NASA is working closely with U.S. industry leaders to develop human landing systems (HLS) as part of the Artemis program, a bold initiative aimed at returning astronauts to the Moon and pushing the boundaries of human space exploration. This collaboration is central to NASA’s efforts to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon and lay the groundwork for future missions to Mars.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has taken a significant step toward approving an increased launch rate for SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft from its Boca Chica, Texas, facility. On Nov. 20, the FAA released an updated draft environmental assessment evaluating the potential impacts of raising the annual launch and landing limit to 25 for both the Starship upper stage and its Super Heavy booster.
SpaceX achieved another milestone early Sunday morning (Nov. 24) with the successful launch of 20 Starlink satellites, further expanding its growing internet mega-constellation. The mission, carried out by a Falcon 9 rocket, took off from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base at 12:25 a.m. EST (0525 GMT; 9:25 p.m. on Nov. 23 local time).
The European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) have pledged to deepen their collaboration in space exploration, planetary defense, and advanced scientific missions. The partnership was formalized in a joint statement signed on November 20 in Tsukuba, Japan, by ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher and JAXA President Hiroshi Yamakawa.
Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos, has taken a significant step toward the inaugural launch of its colossal New Glenn rocket. The rocket was positioned vertically on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Launch Complex 36 on Thursday, marking a major milestone ahead of an upcoming hot-fire test. The maiden flight is targeting liftoff by the end of the year.
SpaceX has successfully launched another batch of Starlink internet satellites, marking a significant milestone in its quest to expand global broadband coverage. The latest launch occurred this morning (Nov. 21) from Florida’s Space Coast, underscoring the company’s relentless pace of operations.
The Progress 90 cargo spacecraft is on its way to the International Space Station (ISS) after a successful launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Thursday morning. Meanwhile, the Expedition 72 crew remains busy conducting scientific research and maintenance activities aboard the orbiting laboratory.
Blue Origin launched its latest suborbital spaceflight mission today (Nov. 22), carrying six passengers aboard the New Shepard spacecraft from its Launch Site One in West Texas. The mission, designated NS-28, highlighted the growing accessibility of commercial space travel and featured a mix of repeat flyers and new passengers, including a notable science communicator.
NASA is ramping up preparations for sustained lunar exploration through its Artemis program, partnering with industry leaders and international collaborators to advance scientific discovery for the benefit of humanity. As part of these efforts, NASA plans to assign additional work to SpaceX and Blue Origin, building on existing contracts to develop large cargo landers that will deliver key equipment and infrastructure to the Moon.
Lunar Outpost, a leading innovator in lunar surface mobility, robotics, and space resources, has signed a groundbreaking agreement with SpaceX to launch its Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) aboard a SpaceX Starship. The mission will enable Lunar Outpost to deliver advanced mobility and infrastructure services on the Moon, supporting NASA's Artemis program and paving the way for sustainable commercial operations on the lunar surface and beyond.
SpaceX conducted its sixth test flight of the Starship mega-rocket on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, continuing its ambitious efforts to create a fully reusable launch system designed for missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. While the 36-story rocket system successfully launched, plans to catch the Super Heavy booster with the company’s unique "chopstick" arms were abandoned mid-mission due to technical concerns. Despite the setback, the flight achieved critical objectives and provided valuable insights into the performance of both stages of the Starship system.
China launched the Tianzhou-8 cargo craft on Friday night, delivering vital supplies to the orbiting Tiangong space station, the China Manned Space Agency announced. The mission was a resounding success, marking another milestone in the nation’s expanding space ambitions.The Long March-7 rocket carrying Tianzhou-8 lifted off at 11:13 p.m. Beijing Time from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Hainan province. Approximately 10 minutes later, Tianzhou-8 separated from the rocket, deployed its solar panels, and entered its designated orbit. The craft is expected to autonomously dock with the space station’s Tianhe core module within three hours of the launch.
