Starship Attains Orbit and Provides a Preview to Artemis 3 on its 14th Flight...

SpaceX

Earlier today, SpaceX's Starship rocket successfully launched from Starbase in Texas at 7:49 AM, Central Daylight Time...commencing a flight that would mark the first time the giant launch vehicle achieved orbit, and deploying real payloads (26 Starlink V3 satellites) around the Earth.

This was the 14th launch of SpaceX's Super Heavy rocket since 2023. While Ship 41 didn't survive splashdown in the northern Pacific like Ship 40 did in the Indian Ocean after Starship Flight 13 two months back (see the ship's recovery photos below), its major achievement during today's demonstration provided a preview of what we can expect in NASA's Artemis 3 mission—which is currently scheduled to launch next year.

In the first two images below, you see a Starlink V3 satellite slowly floating away from Ship 41 shortly after deployment. Hopefully, we won't have to wait too long to get this view of Starship again...but from inside the crew cabin of NASA's Orion spacecraft on Artemis 3. With Starship officially an orbital launch vehicle (it was an oversized suborbital spacecraft till this morning), the only thing needed for next year's Artemis flight is a mating adapter attached to the SpaceX craft that Orion will dock to as a test for the Artemis 4 mission.

Starship Flight 14 was a major success, and will definitely not have to deal with any mishap investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration. This means that the sooner the next Starship flight takes place, the better. More successful Starship missions brings us closer to the next crewed landing on the Moon!


SpaceX


SpaceX


NASA

Views from of one of the first 26 Starlink V3 satellites successfully deployed to orbit by Starship

Thanks for the ride, @SpaceX! pic.twitter.com/B2SSUA0N0q

— Starlink (@Starlink) September 28, 2026

SpaceX engineers spent several days inspecting Ship 40 in the waters off Christmas Island. They collected heatshield samples and gained vital insight into how the vehicle handled reentry with improvements now planned on future vehicles pic.twitter.com/8NWXpmhlLi

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) August 27, 2026

And that's Ship 40 loaded! Forte has raised out of the water, with Ship 40 safely in the cradle on its deck. Crews will now prepare for departure to the next destination in Ship 40's journey, which hopefully is the Port of Brownsville.

📸 https://t.co/v8IjDSUT8J https://t.co/e7LJQfcjIe pic.twitter.com/ex2nAML5Zq

— Lukas C. H. (@GewoonLukas_) August 26, 2026

Were is Starship 40?

Ship 40 remains aboard the Boskalis Forte, currently in the Indian Ocean roughly north of Mauritius and still pushing west toward the Cape of Good Hope.

Latest tracking and community updates keep the ETA at the Port of Brownsville around 8 October 2026.… pic.twitter.com/MuwcsCSgYK

— KiwiThinker (@KiwiThinker) September 6, 2026

Nation #76 Has Joined NASA's Moon Exploration Initiative...

NASA

NASA Welcomes San Marino Signing the Artemis Accords (News Release - September 25)

The Republic of San Marino became the 76th signatory to the Artemis Accords during a ceremony in the city of Rimini on Friday with NASA and U.S. Department of State officials present.

Minister of Industry and Technological Research Rossano Fabbri signed on behalf of San Marino. Gregory Mann, NASA Europe representative, participated in the ceremony with the U.S. Consul General in Florence Joseph Tordella.

“We are pleased and honored that the Republic of San Marino has been welcomed as the 76th signatory state of the Artemis Accords,” said Fabbri. “We fully share the principles and values expressed in the Artemis Accords, and we are convinced that the signatory states united under the Accords will make a tangible contribution to promoting international cooperation in space and ensuring the use of space for peaceful purposes.”

In 2020, NASA and the State Department joined with seven other founding nations to establish the Artemis Accords, responding to the growing interest in lunar activities by both governments and private companies. They introduced the first set of practical principles aimed at enhancing the safety and coordination between nations as they explore the Moon, Mars and beyond, committing nations to:

-- Explore peaceably and transparently
-- Render aid to those in need
-- Enable access to scientific data
-- Ensure that activities do not interfere with those of others
-- Preserve historically significant sites and artifacts by developing best practices

By signing the Artemis Accords, nations open the door to opportunities for future lunar exploration with NASA, advancing humanity’s return to the Moon, and shaping the Golden Age of exploration and innovation.

