NASA confirmed the safe return of its SpaceX Crew-11 mission following a medical concern for one of the astronauts. The crew, consisting of Mike Fincke, Zena Cardman, Kimiya Yui, and Oleg Platonov, splashed down on January 15, 2026, after an accelerated departure from the International Space Station.
A NASA F-15B testbed jet is conducting high-speed taxi tests with a CATNLF fin, aiming to increase laminar flow and reduce drag. According to AeroTime, this technology could lead to significant fuel savings for Boeing 777 aircraft.
NASA has launched its twin ESCAPADE spacecraft on a historic journey to study Mars' space weather. The Blue Origin New Glenn rocket carried the spacecraft into orbit around Earth before launching them towards Mars.
A NASA WB-57 made a gear-up landing at Ellington Field in Houston on January 27, 2026, after experiencing a mechanical issue during landing. According to AeroTime, a NASA spokesperson confirmed that all crew members were safe and a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine what occurred.
NASA has awarded two contracts totaling $1.7 million to study affordable hypersonic flight testing methods. The agency aims to bridge the gap between laboratory testing and full-scale flight programs by adapting commercially developed platforms.
NASA has selected Pilatus' PC-12 for its urban transport systems research program, Breaking Defense reports. The aircraft will undergo modifications to support various research missions, including the testing of a prototype radio system for in-flight information exchange.
NASA has selected Firefly Aerospace as a launch provider for its Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) missions. The fixed-price contract, worth up to $300 million across five years, will utilize Firefly's Alpha rocket for launches in the 500-1000 kg range.
NASA has acquired two F-15 fighter jets to support its supersonic flight research program. The aircraft were previously retired from service by the US Air Force and are now being transferred to NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
NASA has completed the first flight of its Crossflow Attenuated Natural Laminar Flow (CATNLF) scale-model wing on an F-15B research jet at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The test aimed to prove the aircraft could fly safely and predictably with the test article installed.
NASA has delayed its Artemis II crewed lunar mission due to technical issues encountered during a 'wet dress rehearsal' at Kennedy Space Center. The agency is now targeting early March for the launch, with an additional window on March 11 and further options in April if needed.
NASA has awarded Firefly Aerospace $93.3 million to deliver a suite of ten NASA-sponsored science and technology demonstration payloads to the Moon's Crisium basin in 2023. The 'Blue Ghost' lunar lander will operate on-board payloads during transit, orbit, and on the lunar surface for a complete lunar day.
Billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman returned to Capitol Hill on December 3, 2025, for a second confirmation hearing to lead NASA, following his renomination by President Trump after a brief withdrawal in May. Isaacman, who founded Shift4 Payments and funded private SpaceX missions, faces key questions about his ties to Elon Musk, proposed budget cuts, and his controversial "Project Athena" plan to reshape the agency.
Jared Isaacman has been confirmed as the new head of NASA after US President Donald Trump withdrew his support in May 2024. The selection comes seven months later, following a Senate confirmation process.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has criticized both Boeing and the agency itself for the failed Starliner mission, which stranded a crew in orbit for months. The investigation report highlights issues with propulsion systems, qualification work, leadership, and culture that contributed to the failure.
With the fiscal year 2026 appropriations process complete, a key House appropriator expressed concerns about the adequacy of NASA's funding for 2027. The appropriator believes there is 'room for improvement' in the agency's budget and hopes to see enhancements in the next spending bill.
Firefly Aerospace has been awarded the NASA Venture Class Launch Services Demonstration 2 (VCLS Demo 2) contract for the launch of two CubeSat constellations to a 550 km Sun-Synchronous Orbit. The company will bridge demand between pure small launch capability and the National Security Space Launch program, according to Firefly President Leslie Kovacs.
Firefly Aerospace has been awarded an $18 million NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) contract to provide radio frequency calibration services from lunar orbit. As part of Blue Ghost Mission 2, Firefly will support the LuSEE-Night radio telescope in unlocking new insights about the universe.
