NASA News

Universe Today

NASA’s Fermi detects a gamma-ray burst whose dim appearance masked delayed afterglow peaks

NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope detected a gamma-ray burst in March 2026 with an unusual light signature: initially faint gamma radiation followed by delayed, atypical peaks in its afterglow. The event’s apparent dimness was misleading, underscoring the importance of tracking how transient signals evolve over time.

Space.com

NASA’s Lunar Landing Research Vehicle made its first flight in 1964

NASA’s Lunar Landing Research Vehicle (LLRV) flew for the first time on Oct. 30, 1964, as a test platform for developing the techniques Apollo astronauts would need to land on the moon. Its first flight marked an early step in preparing crews for the final, low-altitude phase of lunar descent.

Flying Magazine

High activity

NASA’s X-59 flies from Edwards to Florida on first-flight anniversary

NASA has begun a cross-country transfer of its Lockheed Martin-built X-59 from Edwards Air Force Base to Florida, with reported stops in Texas and Alabama. The trip coincides with the aircraft’s first-flight anniversary and follows testing by NASA pilots Nils Larson, Jim Less and Mike Lippert.

Ars Technica

ULA wins major NASA contract as Vulcan nears return to flight

United Launch Alliance has secured a major NASA contract as its Vulcan rocket approaches a return to flight. The developments put the launch provider’s government work and the status of its next-generation vehicle in focus, though the available reports do not specify the contract’s value or Vulcan’s return date.

SpaceNews.com

High activity

NASA says nuclear electric propulsion mission SR-1 remains on track for late 2028 launch

NASA officials say the SR-1 nuclear electric propulsion mission is still expected to launch in late 2028. The agency has provided limited detail on the mission’s cost and schedule, leaving key program parameters unclear despite the stated launch outlook.

Space.com

NASA’s Galileo spacecraft flies past asteroid Gaspra at 18,000 mph, capturing images on its way to Jupiter

On Oct. 29, 1991, Galileo passed asteroid Gaspra and took images while traveling at about 18,000 mph. The encounter added an asteroid observation to the spacecraft’s journey to Jupiter, demonstrating how a planetary mission could gather science during its cruise through the solar system.

NASA Spaceflight

High activity

Blue Origin targets late-2026 return as NASA adds Blue Moon Mk2 test article to Artemis III profile

NASA has formally integrated a Blue Origin Blue Moon Mark 2 test article into the revised Artemis III low-Earth-orbit flight profile. The move comes as Blue Origin works toward a potential return to flight by late 2026 and seeks selection for Artemis IV.

Space.com

High activity

ISS astronauts install seventh of eight upgraded solar arrays in 7-hour spacewalk

NASA astronaut Anil Menon and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk spent seven hours and 11 minutes outside the International Space Station installing and unfurling its seventh new roll-out solar array. The upgrade is intended to support the outpost’s power needs through its planned retirement in 2030; the EVA also marked the 100th U.S. ISS spacewalk under the stated counting method.