Source: NASA.Gov

Nation #75 Has Joined NASA's Moon Exploration Initiative...

NASA

NASA Welcomes Côte d’Ivoire as Newest Artemis Accords Signatory (News Release - September 24)

Côte d’Ivoire signed the Artemis Accords on Thursday, becoming the 75th signatory and marking a major milestone for this growing coalition. With the signing ceremony in the nation’s largest city, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire joined other like-minded nations and committed to the peaceful, transparent and responsible exploration of the Moon, Mars and beyond.

“The United States and Côte d’Ivoire already cooperate on Earth,” said NASA’s Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson. “Today, we expand that partnership beyond it. Joining the Artemis Accords opens new opportunities for our scientists, engineers and institutions to work together as humanity returns to the Moon and prepares for what comes next. We’ve aligned on the principles. The opportunities are in front of us. And now we can get to work.”

The nation’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Adama Diawara signed on behalf of the country in a ceremony held during Africa Space Expo ASPEX 2026. Chargé d’affaires Junaid Munir from the U.S. Department of State witnessed the ceremony.

“This is a great achievement, and important for Côte d’Ivoire’s ambitions and for the rest of the African Union members,” said Director General of the Space Agency of Côte d’Ivoire Tidiane Outtara.

Côte d’Ivoire has expanded its involvement in space science and technology through years of international cooperation. Since 2019, the National Office of Technical Development of Côte d’Ivoire and NASA have collaborated on Earth observation and geodesy, a field that measures Earth’s shape, gravity and movement. Together, the partners have advanced global geodetic networks, improved space‑based measurement techniques, and increased understanding of how Earth’s systems interact.

The country later established the Space Agency of Côte d’Ivoire in 2025 to coordinate national efforts in Earth observation, space weather, astronomy, satellite navigation, and communications.

In 2020, NASA and the State Department joined with seven other founding nations to establish the Artemis Accords, responding to the growing interest in lunar activities by both governments and private companies. The Artemis Accords are the first set of practical principles aimed at enhancing transparency, safety and coordination among nations as they explore the Moon, Mars and beyond, committing nations to:

-- Explore peaceably and transparently
-- Render aid to those in need
-- Enable access to scientific data
-- Ensure that activities do not interfere with those of others
-- Preserve historically significant sites and artifacts by developing best practices

By signing the Artemis Accords, nations open the door to opportunities for future lunar exploration with NASA, advancing humanity’s return to the Moon, and shaping the Golden Age of exploration and innovation.

Source: NASA.Gov

Photos of the Day: A Quick Update on Virgin Galactic's Delta-class Spaceship...

Virgin Galactic

Just thought I'd share these two images of the new Delta-class Spaceship that Virgin Galactic is building at its Spaceship Factory in Mesa, Arizona.

In the photo above, the nearly-completed Spaceship is about to be mated to its VMS Eve mothership for a fit check. And in the picture below, the Spaceship was adorned with its purple color scheme a few months ago.

The first commercial flight of the Delta Spaceship is set to take place next February, while glide and flight tests should be commencing at New Mexico's Spaceport America by the end of this year.

A second Delta Spaceship is currently in production and will hopefully begin taking paying passengers to suborbital space by the second quarter of 2027! But as a reminder, it is now $750,000 per seat if you plan on flying with Virgin Galactic once it resumes commercial spaceline operations.

And yes, the VSS Unity is still flying...as shown below. Carry on!

Chief Engineer Gabe Williams takes you inside our Spaceship Factory in Mesa, AZ, for the first mate of our new spaceship and Eve. Attachment points lined up within thousandths of an inch.

