Space News

2026-2027 DWU: High School Engineering Challenge

2026-2027 DWU: High School Engineering Challenge Materials Overview The 2026-2027 challenge theme is, “Fueling Flight Design Challenge: New Energy Systems.” As more and more aircraft are a part of the US’ National Airspace System (NAS), NASA and partners at the FAA, at universities, and in the aviation industry are searching for ways to increase safety, […]

Hubble Spots Chaotic Secret in Galaxy

A chaotic secret hides within this seemingly serene image of spiral galaxy NGC 4698 taken by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and released on Sept. 18, 2026. As a spiral galaxy like our own Milky Way galaxy, NGC 4698 has spiral arms that curl around within a thin disk of stars, gas, and dust. These arms […]

After seven years, a spacecraft company is releasing its Otters into the wild

"There is always a tension that comes with seeing the first of anything fly."

TB 26-07 Aluminum Alloy 2219 Material Guidance

For more information, contact Donald S. Parker, Kennedy Space Center, donald.s.parker@nasa.gov Download the PDF version Improper casting and forging processes in the manufacture of aluminum alloy 2219 can lead to microstructural defects that result in a sub-optimal response to anodic surface treatments and an increase in corrosion susceptibility. This Technical Bulletin communicates the risks of […]

Week in images: 21-25 Sep 2026

Week in images: 21-25 Sep 2026

Three Earth Explorer candidates go forward

From the ESA Blogs.

Rocket Report: Era of cheap launch is over? Astra sets early 2027. target for return

"The customer got comfortable with a high reliability and a low price."

ESA and the EU partner with Museo Galileo on new exhibition

The European Space Agency (ESA), Italy’s Museo Galileo - Institute and Museum of the History of Science, and the European Commission (EC) have partnered to uncover the surprising and far-reaching connections between the pioneer astronomer Galileo Galilei and Europe’s satellite navigation system Galileo.

Earth from Space: Venetian Lagoon

From the ESA Blogs.

MIRROR robot reflects future of in-orbit assembly

Like a climber, selecting and adjusting its grip on the next hold and slowly moving across a rockface, the robot seen here crawls across a dark laboratory clutching onto pieces of equipment to steadily build a structure underneath itself, piece by piece.

Callisto Reusable Rocket Demonstrator Takes Shape Ahead of 2027 Hop Test

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) has completed final testing of the nose cone for the Callisto reusable rocket demonstrator, with the hardware now set to be transferred to France for final integration. DLR has also confirmed that the demonstrator’s initial hop test has slipped to 2027, a delay first hinted at in a French space […]

APOD: 2026 September 25 – Globular Star Cluster Omega Centauri