National Aeronautics and Space Administration   (NASA) News

• NASA Weekly Roundup: Launches, Budgets, and the Next Generation of Space Innovators

  Welcome to the NASA Weekly Roundup, your quick guide to the agency’s biggest headlines and what they mean for you. This week’s top story: NASA and SpaceX successfully launched the 32nd commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station on April 21, delivering vital scientific experiments and supplies that keep the orbiting laboratory—and its research—running strong. NASA is also preparing for the homecoming of astronaut Don Pettit and his fellow Soyuz crew, who are set to depart the ISS and return to Earth on April 19 after months of scientific work in microgravity.On Capitol Hill, change is brewing: Jared Isaacman, known for commanding the first all-civilian spaceflight, underwent a Senate hearing this month to become NASA’s next administrator. If confirmed, Isaacman could bring a fresh perspective from the private space sector, potentially accelerating NASA’s partnerships with commercial companies and reshaping its exploration roadmap.Budget news is also making waves. The House’s proposed 2025 NASA budget includes a modest 1% increase, enough to keep flagship programs like Artemis—America’s return to the Moon—on track, ensuring $7.6 billion for deep space exploration. But this comes at the cost of science. The Science Mission Directorate faces a $200 million shortfall compared to the White House’s request, putting pressure on Earth and planetary science projects. As one agency official put it, “This places enormous pressure on NASA’s science projects,” highlighting challenges for researchers, students, and businesses that depend on NASA grants and technology contracts.NASA’s Glenn Research Center is launching the High School Engineering Institute this summer, offering hands-on aerospace experience to prepare students for tomorrow’s jobs—an initiative aimed at growing the next generation of American innovators.Meanwhile, international teamwork is front and center. Scientists from NASA, universities, and even amateur astronomers collaborated globally to observe a rare planetary alignment, unlocking new data about the atmospheres of Uranus and other gas giants. According to Caltech’s Emma Dahl, “As scientists, we do our best work when we collaborate.” These efforts strengthen US leadership in space science and deepen partnerships with allies.Looking ahead, watch for updates on new Artemis missions, leadership confirmations, and potential adjustments to science funding as Congress hammers out the budget. Citizens can follow developments at nasa.gov, tune in to upcoming space-to-Earth calls with astronauts, and, when public comment periods open, make their voices heard on the future of American space exploration. Stay tuned—NASA’s next chapter is unfolding above and around us, and everyone has a stake in what comes next.

  --------  

  3:03
• 'NASA's Busy April: SpaceX Launch, Crew Rotation, and Funding Challenges'

  This week’s biggest headline from NASA is the upcoming SpaceX CRS-32 mission, set to launch Monday, April 21, at 4:15 a.m. Eastern, delivering new science investigations, supplies, and state-of-the-art equipment to the International Space Station. This marks SpaceX’s 32nd commercial resupply mission for NASA, emphasizing the critical public-private partnership that powers American leadership in space and fuels research with both global and everyday impact. Alongside this launch, a crew rotation is underway: NASA astronaut Don Pettit, together with Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner, will wrap up their term aboard the ISS and return to Earth on Saturday, April 19—a reminder of the seamless international cooperation that has become routine on the space station.On the policy front, NASA’s 2025 budget is a headline in its own right. Congress is proposing only a 1% funding increase—below inflation—that covers key programs like Artemis, the U.S. return to the Moon, with $7.6 billion, but trims $200 million from the Science Mission Directorate compared to requests. Experts warn this could slow new space science missions like the long-awaited Venus VERITAS and delay the Dragonfly probe to Titan, impacting jobs and scientific progress nationwide. Lori Glaze, NASA’s Planetary Science Director, recently stated, “Every dollar not invested in science means missed discoveries and lost opportunities for the workforce and our nation’s leadership in space.” These funding decisions highlight tension between maintaining flagship projects and sustaining the innovation pipeline.Meanwhile, NASA is investing in the next generation, launching the Glenn High School Engineering Institute in Cleveland this summer. This free work-based program prepares students for aerospace careers, and underscores NASA's expanded focus on STEM engagement to ensure a diverse, future-ready workforce.For businesses, continued commercial resupply missions and NASA’s steadfast collaboration with companies like SpaceX signal stability and future contracts, especially as the Commercial Crew Program heads toward its 15th crewed flight. State and local governments benefit from ongoing NASA investments in education and infrastructure—especially in STEM-rich states—while Americans everywhere should recognize NASA’s research impacts everything from medical tech to climate resilience.Internationally, the seamless ISS crew rotation and collaboration with Roscosmos demonstrate that, even during geopolitical tension, science and exploration remain common ground. As the Artemis program gears up for future lunar missions, expect further partnerships with allies and private industry to deepen.Looking ahead, keep an eye on the early May ISS spacewalk, where astronauts will prepare the station for a new rollout solar array, ensuring the orbiting outpost remains powered for years to come. And for those passionate about space policy or budget choices, now is the time to let lawmakers know your priorities for American leadership in space. You can follow mission updates and learn how to engage at nasa.gov, or tune in to NASA TV for live coverage of Monday’s launch. Your interest, your voice, and your curiosity drive these missions forward—so keep looking up!

