Space Calendar

Launch Long March 6A / Unknown Payload
2026-04-09 | Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center (TSLC), ~39°N, Shanxi, China
Launch window 03:35-03:46 China Time April 9 | 09:35-09:46 HST April 8 for the 23rd launch from Launch Complex 9A, and 153rd launch from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. The Long March 6A has solid rocket boosters.

AIAA-SF Young Professionals Happy Hour
2026-04-09 | Mountain View CA, USA
At Ludwig’s Biergarten, 383 Castro St, Mountain View, CA 94041, Apr. 9, 2026, 5 – 6:30pm

Lunar Surface Innovation Consortium (LSIC) Surface Power April Telecon
2026-04-09 | Online
Bri DeMattia (NASA Glenn Research Center) will present the work of NASA’s Safe, Innovative, Interoperable Modular Power for Lunar Exploration (SIIMPLE) team. At 11:00 EDT | 15:00 UTC | 05:00 HST.
SIIMPLE offers a modular battery system solution, implementing advancements in high specific energy cell chemistries, aggressive choices in battery materials, innovative safety, and cutting-edge packaging concepts to create a modular building block with common interfaces that can be utilized across a wide variety of mission platforms. SIIMPLE wants to hear from you! What are your lunar/Mars surface power needs that would benefit from battery modularity? This is a great opportunity to get your questions answered and provide feedback to inform the team’s work. We are looking forward to learning about this effort and are excited for the powerful insights you will bring to the discussion!
Download and save the attached calendar invite, or join via the Zoom information below:
https://jhuapl.zoomgov.com/j/1607734364?pwd=[REDACTED]

Where Community College Technical Education Meets Space Innovation
2026-04-09 | Online
For STEM educators and for students interested in aerospace careers, a chance to hear from a NASA apprentice who will discuss how community college education can be your gateway to exciting opportunities in aerospace, whether entering via STEM fields, Technical trades or Engineering technology. There are multiple pathways to NASA careers, and community colleges provide hands-on training, workforce certifications and apprenticeships. 13:00-13:50 EDT | 10:00-10:50 PDT | 07:00-07:50 HST.

Space Weather and Space Systems – Online Short Course
2026-04-09 | Online
Through May 14, this course will demystify the space weather topic, new to many people, as it affects a wide variety of space systems. The course will provide a conceptual foundation without requiring pre-existing knowledge. 6 weekly modules are Thursdays 15:00-17:00 EDT | 19:00-21:00 UTC | 09:00-11:00 HST. All sessions will be recorded and available for replay; course notes will be available for download.
Instructor Joseph Comberiate is also course developer for the ‘Space Weather and Space Systems’ graduate course at Johns Hopkins University. He is the Group Supervisor of the Space Algorithms and Technologies group at JHU Applied Physics Lab, where he has worked since receiving his Ph.D. in 2006 in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His dissertation focused on tomographic reconstruction of ionospheric electron density using space-based ultraviolet observations. He also holds M.S. and B.S. degrees in Electrical Engineering from University of Illinois.
Between lectures during the course, the instructor will be available via email for technical questions and comments.
This new essential course, in partnership with Johns Hopkins University, explores the space environment in the context of its impact on space system operations.
Students will receive an AIAA Certificate of Completion and an additional Certificate of Completion from Johns Hopkins University at the end of the course.

Silicon Valley Astronomy Lecture: The NASA Psyche Mission: First Journey to an Unknown World
2026-04-08 | Los Altos Hills CA, USA
Lindy Elkins-Tanton, Director of the Space Sciences Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley, will give an illustrated, non-technical lecture at Smithwick Theater, Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Road, at 19:00 PDT, no cost.

Launch Falcon 9 / Cygnus CRS-2 NG-24
2026-04-08 | SLC-40 (~28°N), Cape Canaveral SFS FL, USA
Set for 08:51 EDT (02:51 HST), 24th flight of Orbital ATK uncrewed supply craft and 23rd to ISS under Commercial Resupply Services contract with NASA; booster will attempt return to new Landing Zone 40 (LZ-40).

