Topic: orion spacecraft
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NASA delays Artemis II launch to March amid hydrogen leak issues
The Artemis II mission, which will send astronauts around the Moon, has been postponed to March due to persistent hydrogen leaks discovered during a critical fueling test of the Space Launch System rocket. The recurring hydrogen leak issue, which also delayed the prior Artemis I mission, was iden...
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Artemis II to Carry Historic Flags and Artifacts to the Moon
The Artemis II mission will carry over 2,300 symbolic artifacts in an Official Flight Kit, connecting past aviation and Apollo achievements to future lunar exploration. The kit includes hundreds of U.S. flags and commemorative banners, with two notable American flags—one a spaceflight veteran and...
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NASA managers vigilant for "launch fever" ahead of Moon mission
NASA's Space Launch System rocket is being transported to its launch pad, marking a critical step for the Artemis II mission to return humans to lunar exploration. The Artemis II mission will send four astronauts on a trajectory around the Moon, breaking the record for the farthest distance human...
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2026's Most Anticipated Space Launches and Landings
2026 is poised to be a landmark year for space exploration, driven by collaboration between NASA, international partners, and private companies, marking a shift toward a new era of discovery and commercial activity. A major milestone is the crewed Artemis II mission, which aims to return astronau...
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NASA Astronauts to Get Lunar Companion Droids for Moon Missions
NASA has selected the MAPP rover to be the first robotic vehicle to operate alongside astronauts on the Moon, serving as a mobile science station to gather environmental data for sustainable exploration. The rover will analyze lunar dust and surface plasma, critical factors for astronaut safety a...
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Lego's NASA Artemis SLS Rocket Set to Launch in 2026
The Lego NASA Artemis Space Launch System Rocket, releasing in early 2026 for $59.99, is a 632-piece Technic set that simulates a moon mission's key separation events through an interactive hand-crank mechanism. The model accurately replicates the first 8.5 minutes of an Artemis launch sequence, ...
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SpaceX's Simplified Starship Sparks Moon Landing Delay Concerns
SpaceX has released a progress report on its NASA contract to transport astronauts to the Moon, positioning itself as a central enabler for NASA's Artemis program aimed at sustainable lunar presence and future Mars missions. Elon Musk criticizes the Artemis program for lacking ambition and focusi...
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NASA's Artemis II Faces Payless Push to Stay on Track
NASA's essential programs, including the International Space Station and robotic missions, continue operating during the government shutdown, but employees and contractors are working without pay. The Artemis II mission remains on schedule, with the Orion spacecraft successfully stacked onto the ...
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NASA Chief Shakes Up Moon Landing Plans
NASA's acting administrator announced delays in the crewed Moon landing timeline, citing SpaceX's Starship setbacks and abandoning the 2027 target. The agency plans to foster competition by involving other companies like Blue Origin to accelerate lunar lander development and beat China to the Moo...
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NASA's Moon Rocket Arrives at Final Stop Before Launch
The Orion spacecraft has arrived at Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building for final stacking onto its rocket, targeting a February launch for the Artemis II mission. This mission will carry four astronauts on a historic ten-day lunar voyage, the first crewed trip to the Moon's vicinity...
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NASA, Lockheed Eye New Rockets for Orion Launch
NASA and Lockheed Martin are exploring alternative launch vehicles for the Orion spacecraft, potentially moving away from the Space Launch System after nearly two decades of joint development. Lockheed Martin is shifting towards a service-based model, emphasizing reusability, cost efficiency, and...
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Artemis II Crew to Fly Orion to the Moon
The Artemis II mission will be the first crewed lunar flight in over 50 years, with astronauts traveling in the Orion spacecraft named *Integrity* to reflect the mission's significance. Naming spacecraft is a long-standing NASA tradition that personalizes missions and captures public imagination,...
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NASA Sets February Launch for Artemis II Moon Mission
NASA's Artemis II mission is scheduled for launch in February 2026, marking the first human journey beyond low-Earth orbit in over fifty years. The mission will carry four astronauts on a ten-day trip around the Moon, serving as a critical step toward returning humans to the lunar surface. Key ha...
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U.S. May Lose Second Moon Race, Warns Former NASA Chief
The U.S. risks falling behind in lunar exploration due to internal disagreements over strategy, threatening its return to the Moon and competitiveness in the second Moon race. The White House proposed restructuring NASA's Artemis Program by phasing out the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft and canc...
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