Precision design. Precision build. Precision verification. pic.twitter.com/aD4EqUY0Uy

— Virgin Galactic (@virgingalactic) September 24, 2026

VSS Unity completed its 34th flight today, the second in our Unity glide series preparing pilots and ops teams for the new spaceship flight test program. CJ Sturckow and Andy Edgell flew Unity; Dan Alix and Jameel Janjua flew VMS Eve. More on the glide series here →… pic.twitter.com/Z1uGlcv5Rs

— Virgin Galactic (@virgingalactic) September 16, 2026

Nation #74 Has Joined NASA's Moon Exploration Initiative...

NASA

NASA Welcomes Croatia as Newest Artemis Accords Signatory (News Release)

The Republic of Croatia became the 74th signatory to the Artemis Accords on Wednesday during a ceremony in the capital city of Zagreb, with NASA and U.S. Department of State officials present.

“It is my privilege to welcome the Republic of Croatia as the latest signatory of the Artemis Accords,” said NASA Deputy Matt Anderson in pre-recorded remarks during the ceremony. “Joining the Artemis Accords opens another chapter. We’ve aligned on the principles. The opportunities to contribute are growing. And now we can look toward what the United States and Croatia can accomplish together beyond Earth. Humanity’s opportunities in space are endless, and we are proud to welcome Croatia to the Artemis Accords community.”

Croatia’s Minister of Science, Education, and Youth Radovan Fuchs signed on behalf of the country. U.S. Ambassador to Croatia Nicole McGraw and Gregory Mann, NASA Europe representative, attended the event.

“Croatian scientists and companies are demonstrating growing interest in the space industry,” said Fuchs. “We have therefore decided to expand our international cooperation by joining the Artemis Accords. This international agreement has been recognized as a key opportunity for the robust development of Croatia’s scientific community, the introduction of new technologies, and the strengthening of the economy.”

Croatia marked a major milestone with the successful launch of its first satellite, CroCube, on December 21, 2024. The satellite reached orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, highlighting Croatia’s growing technological capabilities and interest in space collaboration.

NASA and the State Department joined with seven other founding nations to establish the Artemis Accords in 2020, responding to the growing interest in lunar activities by both governments and private companies.

The Artemis Accords are the first set of practical principles aimed at enhancing transparency, safety and coordination among like-minded nations as they explore the Moon, Mars and beyond, committing nations to:

-- Explore peaceably and transparently
-- Render aid to those in need
-- Enable access to scientific data
-- Ensure that activities do not interfere with those of others
-- Preserve historically significant sites and artifacts by developing best practices

By signing the Artemis Accords, nations open the door to opportunities for future lunar exploration with NASA, advancing humanity’s return to the Moon, and shaping the Golden Age of space exploration and innovation.

Source: NASA.Gov

Nation #73 Has Joined NASA's Moon Exploration Initiative...

NASA / Bill Ingalls

NASA Welcomes Albania as Newest Artemis Accords Signatory (News Release)

The Republic of Albania signed the Artemis Accords Monday during a ceremony hosted by NASA at the agency’s headquarters in Washington, joining the coalition of like‑minded nations committed to the responsible and transparent exploration of space.

“It is my privilege to welcome the Republic of Albania as the 73rd signatory of the Artemis Accords,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson. “The relationship between our nations goes back more than a century. Today, we extend that partnership into space.”

Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha signed on behalf of the country. Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to the United States Ervin Bushati and the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Space and Environment Connor Tomlinson also participated in the event.

“It is a great honor for Albania to join the growing community of nations that have signed these important Artemis Accords,” said Hoxha in remarks during the ceremony. “By taking this step, Albania affirms its commitment to peaceful, transparent, sustainable and cooperative exploration of space. We do so as a country deeply committed to international law, multilateral cooperation, and the belief that humanity’s greatest achievements are realized not in isolation, but through partnerships.”

Marking a significant step in Albania’s efforts to strengthen its use of space‑based data, Albania launched two dedicated Earth‑observation satellites, Albania‑1 and Albania‑2, in January 2023 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an example of how the United States is supporting Albania’s capabilities in space.

