Space News

Moon Space Exploration & Science Missions Workforce & Skills Development NASA

Payload • Victoria Woodburn

NASA opens $1 million student challenge for lunar-base solutions as it advances rover plans for 2028

NASA is inviting high school and post-secondary students to develop solutions for a long-term facility where astronauts could live and work on the Moon. The announcement came alongside updates on lunar infrastructure and missions, including plans for the PROMISE rover to launch to the Moon in 2028.

Leonard David

Wanted: Innovative Ideas – NASA’s Moon Base Contest

NASA • Jessica Taveau

NASA Announces $1 Million to Students for Moon Base Challenge

Also: nasawatch.com, Scientific American and orlandosentinel.com

7 Sources

2026-11-08T08:34:52.957524-08:00

China Moon Space Exploration & Science Missions NASA

The Hill • Mark R. Whittington

China reveals how it intends to beat NASA back to the moon

By The Hill: Opinion > Opinions - Technology The views expressed by contributors are their own and not the view of The Hill China reveals how it intends to beat NASA back to the moon by Mark R.

1 Source

2026-11-08T07:28:15.673235-08:00

Europe ESA Space Exploration & Science Missions

Space.com • Elizabeth Howell, Robert Z. Pearlman

On this day in space! Nov. 8, 2005: Europe launches Venus Express, its first mission to Venus

By Space.com: On Nov. 8, 2005, Europe launched its first mission to Venus. Here's why Venus Express mattered.

1 Source

2026-11-08T08:19:09.455903-08:00

Space Exploration & Science Missions

New York Times • Eli Saslow, Hilary Swift

Top Astrophysicist Leaves U.S. After Trump Policies Affect Her Work

By New York Times: Kelly Holley-Bockelmann was one of the top astrophysicists in the country until President Trump’s policies affected every part of her work.

1 Source

2026-11-08T03:29:38.860394-08:00

Space Exploration & Science Missions

Space.com • Keith Cooper

Scientists simulate an Earth without life to help hunt for aliens and inhabited worlds

By Space.com: By modeling how a planet without life develops its atmosphere, astronomers hope to be able to better distinguish rocky planets without life from those that are inhabited.

1 Source

2026-11-08T03:10:37.946364-08:00

Moon Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Space Exploration & Science Missions NASA

SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

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

By SpaceNews.com: NASA is moving forward with plans to convert an engineering model of a Mars rover into one that will go to the moon in 2028.

NASA Spaceflight

NASA's Moon Base plan gains a PROMISE

SpaceNews.com

NASA awards lunar transportation and lander contracts

Also: NASA and spacecoastdaily.com

6 Sources

2026-11-07T17:49:05.962200-08:00

Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

SpaceX sets Nov. 13 date for Starship launch and catch

By SpaceNews.com: SpaceX is targeting Nov. 13 for the next flight of its Starship vehicle, a mission that will attempt to catch both stages back at the launch site.

Also: Space Policy Online

4 Sources

2026-11-07T13:10:39.408649-08:00

Blue Origin Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

Blue Origin pushes back New Glenn return to flight to early 2027

By SpaceNews.com: Blue Origin confirmed that the return to flight of its New Glenn rocket will slip into next year as it continues work rebuilding the vehicle’s launch pad.

Also: spacecoastdaily.com

2 Sources

2026-11-07T13:45:39.841836-08:00

NASA opens $1 million student challenge for lunar-base solutions as it advances rover plans for 2028

Wanted: Innovative Ideas – NASA’s Moon Base Contest

NASA Announces $1 Million to Students for Moon Base Challenge

China reveals how it intends to beat NASA back to the moon

On this day in space! Nov. 8, 2005: Europe launches Venus Express, its first mission to Venus

Top Astrophysicist Leaves U.S. After Trump Policies Affect Her Work

Scientists simulate an Earth without life to help hunt for aliens and inhabited worlds

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

NASA's Moon Base plan gains a PROMISE

NASA awards lunar transportation and lander contracts

SpaceX sets Nov. 13 date for Starship launch and catch

Blue Origin pushes back New Glenn return to flight to early 2027

NASA Unveils Moon Base Awards at MAX POWER

On this day in space! Nov. 8, 2005: Europe launches Venus Express, its first mission to Venus

China reveals how it intends to beat NASA back to the moon

Top Astrophysicist Leaves U.S. After Trump Policies Affect Her Work

Scientists simulate an Earth without life to help hunt for aliens and inhabited worlds

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

Gogo's LEO Transition Picks Up Pace

NASA announces search for new astronauts

'I think we will prevail': NASA chief Jared Isaacman on Artemis, China and the new moon race (exclusive)

Houston, we have a wardrobe problem

AST SpaceMobile plans 20-ton Blackbird rocket, tapping Firefly engines in $1.3 billion deal

Starship Flight 15 targets Nov. 13 for first attempt to catch both stages at Starbase

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

ISS astronauts install eighth and final iROSA, completing five-year power upgrade

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

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