National Aeronautics and Space Administration  - NASA News

Welcome back to your weekly space update, listeners. NASA's biggest headline this week: SpaceX's Crew-12 mission blasted off successfully on February 14 from Cape Canaveral, docking at the International Space Station despite Friday the 13th vibes turning lucky. NASA reports the Falcon 9 first stage nailed its return landing, kicking off a busy station schedule with JAXA cargo unberthing, spacewalks, and Progress resupply ahead.Hot on its heels, Artemis II is gearing up after repairs to hydrogen seals post-wet dress rehearsal. NASA engineers fixed leaks and eye a March launch window for astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen to orbit the Moon—the first humans there since 1972. Administrator Jared Isaacman noted early tests show promise, saying, "We did not see some of the leaks," during a briefing, prioritizing crew safety above all.Budget wins shine too: Congress's FY2026 minibus restored near-full NASA science funding at $7.25 billion, saving missions like Venus' DAVINCI and VERITAS, Mars Odyssey, Chandra X-ray, and Landsat after dodging a proposed $6 billion slash. A new workforce directive cuts over-reliance on contractors, boosting in-house engineering.For American citizens, this means safer Artemis returns inspiring STEM dreams and protected science yielding climate, health insights. Businesses like SpaceX thrive on steady contracts, while states like Florida and Texas gain jobs from launches and $10 billion human spaceflight roadmap over six years. Internationally, Crew-12 strengthens ISS ties with Canada, Japan, and Roscosmos.Experts at Planetary Society hail it as a "budget victory" from grassroots pushback. Watch NASA's Tuesday Artemis briefing on YouTube for timelines; quarantine lifts soon for the crew.Keep eyes on March Artemis launch and Dragonfly mission prep. Dive deeper at nasa.gov. Tune in, subscribe, and share your space thoughts.Thanks for listening. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Welcome to your weekly space update, listeners. NASA's biggest headline this week: the Artemis II mission slips from February to March after a hydrogen leak during its wet dress rehearsal at Kennedy Space Center. Technicians swapped out two seals where gas levels spiked too high, and engineers are analyzing them now, with repairs wrapping up today at Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman captured the moment on X: "We fully anticipated encountering challenges. That's precisely why we conduct a wet dress rehearsal—to surface issues before flight and set up launch day with the highest probability of success." The crew—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Jeremy Hansen—gets a quarantine break, with five launch windows from March 6 to 11.Meantime, SpaceX Crew-12 is "go" for liftoff no earlier than 6:01 a.m. to the International Space Station, cleared after reviewing a Falcon 9 issue—different profiles mean no crew risk. And the House Science Committee unanimously passed the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026, backing Artemis, SLS, Orion, and commercial deep-space services. Chairman Brian Babin said it "strengthens our human exploration efforts, supports a growing commercial space economy, and invests in technologies from the Moon to Mars." Commercial Space Federation President Dave Cavossa called it "a big step in the right direction for commercial space transportation."For Americans, this means jobs in states like Florida and Mississippi, inspiring the next generation through education boosts. Businesses like SpaceX thrive on partnerships, fueling innovation and economic growth. States gain from sustained funding, while international ties with Canada deepen cooperation.Watch the next wet dress rehearsal and March launch attempts. Catch NASA's Artemis II news conference replay on YouTube, or dive into nasa.gov/artemis-ii.Thanks for tuning in, listeners—subscribe for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

# NASA This Week: Moon Missions and Space LeadershipWelcome back, listeners. This week, NASA faced a significant setback in its ambitious timeline to return astronauts to the Moon, but the agency is charging forward with renewed determination and congressional backing that's stronger than ever.The headline: NASA's Artemis II wet dress rehearsal encountered multiple challenges this week, most notably an out-of-limits hydrogen fuel leak that forced the agency to wave off its February launch window. According to NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, the team fully anticipated encountering these obstacles. That's precisely why they conduct these tests before actual flight. Engineers will now review all the data, troubleshoot each issue, and conduct a second rehearsal before targeting March as the earliest possible launch opportunity. For the four astronauts selected for this mission—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen—this means they'll be released from quarantine and will re-enter about two weeks before the new target launch date.But here's the bigger picture that matters to all of you: Congress just passed the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026, and it demonstrates remarkable bipartisan commitment to space exploration. The House Science, Space, and Technology Committee approved this legislation with overwhelming support, and it directly addresses America's Moon-to-Mars mission. The bill strengthens human exploration through continued development of the Space Launch System and Orion, supports a growing commercial space economy in low-Earth orbit, and invests in breakthrough technologies including advanced propulsion and deep-space communications.Among the key provisions, lawmakers required NASA to establish initial elements of a lunar outpost by December 31, 2030, creating sustained American presence on the Moon. The bill also directs NASA to align its technology development to facilitate acquiring and returning Martian samples from future exploration missions.For everyday Americans, this means job creation in aerospace and technology sectors, educational opportunities for the next generation of explorers, and positioning the United States as the world's leading spacefaring nation. Businesses in the commercial space sector will find new opportunities as NASA transitions toward commercial low-Earth orbit platforms.The March launch window opens March 6 through March 11. Listeners can stay updated through NASA's official website and YouTube channel, where the agency streams all major announcements and mission coverage.Thank you for tuning in. Please subscribe for more space exploration updates and developments. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out quietplease dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Welcome to your weekly space update, listeners. NASA's biggest headline this week: the Artemis II rocket is powering through its critical wet dress rehearsal right now at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. According to NASA updates, engineers powered up the massive 322-foot Space Launch System core stage and second stage after a countdown kicked off Saturday night, targeting a simulated launch at 9 p.m. EST tonight, February 2. Weather delays pushed tanking back from earlier dates, but if it succeeds, four astronauts could orbit the Moon as soon as February 8.This test is make-or-break for the 10-day mission, flying a free-return path around the Moon—the first crewed lunar trip since Apollo. NASA reports the crew is in quarantine in Houston, ready to go. Meanwhile, Congress just delivered a budget win: a bipartisan minibus bill allocates $24.4 billion for NASA in fiscal 2026, far above the Trump administration's $18.8 billion request. It pumps $7.3 billion into science missions, rejecting deep cuts to Earth observatories, Mars Sample Return, and more, as detailed by Payload Space and the House Appropriations Committee.These moves boost American innovation, securing jobs at centers like Marshall in Alabama, where billionaire astronaut Jared Isaacman announced demolishing old structures for new tech. Businesses like SpaceX face launch delays—Crew-12 to the ISS slips to at least February 19 if Artemis lifts off. States like Florida gain economically from launches, while international partners stay locked in for Artemis.NASA Administrator notes, "This funding restores our science leadership." Key data: science gets nearly double the proposed amount, with $341 million for planetary defense.Impacts hit home—citizens get inspiring STEM opportunities, like restored $63 million for Space Grant programs. Watch the 24/7 livestream for go/no-go at L-10 hours tonight.Next, eyes on February 8 launch window. Catch skywatching tips from NASA on Jupiter's glow. Dive deeper at nasa.gov/artemis-ii. Tune in, subscribe, and share your lunar excitement.Thanks for tuning in, listeners—subscribe for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Good morning, listeners. This is your NASA update, and we're starting with a story that could reshape American space exploration for decades to come. NASA just cleared a massive hurdle this week when Congress passed the FY2026 spending bill, restoring nearly full funding to the space agency after what could have been a catastrophic budget crisis.Here's what almost happened. Early last year, a proposal came through to slash NASA's science budget by nearly half, cutting it from 7.3 billion dollars down to just 3.9 billion. That wasn't abstract—it meant terminating dozens of active missions and throwing the entire space science community into uncertainty. But Congress rejected this wholesale. Lawmakers passed the spending bill with overwhelming bipartisan support, providing NASA with 24.4 billion dollars for the year. That's only a 400 million dollar cut from last year, and it includes strong protections for NASA's most ambitious programs. Specifically, Congress rejected any attempt to terminate the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft after Artemis Three, directing NASA to keep these programs as options for future lunar missions.This victory matters enormously for American citizens and the space industry. Hundreds of active space science missions are now protected, from Earth observation satellites to deep space probes. Universities and research institutions across the country that depend on NASA funding can move forward with confidence. The commercial space sector also benefits, as sustained NASA investment drives partnerships and innovation.Now, speaking of Artemis, listeners, NASA is about to attempt something historic this weekend. The agency is conducting a critical wet dress rehearsal on Saturday, January 31st, essentially a full simulation of the launch sequence for Artemis Two. If everything goes smoothly, NASA could proceed toward a launch window opening February 6th through 10th. Artemis Two will send astronauts around the Moon for the first time since 1972. Teams at Kennedy Space Center in Florida have been working ahead of schedule, and they're even accounting for the cold weather sweeping across the country by ensuring environmental systems keep the Orion spacecraft and SLS rocket at proper operating temperatures.What's remarkable about this moment is the clarity of direction. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has stated the agency is moving with purpose toward returning Americans to the lunar surface by 2028 and establishing a long-term human presence on the Moon.For listeners wanting to follow these developments, you can track the wet dress rehearsal coverage on NASA's official website, and the space community will be watching closely this weekend as we move closer to humanity's return to deep space exploration.Thanks for tuning in to this NASA update. Make sure to subscribe for more space news as it develops. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more check out quietplease dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Welcome to your weekly space update, listeners. NASA's biggest headline this week: the Artemis 2 rocket rolled out to Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39B on January 17, gearing up for its crewed lunar flyby as early as February 6. This marks the first astronauts orbiting the Moon since Apollo 8 in 1968, with a four-person crew testing Orion's life support on a 10-day mission.In a huge win, Congress passed H.R. 6938 on January 15, rejecting White House cuts and securing NASA $24.44 billion for FY 2026—plus $10 billion from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the largest budget since 1998 adjusted for inflation. Science Mission Directorate gets $7.25 billion, saving missions like Juno at Jupiter, New Horizons, Dragonfly to Titan, and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope launching this year. Planetary Society's Casey Dreier called it a "near-complete victory" after advocates pushed back against a proposed 47% science slash.NASA's also pushing Moon returns by 2028 under President Trump, building a lunar base, while ending formal input from some planetary science groups—a concerning shift. Partnerships shine through Artemis Accords, now five years strong, and international commitments like ESA's EnVision and Rosalind Franklin rover.For Americans, this means jobs in STEM—$63 million for Space Grant—and inspiration from real exploration. Businesses like SpaceX thrive on Crew-11's recent splashdown and HWO proposals for life-hunting telescopes. States gain from Kennedy launches; globally, it strengthens U.S. leadership.NASA Administrator Bill Nelson says, "We're well positioned to continue building on recent progress." Watch the February 2 fueling test and potential Feb 6-10 launch window.Stay engaged: Register for Planetary Society's 2026 Day of Action. For more, visit nasa.gov.Thanks for tuning in, listeners—subscribe for updates! This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Welcome to this week's NASA spotlight, listeners. The biggest headline shaking up the agency right now is Congress's lightning-fast passage of H.R. 6938, rejecting massive proposed cuts and securing NASA a whopping $27.53 billion for fiscal year 2026—its largest budget in nearly three decades when adjusted for inflation, according to The Planetary Society.This budget victory, passed by overwhelming bipartisan votes on January 8 and 15, restores near-full funding for NASA's Science Mission Directorate at $7.25 billion, saving key missions like Dragonfly to Titan, the James Webb Space Telescope, and Mars Odyssey from cancellation. It includes $10 billion more over six years from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, mostly for human spaceflight, with strict spending mandates through 2029. No major policy shifts or leadership changes here, but it enforces accountability on how NASA spends every dollar.Meanwhile, the Artemis 2 rocket rolled out to Kennedy Space Center's Pad 39B on January 17, prepping for a critical wet dress rehearsal fueling test on February 2. Artemis 2 Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson noted monthly launch windows, starting February 6-10, carrying four astronauts around the Moon for the first crewed Orion flight.For Americans, this means protected Earth science for climate insights, advancing tech that boosts jobs in 50 states—from Texas rocket builds to California telescopes. Businesses like SpaceX thrive on steady contracts, while states gain from STEM programs fully funded again. Globally, it sustains U.S. leadership, partnering with ESA on saved missions like EnVision.Experts at The Planetary Society hailed it as a win against "wasteful cuts" that nearly axed 19 missions. Upcoming: Watch the February fueling test and Artemis crew checks—delays could push to March.Dive deeper at nasa.gov or planetary.org. Tune your voice to space—contact Congress to keep the momentum.Thanks for tuning in, listeners—subscribe for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Welcome back to Quiet Please, where we bring you the biggest stories shaping science and exploration. This week, NASA achieved a major milestone that marks the beginning of humanity's return to the moon. On Saturday, the agency's towering Artemis II moon rocket completed its journey to Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center, setting the stage for what could be the first crewed lunar mission in over fifty years.The Artemis II rocket, which consists of NASA's second Space Launch System and the Orion spacecraft, is scheduled to launch as early as February sixth with four astronauts aboard for a ten-day mission around the moon. This isn't just another launch. The Orion spacecraft on this mission will carry astronauts for the first time, featuring life support systems specifically designed to sustain humans on this ambitious journey. According to NASA officials, engineers and technicians are now preparing the rocket for a critical wet dress rehearsal at the end of January, where they'll test fueling operations and countdown procedures with actual cryogenic propellants before draining them safely. This test is essential. NASA plans to conduct a full fueling demonstration on February second to confirm whether the rocket is ready for that early February launch window.Beyond the launch pad, Congress just delivered significant news for NASA's future. The Senate passed a twenty-four point four billion dollar budget for fiscal year twenty twenty-six, nearly completely rejecting proposed cuts that would have devastated the agency's science programs. The White House had initially proposed just eighteen point eight billion dollars, a twenty-four percent reduction that would have terminated more than forty NASA missions. Instead, Congress allocated seven point two five billion dollars to NASA's Science Mission Directorate alone, protecting critical missions like the James Webb Space Telescope, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, and planetary exploration programs that were set for termination. Combined with supplemental funding for human spaceflight activities, NASA's total budget for twenty twenty-six will exceed twenty-seven billion dollars, marking the largest budget since nineteen ninety-eight when adjusted for inflation.For American citizens and space enthusiasts, this means the nation's commitment to space exploration remains strong despite fiscal pressures. For businesses partnered with NASA, continued funding ensures ongoing contracts and opportunities. The next critical deadline listeners should watch is early February, when the wet dress rehearsal will determine whether humanity takes that crucial step back to the moon this month.For more updates on NASA's missions and space exploration, visit NASA dot gov. Thank you for tuning in to Quiet Please. Be sure to subscribe for more stories about the future we're building together. