Sam's News — space — 2026-09-28¶

Space¶

7 FY 2025 NASA planetary research and analysis funding cut by over 50%¶

NASA's fiscal year 2025 planetary research and analysis funding was underspent by more than 50% as of June 30, 2026, with forward-funding practices reducing grant awards by approximately two-thirds. Combined with 15 years of flat funding representing a loss of over 30% in actual value, the Planetary Science Institute warns the situation is 'catastrophic' without Congressional action.

FY 2025 planetary R&A funding underspent by >50% through June 30, 2026
Forward-funding practice reduces awards by ~67%, assuming 3-year proposals
15 years flat funding = >30% loss in actual value when adjusted for inflation
Characterized as 'catastrophic' without Congressional intervention

Sources: NASA Watch AI Web Searched

6.5 NASA Announces New Mission for Crew After Lunar Orbit Flight¶

NASA disclosed plans for a follow-up assignment for astronauts who recently completed a lunar orbit mission.

Sources: SciTechDaily RSS

6.5 NASA plans crewed flight tests on Boeing Starliner¶

NASA intends to proceed with human flight testing of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft.

Sources: NASA Watch RSS

6 NASA Johnson Space Center dexterous robotics team advances manipulation technology¶

NASA's Johnson Space Center dexterous robotics team is advancing robotic hand and arm capabilities for space applications.

Sources: NASA (.gov) RSS

6 NASA Artemis Accords Expand to 76 Nations with Four New Signatories¶

NASA announced that four additional nations have joined the Artemis Accords, bringing total signatories to 76.

Sources: Washington Times RSS

5.5 NASA tests dual-mode propulsion CubeSat ahead of launch¶

NASA conducted testing of a CubeSat satellite featuring dual-mode propulsion technology in preparation for launch.

Sources: phys.org RSS

5 NASA and Boeing Provide Development Update on Starliner Spacecraft¶

NASA and Boeing release an updated status report on the Starliner spacecraft program's progress and timeline.

Sources: C-SPAN Web Search

4.5 NASA Armstrong celebrates 80 years of flight innovation¶

NASA Armstrong research center marks eight decades of contributions to aircraft and aerospace flight technology.

Sources: NASA (.gov) RSS

4.5 University of Maine partners with NASA to establish Maine Space Grant program¶

The University of Maine and NASA have established a Maine Space Grant initiative to support aerospace research and education.

Sources: The Maine Campus RSS

Hardware¶

5.5 Johnson's Dexterous Robotics Team Advances Reliable Robot Design¶

Johnson's robotics division is developing reliable, dexterous robots with capabilities relevant to industrial and space applications.

Sources: NASA (.gov) Web Search