NASA Watch
Independent blog tracking NASA programs and space sector news, often with insider commentary and analysis.
That Time When NASA Was Closed And Never Mowed Its Runways
President Donald Trump claimed NASA was "closed" with grass growing on its Florida runways, a statement the blog post debunks as false. NASA remains fully operational, and its facilities have been maintained despite the political rhetoric. The post highlights that NASA officials amplified the claim on social media without correction, and notes the administration’s FY 2027 budget request could jeopardize key programs. A House Science Committee hearing on the FY 2027 budget is scheduled for next week, drawing attention to the policy debate.
Artemis II Crew’s Excellent Adventure Recap
NASA’s Artemis II crew will hold a news conference on Thursday, April 15, 2026 at 2:30 pm EDT to discuss their upcoming lunar flyby. The briefing will be streamed live on NASA’s YouTube channel and other viewing options, with Keith Cowing providing real‑time commentary on...
NASA Force Job Applications
NASA has launched "NASA Force," a new hiring initiative created with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. The program seeks highly skilled early‑to‑mid‑career engineers, technologists and innovators for focused term appointments lasting one to two years, with possible extensions. The...
NASA’s Global Reach Just Got Broader
NASA’s Artemis II mission successfully looped a 5.7 million‑pound rocket around the Moon and back, marking the deepest crewed venture since the Apollo era. The flight demonstrated the agency’s technical readiness for a future lunar landing and underscored its growing brand relevance....
National Initiative For American Space Nuclear Power
The White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy issued a memo under Executive Order 14369, directing a National Initiative for American Space Nuclear Power. The plan calls for near‑term deployment of nuclear reactors on the Moon and in Earth...
Space Twitter’s Ad Hoc Heat Shield Analysis
NASA’s Artemis II splashdown image sparked a wave of speculation on Space Twitter after a bright, colored patch appeared on the capsule’s heat shield. Influencers and arm‑chair experts quickly labeled it a potential problem, despite the picture’s low resolution. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman...
Planetary Science Caucus Rejects NASA FY 2027 Budget Request
President Trump’s Office of Management and Budget released the FY 2027 budget request that slashes NASA’s total budget by 23% and trims the Science Mission Directorate by 47%. The proposal would cancel more than 40 planetary missions, including the high‑profile Mars...
Building Momentum
NASA’s Artemis II mission, the first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo, launched in early April 2026 after a modest start. Real‑time images of the Orion capsule sparked a surge of media attention, temporarily eclipsing the usual news cycle. The excitement is expected...
Ed Buckbee
Ed Buckbee, the inaugural director of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, died at age 89. He assembled the world’s largest space and rocket exhibition and launched the iconic U.S. Space Camp and Aviation Challenge programs. His initiatives sparked the...
Isaacman Letter To NASA On FY 2027 Budget
Jared Isaacman’s letter to NASA staff highlights the FY 2027 budget request, praising the recent Ignition alignment and the successful Artemis II launch while warning that implementation will be the real test. He urges employees to stay mission‑focused and avoid politics, emphasizing...
NASAWatch on TV
NASAWatch founder Keith Cowing is appearing on several major television networks today, including CNN International, the BBC, and Deutsche Welle, to discuss NASA’s Artemis III mission and related space initiatives. The segments feature live launch coverage and expert analysis, with additional interviews...
The Next Chapter Of NASAWatch: Your Support Is Needed
Keith Cowing announced a soft launch of a crowd‑funding campaign to keep NASAWatch operational and fund a major site overhaul. After a rapid, 22‑hour rescue last year, the platform now seeks ongoing support to cover hosting, new talent, and development...
Doing Something Again For The First Time (Update)
A new analysis highlights that roughly 75 % of the global population has never seen humans walk on another world, making the upcoming Artemis Moon landings the first live experience for most people. NASA’s Artemis program now plans to send astronauts...
Science Reorganization Planning At NASA Ames
NASA Ames is evaluating a major restructuring of its Advanced Research and Development (ARC) Science Directorate. The plan would flatten the current directorate into four core divisions—Space Biosciences, Earth Science, Astrophysics, and Planetary Science/Astrobiology—by eliminating existing branches. In parallel, a...
Rethinking That Space Message
Keith Cowing warns that public awareness of Artemis II remains surprisingly low, despite the mission’s historic importance. He urges NASA to step out of its insular “space bubble” and communicate directly with everyday audiences. The post highlights Jared Isaacman’s claim that...
