Recent Posts
Social•Feb 10, 2026
Four New Leaders Join Planetary Science Institute Board
Scott Pace and Dan Dumbacher are 2 of the 4 newest Planetary Science Institute Board members. Others are Stanford's Michael Kuiken (Vice Chair of US-China Economic & Security Review Cmsm) and Lockheed Martin's Lora Koenig (remote sensing for Earth sci). https://t.co/XmKL854Puh
By Marcia Smith
Social•Feb 10, 2026
Rep. Meng Applauds Isaacman's Workforce Initiative
Stmt from Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), top Democrat on the House Approps CJS subcommittee, praising Isaacman's workforce initiative: https://t.co/ZnvQrOzfUo
By Marcia Smith
Social•Feb 10, 2026
Senate Commerce to Re‑mark up SAT Streamlining Act Feb 11
Senate Commerce confirms that tmrw (Feb 11) it will try again to mark up the SAT Streamlining Act and other bills under consideration on Feb 3 (see our What's Happening Feb 8-14 https://t.co/ZGgCRqAXcJ). The markup is in the...
By Marcia Smith
Social•Feb 9, 2026
Crew‑12 Launch Delayed to Thursday Amid Weather Uncertainty
At the moment the Crew-12 launch is skld for 5:38 am ET Thurs (delayed from Wed.) and has priority on the range, but at pre-launch presser an hour ago NASA sounded as tho Crew-12 ascent corridor wx probably won't be...
By Marcia Smith
Social•Feb 9, 2026
Crew-12 Launch Delayed To
The Crew-12 launch is being delayed a day due to weather. Now Feb 12 at 5:38 am ET. https://t.co/dE9diCzJMG
By Marcia Smith
Social•Feb 9, 2026
NASA Updates Artemis II Progress, No Launch Date Set
NASA issued an update this evening (Sunday, Feb 8) on progress with Artemis II, but did not set a date for the next WDR or launch. https://t.co/KR4n5W5P49
By Marcia Smith
Social•Feb 5, 2026
NASA Confirms Crew‑12 Still Set for Feb 11
Asked NASA this afternoon (Feb 5) whether they're still targeting Feb 11 for Crew-12. Here's their reply, which basically is yes, but... (and is pretty much what they said at Tuesday's post-WDR presser, too). https://t.co/icHWwDZ4aI
By Marcia Smith
Social•Feb 4, 2026
HSST Passes NASA Authorization Bill, Rejects Drone Detection Amendment
HSST unanimously adopted (37-0) the NASA auth bill, HR 7273, as amnded. List of adopted amndmnts: https://t.co/DpUjGFOTeA. One (Rep Stevens) rejected by recorded vote (18-19) to improve NASA's ability to detect drones entering its airspace. Opponents said not right bill...
By Marcia Smith
Social•Feb 4, 2026
Congress Orders Study on Boosting ISS Post‑Operations
At ongoing markup, HSS&T just adopted a Whitesides/Begich amndmt requiring an analysis of viability/costs of boosting ISS at end of ops instead of deorbiting it. No mandate to do that, or $, just an analysis so can understand options. Babin...
By Marcia Smith
Social•Feb 4, 2026
Rep. Beyer Proposes, Then Withdraws Discovery Transfer Amendment
At HSS&T markup of NASA auth bill right now, Rep Beyer (D-VA) offered amndmt abt transferring shuttle Discovery to Houston. Wld have req info about cost and protecting vehicle from harm. Offered to withdrew after commitment from cmte chair Babin...
By Marcia Smith
Social•Feb 4, 2026
Crew‑12 Launch Moves to Feb 11 Amid Artemis Delay
Not so good news for Artemis II is good news for Crew-12, which can launch on Feb 11 now. One wrinkle, tho, could be Falcon 9 second stage “off nominal” performance yesterday on the Starlink launch. NASA’s Amit Kshatriya said...
