Space & Astronomy

What You Need to Know:  The Army welcomes its first class of enlisted space warfighters. The Artemis Accords reach more than 75 signatories. The SpaceX Crew-13 mission breaks the record for the fastest an American spacecraft has docked with the ISS after launch. United States Space Policy Updates The Army welcomes its first class of… The post Washington Updates: Space Soldiers appeared first on Space Foundation.

South Korea achieved its first orbital launch of the year when a Nuri rocket took off from the nation’s Naro Space Center on Tuesday, Oct. 6. The mission carried 15 satellites into orbit, successfully deploying 14. This is the fifth launch of the nation’s Nuri rocket family since 2021. “Nuri successfully completed its fifth mission… The post South Korea deploys 14 satellites in first launch of 2026 appeared first on Space Foundation.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (Oct. 5, 2026) –  Mayors and economic development leaders from Huntsville, Ala., and Colorado Springs, Colo., offered public assurances in a joint press conference Monday that the two communities are working together for a smooth transition as U.S. Space Command headquarters moves from Colorado to Alabama. The mission of ensuring national security and… The post Colorado Springs, Huntsville Leaders Unite Behind Space Command Move appeared first on Space Foundation.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Oct. 04, 2026 — Space Foundation today named Kevin “Morty” Mortensen, a retired Air Force space commander and BAE Systems leader, as executive vice president and chief mission officer, and Meredith McKay, a two-decade NASA veteran, as senior vice president of international and government affairs. The appointments bring deep national security,… The post Space Foundation names retired Air Force space commander Kevin “Morty” Mortensen Chief Mission Officer and NASA veteran

The cutting-edge of science is in orbit above the Earth. The fields of biotechnology, materials science, propulsion and energy systems are advancing as the United States, China, Europe, and private industry increasingly bet on low Earth orbit (LEO) as the next great laboratory. Four astronauts launched on board a SpaceX Falcon 9 to the International… The post Low Earth Orbit Strengthens Role as a Research Destination appeared first on Space Foundation.

Athena Education Award recognizes years of sustained investment in space-focused education programs that have benefitted 10,000 in the state COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Oct. 1, 2026 — Space Foundation presented its Athena Education Award to The Petit Family Foundation on Wednesday, Sept. 30, recognizing the organization’s longstanding investment in educational programs that expand access to… The post Space Foundation Honors The Petit Family Foundation for Advancing STEM Education throughout Connec

The largest space launch vehicle ever constructed surpassed its biggest hurdle Monday as SpaceX’s Starship lifted off from Texas and reached orbit on its 14th test flight. Starship, a 40-story launch vehicle capable of lifting 50 full-sized Ford pickups to space, is critical to NASA’s Artemis lunar plans. The space industry has eagerly awaited Starship… The post SpaceX’s Starship Finds Success in 1st Orbital Flight, Earns NASA Praise appeared first on Space Foundation.

What You Need to Know:  States are vying to host the proposed U.S. Space Academy. The U.K. Royal Air Force launches its first space squadron. SpaceX is preparing for its first Starship orbital launch. United States Space Policy Updates Multiple states, including Texas, Florida, and Alabama, are competing to host the planned U.S. Space Academy.… The post Washington Updates: Competing For The Academy appeared first on Space Foundation.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Sept. 24, 2026 — Space Foundation, through its strategic initiative Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT), is now accepting registrations for the National Space Intern (NSI) program, giving college students pursuing STEM fields an opportunity to gain experience and build connections within the space industry. NSI connects students with leading space companies… The post Space Workforce for Tomorrow Opens National Space Intern Program Registration, Hosts Virtual Career Fair

