NASA and Axiom Space have responded to an OIG report highlighting significant delays in the Next-Generation Spacesuit Program, jeopardizing the 2028 Artemis lunar landing and ISS operations. The report reveals reliance on Axiom as the sole provider, with suit demonstrations now pushed to late-2027, risking further delays that could extend to 2031, impacting critical lunar capabilities.

NASA's next-generation spacesuits for Artemis lunar missions may not be ready until 2031, contradicting public confidence in a 2028 lunar landing. The Office of Inspector General report highlights a failed contracting strategy, reducing competition to a sole-source arrangement with Axiom Space. Delays in development raise concerns about meeting the original schedule for lunar surface missions.

NASA's inspector general warns that new spacesuits for Artemis lunar missions and the ISS may not be ready until after 2030. The report criticizes the xEVAS program's commercial approach, citing technical risks and poor performance by Collins Aerospace. Axiom Space continues development, but delays could push demonstrations to 2031, conflicting with optimistic timelines for upcoming missions.

NASA's inspector general warns that the lunar program faces significant scheduling risks due to reliance on Axiom as the sole contractor for new spacesuits. The report highlights potential delays if Axiom fails to meet requirements, necessitating continued use of outdated EMU suits. Alternative options exist, but standardization issues complicate future suit development for the Artemis program.

U.S. Army's Engineering Research and Development Center (ERDC) is developing doctrine for landing helicopters on ice, expanding operational zones by 20-25%. A recent test with a CH-47 Chinook on 21 inches of ice challenges outdated standards requiring 31 inches. This research, initiated by Jenna Williams, aims to enhance cold weather operations amid increasing Arctic tensions with China and Russia.

45th Weather Squadron plays a crucial role in ensuring astronaut safety during human spaceflight missions. Assigned to Space Launch Delta 45, this unit provides essential weather intelligence that supports a collaborative network of military, civilian, and interagency partners. Their efforts span from launch to splashdown, highlighting the importance of behind-the-scenes operations in successful space missions.

Artemis 2 astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft achieved a record distance of 260,754 miles (419,643 km) from the Tiangong space station on April 6, 2026. This surpassed the previous record set during the Apollo 13 mission. Astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell calculated these distances, marking a significant milestone in human space exploration and the spread of civilization beyond Earth.

NASA's Artemis II crew, including Christina Koch, Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Jeremy Hansen, returned from a lunar mission on April 7, 2026. The mission provided critical data for NASA's Human Research Program, focusing on astronaut health in deep space. A challenge with a $25,000 prize seeks innovative methodologies to analyze this unique dataset from the mission.

Victor Glover discussed his experience piloting Orion during the Artemis II mission, emphasizing the spacecraft's superior handling compared to simulations. Glover highlighted the importance of test piloting for future missions, noting that successful rendezvous and docking operations will be crucial for Artemis III and IV. He expressed confidence in the spacecraft's capabilities and the teams behind its development.

NASA's new space station plan faces strong opposition from Axiom Space, Vast, and Starlab Space executives. They argue that the market can sustain independent stations by 2030, countering NASA's belief of insufficient demand. Max Haot of Vast emphasized their readiness, while Jonathan Cirtain of Axiom highlighted revenue from private missions. Axiom has raised $450M in funding, while Vast has secured over $1B.

NASA’s mobile launcher arrived at the Vehicle Assembly Building on April 17, 2026, following a 4-mile journey from Launch Complex 39B. This marks the preparation phase for Artemis III stacking operations. The launcher, 380 feet tall, will support the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft with essential connections for launch, including power and communications systems.

Artemis 2's Orion capsule, named

NASA’s Artemis II crew praised the Orion capsule's performance post-mission, highlighting its smooth reentry and minor technical issues. Commander Reid Wiseman noted the capsule's readiness for Artemis III. The nine-day mission marked NASA's first crewed lunar flight since Apollo 17, with astronauts reflecting on its positive public impact during a press conference at NASA Johnson.

Artemis 2 commander Reid Wiseman defended the mission's space toilet, stating it functioned well despite some clogging issues. The toilet, a compact version from the International Space Station, faced vent line blockages during the mission. Wiseman praised the engineering team, emphasizing the toilet's advancements over previous lunar missions, where astronauts relied on handheld bags for waste disposal.

A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft have served in the Sandy role for combat search-and-rescue (CSAR) operations since the late 1970s. As the U.S. Air Force plans to retire the A-10 by fiscal year 2029, questions arise regarding its replacement. Recent operations, including a 2026 mission recovering two F-15E airmen from Iran, underscore the urgency of this transition.