By Marcia Smith
Social•Feb 3, 2026
Trump Signs FY2026 Funding, 11 of 12 Bills Enacted
This afternoon the House passed and then President Trump quickly signed into law a bill that funds Defense, THUD (incl the FAA and its Office of Commercial Space Transportation) and 3 others for FY2026. Now 11 of the 12 FY2026...
By Marcia Smith
Social•Feb 3, 2026
Data Needed Before New WDR; March Delay Triggers VAB Rollback
Post-WDR news conference key takeaways: need to look at data before determining next steps and setting date for new WDR; if can't launch by end of March window, probably have to roll back to VAB to replace batteries in the...
By Marcia Smith
Social•Feb 3, 2026
Lori Glaze Named Moon-To
NASA's news conf post-WDR is underway (watch on YouTube). Lori Glaze is introduced as Moon to Mars Mission Manager, not Acting AA for ESDMD. https://t.co/67JSPovRN0
By Marcia Smith
Social•Feb 3, 2026
NASA Postpones Artemis II Launch Decision Until March
[Reposting bc the time for today's news conf has changed to 1:00 pm ET, not noon.] NASA Will Wait Until March for Artemis II https://t.co/KABsiD8zbg NASA will have a news conference at 1:00 pm today (Tuesday, Feb 3) about the...
By Marcia Smith
Social•Feb 3, 2026
Artemis II: Orion Hatches Sealed, Single Terminal Countdown
Latest on the Artemis II WDR. Orion hatches are closed. They'll do a single terminal countdown. https://t.co/LY2imrAIdp
By Marcia Smith
Social•Feb 3, 2026
Corrected NASA Update Shows Current WDR Status
Posted the wrong NASA update. This is where the WDR stands as of 9:51 pm ET: https://t.co/rtQdwNxi2D
By Marcia Smith
Social•Feb 3, 2026
Artemis II Countdown Hits T‑10 Hold, Rehearsal Extends Past Window
Artemis II WDR update. At 8:50 pm ET NASA's YouTube stream says countdown has entered T-10 hold. Rehearsal will extend beyond simulated 9:00 pm ET launch window open. Closeout crew work continues in white room.
By Marcia Smith
Social•Feb 2, 2026
NASA Resumes Fast Liquid Hydrogen Fill for Artemis II
NASA has resumed core stage liquid hydrogen fast fill for the Artemis II WDR. https://t.co/i9nMY7JSu0
By Marcia Smith
Social•Feb 2, 2026
Artemis II Delayed: Liquid Hydrogen Loading Issues Persist
Artemis II WDR status -- as of 2:25 pm ET, "troubleshooting liquid hydrogen loading into the core stage continues." NASA graphic (which appears periodically on NASA's YouTube stream: https://t.co/5OqAxjZZ1n) https://t.co/ipFvMbh1cO
By Marcia Smith
Social•Feb 2, 2026
NASA Schedules Post‑WDR Press Conference for Tomorrow Noon
NASA will have a post-WDR news conference tomorrow (Tuesday, Feb 3) at noon ET. https://t.co/SK9RVqtJfP
By Marcia Smith
Social•Feb 2, 2026
NASA Countdown Begins for Artemis II Tanking Approval
Meanwhile, waiting for official word from NASA about whether it was a "go" for Artemis II tanking. The clock is counting down on NASA's website... https://t.co/5OqAxjZZ1n
By Marcia Smith
Social•Feb 2, 2026
Artemis II Team Polls Live on Tanking Decision
Artemis II Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson and the Mission Management Team will conduct a poll at 10:45 am ET this morning (in about 5 minutes) to decide whether to proceed with tanking for the Wet Dress Rehearsal. https://t.co/c6C2rRQQ2I
By Marcia Smith
Social•Feb 1, 2026
Artemis II Wet Dress Rehearsal Begins, Launch Window Tomorrow
Pick of the wk of course is the Artemis II Wet Dress Rehearsal. The approx 49-hour test is already underway. Simulated launch window opens 9:00 pm ET tmrw (Monday). What’s Happening in Space Policy February 1-7, 2026 https://t.co/K961bTAPgx
By Marcia Smith
Social•Jan 30, 2026
House SS&T to Markup NASA Authorization Bill Wednesday
House SS&T will markup up a new NASA authorization bill (H.R. 7273) on Wednesday, Feb 4, at 10:00 am ET. Webcast. https://t.co/JD6nB1YtA3
By Marcia Smith
Social•Jan 30, 2026
NASA Remains Silent, Artemis II Launch Likely Delayed
It's 7:30 am ET January 30. Still no official word from NASA about the Artemis II WDR. Pretty clear it's delayed. Bill Harwood @cbs_spacenews posted that unofficial news last night around 11:00 pm. Bewildering as to why NASA remains silent.