5th IAA Conference on Space Situational Awareness
2026-04-07 - 2026-04-09 | Madrid, Spain
The foremost purpose of Space Situational Awareness (SSA) is to provide decision-making processes with a quantifiable and timely body of evidence (predictive/imminent/forensic) of behavior(s) attributable to specific space domain threats and hazards. The conference will cover broad-ranging technical and policy related aspects associated with the topic of SSA. At Santiago Grisolia 4, Tres Cantos.

2026 NASA Human Research Program Investigators' Workshop (HRP IWS)
2026-04-07 - 2026-04-09 | Online
HRP IWS is the primary venue for reporting progress and results from HRP-funded research and technology tasks to Program Management, with the additional benefit of permitting cross-discipline interaction among the full spectrum of investigators. It also provides NASA with an outreach opportunity to include abstract submissions from other external researchers who would like to become involved.
The workshop’s goal is to provide an informal, collegial atmosphere for cross-disciplinary interaction. You must be registered to attend this event online and to view the IWS website (livestreaming, detailed program, on-demand content, etc.). There is no registration fee for the workshop, which runs approximately 08:00-16:00 CDT each day (13:00-21:00 UTC).
Scientific sessions featuring presentations by principal investigators will be organized and scheduled according to Human Research Program and related disciplines:

Biological and Physical Sciences (BPS) (includes Space Biology)
Human Factors and Behavioral Performance (HFBP)
Human Health Countermeasures (HHC)
Research Operations and Integration (ROI)
Science Integration Office (SIO) [formerly Exploration Medical Capability (ExMC)]
Space Radiation (SR)
Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH)
Other

5th International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) Conference on Space Situational Awareness (ICSSA)
2026-04-07 - 2026-04-09 | Madrid, Spain
At GMV, Santiago Grisolia 4, Tres Cantos. Conference Chair is Riccardo Bevilacqua of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The foremost purpose of Space Situational Awareness (SSA) is to provide decision-making processes with a quantifiable and timely body of evidence (predictive / imminent / forensic) of behavior(s) attributable to specific space domain threats and hazards. The conference will cover broad-ranging technical and policy related aspects associated with the topic of SSA.

Launch Minotaur IV / STP-S29A
2026-04-07 | SLC-8 (~35°N), Vandenberg SFB CA, USA
Launch window 07:30-12:30 PDT | 01:30-06:30 HST for an ESPA class satellite based on the Aegis Aerospace M-1 satellite bus used on the STPSat-4 mission for hosting research and technology demonstration payloads.

Minding the LEO Gap and the Future of Commercial Space Stations
2026-04-07 | Online
Examining the findings of the Beyond Earth Institute’s 2025 Commercial Space Stations Working Group report, which evaluates whether NASA’s multi-phase CLD strategy can successfully sustain a continuous American presence in low Earth orbit while enabling a commercially viable space economy. Online at 13:00-14:00 EDT | 17:00-18:00 UTC | 07:00-08:00 HST
In addition, the discussion will address recent updates to NASA’s CLD approach, including the proposed shift toward a government-owned core module and a hybrid development model, and consider how these changes may reshape industry expectations, regulatory frameworks, and the long-term structure of the commercial LEO ecosystem. Drawing on insights from industry leaders, policymakers, and technical experts, the panel will explore the legal, regulatory, and operational constraints shaping this transition, as well as the strategic implications for U.S. leadership in an increasingly competitive orbital environment.

Aerospace Perspectives Series: The Accelerating Pace of Physics AI Modeling and What It Means for the Aerospace Industry
2026-04-07 | Online
Webinar with Juan Alonso, CTO and Cofounder, Luminary Cloud; Chair, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Stanford University; at 14:00-15:00 EDT | 18:00-19:00 UTC | 10:00-11:00 HST. During this webinar, Professor Alonso will describe the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and machine learning methods as they relate to various applications in aerospace.

Launch Long March 8 / Unknown Payload
2026-04-07 | Wenchang Space Launch Center, ~19°N, Hainan Island, China
Launch window 21:30-21:47 China Time | 03:30-03:47 HST for 9th launch from Commercial LC-1, 59th launch from Wenchang. Long March 8 can take up to 5000 kg to a 700 km altitude Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO).

