NASA’s Swift Observatory performed its final observation on Oct. 20 and is slated to re‑enter Earth’s atmosphere within weeks, ending a 20‑year mission that reshaped high‑energy astronomy.
Posts tagged as “NASA”
NASA unveiled a detailed schedule for the Artemis III low‑Earth‑orbit test, describing it as possibly the most complicated launch campaign ever, with both Blue Origin and SpaceX racing to ready their lunar landers.
NASA announced Competition Model 2.0, a new selection process that emphasizes scientific merit and shortens timelines for a range of space science missions.
NASA announced the end of the Swift observatory after a private rescue attempt by Katalyst Space fell short, leaving the aging telescope to re‑enter Earth’s atmosphere.
NASA administrator Jared Isaacman confirmed that Artemis III will include docking practice with SpaceX’s Starship and Blue Origin’s Blue Ghost next year, keeping options open for a 2028 lunar lander.
NASA outlined a detailed concept of operations for the Artemis III test flight, describing a three‑rocket launch sequence, crew activities in low Earth orbit and the path toward a 2028 lunar landing.
NASA formally closed the OSIRIS‑REx mission on Sept. 30 after a decade of engineering feats, delivering the largest asteroid sample ever returned and preparing the spacecraft for a new target.
All four Artemis II astronauts have left active duty, with Christina Koch moving into senior engineering leadership at NASA and the others assuming emeritus or advisory positions.
SpaceX’s Cargo Dragon CRS‑35 docked with the International Space Station on Oct. 15, delivering more than 6,300 lb of food, research equipment and hardware for the crew.
NASA announced that Artemis II astronaut Christina Koch will become acting deputy chief engineer, ending her eligibility for future spaceflights.