates Public Consultation on Space Tech Prioritization
In efforts to strategically allocate limited resources, NASA is calling for public opinions to prioritize its nearly 200 space technology projects.
Firefly CEO Projects Self-Sustained Commercial Lunar Missions
Bill Weber, CEO of Firefly, anticipates the company's capability to conduct fully commercial lunar missions without NASA's financial support.
NASA Advances in Eco-Friendly Aviation with Miniature Jet Engine
An innovative, compact jet engine is paving the way for sustainable aviation futures, operating from NASA's Cleveland lab.