October 17, 2026
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Breaking News
  • [ October 16, 2026 ] Blue Origin to add new Florida launch pads, seeks aggressive increase in New Glenn flight rate New Glenn
  • [ October 15, 2026 ] SpaceX launches a classified payload for U.S. Space Force Falcon 9
  • [ October 13, 2026 ] SpaceX launches NASA science and cargo to the International Space Station Falcon 9
  • [ October 13, 2026 ] Launch preview: NASA, SpaceX to launch new solar arrays, 6,300 pounds of cargo to the space station Falcon 9
  • [ October 12, 2026 ] SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches 27 Starlink satellites from California Falcon 9

Earth Return Orbiter

Mission Reports

NASA narrows design for rocket to launch samples off of Mars

April 20, 2020 Stephen Clark

After years of studies, test-firings and a survey of U.S. industry in preparation for launch of a Mars Sample Return mission in 2026, NASA has settled on a solid-fueled design for a miniature rocket with a first-of-its-kind purpose: Launching a payload from Mars for a trip back to Earth.

News

NASA, ESA officials seek formal approvals for Mars sample return mission

September 16, 2019 Stephen Clark

After crystallizing a partnership to retrieve samples from the surface of Mars and return them to Earth, NASA and European Space Agency officials are seeking government funding commitments before the end of this year to carry out a multibillion-dollar robotic mission that could depart Earth with a pair of rocket launches as soon as 2026.

News Headlines

  • Blue Origin to add new Florida launch pads, seeks aggressive increase in New Glenn flight rate
    October 16, 2026
  • SpaceX launches a classified payload for U.S. Space Force
    October 15, 2026
  • SpaceX launches NASA science and cargo to the International Space Station
    October 13, 2026
  • Launch preview: NASA, SpaceX to launch new solar arrays, 6,300 pounds of cargo to the space station
    October 13, 2026
  • SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches 27 Starlink satellites from California
    October 12, 2026
  • SpaceX launches 21 data satellites for the Space Development Agency
    October 9, 2026
  • SpaceX scrubs launch attempt for 21 data transport satellites for the Space Development Agency
    October 4, 2026
  • Falcon Heavy flies its first mission for U.S. spy satellite agency
    October 1, 2026
  • Fresh crew takes off for six-month stay aboard space station
    October 1, 2026
  • Launch preview: NASA, SpaceX launch next crewed mission to the International Space Station
    October 1, 2026
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