NASA researchers from Glenn Research Center and Johnson Space Center are investigating material flammability on the Moon through the Flammability of Materials on the Moon (FM2) experiment. Unlike Earth, lunar conditions may allow materials to burn longer due to slower oxygen flow, posing unique challenges for future crewed missions. This research aims to enhance fire safety protocols in spaceflight.

Vast's CEO Max Haot and executives from Axiom Space and Starlab Space countered NASA's claim of an undeveloped commercial LEO market, asserting profitability by 2030. They highlighted revenue from private astronaut missions and payloads, with Axiom planning to operate its station by 2028. Their responses to NASA's feedback request included 390 pages of analysis supporting their position.

NASA’s mobile launcher 1 commenced its 4-mile journey from Launch Pad 39B to the Vehicle Assembly Building on April 16, 2026, in preparation for Artemis III. This transition follows the successful Artemis II mission, with teams set to perform inspections and repairs on the launcher post-mission. Operations will pause for team rest before resuming on April 17.

Voyager Technologies secured a contract with NASA for the seventh Private Astronaut Mission (PAM) to the International Space Station, scheduled for launch no earlier than 2028. This initiative underscores NASA's strategy to transition low-Earth orbit operations to private entities, enhancing commercial participation in human spaceflight and fostering a sustainable low-Earth orbit economy.

Expedition 74 conducted multiple vehicle departures and a spacewalk during March, enhancing operational efficiency aboard the International Space Station. The crew's activities included routine maintenance and scientific experiments, contributing to ongoing research in microgravity. These operations are critical for sustaining long-term human presence in low Earth orbit and advancing international collaboration in space exploration.

Rebekah Tolatovicz, a mechanical technician lead for Lockheed Martin, plays a crucial role in building and testing the Orion spacecraft at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Her work supports the Artemis program, including the recent Artemis II mission. Tolatovicz emphasizes the importance of every task, mentoring newcomers and contributing to NASA's historic lunar exploration efforts.

NASA has selected Voyager Technologies for the seventh private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, named VOYG-1, targeting a launch no earlier than 2028. This mission will last up to 14 days, with Voyager proposing four crew members for NASA's review. The partnership aims to enhance commercial space capabilities and support future deep space exploration efforts.

NASA's Artemis II mission successfully splashed down on April 10, 2026, at 5:07 p.m. PDT, marking the return of the first astronauts to the Moon in over fifty years. The Orion capsule traveled 1,117,660 km, setting a record for crewed spacecraft distance. The crew, including Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, is reported healthy post-mission.

European Space Agency has initiated a call for proposals to develop a crew launch abort demonstrator, revealing a budget of €1 million for the initial development phase. This project, first announced on 28 November 2025, aims to enhance crew safety during launch scenarios. Additional project details have been published alongside the call for proposals.

NASA's Artemis 2 crew, comprising astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency, returned to Houston less than 24 hours post-splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. This marks a significant milestone in the Artemis program, transitioning responsibilities as the mission prepares for future lunar exploration endeavors and crew training activities.

NASA's Artemis II crew, including astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and CSA's Jeremy Hansen, returned to Houston after their historic 10-day lunar flyby mission. The crew splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on April 10, 2026, completing the first crewed flight to the Moon in over 50 years, and underwent post-mission evaluations upon arrival.

NASA mission managers hailed the Artemis 2 flight test as a success, emphasizing the Orion spacecraft's precision during reentry. They acknowledged the contributions of the international workforce involved in its development. This mission marks a significant milestone for Canada's participation in lunar exploration, showcasing collaborative efforts in advancing space technology and international partnerships.

NASA's Artemis II mission concluded on 10 April as the Orion spacecraft successfully returned its crew to Earth, marking the first human mission to the vicinity of the Moon since 1972. This milestone signifies a pivotal moment in NASA's strategy for deep space exploration and paves the way for future lunar and Martian endeavors in the Artemis program.

Artemis 2 crew successfully returned to Earth following a planned splashdown of the Orion capsule. This event marks a significant milestone for NASA in its lunar exploration program, demonstrating the capsule's capabilities and operational readiness for future missions. The mission's execution aligns with NASA's objectives for crewed lunar exploration and deep space missions. 

NASA's Orion spacecraft successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean at 8:07 p.m. EDT on April 10, 2026, concluding the Artemis II mission with astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen aboard. Recovery teams are now transporting the crew to USS John P. Murtha for medical evaluations before returning to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman and Victor Glover completed a final thruster burn on Orion for 8 seconds, achieving a 4.2 feet-per-second velocity change, guiding Artemis II toward Earth. Splashdown is scheduled for 8:07 p.m. EDT off San Diego, with recovery operations by NASA's team and the Department of War personnel awaiting the crew's return.