Albania has also played an active role in NASA’s Space Apps Challenge, hosting local events that connected students, technologists and innovators with NASA’s openly-available Earth and space science data. NASA Space Apps is the world’s largest annual global hackathon, mobilizing participants in more than 150 countries to develop creative solutions to real-world challenges using open data from NASA and partner space agencies to advance exploration for the benefit of all.

In 2020, NASA and the State Department joined with seven other founding nations to establish the Artemis Accords, responding to the growing interest in lunar activities by both governments and private companies. They introduced the first set of practical principles aimed at enhancing the safety and coordination between nations as they explore the Moon, Mars and beyond, committing nations to:

-- Explore peaceably and transparently
-- Render aid to those in need
-- Enable access to scientific data
-- Ensure that activities do not interfere with those of others
-- Preserve historically significant sites and artifacts by developing best practices

By signing the Artemis Accords, nations open the door to opportunities for future lunar exploration with NASA, advancing humanity’s return to the Moon, and shaping the Golden Age of space exploration and innovation.

Source: NASA.Gov

The Left SRB Continues to be Stacked on the Mobile Launcher for the Next Flight of SLS...

NASA / Frank Michaux

Artemis III Booster Stacking Coverage (Photo Release)

Technicians integrate the left forward booster segment for NASA’s Artemis III SLS (Space Launch System) rocket onto the left booster segments atop the Mobile Launcher in High Bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida - on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

The SLS rocket’s twin boosters, each made up of five segments manufactured by Northrop Grumman in Utah, will provide more than 75 percent of the rocket’s total thrust at launch.

The Artemis III mission will launch crew in the Orion spacecraft on top of the SLS rocket to test rendezvous and docking capabilities between Orion and commercial spacecraft needed to land astronauts on the Moon.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA / Frank Michaux

Nation #72 Has Joined NASA's Moon Exploration Initiative...

NASA / Bill Ingalls

NASA Welcomes Djibouti as Newest Artemis Accords Signatory (News Release)

The Republic of Djibouti became the 72nd nation and eighth African country to sign the Artemis Accords during a ceremony Monday at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The Artemis Accords are the first set of practical principles aimed at enhancing transparency, safety and coordination among nations as they explore the Moon, Mars and beyond.

“Djibouti joins this coalition of like-minded nations at an important time,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson, who hosted the ceremony. “NASA will lead, but we will not do it alone. We are creating opportunities for Artemis Accords nations to contribute hardware, scientific payloads, technology demonstrations, CubeSats and other capabilities to future missions.”

Ambassador of Djibouti to the United States Mohamed Siad Douale signed on behalf of Djibouti. U.S. State Department Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Frank Garcia also participated in the event.

Djibouti’s national space program, launched in 2020 and managed by the Centre for Studies and Research of Djibouti within the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, has steadily expanded its technical capabilities. The nation successfully launched its first satellites, Djibouti 1A and Djibouti 1B, in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Both reached orbit aboard American Falcon 9 rockets launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, an early example of how the U.S. is supporting Djibouti capabilities in space.

“By joining the Artemis Accords, Djibouti seeks to deepen its partnership with the United States and with the growing community of nations committed to peaceful space cooperation,” said Douale. “We look forward to building partnerships in scientific research, satellite applications, education and technical training, while creating new opportunities for Djibouti students, researchers, engineers and entrepreneurs.”

In 2020, NASA and the State Department joined with seven other founding nations to establish the Artemis Accords, responding to the growing interest in lunar activities by both governments and private companies, and committing nations to:

-- Explore peaceably and transparently
-- Render aid to those in need
-- Enable access to scientific data
-- Ensure that activities do not interfere with those of others
-- Preserve historically significant sites and artifacts by developing best practices

By signing the Artemis Accords, nations open the door to opportunities for future lunar exploration with NASA, advancing humanity’s return to the Moon, and shaping the Golden Age of space exploration and innovation.

Source: NASA.Gov

Both SRBs Continue to be Stacked on the Mobile Launcher for the Next Flight of SLS...

NASA / Cory S Huston

Artemis III Right Forward Booster Installed (Photo Release)

In High Bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the left and right forward center boosters for Artemis III are integrated onto the booster segments on the Mobile Launcher for the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket - on Friday, September 11, 2026.