World Conference on Aerospace and Aeronautics (WCAA-2026)
2026-04-06 - 2026-04-08 | Tokyo, Japan
A dynamic platform for professionals, engineers, academics, and industry leaders to share knowledge, present groundbreaking research, and explore the latest advancements in aerospace engineering. Chairperson is Koichi Wakata, Astronaut and Chief Technology Officer of Axiom Space, USA (Former Astronaut, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency /JAXA). Online and at Mitsui Garden Hotel Toyosu Premier.

Spacecraft Design, Development, and Operations – Online Short Course
2026-04-06 | Online
Through May 13; Don Edberg — Professor of Aerospace Engineering, Cal Poly Pomona; Adjunct Lecturer, Astronautical Engineering, University of Southern California (USC); Former Boeing Technical Fellow — convenes 12 classes, every Monday and Wednesday, 10:30-13:30 EDT | 07:30-10:30 PDT | 14:30-17:30 UTC (36 hours). All sessions will be recorded and available for replay; course notes will be available for in-browser viewing on Aerospace Research Central.
This comprehensive course focuses on the application of numerous engineering disciplines to the design and analysis of spacecraft.
Course includes many illustrative application examples of existing or heritage hardware and optional practice exercises to enhance the learning experience. All students will receive an AIAA Certificate of Completion at the end of the course. See website for extensive description.

Meet Astronaut Roger Crouch
2026-04-05 - 2026-04-07 | Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex FL, USA
NASA Astronaut and scientist, he flew on Space Shuttle Columbia for STS-83 and STS-94, flew on 5 Spacelab flights, led research on semiconductor material, and was founding co-chair of the International Microgravity Science Strategic Planning Group.

Perihelion of Comet C / 2026 A1 (MAPS)
2026-04-04 | Deep Space
Predicted date for the comet to make a close pass by the Sun (perihelion), potentially triggering a sudden brightening and dramatic tail. If it survives the encounter, it may become visible to the naked eye. This event is part of a rare opportunity in April to potentially view two comets—C/2026 A1 and C/2025 R3 (PANSTARRS)—without telescopes, with the latter expected to brighten later in the month.

Kennedy Under the Stars: Yuriʻs Night Edition
2026-04-03 | Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex FL, USA
Yuri’s Night joins Kennedy Under the Stars to host the official East Coast flagship event, 18:00 EDT (entry at 17:00). Yuriʻs Night honors the first human in space and the launch of the first Space Shuttle, both with anniversaries on April 12. It is an international organization with worldwide events.

For one night, the visitor complex transforms into an illuminated, after‑hours experience where space enthusiasts and explorers of all ages gather to experience the attractions, meet astronauts, hear from special guests, and have some fun on the dance floor. Space-themed costumes are encouraged.
Two panel discussions will take place in the IMAX theater, starting at 19:00 and 20:00, with panelists: NASA Astronaut Catherine “Cady” Coleman, Commercial Astronaut Sian Proctor, Frank White, Dylan Taylor, and Yuriʻs Night Co-Founder Loretta Whitesides.

Live DJ entertainment and dance party in NASA Central
Cosmic Glow Mini Golf in the Rocket Garden
Live “street” entertainment
Astronaut meet and greet
After-hours access to many visitor complex attractions

Important: This event will be held rain or shine. However, if NASA selects April 3 as a launch attempt date for Artemis II, this event will be postponed. Please note that all special guests are subject to change based on the individual’s availability for a new date. The Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour, the Apollo/Saturn V Center, and The Gantry at LC-39 will not be accessible. Spaceport KSC will also be closed.

Launch Falcon 9 / Starlink Group 17-35
2026-04-02 | SLC-4E (~35°N), Vandenberg SFB CA, USA
Launch window 17:03-21:03 PDT | 13:03-17:03 HST | 23:03 Apr 2 – 03:03 Apr 3 UTC for 25 internet satellites to LEO.

Launch Soyuz-5 / Demo Flight
2026-04-02 | Baikonur Cosmodrome, ~46°N, Kazakhstan
Launch scheduled for 16:00 Kazakhstan Time | 01:00 HST | 11:00 UTC for new launch vehicle, Soyuz-5, called “Irtysh”, that can take 34,000 kg to LEO.

