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NASA • Charles G. Hatfield

L3Harris delivers modified Boeing 777 research aircraft to NASA ahead of schedule; Langley 777 Flying Laboratory prepares for fi

NASA’s next-generation airborne science laboratory is taking shape: L3Harris has delivered a heavily modified Boeing 777 to the agency ahead of schedule, following extensive structural modifications and hardware upgrades after the aircraft returned to Langley. A first NASA science mission is planned for January, with an initial test campaign targeted for 2027.

2026-04-22T13:39:18.717768-07:00

Space.com

JWST delivers first detailed images of planetary nebula Tc 1, revealing post–sun-like star “buckyball” structures

2026-04-23T10:07:19.384841-07:00

SpaceNews.com

Jordan signs the Artemis Accords as NASA’s 63rd partner nation

2026-04-23T08:25:57.651642-07:00

Payload

Astrobotic conducts NASA Marshall hot-fire tests of Chakram engine prototype for lunar lander power

2026-04-23T05:20:30.703779-07:00

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Space.com

JWST delivers first detailed images of planetary nebula Tc 1, revealing post–sun-like star “buckyball” structures The James Webb Space Telescope has captured its first detailed images of the planetary nebula Tc 1, showing new features of what happens after a sun-like star dies. The observations highlight “buckyball” structures and provide fresh clues about the chemistry and morphology of late stellar evolution.

2026-04-23T10:07:19.384841-07:00

JWST delivers first detailed images of planetary nebula Tc 1, revealing post–sun-like star “buckyball” structures

SpaceNews.com

Jordan signs the Artemis Accords as NASA’s 63rd partner nation Jordan became the 63rd country to sign the NASA-led Artemis Accords in a ceremony at NASA headquarters in Washington. The agreement adds a sixth Middle East nation to the U.S.-led framework aimed at safety, transparency, and coordination for peaceful, sustainable lunar exploration.

2026-04-23T08:25:57.651642-07:00

Jordan signs the Artemis Accords as NASA’s 63rd partner nation

Payload

Astrobotic conducts NASA Marshall hot-fire tests of Chakram engine prototype for lunar lander power Astrobotic tested one of its two Chakram engine prototypes with a continuous 300-second hot-fire at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The run is part of a broader prototype test campaign intended to validate power-plant performance for future Moon missions.

2026-04-23T05:20:30.703779-07:00

Astrobotic conducts NASA Marshall hot-fire tests of Chakram engine prototype for lunar lander power

Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin backs Fortem with $25M investment to expand airspace security against counter-UAS Lockheed Martin announced a $25 million investment in Fortem Technologies, a provider of airspace security solutions, citing urgent demand tied to countering UAS threats. The move signals sustained defense-prime focus on scaling detection/mitigation capabilities for rapidly evolving drone risks.

2026-04-23T03:35:01.360735-07:00

Lockheed Martin backs Fortem with $25M investment to expand airspace security against counter-UAS

Payload

Lawmakers vow again to reject proposed NASA cuts Lawmakers are signaling renewed opposition to the administration’s proposed NASA budget reductions, with at least one senior member arguing the plan cannot support the agency’s directed goals. The warning raises the likelihood of another appropriations fight over NASA’s priorities and mission scope.

2026-04-22T14:19:54.616846-07:00

Lawmakers vow again to reject proposed NASA cuts

NASA

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L3Harris delivers modified Boeing 777 research aircraft to NASA ahead of schedule; Langley 777 Flying Laboratory prepares for fi NASA’s next-generation airborne science laboratory is taking shape: L3Harris has delivered a heavily modified Boeing 777 to the agency ahead of schedule, following extensive structural modifications and hardware upgrades after the aircraft returned to Langley. A first NASA science mission is planned for January, with an initial test campaign targeted for 2027.

2026-04-22T13:39:18.717768-07:00

L3Harris delivers modified Boeing 777 research aircraft to NASA ahead of schedule; Langley 777 Flying Laboratory prepares for fi

Ars Technica

NASA’s photon-counting approach targets HDTV-quality sensing for Moon landings NASA is working toward Moon landing imaging that can deliver HDTV-class video by “pushing a button” to initiate an automated capture pipeline over roughly three hours. The method emphasizes counting photons—an approach designed to turn faint light into usable onboard imagery for landing workflows.

2026-04-22T12:49:37.136072-07:00

NASA’s photon-counting approach targets HDTV-quality sensing for Moon landings

Space.com

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NASA Roman Space Telescope nears launch: fully assembled, set for September 2026 lift-off, eight months ahead of schedule and un NASA says the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is fully assembled and will launch as early as September 2026—eight months ahead of schedule and under cost. The mission will test new space-based planet-hunting technologies, including a coronagraph, to image exoplanets and dusty disks in the infrared.

2026-04-21T07:55:45.678464-07:00

NASA Roman Space Telescope nears launch: fully assembled, set for September 2026 lift-off, eight months ahead of schedule and un

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NASA News

L3Harris delivers modified Boeing 777 research aircraft to NASA ahead of schedule; Langley 777 Flying Laboratory prepares for fi

JWST delivers first detailed images of planetary nebula Tc 1, revealing post–sun-like star “buckyball” structures

Jordan signs the Artemis Accords as NASA’s 63rd partner nation

Astrobotic conducts NASA Marshall hot-fire tests of Chakram engine prototype for lunar lander power

News Timeline