By Marcia Smith
Social•Jan 30, 2026
NASA WDR and Senate Minibus Vote Both Stalled
So…apparently no NASA WDR, and no Senate vote on the minibus. Time to call it a day.
By Marcia Smith
Social•Jan 29, 2026
Maj. Gen. Grisham Leads USSP
USSPACECOM Commander Gen. Stephen Whiting has named Maj. Gen. Terry Grisham to lead the transition team to move USSPACECOM's HQ from Colorado Springs, CO to Hunstville, AL as directed by President Trump. https://t.co/7iABjLrtf8
By Marcia Smith
Social•Jan 29, 2026
NASA Grants $5M to 29 Institutions for STEM Education
NASA has awarded a bit more than $5 million to 29 institutions for STEM education. https://t.co/oWyhCJKQQr
By Marcia Smith
Social•Jan 29, 2026
Secure World Foundation Seeks Chris Johnson Successor
Job opportunity at Secure World Foundation for what sounds like a successor to Chris Johnson.
By Marcia Smith
Social•Jan 28, 2026
GAO: DOD Overestimates Spacecraft Readiness, Delays Schedules
GAO: "DOD is overestimating the readiness of some parts critical to this system, such as the spacecraft. This has resulted in unplanned work—adding time to contractors’ schedules."
By Marcia Smith
Social•Jan 27, 2026
Senate Commerce Set to Vote on ORBITS and SAT Bills
Senate Commerce will vote on Sen Hickenlooper's ORBITS Act (S1898) and Sen Cruz's SAT Streamlining Act (S3639), on Tuesday, Feb. 3.https://t.co/LV1IL2VGMm
By Marcia Smith
Social•Jan 27, 2026
NASA's Spinoff 2026 Marks 50 Years of Innovation
NASA's annual Spinoff report -- Spinoff 2026 -- is out, celebrating its 50th anniversary. https://t.co/nXOeQdaTn7
By Marcia Smith
Social•Jan 27, 2026
Artemis II Wet Dress Rehearsal Slated for Jan 31
NASA says the Artemis II Wet Dress Rehearsal is now as early as Jan 31. https://t.co/bj6ypJWE9L
By Marcia Smith
Social•Jan 26, 2026
Artemis II Crew Begins Quarantine, Awaiting Launch Timeline
Still no date for the WDR or launch, but Artemis II crew is getting ready. They entered quarantine on Friday in Houston. Pending outcome of the WDR or other operations considerations they can come out and reenter 14 days before...
By Marcia Smith
Social•Jan 26, 2026
Oman Signs Artemis Accords, Hosts Regional Space Summit
The Sultanate of Oman is the latest Artemis Accords signatory. Oman is hosting the Middle East Space Conference this week. https://t.co/vdZQAZ2n6w
By Marcia Smith
Social•Jan 26, 2026
Bill Nye Steps Down as CEO, Becomes Ambassador and Vice Chair
After 15 years heading The Planetary Society, Bill Nye "The Science Guy" is transitioning from CEO to a new role as Chief Ambassador as well as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors. Current COO Jennifer Vaughn will be...