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out Quiet Please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Welcome back, listeners, to your weekly dive into NASA's cosmic frontier. This week's blockbuster: NASA's SpaceX Crew-11 mission splashed down safely off California early Thursday morning after an early return sparked by a crew member's medical issue. NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, along with JAXA's Kimiya Yui and Roscosmos' Oleg Platonov, are in good shape, as NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said in the post-splashdown briefing, "This is NASA at its finest—handling the unexpected with precision."The crew undocked from the ISS Tuesday, splashing down at 3:41 a.m. on January 15, ahead of schedule after NASA flagged the concern on January 8. This international partnership highlights seamless teamwork amid real-world challenges, ensuring crew safety first.In policy news, Congress delivered a huge win with the January 5 minibus bill, allocating $24.4 billion for NASA in FY2026—rejecting the White House's $18.8 billion request and slashing deep cuts to science programs. The Planetary Society reports this, plus $10 billion from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, pushes NASA's total to over $27.5 billion, the largest since 1998 adjusted for inflation. Key saves: $7.25 billion for Science Mission Directorate, full funding for Dragonfly to Titan at $500 million, NEO Surveyor at $300 million, and restored missions like DAVINCI and VERITAS. No cuts to STEM Engagement or international commitments like the Rosalind Franklin Rover.For Americans, this means bolstered Earth observation for climate insights, planetary defense against asteroids, and STEM jobs fueling innovation. Businesses like SpaceX thrive on steady contracts, while states like Florida gear up for Artemis 2's potential February 6 launch from the Space Coast and Crew-12 on February 15. Globally, it strengthens ties with JAXA, Roscosmos, and new Artemis Accords signatory Portugal, our 60th partner.Experts note this budget stability counters months of uncertainty that shook NASA's workforce. Watch for Artemis 2's rollout starting January 17 and that postponed ISS spacewalk now set for January 15.Dive deeper at nasa.gov, and if you're innovating, check NASA's 2026 Civil Space Shortfall Ranking for crowdsourcing input.Thanks for tuning in, listeners—subscribe for more stellar updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Welcome to your weekly dive into NASA's world, where space dreams meet real-world action. This week, the biggest headline: NASA and SpaceX are targeting no earlier than 5 p.m. ET Wednesday, January 14, to undock the Crew-11 Dragon from the International Space Station for an early splashdown off California by early Thursday, January 15. NASA announced this unprecedented move on January 8 after a stable, undisclosed medical issue—not an injury—with one crew member aboard since August 1. Astronauts Mike Fincke, Zena Cardman, Japan's Kimiya Yui, and Russia's Oleg Platonov are packing up, while Chris Williams stays to keep a U.S. presence. NASA blogs confirm the crew is testing suits and prepping, with coverage starting at 3 p.m. Wednesday.This first-ever ISS medical evac shakes things up but won't delay Artemis 2's early February moon flyby around Earth, per NASA chief Jared Isaacman. For American citizens, it highlights space health risks, advancing medical tech that could save lives back home—think better emergency protocols from 250 miles up. Businesses like SpaceX benefit from accelerated Crew-12 launches, boosting jobs and innovation. International partners, including JAXA and Roscosmos, show seamless teamwork amid tensions, strengthening global ties.On the funding front, Congress rejected President Trump's $18.8 billion cuts, proposing a robust $24.4 billion for fiscal year 2026—nearly $6 billion more—via a January 5 minibus bill from Space.com and Phys.org reports. This protects science missions, rejects over 40 terminations, and funds gems like NASA's Pandora exoplanet observer, now deployed by SpaceX.NASA Administrator Isaacman noted, "The crew member is stable," emphasizing safety first. Experts like former astronauts call it a smart, rare call.Watch for splashdown weather updates and Crew-12 launch tweaks. Track live on NASA.gov or SpaceX streams. Citizens, follow @NASA and @Space_Station on X to stay engaged.Thanks for tuning in, listeners—subscribe for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

NASA’s top headline this week is all about the International Space Station: the agency is ending the SpaceX Crew-11 mission early after a medical situation involving one of the astronauts on board. According to NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, “a single crew member on board the station experienced a medical situation and is now stable,” and after consulting Chief Health and Medical Officer Dr. JD Polk and agency leadership, he decided it’s “in the best interest of our astronauts to return Crew-11 ahead of their planned departure.”NASA stresses this is not an emergency, but it is unprecedented: it’s effectively the first medical-driven early return of a long-duration ISS crew. ABC News reports that three of the seven astronauts will remain on the station, while four Crew-11 members ride a SpaceX Dragon capsule back to Earth. Due to medical privacy rules, NASA is not naming the affected astronaut or sharing details about their condition.In the near term, this decision reshuffles NASA’s human spaceflight schedule. The follow-on SpaceX Crew-12 mission, carrying NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot, and a veteran