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New York Times • Emily Baumgaertner Nunn

Study flags Earthly fungal survivability on Mars, challenging planetary-protection sterilization protocols

Researchers identified a terrestrial fungal species capable of surviving radiation, extreme heat, and simulated Martian soil conditions. The finding raises a new contamination risk for Mars planetary-protection protocols—particularly those aimed at preventing forward contamination during spacecraft assembly and operations.

2026-04-25T18:56:09.182413-07:00

European Spaceflight

ESA disputes Gateway-delay claims, says HALO and I-HAB corrosion isn’t the primary driver

2026-04-24T10:23:31.115211-07:00

Space.com

Hayabusa2 sample returns suggest asteroid Ryugu was struck by a swarm of tiny impactors ~1,000 years ago

2026-04-24T12:24:13.174928-07:00

ohb.de

ESA’s PLATO mission completes thermal-vacuum/pre-launch test campaign ahead of early-2027 launch

2026-04-23T07:35:14.123038-07:00

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New York Times

Study flags Earthly fungal survivability on Mars, challenging planetary-protection sterilization protocols Researchers identified a terrestrial fungal species capable of surviving radiation, extreme heat, and simulated Martian soil conditions. The finding raises a new contamination risk for Mars planetary-protection protocols—particularly those aimed at preventing forward contamination during spacecraft assembly and operations.

2026-04-25T18:56:09.182413-07:00

Study flags Earthly fungal survivability on Mars, challenging planetary-protection sterilization protocols

Via Satellite

Rocket Lab rolls out next-generation star tracker for longer-duration missions Rocket Lab has introduced a next-generation star tracker lineup intended to extend spacecraft mission duration. The company’s updated sensor suite is designed to improve onboard attitude determination performance over longer operational timelines, targeting more ambitious flight plans beyond current endurance limits.

2026-04-24T14:19:30.654063-07:00

Rocket Lab rolls out next-generation star tracker for longer-duration missions

Space.com

Hayabusa2 sample returns suggest asteroid Ryugu was struck by a swarm of tiny impactors ~1,000 years ago New analyses of samples returned to Earth by Japan’s Hayabusa2 indicate Ryugu carries scarring consistent with a relatively recent bombardment by swarms of small space rocks. The inferred timing—about 1,000 years ago—points to ongoing resurfacing processes on near-Earth asteroids.

2026-04-24T12:24:13.174928-07:00

Hayabusa2 sample returns suggest asteroid Ryugu was struck by a swarm of tiny impactors ~1,000 years ago

European Spaceflight

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ESA disputes Gateway-delay claims, says HALO and I-HAB corrosion isn’t the primary driver The European Space Agency (ESA) confirmed corrosion issues on HALO and I-HAB but pushed back against claims that those problems were the primary cause of delays to the Gateway station’s development. ESA’s response also directly addresses assertions attributed to the NASA administrator regarding the source of schedule risk.

2026-04-24T10:23:31.115211-07:00

ESA disputes Gateway-delay claims, says HALO and I-HAB corrosion isn’t the primary driver

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

ohb.de

ESA’s PLATO mission completes thermal-vacuum/pre-launch test campaign ahead of early-2027 launch ESA’s PLATO space telescope has cleared a major pre-launch testing milestone, completing thermal-vacuum and other space-like trials run by OHB. The results confirm spacecraft readiness progress as the mission advances toward its planned launch in early 2027.

2026-04-23T07:35:14.123038-07:00

ESA’s PLATO mission completes thermal-vacuum/pre-launch test campaign ahead of early-2027 launch

Space.com

Japan’s MMX mission to Mars’ moon Phobos reaches launch pad ahead of 2031 sample return JAXA’s Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) has arrived at the launch pad for its Phobos sample-return mission. The complex endeavor targets return of Phobos material to Earth in 2031, aiming to clarify the origins of Mars’ two small moons, Phobos and Deimos.

2026-04-23T06:06:00.960977-07:00

Japan’s MMX mission to Mars’ moon Phobos reaches launch pad ahead of 2031 sample return

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Space Exploration & Science Missions News

Study flags Earthly fungal survivability on Mars, challenging planetary-protection sterilization protocols

ESA disputes Gateway-delay claims, says HALO and I-HAB corrosion isn’t the primary driver

Hayabusa2 sample returns suggest asteroid Ryugu was struck by a swarm of tiny impactors ~1,000 years ago

ESA’s PLATO mission completes thermal-vacuum/pre-launch test campaign ahead of early-2027 launch

News Timeline