NASA News and Updates

Not going to go into the fiasco that is becoming the first controlled flight of a vehicle on another planet. The demonstration test has had a few setbacks and pushbacks as far as scheduling is concerned but we’ll patiently await further news from NASA and the Ingenuity flight team on this front. NASA has given us another date for the test. Monday, April 19, 2021, is the new date for the test flight. I’ll report on the results as soon as they become available. Click here for NASA’s official statement or click here for the latest schedule updates.

In further NASA News this week:

President Biden Nominates Former Astronaut for Deputy Administrator

The big news is here! The White House announced President Joe Biden’s nomination of former NASA astronaut Pam Melroy to serve as the agency’s deputy administrator. Melroy was previously an astronaut, space shuttle commander, and U.S. Air Force pilot. Pam’s experience would bring a unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing NASA.

News from the Red Planet

The Ingenuity Mars Helicopter continues to be healthy, and work progresses towards its first flight on Mars. A detailed timeline for rescheduling the first powered flight on another world is still in process. Get the latest on the first flight.

Connected by Earth 

 NASA Earth science studies our planet all day, every day. On Earth Day, April 22, we take time to celebrate our wondrous planet with special discussions, events (virtual), and activities. Learn how you can connect to our Earth Day activities. Take part in Earth Day 2021

Space Shuttle’s 40th Anniversary

On April 12, 1981, the first space shuttle mission lifted off with NASA astronauts John Young and Bob Crippen aboard. With 10 years of design and development, the shuttle was the first of its kind — a reusable vehicle for travel to low-Earth orbit. Columbia takes the first flight.

Landing the Next Americans on the Moon

This week, we’ve selected SpaceX to continue the development of its human landing system (HLS). Starship will take astronauts from lunar orbit to the surface and back as part of the Artemis program. Read the full statement.