Sam's News — space — 2026-09-03¶

Space¶

7.5 NASA awards Blue Origin Mars communications network contract worth up to ¥111.3 billion¶

NASA contracted Blue Origin to develop a Mars communications network with delivery expected by end of 2028 for an amount up to ¥111.3 billion.

Sources: finance.biggo.com RSS Update to: Blue Origin Wins NASA Contract for Mars Telecommunications Orbiter

7 India launches first geosynchronous Earth-imaging satellite¶

India attempted its first launch of an Earth-imaging satellite to geosynchronous orbit on September 3, 2026.

Sources: Space.com RSS

7 NASA Chief Jared Isaacman Announces Moon Base Development Strategy¶

NASA leadership outlines initial steps and strategy for establishing a sustained lunar outpost.

Sources: The Hill RSS

7 NASA Discovers Giant 10-Sided Geometric Pattern on Saturn¶

NASA scientists have identified a remarkable 10-sided polygon structure on Saturn's atmosphere.

Sources: Science Daily RSS

6.5 BepiColombo Begins Mercury Arrival After 8-Year Journey¶

The BepiColombo spacecraft began its arrival sequence at Mercury after traveling through the inner solar system for nearly eight years.

Sources: Space.com RSS, Phys.org RSS

6 Rocket Lab delays first private Venus mission due to Neutron launch vehicle readiness¶

The first-ever private mission to Venus remains grounded pending completion of Rocket Lab's Neutron launch vehicle development.

Sources: Space.com RSS

5.5 Comet McNaught Brightens: Guide to Spotting It Before Fading¶

Comet McNaught underwent two dramatic outbursts around perihelion and is still observable with guidance before it fades.

Sources: Space.com RSS

5 NASA 2007 Space Mission: Newts Sent to Orbit After Body Part Removal Study¶

In 2007, NASA sent 16 newts into space after removing parts of their eyes, toes, and tails to study regeneration capabilities in microgravity.

Sources: The Times of India RSS

Space Exploration¶

7.5 BepiColombo Spacecraft Reaches Mercury After 8-Year Journey¶

After an eight-year voyage, the BepiColombo mission is arriving at Mercury and will split into two spacecraft to study the least-explored planet in the inner solar system.

Sources: Space.com RSS

Space Policy¶

6.5 President of the United States proposes academy for NASA and Space Force¶

The president of the United States has proposed creating a military academy dedicated to training personnel for NASA and the Space Force.

Sources: Bilyonaryo RSS Update to: President of the United States proposes space academy modeled on West Point