News

SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

Portugal becomes 60th signatory to the Artemis Accords, broadening global lunar governance

On Jan. 12, 2026 Portugal formally signed the Artemis Accords in Lisbon, becoming the 60th signatory. The ceremony featured Hugo Costa of the Portuguese Space Agency and U.S. Ambassador John J. Arrigo, committing Portugal to the Accords' principles for responsible, interoperable lunar and deep‑space exploration.

2026-01-12T15:49:43.937228-08:00

Ars Technica

NASA launches mission to maximize science output from the James Webb Space Telescope

2026-01-12T11:47:21.273226-08:00

Space.com

Will U.S. budget cuts force NASA to withdraw from ESA’s next Venus mission?

2026-01-12T13:13:30.311191-08:00

SpaceNews.com

NASA rolls SLS/Orion to pad and opens launch windows as Artemis II targets Feb. 6 launch attempt

2026-01-12T05:07:28.583132-08:00

News Timeline

SpaceNews.com

❗️

Portugal becomes 60th signatory to the Artemis Accords, broadening global lunar governance On Jan. 12, 2026 Portugal formally signed the Artemis Accords in Lisbon, becoming the 60th signatory. The ceremony featured Hugo Costa of the Portuguese Space Agency and U.S. Ambassador John J. Arrigo, committing Portugal to the Accords' principles for responsible, interoperable lunar and deep‑space exploration.

2026-01-12T15:49:43.937228-08:00

Portugal becomes 60th signatory to the Artemis Accords, broadening global lunar governance

Space.com

Will U.S. budget cuts force NASA to withdraw from ESA’s next Venus mission? ESA's planned Venus mission may lose NASA contributions under proposed U.S. budget cuts, raising questions about instruments, operations and timeline. ESA says it is "in constant contact with NASA" while partners evaluate the funding shortfall's implications for mission scope and schedule.

2026-01-12T13:13:30.311191-08:00

Will U.S. budget cuts force NASA to withdraw from ESA’s next Venus mission?

Ars Technica

❗️

NASA launches mission to maximize science output from the James Webb Space Telescope NASA has launched a mission to maximize science output from the James Webb Space Telescope through targeted measures to address a growing concern. Agency officials say the seriousness of the underlying problem was not recognized until about 2017 or 2018.

2026-01-12T11:47:21.273226-08:00

NASA launches mission to maximize science output from the James Webb Space Telescope

Payload

GRU Space opens $1M-deposit bookings for planned lunar hotel targeting 2032 GRU Space has opened bookings requiring a $1 million deposit to reserve guest spots in its proposed lunar hotel, which the company says it plans to open by 2032. The deposit offer establishes a concrete price point and timetable for a commercial lunar-stay offering.

2026-01-12T06:09:56.267081-08:00

GRU Space opens $1M-deposit bookings for planned lunar hotel targeting 2032

SpaceNews.com

❗️

NASA rolls SLS/Orion to pad and opens launch windows as Artemis II targets Feb. 6 launch attempt NASA will roll its Space Launch System and Orion stack to the launch pad this Saturday as it prepares Artemis II, the agency's crewed lunar mission. NASA opened formal launch windows and media accreditation; if the schedule holds, a launch attempt is targeted for Feb. 6 at 9:41 p.m. ET.

2026-01-12T05:07:28.583132-08:00

NASA rolls SLS/Orion to pad and opens launch windows as Artemis II targets Feb. 6 launch attempt

SpaceNews.com

NASA applies lessons learned to strengthen its science programs NASA is formalizing lessons learned from recent missions and internal reviews to strengthen its science programs. The agency says the changes will improve program management, bolster risk controls and increase mission resilience and execution across its upcoming science portfolio through updated processes.

2026-01-12T04:06:57.604354-08:00

NASA applies lessons learned to strengthen its science programs

SpaceWatch Global

GomSpace Luxembourg picked for lunar exploration satellite contract by major North American company GomSpace Luxembourg announced it has been selected by a leading North American space company to provide a satellite for a lunar exploration mission. The contract tasks GomSpace's small-satellite capabilities with supporting lunar-focused payloads and operations under the North American prime's mission architecture.

2026-01-12T03:11:56.151040-08:00

GomSpace Luxembourg picked for lunar exploration satellite contract by major North American company

Space.com

❗️

NASA, SpaceX to bring Crew-11 home early after on‑station medical issue NASA and SpaceX will undock Dragon Endeavour and return the Crew‑11 team from the ISS no earlier than 5 p.m. EST on Wednesday, Jan. 14, after a medical concern aboard the station prompted an evacuation about a month earlier than planned. NASA and crew say members are in good shape.

2026-01-11T07:30:40.223053-08:00

NASA, SpaceX to bring Crew-11 home early after on‑station medical issue

Menu

Space Exploration & Science Missions News

Portugal becomes 60th signatory to the Artemis Accords, broadening global lunar governance

NASA launches mission to maximize science output from the James Webb Space Telescope

Will U.S. budget cuts force NASA to withdraw from ESA’s next Venus mission?

NASA rolls SLS/Orion to pad and opens launch windows as Artemis II targets Feb. 6 launch attempt

News Timeline