By Marcia Smith
Social•Jan 26, 2026
Moon Spacewalks Far Harder than ISS, Astronauts Say
That *is* an excellent report abt the realities of spacewalking on the Moon, esp v the ISS, and Axiom's suits. Incl stmts by astronauts Kate Rubins (ret) and Mike Barratt to the Natl Academies recently (plus an interview w/Rubins). Snip:...
By Marcia Smith
Social•Jan 24, 2026
NASA Schedules Dual Crew‑12 Briefings with International Crew Friday
NASA will hold two Crew-12 press briefings next Friday, Jan 30. https://t.co/JMPTLvr74u 11:00 am ET Mission Overview with NASA/ESA/SpX officials. 1:00 pm ET with the crew: NASA's Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway; ESA's Sophie Adenot; Roscosmos's Andrey Fedyaev. Watch on YouTube.
By Marcia Smith
Social•Jan 22, 2026
Blue Origin Counts Down New Shepard‑38, Launch Imminent
Blue Origin has picked up the count for New Shepard-38, launch in just over 1 minute.
By Marcia Smith
Social•Jan 22, 2026
Rocket Lab's Neutron Test Failure Delays Progress
Rocket Lab had a failure during a qualification testing of their new Neutron rocket. Testing of Stage-1 tank “resulted in a rupture during a hydrostatic pressure trial.” Will provide an update during its fourth quarter earnings call next week next...
By Marcia Smith
Social•Jan 21, 2026
NASA Holds Crew‑11 Post‑Flight Brief After Early Return
NASA post-flight news conf with Crew-11, which returned from ISS last week earlier than planned because one of the crew has a medical issue, should begin in about 15 min at 2:15 pm ET. Watch on YouTube: https://t.co/oJ467pMZhg
By Marcia Smith
Social•Jan 20, 2026
Blue Origin Ops Director Steps In as Passenger Falls Ill
Blue Origin's own Laura Stiles, Dir of New Shepard Launch Operations, will get a chance to fly on New Shepard herself tomorrow bc one of the scheduled passengers (Andrew Yaffe) is ill and she'll take that seat.
By Marcia Smith
Social•Jan 18, 2026
Space Policy Week: Holiday, Busy Schedule, NASA Remembrance
The week starts with a holiday (Martin Luther King Jr Day). Busy after that, incl NASA's annual Day of Remembrance on Thursday. What’s Happening in Space Policy January 18-24, 2026 https://t.co/BdTbHvdfP9
By Marcia Smith
Social•Jan 18, 2026
NASA Ends Formal Support for Planetary Science Advisory Groups
On Friday, NASA Planetary Science Division Director Louise Procktor sent a letter to the planetary science community to say NASA no longer can formally support their Analysis/Advisory Groups (AGs). Link to the letter: https://t.co/mvm1oQGHCw Snip: https://t.co/1JXPcN4ej0
By Marcia Smith
Social•Jan 17, 2026
Artemis II Crew and Isaacman Ready for Countdown
NASA press conf with Artemis II crew and Isaacman at the Countdown Clock at KSC should start in a minute or so. https://t.co/UpTBoErSmo
By Marcia Smith
Social•Jan 16, 2026
NASA Confirms All Crew‑11 Astronauts Return to Houston
NASA statement just now that all four members of Crew-11 are back in Houston. https://t.co/XeUXvYUajA
By Marcia Smith
Social•Jan 16, 2026
NASA's Artemis II Pre‑Rollout Press Conference Begins at Noon
NASA's SLS/Orion Artemis II pre-roll out press conf should start in about 5 minutes at 12:00 pm ET. https://t.co/5Z8Wjlidcr
By Marcia Smith
Social•Jan 15, 2026
Senate Approves Minibus Bill Covering CJS and NASA
The Senate has passed the minibus that includes CJS, which in turn includes NASA. Now to the President.
By Marcia Smith