Russian cosmonaut, is officially targeted for launch no earlier than February 15. NASA and SpaceX are studying whether that launch can be moved up, while still keeping the high-profile Artemis II lunar flyby on track for early February. NASA has also postponed and re-planned upcoming spacewalks as the crew transition plays out.For American listeners, the impact is about confidence and continuity: NASA is signaling that astronaut health overrides schedule pressure, even with big missions like Artemis on the horizon. For businesses working with NASA, especially SpaceX and other commercial partners, this is a real-time test of flexibility, redundancy, and rapid mission replanning. For state and local governments that host NASA centers and contractors, it reinforces how human spaceflight operations can shift quickly, but also how resilient the overall program has become. Internationally, partners on the ISS and in Artemis see NASA honoring its safety culture while still coordinating closely to keep station operations and future lunar plans moving.Looking ahead, NASA says it will announce the exact undocking and landing timeline for Crew-11, along with any adjustment to the Crew-12 launch date, in the coming days. Listeners who want the latest details can check NASA’s official website and social media channels, or watch replays of the Washington news conference on NASA TV and YouTube.Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Imagine this: NASA's Voyager 1, the plucky probe launched back in 1977, is barreling toward a mind-blowing milestone, set to hit one light-day from Earth by November 2026. That's NDTV reporting on the sheer scale of our cosmic neighborhood, reminding us how far human ingenuity has taken us.But closer to home, NASA's gearing up for high-stakes action on the International Space Station. Astronauts kick off two spacewalks this January during Expedition 74, prepping for roll-out solar array upgrades, swapping cameras, and rerouting fluid systems—vital for keeping the station powered and humming for years ahead, per NASA's own news release. Meanwhile, veteran astronaut Brig. Gen. Nick Hague just retired after 374 days in space and key EVAs, shifting to the U.S. Space Force, marking a leadership pivot amid transitions.The big shadow? The FY26 President's Budget Request slashes science funding—32% off Planetary Science to $1.9 billion, axing Mars Sample Return and missions like DAVINCI and VERITAS; 66% cuts to Astrophysics and Heliophysics, killing Chandra, Fermi, and more, as detailed by the American Astronomical Society. Congress funds NASA only through late January via continuing resolution, per SpacePolicyOnline, fueling uncertainty for Artemis launches like the possible early February Artemis II window.For everyday Americans, this means fewer breakthroughs in climate tech, exoplanet hunts, and Mars dreams that inspire kids and drive jobs. Businesses like SpaceX and Blue Origin face contract tweaks on HLS for Artemis III, potentially delaying lunar landings to 2028 or later, hitting supply chains. States with NASA centers, like Florida and Texas, brace for workforce ripples, while international partners on ISS and Artemis feel the strain on collaborations.Experts note data analysis will boost yields from surviving missions, with ROSES solicitations in June 2025 and Hubble Cycle 34 proposals early 2026.Watch those January spacewalks briefings and Artemis updates post-January funding cliff. Dive deeper at nasa.gov or science.nasa.gov. Tune your voice to Congress on budgets—your input shapes the stars.Thanks for tuning in, listeners—subscribe for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

NASA is gearing up for a historic year in space, and this week is already shaping up to be monumental. The biggest headline hitting the space community right now is that NASA astronauts are about to conduct critical spacewalks at the International Space Station to prepare for the installation of brand new roll-out solar arrays. These missions mark the first spacewalks of 2026, and they're happening right now in January.On January eighth, veteran astronaut Mike Fincke and first-time spacewalker Zena Cardman will exit the station's Quest airlock to prepare the power systems for those new solar arrays. This is historic for Cardman, but it's equally significant for Fincke, who'll be tying the record for most spacewalks by any NASA astronaut with his tenth mission outside the station. These solar arrays are crucial because they'll provide additional power for the orbiting laboratory and support the station's eventual controlled deorbit. Then on January fifteenth, two more astronauts will replace high-definition cameras, install navigational aids for visiting spacecraft, and relocate ammonia servicer components.Beyond the spacewalks, NASA is making waves at the American Astronomical Society meeting happening this week in Phoenix. The space agency is unveiling timelines for its flagship missions, including the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, which is scheduled to launch no later than September twenty twenty-six. Roman will have a field of view about one hundred times larger than Hubble, fundamentally changing how we observe galaxies and stars. NASA is also detailing progress on the Habitable Worlds Observatory, a future mission designed to search for potentially habitable exoplanets.For American citizens, these developments mean NASA is actively preparing our space infrastructure for the next generation of discoveries. The spacewalks ensure the International Space Station remains operational and powered for years to come, while the new telescopes promise to revolutionize our understanding of the universe. The spacewalks will be available to watch through NASA's YouTube channel and various social media platforms, so listeners can tune in to see history unfold in real time.As we look ahead, the James Webb Space Telescope continues its groundbreaking observations, and skywatchers should know that Jupiter reaches opposition on January tenth, making it brighter and larger than any other time this year. If you want to stay updated on these missions and engage with NASA's work, visit NASA dot gov for live coverage and detailed mission information.Thank you for tuning in to this week's space update. Be sure to subscribe for more NASA news and developments as they happen. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out quietplease dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Hey listeners, welcome to your space update. NASA's biggest headline this week: President Trump's Executive Order on Ensuring American Space Superiority, issued December 18, refocusing the agency on commercial partnerships and streamlined acquisitions to boost U.S. leadership in orbit and beyond.Under the second Trump Administration, NASA's charging toward Artemis II, the first crewed Moon flyby in over 50 years, set for early 2026. They've fired boosters, tested RS-25 engines, and run recovery drills with the Department of War. New fission power lead Steve Sinacore from Glenn Research Center is spearheading lunar surface tech, while seven nations like Bangladesh and Norway joined the Artemis Accords, now nearing 60 signatories for safe Moon and Mars exploration.Policy shifts include closing NASA's Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy, Chief Scientist office, and DEI branch per workforce orders. The EO mandates NASA review international pacts by April 17, 2026, prioritizing commercial deals via Space Act Agreements, and reform acquisitions by June 16. Commercial low-Earth orbit stations from Axiom and Starlab hit design milestones ahead of ISS retirement in 2030.For Americans, this means jobs in hypersonics, safer flights, and Mars sims inspiring STEM. Businesses get streamlined contracts, fueling SpaceX Starlink swarm tests and rotating detonation engines. States benefit from university grants for emergency aircraft. Globally, it strengthens U.S. ties via JAXA rover tests and comet 3I/ATLAS observations by 12 NASA craft.NASA Administrator notes, "We're igniting a new golden age," with James Webb unveiling distant galaxies and Roman Telescope prepped for 2026 dark energy hunts. Watch MAVEN Mars orbiter recovery post-January 16 solar conjunction.Eyes on FY2026 budget battles by January 30 CR deadline. Dive deeper at nasa.gov, stream NASA+ on Prime Video. Tune in, subscribe, and explore!Thanks for tuning in, listeners—subscribe for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Hey listeners, welcome to your space update. This week's biggest NASA headline? Teams are racing to recontact the MAVEN spacecraft, silent since December 6, just ahead of Mars solar conjunction starting December 29, when Sun interference blacks out signals until January 16. According to NASA's MAVEN blog, they're commanding recovery via Deep Space Network and analyzing data fragments, even enlisting Curiosity rover for sightings that didn't pan out.Shifting to policy, President Trump's December 18 Executive Order on American Space Superiority shakes things up, directing NASA to prioritize commercial solutions in acquisitions, review international partnerships by April 17, 2026, and reform buying processes by June 16. NASA's 2025 recap highlights Artemis II stacking complete for its early 2026 crewed Moon flyby—the first in 50 years—plus 10 new astronaut candidates from 8,000 applicants and seven nations joining the Artemis Accords, now at nearly 60 signatories.These moves boost American citizens with jobs in rocket building across states and inspire via NASA+ on Prime Video, hitting 7.7 million streamed minutes. Businesses score streamlined contracts favoring Space Act Agreements, fueling private innovation. States like Florida gain from Kennedy Center work, while internationally, accords strengthen U.S.-led exploration with partners like Norway and Malaysia. NASA's Europa Clipper and Parker Solar Probe even snagged bonus views of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, with principal investigator Dr. Kurt Retherford calling it a "unique and nuanced view."Watch for post-conjunction MAVEN updates January 16 and Artemis milestones. Dive deeper at science.nasa.gov or nasa.gov/news-releases. Tune your telescope for lingering comet views.Thanks for tuning in, listeners—subscribe for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Welcome to your weekly space update, listeners. NASA's biggest headline this week: the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS made its closest approach to Earth on December 19, zipping by at 168 million miles—safe, but a rare cosmic visitor from beyond our solar system. NASA's Parker Solar Probe, Europa Clipper, and a fleet of telescopes captured stunning data, including X-ray glows from its 250,000-mile tail, as revealed by the European Space Agency's XMM-Newton and Japan's XRISM.NASA Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya confirmed in a press briefing, "It looks and behaves like a comet... but this one came from outside the solar system, which makes it fascinating and scientifically very important." This builds on 2025's Artemis momentum, with the SLS rocket and Orion stacked for Artemis II's early 2026 crewed lunar flyby—the first in over 50 years—paving the way for Americans on Mars. Seven new nations, including Bangladesh and Norway, joined the Artemis Accords, now nearing 60 signatories, boosting safe lunar and Martian exploration.President Trump's new executive order on space superiority demands a strategy within 180 days to counter threats from orbit to cislunar space, plus a 2028 Moon base prototype deadline. Amid budget flatlines from continuing resolutions and office closures like Technology, Policy, and Strategy, NASA pushes innovation—new astronaut candidates from 8,000 applicants train now, and fission power lead Steve Sinacore eyes lunar habitats.For Americans, this means jobs in 50 states from rocket builds and safer flights, inspiring kids via NASA+ streams hitting 7.7 million minutes watched. Businesses gain from partnerships like Motiv Space Systems' robots; states host simulations and university grants. Globally, it strengthens U.S. leadership, drawing allies while eyeing rivals.Watch Artemis II prep and Jared Isaacman's admin moves. Track 3I/ATLAS