Artemis II crew, including NASA astronauts Christina Koch, Reid Wiseman, and Victor Glover, along with Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency, prepared for their final burn and splashdown on April 10, 2026. Splashdown is targeted for 8:07 p.m. EDT off San Diego after a 694,481-mile journey, marking a significant milestone in lunar exploration.

NASA mission managers confirmed the Artemis 2 Orion spacecraft's thermal protection system is ready for reentry, ensuring safe splashdown for the four-person crew. They detailed the reentry sequence and addressed propulsion issues, emphasizing confidence in the spacecraft's performance. This briefing precedes the critical final phase of the mission, highlighting operational readiness for Earth return.

Artemis II is nearing its Earth return after a historic 10-day mission, marking the farthest humans have traveled from Earth. This mission demonstrates critical capabilities for future lunar exploration and paves the way for subsequent Artemis missions. The successful completion of this mission is a significant milestone in NASA's lunar exploration strategy and human spaceflight program.

NASA's Orion spacecraft completed its second return correction burn, igniting thrusters for 9 seconds, achieving a velocity change of 5.3 feet-per-second. Victor Glover and crew captured data during their lunar flyby, coming within 4,067 miles of the Moon. The next trajectory burn is scheduled for April 10, targeting splashdown at 8:07 p.m. off San Diego.

Artemis 2 crew on Orion spacecraft prepared for Friday's Pacific Ocean splashdown, marking Flight Day 8. The team shifted focus from lunar operations to final preparations, including packing up equipment and unveiling the Apollo 18 flag. This mission continues to demonstrate NASA's commitment to deep space exploration and crewed lunar missions, enhancing operational readiness for future endeavors.

NASA's Artemis II crew, including Christina Koch, Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Jeremy Hansen, prepares for splashdown on April 10, 2026. Following a lunar swing, they exited the Moon's influence on April 7. The crew is conducting re-entry procedures, including trajectory correction burns, and will splash down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego at 8:07 p.m. EDT.

Artemis II crew members Christina Koch, Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Jeremy Hansen conducted key tests aboard the Orion spacecraft, including orthostatic intolerance garment evaluations and manual piloting demonstrations. Following their lunar flyby, they are preparing for splashdown on April 10, 2026, off the coast of San Diego, ensuring all systems are ready for re-entry.

NASA's Orion spacecraft, named Integrity, successfully completed its first return correction burn on Flight Day 7, igniting thrusters for 15 seconds at 8:03 p.m. EDT, achieving a velocity change of 1.6 feet-per-second. Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen monitored the spacecraft's systems, while the crew prepares for upcoming flight test objectives and return tasks on April 8.

NASA's Artemis II crew, including astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, began their return journey after a lunar flyby on April 6, 2026. They will exit the Moon's gravity at 1:23 p.m. EDT, followed by a call with ISS astronauts at 2:40 p.m. and a trajectory correction burn at 9:03 p.m.

NASA's Artemis II mission achieved a significant milestone on Flight Day 6, with the Orion spacecraft successfully executing a lunar flyby. This operation marks a historic distance record as the crew navigated around the far side of the Moon, demonstrating critical deep space operational capabilities essential for future lunar exploration missions and paving the way for subsequent Artemis objectives.

Orion spacecraft Integrity, with astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, achieved a record-breaking lunar flyby during the Artemis II mission. This milestone demonstrates significant progress in NASA's lunar exploration efforts, paving the way for future crewed missions to the Moon and beyond, enhancing capabilities in deep space operations and crew safety.

Artemis II crew finalized spacesuit testing, secured 30 lunar observation targets, and performed the initial trajectory correction burn on Flight Day 5. The upcoming flyby will prominently feature the Orientale basin, a 600-mile-wide impact structure, marking its first visibility to human eyes. This mission represents a significant milestone in lunar exploration and crewed spaceflight capabilities.

NASA's Artemis II crew members Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen executed a 41-minute manual piloting demonstration, assessing Orion's handling capabilities in preparation for the upcoming lunar flyby. This mission aligns with NASA's evolving strategy towards establishing a phased lunar base, reflecting significant operational transitions within the broader Artemis program framework.

NASA's Artemis II crew, including Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Jeremy Hansen, will embark on a 10-day lunar mission aboard the Orion spacecraft atop the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. This mission will validate deep space systems and pave the way for future lunar surface exploration, including landing the first woman and person of color on the Moon.

NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara replaced components on the biological printer, BioFabrication Facility (BFF), testing organ-like tissue printing in microgravity. Expedition 70 investigations support crew health for future lunar and Martian missions. Astronauts conducted vein scans, worked on the NanoRacks External Platform, and performed various experiments, including cell sample analysis and Earth science hardware setup aboard the International Space Station.