NASA – Spaceflight Now

Astronauts, launch teams practice Artemis 2 countdown

December 21, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

The run-through simulated day-of-launch activities, included suit up, ingress into the Orion spacecraft and a countdown that stopped just shy of T-0.

Rocket Lab launches 4 novel DiskSat satellites for U.S. Space Force, NASA

December 18, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

The STP-S30 mission was moved up five months on the launch manifest for Rocket Lab. This was the 20th launch of an Electron rocket in 2025.

Senate confirms Jared Isaacman as 15th NASA Administrator

December 18, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

The vote on Dec. 17 closes out a year-long nomination process featuring the removal and renomination of the commercial astronaut.

Orion hatch ‘blemish’ delays launch day rehearsal for Artemis 2 astronauts

December 4, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

The hatch issue caused NASA to modify its prelaunch preparations within the Vehicle Assembly Building but it continues to target an early February launch of the mission to carry four astronauts on a loop around the Moon.

Jared Isaacman makes second appeal for NASA administrator position

December 3, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

This will be the second hearing for the commercial astronaut, billionaire and entrepreneur following his first go around in April. This hearing is scheduled for Dec. 3 beginning at 10 a.m. EST (1500 UTC).

NASA, Boeing pivot Starliner-1 mission from 4-person astronaut flight to cargo-only

November 24, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

The change comes days after the mission’s previous commander was promoted to lead NASA’s Astronaut Office. NASA and Boeing are also reducing the required number of missions to the International Space Station from six down to four.

Blue Origin launches twin Mars probes for NASA as New Glenn makes first landing

November 13, 2025 William Harwood

Blue Origin launched its second heavy-lift New Glenn rocket Thursday, putting two small NASA satellites onto a long, looping course to Mars to learn more about how the sun has slowly blown away the red planet’s once thick atmosphere.

Launch preview: Blue Origin to launch NASA’s ESCAPADE following scrubs from clouds, space weather

November 13, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

Blue Origin was able to secure permission from the Federal Aviation Administration for a daytime launch attempt while the emergency order constraining commercial launches remains in place even after the end of the government shutdown. Liftoff is scheduled during an 88-minute-long window that opens at 2:57 p.m. EST (1957 UTC).

NASA scrubs ESCAPADE launch due to ‘highly elevated solar activity’

November 11, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

Blue Origin was able to secure permission from the Federal Aviation Administration for a daytime launch attempt while the emergency order constraining commercial launches remains in place during the government shutdown. However, the solar storms are forcing Blue Origin and NASA to find a new launch opportunity.

President Trump renominates commercial astronaut Jared Isaacman for NASA administrator

November 4, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

The announcement of his nomination comes more than five months after the President pulled it for largely political reasons.