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Sept. 23, 2026 — Space Foundation today announced the election of General (Ret.) David D. “DT” Thompson and Bridgit Mendler to its board of directors, effective Nov. 11, 2026. The organization also named Nathan Davis general counsel, a role he assumed this spring.  “These leaders represent the very best of the… The post Space Foundation Announces New Board Members, General Counsel appeared first on Space Foundation.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Dozens of embassy officials, industry experts and political advisers joined Space Foundation and leaders from the Secretary of the Air Force International Affairs (SAF/IA) office Tuesday to enhance international space cooperation among Arctic countries. Deanna Ryals, assistant deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs for Space, moderated discussion for the… The post Space Foundation Hosts Arctic Security Forum appeared first on Space Foundation.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Sept. 17, 2026 — Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1983 to advance the global space ecosystem, is now accepting nominations for its most prestigious honor, the General James E. Hill Lifetime Space Achievement Award. Named in memory of Gen. James E. Hill, USAF (Ret.), a longtime chair of Space… The post Space Foundation Opens Nominations for General James E. Hill Lifetime Space Achievement Award appeared first on Space Foundation.

WHAT: Space Foundation will present its Athena Education Award to The Petit Family Foundation for its longstanding investment in educational programs that expand access to STEM learning and connect students and educators with opportunities in the global space economy.   WHY: Established in 2021, the Athena Education Award recognizes a steadfast partner whose leadership, commitment and support advance… The post Space Foundation to Honor The Petit Family Foundation with Athena Education Award appe

On the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Canada sent its top general to Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station in Colorado Springs to celebrate the bi-national partnership that has kept the continent safe for a quarter century after the notorious terrorist strikes. Canadian Forces Gen. Jennie Carignan joined U.S. military leaders near a monument to… The post Top Canadian General Praises Partnership with United States during 9/11 Event appeared first on Space Foundation.

What You Need to Know:  NASA calls for proposals for lunar surface technologies. The U.K. releases a new space strategy prioritizing defense. Stoke Space raises $1B in a Series E funding round. United States Space Policy Updates NASA calls for proposals to accelerate lunar surface technologies to help establish a Moon Base. The agency is… The post Washington Updates: Lunar Base Building appeared first on Space Foundation.

Europe celebrated a spaceflight milestone Sept. 5 with the first successful orbital launch conducted from the continent. Norway’s Andøya Space Center fired a Spectrum launch vehicle from Germany’s Isar Aerospace. The Spectrum released five SmallSats.  Walther Pelzer, head of the German Space Agency, called the launch a technological feat and a step toward sovereign space… The post Andøya Achieves First Orbital Launch from Europe appeared first on Space Foundation.

Three weeks of space wargames that demonstrated future national security needs wrapped up Tuesday, U.S. Space Command announced.  The Apollo Maneuvers tested the command’s plans for “maneuver warfare” in orbit. It’s a new doctrine that Space Command’s Gen. Stephen Whiting announced during Space Foundation‘s 41st Space Symposium in April. The command compared the exercise to… The post Space Command Wraps Up Wargames to Simulate Future Orbital Fights appeared first on Space Foundation.

Congress avoided an Oct. 1 government shutdown as the U.S. House approved a continuing resolution (CR) Tuesday. The measure ensures government funding through Dec. 11. President Donald Trump is expected to sign the measure into law.  House members gave bipartisan approval with a 370-48 vote. The Senate approved the agreement last month. The temporary budget… The post Congress Avoids Government Shutdown Ahead of Midterms appeared first on Space Foundation.

What You Need to Know:  The White House releases a new National Space Transportation Policy. China delays its Chang’e 7 lunar exploration mission to 2027. SpaceX announces a new launch facility in Louisiana. United States Space Policy Updates The White House releases a new National Space Transportation Policy. The policy aims to expand the nation’s capabilities… The post Washington Updates: New Space Transportation Policy appeared first on Space Foundation.

What You Need to Know:  The Senate confirms Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess as Chief of Space Operations. Europe agrees to expand the planned IRIS² satellite constellation. Rocket Lab unveils a deployable launch system for suborbital and orbital missions. United States Space Policy Updates The Senate confirms Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess to serve as the next Chief of Space Operations.… The post Washington Updates: New Chief of Space Operations appeared first on Space Foundation.