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NASA tests next-gen Mars helicopter rotor blades past Mach 1 in simulated flight conditions

NASA engineers at JPL spun experimental rotor blades for the agency’s next-generation Mars helicopters past Mach 1 during March tests. The work indicates the blades can survive supersonic rotor operation without disintegrating, supporting future aircraft designed to carry heavier instruments and fly farther on the Red Planet.

2026-05-07T11:50:12.271510-07:00

Space.com

Blue Origin continues end-to-end testing of its first lunar lander at NASA centers ahead of later-this-year launch

2026-05-08T10:35:36.377115-07:00

European Spaceflight

ESA starts risk-mitigation work to replace NASA contributions for LISA

2026-05-08T04:10:07.547161-07:00

SpaceNews.com

Lunar Outpost raises $30M to rework lunar rover designs for NASA’s revised Artemis architecture

2026-05-07T18:55:38.949080-07:00

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Space.com

Blue Origin continues end-to-end testing of its first lunar lander at NASA centers ahead of later-this-year launch Blue Origin is running additional verification activity for its first lunar lander by testing the spacecraft at NASA facilities across the U.S. The work is intended to close remaining readiness items ahead of a lunar launch later this year and support mission preparation for a near-term return to the Moon.

2026-05-08T10:35:36.377115-07:00

Blue Origin continues end-to-end testing of its first lunar lander at NASA centers ahead of later-this-year launch

European Spaceflight

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ESA starts risk-mitigation work to replace NASA contributions for LISA The European Space Agency (ESA) has launched efforts to reduce program risk by developing European alternatives to NASA’s planned contributions to the LISA mission. The move signals ESA’s intent to preserve mission continuity despite uncertainty around NASA-provided elements.

2026-05-08T04:10:07.547161-07:00

ESA starts risk-mitigation work to replace NASA contributions for LISA

SpaceNews.com

Lunar Outpost raises $30M to rework lunar rover designs for NASA’s revised Artemis architecture Lunar Outpost has raised $30 million as it revises its lunar rover designs to align with NASA’s updated Artemis architecture. The funding underscores how quickly commercial surface-mobility developers are being forced to adapt to changing program requirements as Artemis evolves.

2026-05-07T18:55:38.949080-07:00

Lunar Outpost raises $30M to rework lunar rover designs for NASA’s revised Artemis architecture

SpaceNews.com

Lunar Outpost raises $30M to accelerate NASA Artemis lunar rover development Lunar Outpost has raised $30 million to speed up development of a next-generation moon rover aimed at NASA Artemis missions. The funding underscores investor confidence in commercial lunar surface mobility as NASA refines its cadence for uncrewed lunar landings and payload delivery infrastructure.

2026-05-07T18:55:38.949080-07:00

Lunar Outpost raises $30M to accelerate NASA Artemis lunar rover development

Space.com

New study ties the Moon’s South Pole–Aitken crater to a “decapitated” asteroid impact, refining a sample target for Artemis astr A new analysis argues that a disrupted, “decapitated” asteroid likely produced the Moon’s largest impact crater, South Pole–Aitken. The debris-scattering mechanism would have delivered deep mantle material toward the lunar south pole—guiding where Artemis may land to sample ancient lunar history.

2026-05-07T15:07:49.550844-07:00

New study ties the Moon’s South Pole–Aitken crater to a “decapitated” asteroid impact, refining a sample target for Artemis astr

NASA

Paraguay signs NASA-led Artemis Accords, becoming the 67th signatory Paraguay has signed the Artemis Accords in Asunción, joining the NASA-led framework for responsible exploration and the use of outer space. The country becomes the 67th signatory, following a run of recent new commitments by additional states across the Artemis partnership ecosystem.

2026-05-07T14:09:10.808820-07:00

Paraguay signs NASA-led Artemis Accords, becoming the 67th signatory

SpaceNews.com

Redwire positions for NASA’s Moon-base push with lunar landers and power-systems work Redwire says it is renewing focus on lunar lander and power-system opportunities, citing a fresh demand signal from NASA as the agency pursues plans for a sustained Moon base. The company’s interest centers on roles tied to how surface missions are powered and delivered at scale.

2026-05-07T11:55:43.866506-07:00

Redwire positions for NASA’s Moon-base push with lunar landers and power-systems work

NASA

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NASA tests next-gen Mars helicopter rotor blades past Mach 1 in simulated flight conditions NASA engineers at JPL spun experimental rotor blades for the agency’s next-generation Mars helicopters past Mach 1 during March tests. The work indicates the blades can survive supersonic rotor operation without disintegrating, supporting future aircraft designed to carry heavier instruments and fly farther on the Red Planet.

2026-05-07T11:50:12.271510-07:00

NASA tests next-gen Mars helicopter rotor blades past Mach 1 in simulated flight conditions

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NASA News

NASA tests next-gen Mars helicopter rotor blades past Mach 1 in simulated flight conditions

Blue Origin continues end-to-end testing of its first lunar lander at NASA centers ahead of later-this-year launch

ESA starts risk-mitigation work to replace NASA contributions for LISA

Lunar Outpost raises $30M to rework lunar rover designs for NASA’s revised Artemis architecture

News Timeline