Firefly Aerospace has been awarded an approximately $179.6 million NASA contract to deliver and operate six NASA instruments in the Gruithuisen Domes on the Moon's near side in 2028. As part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload (CLPS) initiative, Firefly will utilize its Blue Ghost lunar lander, Elytra Dark orbital vehicle, and a rover from an industry provider to investigate the unique composition of the domes.
Firefly Aerospace, Inc., has been awarded a $112 million NASA contract to deliver multiple lunar payloads in 2026. As part of the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, Firefly will utilize its Blue Ghost spacecraft in a two-stage configuration to place a satellite into lunar orbit and then deliver research payloads on the far side of the Moon.
Firefly Aerospace successfully launched its Alpha FLTA005 rocket as part of the Venture-Class Launch Services Demonstration 2 contract with NASA. The mission, called Noise of Summer, lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base on July 3, 2024.
Firefly Aerospace has shipped its Blue Ghost lunar lander to NASA JPL for final testing before launching in Q4 2024. As part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, Firefly's Blue Ghost Mission 1 lander is integrated with 10 scientific instruments and technology demonstrations that will help pave the way for humanity's return to the Moon.
Firefly Aerospace has been awarded a Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) contract by NASA worth up to $2.6 billion over 10 years. The program aims to acquire end-to-end commercial payload services between Earth and the lunar surface.
Firefly Aerospace has received a $10 million contract addendum from NASA under the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative for Blue Ghost Mission 1. The additional data collected includes images, communications data, and lander performance data, which could provide critical insights into the Moon's surface and environment.
Firefly Aerospace has announced its Alpha Flight 5 (FLTA005) mission, called Noise of Summer, which is scheduled to launch no earlier than June 26. The mission will deploy eight educational payloads for NASA's CubeSat Launch Initiative, providing low-cost access to space for U.
Firefly Aerospace successfully launched its Blue Ghost lunar lander on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, marking a significant milestone in the company's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative. With a target landing date of March 2, 2025, Firefly's 60-day mission will include approximately 45 days on-orbit and 14 days of lunar surface operations.
Firefly Aerospace has completed the development and assembly of its Blue Ghost lander structure and fluid systems, a critical milestone for its first lunar mission slated to launch in 2024 under NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative. The company's Texas-based spacecraft facility played a key role in this achievement.
Firefly Aerospace has awarded SpaceX a contract to launch its Blue Ghost lunar lander in 2023. The Blue Ghost spacecraft will carry NASA instruments and technology demonstration payloads, as well as separately contracted commercial payloads.
Firefly Aerospace has been awarded a NASA contract to launch NOAA's QuickSounder environmental satellite on its Alpha rocket in 2026. The mission is part of NOAA's Near Earth Orbit Network (NEON) program, which aims to improve weather forecasting and climate models.
Firefly Aerospace has been awarded a fixed-price NASA contract for a dedicated Alpha launch of the Investigation of Convective Updrafts (INCUS) mission from Wallops Flight Facility. The company will provide responsive operations and mission flexibility, with the Alpha rocket supporting dedicated missions like INCUS.
Firefly Aerospace has completed the Critical Design Review of its Blue Ghost lunar lander, paving the way for construction and a September 2023 launch. The lander will carry NASA payloads to the Mare Crisium lunar basin, with several commercial payloads also on board.
Firefly Aerospace has signed an Intellectual Property and Engineering Support Agreement with Israel Aerospace Industries to develop a U.S.-built version of IAI's Beresheet lunar lander for NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program. Firefly will utilize IAI's flight-proven technology, while leveraging its own resources to create a low-cost integrated solution for reliable lunar surface missions.
Firefly Aerospace has added former NASA Administrator James Bridenstine to its Advisory Board, effective immediately. Bridenstine joins the company amid recent success in its Alpha rocket program and upcoming lunar missions.