Civil
Stories about US and international civil space missions, including those led by NASA and ESA.
NASA Punts Mars Sample Return Decision
After more than a year of review, there’s no concrete plan to retrieve scientific samples from Mars.
2024 Wrapped: NASA’s Year in Space
Here are some of the space agency’s biggest milestones and most impactful decisions this year
Europe Lays Out Plans for IRIS2 Constellation
The constellation is the latest effort by the EU to advance its autonomy in space.
NASA Cozies Up To Industry With 2025 SBIR Plans
If NASA’s 2025 SBIR and STTR solicitation themes are any indication, the US return to the Moon will rely heavily on small business’ tech.
SpaceX Astronaut Isaacman Tapped to Lead NASA
“Jared’s passion for space, astronaut experience, and dedication to pushing the boundaries of exploration, unlocking the mysteries of the universe, and advancing the new space economy, making him ideally suited to lead NASA into a bold new era,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
NASA, Microsoft Partner On AI-Powered ‘Earth Copilot’
The partnership, which will rely on a customized version of Microsoft’s Azure Open AI platform, supports NASA’s broader effort to democratize data access.
NASA Begins Hand-off To Commercial Satellites
Today marks the last day that NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay System satellites will be open for new business.
National Security Space Association’s Plan For the Next President
“The United States lacks a comprehensive long-term strategy to protect our interests against Chinese aggression in, from, and to space.”
NASA’s FY23 Report Makes a Compelling Argument for Greater Public Support
NASA generated almost $76B for the economy in fiscal 2023—generating an outsized impact with its .5% of the federal budget.
Regulatory Reform Should Be Top Priority For 2025: Aerospace Corp.
Incoming US policymakers must slash regulatory red tape and boost investment in commercial space tech, according to The Aerospace Corporation.
NASA, Starfish Partner on SSPICY Debris Inspection
NASA is kickin’ it up a notch on a SSPICY mission to check out a defunct sat in LEO. Starfish Space will work on the program—formally known as the Small Spacecraft Propulsion and Inspection Capability mission—under a Phase III SBIR contract from the space agency worth $15M over three years, NASA announced on Wednesday. A…