The twin boosters, comprising of five segments each manufactured by Northrop Grumman in Utah, will provide more than 75 percent of the SLS rocket’s total thrust at launch.

The Artemis III mission will launch crew in the Orion spacecraft on top of the SLS rocket to test rendezvous and docking capabilities between Orion and commercial spacecraft needed to land astronauts on the Moon.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA / Cory S Huston

Two Members of Orion's First Crewed Lunar Flight Have Moved to a New Stage in their Careers...

NASA / Kim Shiflett

NASA Names Two Artemis II Astronauts to Emeritus Program (News Release)

Following their landmark Artemis II mission earlier this year, distinguished NASA astronauts Victor Glover and Reid Wiseman are transitioning in September to emeritus status at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

In an emeritus role, individuals with a high degree of technical and professional knowledge can continue to support the agency by donating their time to train and mentor the current workforce. This allows the agency to maintain access to top talent in a specialized consultant role, while simultaneously providing the individual with the flexibility to pursue other opportunities.

“I’ve had the privilege of knowing Reid and Victor for years, and both exemplify the leadership, character and commitment that define NASA at its best,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. “Reid commanded Artemis II after previously spending 165 days aboard the International Space Station, while Victor brought his experience as a naval aviator, test pilot, and Crew-1 astronaut to his role as pilot. Together, they took on one of the most challenging missions in human spaceflight and helped return America to the lunar environment.

"As Reid and Victor transition to emeritus status, I’m grateful they will continue sharing what they learned with our astronauts, flight controllers, and engineers as we prepare for Artemis III in 2027 and the missions that follow.”

Glover will support aerospace, leadership and public service efforts as he transitions within and outside of NASA. He’s committed to transferring his knowledge of Orion and its spacecraft systems, among other expertise, to future Artemis missions.

“As I grow into this new role, NASA and spaceflight remain a meaningful part of my journey of service,” said Glover. “I’m excited to keep uplifting my friends and cheering them on as they reach for the Moon. Together, we’ll keep pushing boundaries and inspiring the next giant leap.”

Wiseman is set to share his spaceflight experience with colleagues ahead of the agency’s Artemis III mission in low-Earth orbit to test rendezvous and docking capabilities between Orion and commercial human landing systems.

“There is no better place to work, and there are no better people to work with, than those in this agency,” said Wiseman. “NASA gave me tremendous responsibility, supported me through two space missions, and my time as chief astronaut, and was always there for my family when we needed it most. I’m thrilled to continue serving future missions and programs through the emeritus program.”

“Reid and Victor’s commitment to exploration, steady leadership, and service to our astronaut corps and our nation have made a lasting impact,” said Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. “Throughout their careers, they have each brought excellence, humility and purpose to every role they have held at NASA. Their contributions have helped advance our mission and inspire those around them, leaving a legacy that will continue to shape the future of human spaceflight. We are immeasurably grateful for all they have given to NASA and are glad that this is not the end of their journey with the agency.”

“Reid and Victor are trusted teammates whose professionalism, calm leadership, and unwavering commitment to NASA have strengthened our office and inspired everyone around them,” said Scott Tingle, chief of the Astronaut Office at Johnson. “As they transition into their emeritus roles, they leave a legacy of operational excellence that will continue shaping the astronaut corps for years to come. We’re grateful that they will still be part of our community, sharing their experience and insight as they begin this next chapter.”

Among their many accomplishments at NASA, as Artemis II crew members, Glover and Wiseman were two of the four astronauts to first launch on top of NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket aboard the Orion spacecraft for a mission around the Moon. Following a 10-day mission with crewmates NASA astronaut Christina Koch and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, they safely splashed down on April 10 as the first humans to travel to lunar orbit in more than 50 years, ultimately flying farther in space than anyone had before.

Support and knowledge transfer from both Glover and Wiseman is critical for the upcoming Artemis III mission as NASA prepares to return American astronauts to the lunar surface on the Artemis IV mission in 2028.

Source: NASA.Gov