  --------  

  3:34
• NASA's Winding Road: Balancing Budget Cuts and Breakthrough Missions

  This week’s headline from NASA centers on the stark challenges facing its science programs: the draft federal budget for the next fiscal year proposes dramatic cuts, slashing NASA’s funding by 20% overall and reducing its Science Mission Directorate (SMD) budget by over 50%. Casey Dreier from the Planetary Society called it an "extinction-level event" for NASA science, warning of terminated missions, wasted taxpayer dollars, and a potential standstill in scientific discovery. These proposed reductions could jeopardize future space missions, including advancements in astrophysics, Earth science, and planetary exploration.But it’s not all grim. NASA continues to march forward with key milestones. At the Kennedy Space Center, engineers are preparing for the Artemis II mission, scheduled for 2026, by assembling critical components of the Space Launch System. This mission will send astronauts around the Moon, marking another giant leap toward deep space exploration. Meanwhile, Jonny Kim, aboard the International Space Station, is conducting groundbreaking research ranging from Earth science to biology, underscoring NASA's commitment to science for the benefit of humanity.On the international front, NASA celebrated a significant diplomatic achievement as Bangladesh signed the Artemis Accords, becoming the 54th nation to commit to peaceful and responsible space exploration. This growing global coalition strengthens international partnerships and highlights space as a domain of cooperation rather than conflict.Private sector collaboration also made headlines. SpaceX and NASA plan to launch the 32nd commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station on April 21, while Blue Origin prepares for its first Mars-focused mission with the ESCAPADE launch later this spring. These partnerships reflect NASA's strategy of leveraging commercial investments to advance space exploration sustainably.Closer to Earth, NASA’s aeronautics team is testing air taxis to safely integrate them into the national airspace, potentially revolutionizing urban mobility. These innovations, paired with the data from current satellites like the PACE mission, which monitors ocean ecosystems and climate interactions, demonstrate NASA's far-reaching impact on daily life.Looking ahead, the Senate's decision on Jared Isaacman as NASA Administrator could shape the agency's response to these budget challenges. For now, NASA invites citizens to advocate for its funding and explore upcoming launches, educational content, and public involvement through its website and podcasts.Keep watching the skies and the stars, as NASA’s story—our story—unfolds.

  --------  

  2:55
• NASA's Liftoff Milestones: Soyuz Launch, Budget Boost, and Earth Data Advances

