NASA News

Space.com

Private LINK spacecraft needs rescue after launching to save NASA space telescope

The private LINK spacecraft, launched last month on a mission to save a NASA space telescope, has itself encountered trouble. Engineering teams report progress as they work to recover the spacecraft, adding a second layer of operational risk to an already complex in-space rescue effort.

Space.com

NASA Tests Lightweight Ground-Penetrating Radar for SkyFall Mars Helicopters

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has completed initial tests of a lightweight radar antenna for the planned SkyFall mission, which would deploy three small helicopters on Mars. The ground-penetrating system is designed to search for subsurface frozen water while enabling airborne exploration of the Red Planet.

Live Science

NASA’s power-saving maneuver extends Voyager 2’s science mission by another year

NASA has freed up enough power from Voyager 2’s dwindling supply to keep one of the 48-year-old probe’s remaining science instruments operating for another year. The successful, risky “Big Bang” maneuver may offer a path to prolong Voyager 1’s scientific mission as its power reserves decline.

eVTOL Insights

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Ampaire begins Utah hybrid-electric flight demonstrations under FAA-DOT pilot program

Ampaire has begun real-world hybrid-electric aircraft demonstrations in Utah, flying a modified Cessna Skymaster on a three-leg mission along the I-15 corridor between California and Utah. The FAA-DOT eVTOL Integration Pilot Program effort will test potential regional cargo operations, while Ampaire plans to convert Cessna Grand Caravans for freight and passenger service.

Space.com

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NASA astronauts complete 6.5-hour ISS spacewalk to prepare for solar array upgrade

Jessica Meir and Anil Menon spent 6.5 hours outside the International Space Station on Aug. 6 installing mounting hardware for new rollout solar arrays. The upgrade is intended to provide additional power for the station, according to NASA.

SpaceNews.com

NASA and Roscosmos extend Soyuz–Crew Dragon seat exchanges, excluding Starliner

NASA and Roscosmos will continue exchanging astronaut seats between Russian Soyuz and U.S. Crew Dragon spacecraft. The agreement does not yet include Boeing’s Starliner, leaving the crew-transport arrangement limited to the two currently participating vehicles.

SpaceNews.com

NASA and Roscosmos continue seat barter agreement

SpaceNews.com

Voyager seeks more flexibility in NASA’s commercial space station requirements for Starlab

Voyager Technologies remains optimistic about Starlab’s prospects but is seeking changes to NASA’s commercial space station request for proposals. The company wants certain requirements relaxed, highlighting the tension between NASA’s program objectives and industry’s ability to deliver commercially viable orbital infrastructure.