Applications Due: NASA Postdoctoral Fellowship
2026-04-02 | Online
NASA Postdoctoral Program offers US and international scientists the opportunity to advance their research while contributing to NASA’s scientific goals. The NPP supports fundamental science; explores the undiscovered; promotes intellectual growth; and encourages scientific connections.
Selected by a competitive peer-review process, NPP Fellows complete one- to three-year Fellowship appointments that advance NASA’s missions in Earth science, planetary science, heliophysics, astrophysics, biological and physical science, aeronautics and engineering, human exploration systems, space operations, space technology, and astrobiology. Search for NPP research opportunities here: NPP Research Opportunities.
Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in hand before beginning the fellowship, but may apply while completing the degree requirements. Please see current eligibility requirements. Stipends start at $70,000 per year, with supplements for higher cost-of-living areas and for certain academic specialties. Financial assistance is available for relocation and health insurance, and $10,000 per year is provided for travel and professional development.
Applications are accepted three times each year: March 1 (2026 deadline extended to April 2), July 1, and November 1.
For further information and to apply, visit: https://npp.orau.org/applicants/index.html.

Pink Moon
2026-04-02 | Moon Orbit
02:12 UTC (14:12 HT)

Engines of a Space Nation: Skyrora’s Propulsion Innovations and the Future of UK Launch, with Dr Mykhailo Andriievskyi
2026-04-02 | London, United Kingdom
19:00 UT, in person and online, join us for a special evening with Dr. Mykhailo Andriievskyi, Head of Propulsion Department at Skyrora, the company that has become the most visible symbol of the UK’s push for sovereign launch capability, which policymakers and media routinely frame as the litmus test of a mature space nation.

ActInSpace International Event - Second Stage
2026-04-01 - 2026-04-02 | Bordeaux, France
Winners of the local hackathons will compete for international semi-finals and finals. This event takes place every two years and is currently preparing its 6th edition. Last time, 1 800 participants from all over the world took part in ACT in SPACE, dispatched into 410 teams, with 50+ sites hosting the event in 35 countries. 40 startups emerged out of the last competition. ActInSpace is the only contest in the world that offers the chance to work on CNES and ESA patents. Have you ever dreamt of using space technologies to launch a startup with a real impact on our daily lives? Look no further! ActInSpace’s primary goal is to foster startup creation.
https://actinspace.org/challenges
https://actinspace.org/country/france/city/bordeaux

Webinar: STEM Admission to Universities
2026-04-01 | Online
Majoring in STEM is popular among Singapore students, but university admissions do not evaluate all applicants equally! Join Crimson Education & Space Faculty Singapore for advice. 19:00 Singapore Time | 01:00 HST | 11:00 UTC

NET April 1: Launch Zhuque-3 / Test
2026-04-01 | Jiuquan Space Launch Center, ~41°N, Gansu, China
2nd orbital launch, attempt for booster recovery, by commercial launch firm Landspace of China; follows successful 1st orbital launch of Zhuque-3 stainless steel methalox rocket

45th Observation of STS-1 Columbia Flight
2026-04-01 | Nationwide USA
Commemorations occur today in honor of 1st ever NASA Space Shuttle Columbia carrying John Young and pilot Robert Crippen around Earth on 54.5-hour mission in 1981.

NET Apr 1 — Launch SLS / Orion / Artemis 2
2026-04-01 | SLC-39B, ~29°N, Kennedy Space Center FL, USA
Launch window 18:24-20:24 EDT | 22:24 UTC | 12:24 HST for crew of 4 in Orion spacecraft on around-the-Moon flight to last 9-10 days; 3 USA and 1 Canada Astronaut: Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen; mission will also deploy numerous CubeSats; launch opportunities also on April 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 30.

ISS / U.S. EVA #95
2026-04-01 | Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
For U.S. spacewalk 95, planned for April, two NASA Astronauts (yet to be named) will prepare the station’s 3B power channel for a future solar array installation. NASA will provide more information on the date and time of the spacewalk, and other details, closer to the operation.
The spacewalks will be the 279th to support space station assembly, maintenance and upgrades. This will be the second ISS spacewalks of 2026 and the 2nd for Expedition 74. Spacewalk 95 originally was scheduled for January, but the date was adjusted after the early departure of NASA’s SpaceX Crew‑11 mission.
Learn more about the International Space Station: https://nasa.gov/station
Read the latest mission updates from the station: https://nasa.gov/blogs/spacestation/
