Isaacman defends NASA budget proposal despite steep cuts
Original Publication Date: 2026-04-05 22:20
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman defended the FY 2027 budget proposal that would slash the agency’s budget by almost a quarter, arguing the cuts still leave enough money for its top exploration priorities
NASA stops work on SLS Mobile Launcher 2
Original Publication Date: 2026-04-05 20:29
NASA has halted work on its second mobile launch platform, ML‑2, after deciding not to pursue the SLS Block 1B rocket. The agency will repurpose hardware from the canceled platform as spares for the existing Mobile Launcher 1 that supports the Block 1 SLS used on Artemis missions. The decision follows cost overruns, delays, and a 2024 audit estimating ML‑2 could cost up to $2.5 billion and be ready only by 2029. With the successful Artemis 2 launch, NASA is reviewing platform performance and has already upgraded blast doors and repair systems to better withstand future rocket plumes.
Artemis astronauts send down Easter message, prep for lunar fly around Monday
Original Publication Date: 2026-04-05 23:57
Artemis 2 astronauts, led by commander Reid Wiseman, celebrated Easter in orbit while advancing a critical lunar mission, sharing greetings with flight controllers and even hiding dehydrated Easter eggs in the cabin. They used the opportunity to conduct the first spaceflight of Canadian crewmate Jeremy Hansen and to test new pressure suits designed for six‑day survival in case of a loss of cabin pressure. While en route to the Moon, the crew spotted unexpected detail on the lunar surface, including the bright Mare Imbrium, giving scientists a preview of the science observations planned for when the spacecraft passes behind the far side.
Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer for the United States Space Force, Chandra Donelson, Steps Away
Original Publication Date: 2026-04-05 21:29
Chandra Donelson, the United States Space Force’s inaugural Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer, announced on April 3 2026 that she will step down from her position. During her tenure she led the development of the Force’s first integrated data‑analytics platform, driving AI‑enabled decision‑making for satellite operations and space situational awareness. Donelson said she will focus on private‑sector consulting and continued advocacy for responsible AI in defense. The Space Force will begin a search for her successor in the coming months.
What Doubling Space Force Funding Actually Means for the Industry
Original Publication Date: 2026-04-05 19:28
The U.S. Space Force is set to receive a budget of $71 billion for fiscal year 2027, effectively doubling its funding and signaling a major strategic pivot by the Department of Defense toward space dominance. This increase will support the development of new satellite constellations, advanced propulsion systems, and defensive counter‑space technologies aimed at countering emerging threats from rival nations. Analysts say the funding boost underscores Washington’s intent to secure a decisive advantage in space, ensuring reliable communications, navigation, and intelligence capabilities for future military operations. By prioritizing space infrastructure and capabilities, the U.S. Aims to maintain a strategic edge that could reshape the balance of power beyond Earth’s orbit.
Earth
Original Publication Date: 2026-04-05 19:22
From Space: On this Sunday, April 5, 2026, the four […] on this Sunday, April5, 2026. It is a profound realization to think that everything we have ever known is contained within that small, fragile glow. It is also a profound realization that everything we've ever known is contained in that tiny, fragile glow.
Planet Labs Imposes Indefinite Blackout on Iran Satellite Imagery at U.S. Request
Original Publication Date: 2026-04-05 15:22
Planet Labs PBC announced on April 5, 2026 that it would indefinitely suspend the distribution of satellite imagery covering Iran and other Middle East conflict zones. The decision follows a policy shift prompted by changing geopolitical and regulatory considerations. The move will affect commercial and government customers who rely on real‑time imaging to monitor regional developments.
PMGC Holdings Launches NorthStrive Defense Tech to Capture Drone and Autonomous Systems Market
Original Publication Date: 2026-04-04 22:51
Newport Beach‑based PMGC Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ELAB) announced on April 2, 2026 the creation of a wholly‑owned subsidiary, NorthStrive Defense Tech LLC. The move marks a strategic expansion into defense technology, positioning PMGC to tap emerging market opportunities. NorthStrive will operate under PMGC’s umbrella, leveraging the parent company’s resources and industry expertise. This development underscores PMGC’s commitment to broadening its technological footprint in the defense sector.
Thinking of You, Earth
Original Publication Date: 2026-04-05 14:04
NASA’s Artemis II crew, led by Commander Reid Wiseman, are now more than two‑thirds of the way to the Moon. Wiseman, along with astronauts Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, can be seen gazing back at Earth from the Orion spacecraft’s main cabin window. The mission continues its journey toward the lunar surface, with live updates available through a 24/7 livestream and photo gallery. Stay tuned for more coverage as the crew progresses toward the Moon.
NASA Artemis 2 astronauts to make historic moon flyby today. Here's what to expect hour by hour (timeline)
Original Publication Date: 2026-04-06 09:00
NASA’s Artemis 2 launched four astronauts who are making the first crewed moon flyby since 1972, beginning a seven‑hour observation run that will take them to a record distance beyond Apollo 13. The crew, led by Commander Reid Wiseman, will see new lunar terrain—including far‑side poles—and even witness a total solar eclipse from orbit. Live coverage will stream on Space.com, with key moments such as the 4,070‑mile closest approach at 7:02 p.m. EDT and a 40‑minute signal loss around 6:47 p.m. EDT. Tune in to follow this historic leap for 21st‑century lunar exploration.
Humanity is back at the moon! Artemis 2 astronauts arrive in lunar space
Original Publication Date: 2026-04-06 05:00
NASA’s Artemis 2 mission has entered lunar space, marking the first crewed spacecraft to cross the moon’s sphere of influence since Apollo 17 in 1972. Four astronauts—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Jeremy Hansen—are orbiting the far side of the moon in Orion, setting a new distance record from Earth that will surpass Apollo 13’s 400,000‑km mark. During the flyby, the crew will conduct scientific observations of lunar geology and experience a total solar eclipse visible only from orbit. Orion will slingshot back toward Earth, with the crew expected to splash down off the coast of San Diego on April 10, completing a 10‑day mission.
When the moon hits your eye from your Orion ship up high, that's a 'mare' for Artemis 2
Original Publication Date: 2026-04-06 00:09
On April 4, 2026, the Artemis 2 crew captured a photo of the Moon with the south pole at the top, showing the Orientale Basin on the right edge of the lunar disk. This marks the first time humans have seen the entire basin in one view. The astronauts will continue to observe Orientale from multiple angles as they approach the Moon and during the lunar flyby. As the textbook multi‑ring impact basin, Orientale serves as a benchmark for comparing craters across the solar system.
The breakout star of NASA's Artemis 2 moon mission isn't an astronaut — it's the space toilet
Original Publication Date: 2026-04-05 17:09
NASA’s Artemis 2 crew encountered unexpected toilet trouble on their journey to the moon, as the onboard hygiene bay emitted a burning smell and the urine vent became blocked by ice. Mission specialist Christina Koch and Mission Control traced the issue to possible off‑gassing materials and a frozen vent, and they performed a “bake‑out” by pointing the vent at the sun to thaw it. The maneuver cleared about half of the tank, but the crew still had to use a collapsible urinal to collect urine until the system was fully cleared. Despite the hiccup, engineers remain confident the toilet problem is manageable and the crew stays on schedule for the historic lunar flyby.