NASA News

Washington Post

NASA opens applications for next astronaut class as it prepares for sustained lunar presence and crewed Mars missions

NASA has opened recruitment for its next astronaut class, inviting U.S. applicants as the agency works toward returning Americans to the Moon, establishing a lunar base and laying groundwork for crewed Mars missions. The announcement coincides with a separate $10 billion contract program for future lunar cargo deliveries.

Payload

High activity

NASA advances lunar-base plans with $10B lander pool and nuclear rover targeted for 2028

NASA is assembling elements for a sustained lunar presence, including a $10 billion pool for future CLPS lander contracts and a nuclear-powered PROMISE rover slated to launch in 2028. The agency also opened a $1 million student challenge soliciting ideas for the infrastructure and operational challenges of a long-term base.

Payload

NASA Unveils Moon Base Awards at MAX POWER

The Hill

High activity

Opinion: China outlines its strategy to reach the moon before NASA

An opinion article by Mark R. examines how China intends to beat NASA back to the moon. The available article information does not specify the strategy’s elements, schedule or how it compares with NASA’s plans.

SpaceNews.com

High activity

NASA awards lunar transport, lander and technology work to advance Moon Base plans

NASA announced a slate of awards and mission updates to expand lunar transportation, science and infrastructure capabilities. The work includes contracts for a new generation of landers, selection of eight companies for the next phase of cargo-lander development, and plans to send the PROMISE nuclear-powered rover and miniCAST technology demonstrator to the lunar south pole.

SpaceNews.com

NASA proceeds with plans to convert Mars rover engineering model into a lunar rover

NASA Spaceflight

High activity

NASA opens astronaut applications through Dec. 3 and plans aerospace exhibition to rival Paris Air Show

NASA is recruiting for an astronaut class tied to Artemis and a planned Moon Base, with applications due Dec. 3 and final selections expected in late 2027. At a Kennedy Space Center air show featuring lunar exploration and electric aviation, administrator Jared Isaacman also outlined plans for a larger aerospace exhibition intended to rival the Paris Air Show.

Space.com

NASA launched Mars Global Surveyor on Nov. 7, 1996, to map Mars and follow the loss of Mars Observer

Mars Global Surveyor was designed to give NASA another chance to study and map the Red Planet after contact with Mars Observer was lost three days before that spacecraft was due to enter orbit. Launched 30 years ago, the mission was NASA’s first Mars mission in 20 years.