  This week, NASA marks significant milestones in its mission to push the boundaries of exploration and science. The headline event is the launch of the Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft to the International Space Station on April 8. Carrying NASA astronaut Jonny Kim alongside Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky, the crew is set for an eight-month expedition focused on critical scientific research aboard the orbital laboratory. This mission highlights the ongoing international partnerships that underscore the space station's success as a hub for global cooperation in space exploration. The launch streamed live on NASA's platforms, capturing attention worldwide.Meanwhile, the U.S. Congress enacted the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025, allocating $25.5 billion to support key initiatives including lunar exploration, development of next-generation spacesuits, and preparations for future Mars missions. The act tasks NASA with fostering a commercial low-Earth orbit economy and solidifying private sector partnerships to enhance human space exploration. Significant funding will also address planetary defense measures to protect Earth from near-Earth objects. However, the Science Mission Directorate faces a $200 million shortfall, fueling concerns about the impacts on research and advancements in space science.In Earth sciences, NASA’s Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) satellite continues to provide critical insights into climate change and marine ecosystems. Similarly, data from the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) resumed limited operations earlier this year, with its imaging capabilities now available despite past technical setbacks. Adding to this, 16 new datasets were added to the NASA Earthdata Cloud on April 8—boosting scientists’ ability to analyze global soil moisture and other critical environmental data.These developments directly impact American citizens by enhancing scientific knowledge, fostering innovation, and securing environmental sustainability. For businesses, NASA’s expanding collaborations present opportunities in commercial space ventures, while state and local governments benefit from scientific and economic advancements supported by NASA-led programs. Internationally, the agency's partnerships with Roscosmos and JAXA demonstrate the diplomatic value of space exploration, reinforcing peaceful collaborations amidst global competition.Looking ahead, the Artemis mission, NASA's Moon-to-Mars program, remains a key focus as astronauts prepare for a lunar landing in the coming years. For real-time updates and engagement opportunities, citizens can explore NASA’s extensive digital resources, including NASA+, podcasts, and social media channels. Stay curious—space exploration is just getting started.

  --------  

  3:05
• Space Update Podcast: Artemis Accords Milestone, Crewed Missions, and Policy Challenges

  Welcome to today’s episode of Space Update, your trusted source for the latest from NASA. This week’s biggest headline is the signing of the Artemis Accords by Bangladesh, making it the 54th nation committed to ensuring space exploration benefits all humanity. As NASA Administrator Bill Nelson remarked, “This milestone underscores how space exploration unites us all under a shared commitment to peace and progress.”Keeping with international partnerships, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program at Kennedy Space Center continues robust preparations for upcoming crewed missions. SpaceX Crew-10 and Crew-11 are slated for launch, while Boeing is progressing toward NASA certification of its Starliner system for future International Space Station rotations. With 2025 marking the 25th anniversary of crewed operations on the ISS, Deputy Program Manager Dana Hutcherson emphasized that every launch sustains "critical national assets" and advances groundbreaking research.In policy news, the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025 is working its way through Congress. The bipartisan bill, with a $25.5 billion authorization, supports human spaceflight projects, including Moon missions under Artemis, and prepares for future Mars exploration. It also encourages private sector partnerships for low-Earth orbit commercialization and aims to ensure taxpayer dollars are efficiently allocated, particularly for safety and lunar communication advancements.However, budget challenges loom. NASA's funding is set to increase by just 1%, falling short of the administration’s request and failing to match inflation. While major programs like Artemis remain fully funded, NASA’s Science Mission Directorate faces a $200 million shortfall, jeopardizing vital projects. Critics warn that this could hamper the agency’s ability to deliver on its long-term scientific objectives.On the environmental front, NASA's PACE satellite continues to deliver groundbreaking data, advancing our understanding of climate change impacts on oceans and air quality. This mission holds promise for addressing issues like harmful algal blooms and air pollution, showcasing NASA’s role in tackling global challenges beyond space exploration.For American citizens, these developments mean NASA will remain a leader in innovation, exploration, and environmental stewardship. Businesses engaged in aerospace stand to benefit from the agency’s sustained investment in technology, while state and local governments hosting NASA facilities can anticipate continued economic growth. Globally, the Artemis Accords and international collaborations strengthen ties and set standards for responsible space exploration.Looking ahead, NASA’s annual Human Exploration Rover Challenge kicks off on April 11. This event inspires the next generation of engineers and scientists by challenging students to design and test innovative rovers.Want to get involved? Follow NASA’s updates on their website, where you can explore educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and ways to provide feedback on policies impacting your community. As always, stay curious, and keep looking to the stars!

  --------  

  3:27

Plus de podcasts Gouvernement

Podcasts tendance de Gouvernement

À propos de National Aeronautics and Space Administration   (NASA) News

National Aeronautics and Space Administration   (NASA) News: Podcasts du groupe