via NASA's Eyes on the Solar System or skywatching tips for Geminids echoes. Citizens, share your comet sightings on NASA socials.Thanks for tuning in, listeners—subscribe for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Hey listeners, welcome to your weekly dive into NASA's world. The biggest headline this week: NASA whistleblowers are sounding the alarm on safety risks from early implementation of the President's FY26 budget cuts, with one warning they're very concerned we'll see an astronaut death within a few years due to this chainsaw approach, according to a new Democratic staff report from the Senate Commerce Committee.These cuts, pushed since June by NASA Chief of Staff Brian Hughes and OMB directives, have created a culture of fear where employees are told to keep their heads down and prioritize the President's budget request over everything else. NASA's operating under a flat FY25 budget via continuing resolutions, but the push to gut programs like SLS and Orion for commercial alternatives is shaking things up. On the science front, the 2025-2026 NASA Science Plan emphasizes balanced programs guided by National Academies decadal surveys, innovative partnerships, and priorities from Congress and the Administration.This hits American citizens hard—delayed missions could mean fewer breakthroughs in Earth science, space weather predictions vital for power grids, and Artemis astronaut safety. Businesses face uncertainty with contracts like the University of Alabama's Lunar Freezer System or Blue Origin's ESCAPADE Mars mission reopening for media. States and locals tied to NASA centers worry about jobs amid furlough threats from shutdowns.Internationally, it's mixed: Artemis Accords meetings advance Moon and Mars cooperation, while Soyuz arrivals expand ISS crew to 10, including Chris Williams.Exciting sky news from NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab: Catch Comet 3I/ATLAS at its closest on December 19th, Geminids peaking soon, and Moon-Jupiter conjunction December 7th. Astronaut Jonny Kim recaps his eight-month ISS mission December 19th at 3:30 p.m. EST.Joe Westlake, NASA's heliophysics director, says of recent Parker Probe solar wind insights: These breathtaking images expand what we know about our star and space weather for Artemis safety.Impacts? Everyday folks get inspired by free skywatching, but budget squeezes could slow public benefits like better weather forecasts. Businesses hustle for commercial low-Earth orbit transitions by April 2025 under the NASA Transition Authorization Act.Watch Jonny Kim's briefing, ESCAPADE launch, and Sentinel-6B for sea level data. Head to science.nasa.gov for sky tips and missions. Tune in those evenings—grab binoculars!Thanks for tuning in, listeners—subscribe for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

NASA is back online after a turbulent government shutdown, and the biggest headline this week is that missions are ramping up again just as two rare visitors from deep space, interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS and comet 2025 R2 SWAN, move into prime view, giving scientists and the public a front‑row seat to historic observations, according to NASA’s Science Mission Directorate and Jet Propulsion Laboratory.NASA reports that the Psyche spacecraft, currently about 260 million miles from Earth, has used its multispectral imager to precisely track interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, while Hubble has just revisited the same comet with its Wide Field Camera 3 to study its faint coma and nucleus. At the same time, NASA’s new PUNCH mission has been tracking comet 2025 R2 SWAN over several weeks, tying comet science directly to how the solar wind flows from the Sun. These campaigns are giving scientists fresh data on how material from other star systems behaves, and how comets interact with the space environment that also affects satellites, power grids, and communications here on Earth.Behind the scenes, the story is just as dramatic. The Planetary Society explains that NASA has been operating under flat, continuing‑resolution funding, even as the White House pushed agencies to plan for deep cuts, delays in grant awards, and possible mission shutoffs. Congress is now working through NASA’s 2026 budget with bipartisan moves to shield key science missions, and the Senate’s version currently offers the strongest protections. That funding fight will determine whether future missions like Psyche’s extended science, Hubble operations, and new small missions like PUNCH can continue to deliver.For American citizens, this week’s developments mean more than pretty space pictures. The same physics that PUNCH and SWAN are probing helps improve models that feed into space‑weather forecasts, which protect GPS, aviation, and the power grid. For businesses, especially satellite operators and emerging commercial space stations, stable NASA funding and clear plans coming out of the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025 shape everything from launch contracts to research partnerships in low Earth orbit. State and local governments benefit when NASA grants and collaborations with universities resume at full speed, supporting jobs and STEM pipelines. Internationally, joint efforts like the SOHO mission with the European Space Agency and shared comet campaigns bolster U.S. leadership and cooperation in space science at a time of heightened global competition.According to NASA and SpacePolicyOnline, the key dates to watch over the next few weeks include congressional markups of the NASA budget, space policy hearings, and new observation windows for comet 3I/ATLAS as it moves to the far side of the Sun and then reappears for follow‑up measurements. Listeners who want to engage can contact their members of Congress about supporting robust NASA science funding, follow mission updates on NASA’s official website and social channels, and participate in citizen‑science projects that use real mission data.Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss the latest from NASA and beyond. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

# NASA This Week: Interstellar Comet, Budget Battles, and Safety ConcernsHello listeners, welcome back to your weekly NASA briefing. This week, the space agency finds itself at a crossroads as it prepares for a rare cosmic encounter while navigating unprecedented internal challenges. Let's dive into what's happening at America's space agency.Our top story comes from the cosmos. On December nineteenth, just over two weeks away, the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS will make its closest approach to Earth in what astronomers are calling a once in a lifetime cosmic encounter. Now, don't worry about a collision. The comet will pass at approximately one hundred seventy million miles away, roughly twice the distance between Earth and the Sun. But this is significant because it represents only the third interstellar object ever discovered. NASA held a press conference on November nineteenth, sharing new data from multiple telescopes including Hubble, James Webb, and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Scientists are particularly interested in studying the comet's jets to determine whether they're produced by natural sublimation or potentially something more exotic. Listeners will need a decent telescope to observe it, and astronomers worldwide are monitoring for any accompanying fragments.But here's where things get serious. Behind the scenes at NASA, whistleblowers are raising alarm bells about safety and organizational stability. According to Democratic staff reports, the Trump administration has been implementing the President's proposed budget cuts since June twenty twenty-five, creating what insiders describe as a culture of fear. One whistleblower expressed grave concerns, stating they're very concerned that we're going to see an astronaut death within a few years. NASA employees report being told to keep their heads down, with fears of retaliation if they raise safety issues. The agency has already closed three offices including the Office of Chief Scientist and has eliminated diversity and inclusion branches.The financial picture is equally troubling. There are rumors circulating that the White House may seek to cut NASA's Science Mission Directorate budget by up to fifty percent. This comes as Congress debates the NASA Transition Authorization Act of twenty twenty-five, which proposes authorizing approximately twenty five point five billion dollars for the agency's fiscal year operations.For listeners who care about space exploration and scientific discovery, this moment matters. These budget cuts and organizational changes could impact everything from climate monitoring satellites to fundamental research about our universe. If you're concerned about NASA's direction, contacting your representatives in Congress is crucial. They're actively debating these funding levels through the end of the year.Stay tuned for updates on the comet's approach and any announcements about NASA's budget resolution. Thank you for tuning in to NASA This Week. Make sure to subscribe for updates on space exploration and policy developments. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out quietplease dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Good morning, and welcome back. This is your weekly NASA update, and we're starting with something that's got the agency in real turmoil right now. NASA just resumed normal operations after a government shutdown, but behind the scenes, whistleblowers are sounding serious alarms about safety concerns stemming from aggressive budget cuts and organizational changes happening across the agency.Here's what's going on. Since June, NASA has been implementing the President's proposed budget request ahead of any formal appropriations, creating what one whistleblower called a culture of fear. Employees are reportedly being told to keep their heads down, and safety concerns are being discouraged because people worry about retaliation. One insider warned they're very concerned about potentially seeing an astronaut death within a few years due to what they described as a chainsaw approach to the agency. Senate Democrats have already proposed legislation to prevent this kind of unilateral implementation, arguing it could end up being the destruction of NASA's core mission.On the funding side, NASA is operating under a continuing resolution that keeps spending at fiscal year 2024 levels, but there's real uncertainty ahead about what full year appropriations will look like. The White House initially proposed cutting the Science Mission Directorate by up to fifty percent, though Congress has been protective of these programs.The personnel changes are also significant. NASA has already closed three offices, including the Office of Chief Scientist and the agency's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion branch. These moves came as part of the Trump administration's workforce optimization directive, and reductions in force policies are being modified as well.But it's not all strained budget talks and restructuring. NASA did mark some wins this month. Three Chinese astronauts who were stranded in space after debris hit their return capsule have safely returned. And on a brighter note, astronaut Chris Williams launched to the International Space Station on Thanksgiving Day alongside two Russian cosmonauts for an eight month mission, showing that international partnerships in space continue despite earthly tensions.For skywatchers, November delivered too. The Leonid meteor shower peaked mid month, and Saturn's rings temporarily disappeared from view as the planet's orientation changed, creating an optical illusion that won't happen again for years.As we head into December, the big question is what Congress will do with NASA's budget. Will they protect the science missions, or will deep cuts go through? That answer will shape what NASA can accomplish over the next several years. For now, the agency is focused on maintaining baseline operations while navigating this uncertain political landscape.Thank you so much for tuning in. Make sure to subscribe for next week's update. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI