March 16-22, 2026 / Vol 45, Week 11 / Hawai`i Island, USA
Lunar Broadcast Precursor: Terrestrial Edition

March 16-22, 2026 / Hawai`i Island, USA

Vol 45, Week 11: Lunar Broadcast Precursor — Terrestrial Edition

Isar Spectrum "Onward and Upward" Mission to Launch Multiple Payloads

Set for March 19, the 2nd test launch of the 28-meter Isar Spectrum aims to carry 5 cubesats to SSO and 1 non-separable experiment, the latter made by Dcubed as part of the ESA program supporting commercial space, likely an in-orbit demonstration of deployment hardware. One of the payloads, the CyBEEsat, a 1U (10x10x10 cm, or 1 liter) cubesat made by Technische Universität Berlin, demonstrates a miniaturized SDM-band transceiver and features perovskite solar cells, high-efficiency, thin-film, radiation-tolerant, low-cost, and printed / coated onto surfaces. Other payloads are: the TriSat-S 3U cubesat by University of Maribor, Slovenia, which will test battery hibernation with exceptionally low self-discharge / rapid voltage recovery and to test an ultra-low-power optical system as a precursor for autonomous navigation. Platform 6 is a 6U modular satellite made by EnduroSat, Bulgaria, for diverse missions and sold at US$492,000. FramSat-1 measures the Sun position relative to the satellite; it is built by members of the student organization Orbit at Norwegian University of Science and Technology, assisted by several companies and the Norwegian Space Agency. A 1U cubesat developed by the TU Wien Space Team at University of Maribor allows students in Slovenia and Austria to run their own code and take pictures / measurements. Isar Aerospace, established 2018 in Munich, Germany, now has 400+ employees from 40+ nations. (Image Credits: Isar, TU Berlin, NTNU, U of Maribor)

The 57th Lunar and Planetary Conference Convenes Again in Woodlands TX

On March 16, 2,000+ international experts begin 5 days in a collaborative environment to discuss heavenly bodies “from Mercury to Ultima Thule”, while the 1st LPSC conference convened 140 investigators to report on lunar samples brought back by Apollo 11 Astronauts. Scientists and students are encouraged to provide new insights and understanding of the Solar System. Oral and poster presentations, topical symposia and problem-oriented sessions are based on peer-reviewed abstracts chosen on overall relevance to the conference and quality of science from the 2,000+ submissions. Charles “Chip” Shearer presents “A Long and Rocky Road from Apollo to Artemis” as the lecture named for astrogeologist Harold Masursky, of the Apollo, Viking, Voyager, Magellan and Pioneer Venus missions. NASA updates / town halls will be given / led by Amit Kshatriya, Louise Prockter, Brad Bailey, Kathleen Vander Kaaden, Aaron Burton and Lori Glaze. Online attendance is available, as is a Professional Development Center for students / early-career scientists. Presentations encompass Artemis mission planning, solar wind samples, volcanic activity on Venus, minerals on Mars, and the ocean of Enceladus. Attendees can also apply to be LPSC Ambassadors, providing extended social media coverage and engaging with the community online using #LPSC2026. (Image Credits: L-R: NASA-conference with Lander, LPI, NASA-Gene Cernan on Moon)

Humans in Space

⭐ International Space Station, ~415-km LEO: Expedition 74 crew preparing for US Spacewalk #94 on Wednesday by cleaning spacesuit cooling loops, configuring suits / various tools to install modification kit and route cables for a new solar array, and training on the Canadarm2 to support the spacewalkers. The seven-member crew are also performing vein scans, documenting sleep patterns, collecting saliva, taking cognition tests, using sensors to analyze blood flow, testing artificial intelligence tools that may enhance communications, cleaning / inspecting a ventilation system, servicing the oxygen generator, replacing plumbing components, inspecting video recording gear, downloading video and imagery for mission controllers, and installing automated Earth observation hardware to capture imagery of islands across the Asia-Pacific region.

⭐ Tiangong Space Station, ~390-km LEO: Shenzhou-21 three-member crew using experimental software on laptops to look at human-machine trust and intuitive physical behavior, testing for metabolic components in urine with spectrometer, monitoring with electroencephalography equipment for research on deep cognition and emotional analysis / regulation, replacing the sampling cover of the combustion science experiment cabinet, evacuating waste gases, and changing experimental samples in the fluid physics experiment cabinet; they continue regular inspections of the station, and do medical examinations for blood pressure, body composition and exercise-induced cardiopulmonary function with both modern and TCM diagnostic instruments.

🌔 Lunar Enterprise News: NASA targeting NET April 1 for Artemis II crewed lunar flyby mission; mid-2027 for a new demonstration mission (Artemis III) to launch crew in Orion on top of the SLS rocket to low Earth orbit and test one or both commercial landers from SpaceX and / or Blue Origin for rendezvous and docking capabilities needed to land Astronauts on the Moon; and the first Artemis lunar landing for early 2028 (Artemis IV). 

☄ Near-Earth Objects Close Approaches  Tue Mar 17: Apollo Asteroid 2015 VO142 (0.006 AU); Tue Mar 17: Apollo Asteroid 2026 DP10 (0.026 AU); Thu Mar 19: Apollo Asteroid 2026 DP15 (0.013 AU); Sun Mar 22: Apollo Asteroid 2010 RA91 (0.012 AU)

First Woman FLIES to the Moon …

NET (no earlier than)

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First Woman LANDS on the Moon …

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Land your name on the Moon!

Have your name sent to the Moon for FREE on the ILO-1 lunar mission via Astrolab FLEX rover (NET 2027). You will automatically be signed up for our weekly Space Calendar.

  • Spacewalk Preview News Conference

    Online

    Streaming live at 14:00 EDT | 08:00 HST | UTC-4 on NASA YouTube channel, news conference participants include: Bill Spetch, operations integration manager, and spacewalk flight directors Diana Trujillo and Ronak Dave, ahead of NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Chris Williams spacewalking on March 18 to install a pair of […]

  • March Storm: Meetings with US Congressional Staffers

    Washington DC, USA

    Volunteers will advocate for space-related support and funding with members of United States Senate and US House of Representatives or their staff. Mandatory in-person training for advocates will be conducted Monday, March 16th, followed by meetings Tuesday and Wednesday in Senate and House offices on Capitol Hill. Details will be […]

    $50
  • 57th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (LPSC)

    The Woodlands TX, USA

    Expecting 2,000+ for the latest science, research, discoveries; at Waterway Marriott and online. Abstract peer review drives selection of presenters from global scientific community. LPSC began in 1970 as Apollo 11 Lunar Science Conference.

    $400 – $700
  • Meet NASA Astronaut Steve Smith

    Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex FL, USA

    Astronaut Steven L. Smith flew as Mission Specialist on 3 Space Shuttles, Endeavor, Discovery and Atlantis, for 4 missions, STS-68, STS-82, STS-103 and STS-110. See him at the Astronaut Encounter, at the Chat With An Astronaut (additional ticket required) and for autograph signings at The Space Shop and Shuttle Express. […]

    US$62 – US$187
  • ISS / U.S. EVA #94

    Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

    NASA Astronauts Jessica Meir and Chris Williams will conduct U.S. spacewalk 94, exiting the Quest airlock at about 08:00 EDT | 12:00 UTC | 02:00 HST (video coverage beginning 1.5 hours ahead) to prepare the 2A power channel for the future International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Arrays (IROSA) installation. It will be […]

  • Goddard: Launching the Next 100 Years: Industry, Innovation & the Future of Space

    Worcester MA, USA

    Commemorating 100th anniversary of Robert H. Goddard’s historic rocket launch, open to the public, a panel including AIAA* President Dan Hastings discusses the future of space travel; at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), 17:30-19:00 EDT; free but registration required. See other Goddard Centennial events here: https://firstlaunchcentennial.org/ Leaders from industry, research and […]

  • Lunar Exploration Analysis Group: LEAG Town Halls

    Online / The Woodlands TX, USA

    At 11:00 CDT in-person at The Woodlands TX, USA, and Online at 15:00 CDT / UTC-5, both including an update from the recent LEAG annual meeting, and an open discussion of plans for LEAG moving forward where we hope to hear from the community regarding your priorities and concerns. Zoom […]

  • 2nd Conference on Earth-Space Sustainability: Law, Stewardship, Equity

    Leiden, The Netherlands

    Earth and outer space have become increasingly intertwined environmentally, politically and philosophically, as satellite constellations multiply, lunar activities expand, and aspirations for Mars and beyond gain momentum. At Leiden University Academy Building, Rapenburg 73. This conference, hosted as part of the Earth-Space Sustainability (ESS) network, provides a critical forum for […]

    €200
  • Intuitive Machines Telecon for Financial Results: Q4 & FY 2025

    Online

    "Before the market opens" Following the news release, at 08:30 EDT, the Company will host a conference call to discuss the results as well as growth opportunities following the Lanteris Space Systems acquisition. To participate in the call, please dial (800) 715-9871 (USA & Canada) or (646) 307-1963 (International) and reference Conference […]

  • Webinar: Earth Observation at a Turning Point

    Online

    At 11:00 EDT | 15:00 UTC, subtitled "Who Benefits, Who Leads & What Comes Next?", session will address cloud computing, AI and Earth imagery, along with regulatory issues, pricing, and more, with focus on commerce and markets.

  • March Equinox

    Worldwide

    Occurs 04:45 HST / 14:45 UTC; March equinox is known as the vernal equinox (or spring equinox) in the Northern Hemisphere and as the autumnal equinox (or fall equinox) in the Southern Hemisphere; it is the equinox on the Earth when the subsolar point appears to leave the Southern Hemisphere […]

  • Film: SPACEWOMAN About Eileen Collins

    New York NY, USA

    Quad Cinema, 34 West 13th Street, will inaugurate showings of this film; 12:55, 14:45, 17:05, 19:00, 21:20 EDT. Their description: Astronaut Eileen Collins was the first woman to pilot and command an American spacecraft. Born on the other side of the tracks in upstate New York, she smashed many glass […]

  • Artemis II Roll-Out to Launch Pad

    SLC-39B, ~29°N, Kennedy Space Center FL, USA

    Anticipated return to Launch Complex 39B of Artemis II stack -- SLS and Orion capsule -- ahead of anticipated April 1 launch for Moon flyby with 4 Astronauts. Rollout takes 8 to 12 hours. See NASA Artemis blog at https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/artemis/ NASA YouTube channel is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMBJ-UOb6zU

  • 3-2-1 Day: Celebrate with the Space Coast Community

    Titusville FL, USA

    3rd annual event celebrates the last 3 seconds before blastoff, Brevard County, the Space Coast community, and Robert "Ozzie" Osband. At Spaceview Park, 8 Broad Street, 11:00-17:00 EDT.

  • Entries Close: Win a Celestial Escape to Mauna Kea + a Private Q&A with Bill Nye

    Online

    Enter by 23:59 PDT (UTC-7) (for a chance to experience Hawai‘i’s legendary night skies while supporting The Planetary Society’s mission to advance space science and exploration. Included is a stay at The Westin Hapuna Beach at Mauna Kea Resort. This sweepstakes is a fundraiser for the nonprofit The Planetary Society, […]

    US$25
  • AIAA Region VI Student Conference

    San Luis Obispo CA, USA

    Research papers are presented in a formal technical meeting atmosphere, and ideas are exchanged and programs discussed. Cash prizes given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place papers in each category. At California Polytechnic State University.

  • Launch Soyuz 2.1a / Progress MS-33 (94P)

    Baikonur Cosmodrome, ~46°N, Kazakhstan

    16:59 UTC+5 (01:59 HST) to launch resupply mission to the International Space Station that was delayed from December 2025 after November launchpad damage at spaceport operated by Russia within Kazakhstan.

  • African Lunar Symposium 2026

    Kasane, Botswana

    Part of 2026 African Astronomical Society Conference in Botswana April 22-27 and in collaboration with NASA SSERVI, features presentations on lunar science, planetary exploration, and human spaceflight to the Moon and beyond. At Wild View Resort, 80 President Avenue.

  • Goddard: Father of the Space Age

    Worcester MA, USA

    Space‑themed event at Hanover Theatre & Conservatory to celebrate the 100th anniversary of humanity’s first modern rocket launch—achieved by Worcester’s own Dr. Robert H. Goddard, the “Father of the Space Age.” Will include presentations from scientists and astronauts in person and from across the USA—our “Today’s Goddards” who have carried […]

06 - 11 Sep 2026
  • Meeting / Conference / Symposium
The Hague, The Netherlands
A major European meeting on planetary science. Originally known as the European Planetary Science Congress, the first EPSC was held in Berlin in 2006....
08 Sep - 09 Nov 2026
  • Launch
Jiuquan Space Launch Center, ~41°N, Gansu, China
Unknown payload to launch on Long March 2D with YZ-3 upper stage variant.
08 - 10 Sep 2026
  • Meeting / Conference / Symposium
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
At Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC); Chair is Saeed Al Mansoori of MBRSC; Co-Chair is Gerard Galet of CNES (Centre National d'Études Spatiales)...
08 - 11 Sep 2026
  • Meeting / Conference / Symposium
Seville, Spain
To tackle one of the space sector’s most pressing challenges. 3rd Zero Debris Future Symposium (September 8-9) and the Zero Debris Technical Sessions (September...
09 Sep 2026
  • Launch
Baikonur Cosmodrome, ~46°N, Kazakhstan
Resupply mission to launch to ISS and arrive within 3.5 hours.
09 Sep 2026
  • Meeting / Conference / Symposium
Online
6:00-7:30 pm ET, featuring Shatel Bhakta — Principal Systems Engineer for Moon Base, NASA; Wes Fuhrman — Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative, Johns Hopkins University...
11 - 13 Sep 2026
  • Meeting / Conference / Symposium
Online
Inaugural event to convene researchers, policymakers and practitioners to advance understanding of self-sufficient structures in extreme environments, including the Moon. Begins September 11 at...
11 - 12 Sep 2026
  • Meeting / Conference / Symposium
Denver CO, USA
Industry tour of Denver space companies Friday 08:30-12:00; Astronauts Eileen Collins and Scott Kelly present at the Saturday event, 17:00-20:30. At Inverness Denver Hilton...
12 - 13 Sep 2026
  • Meeting / Conference / Symposium
Online
The conference will again be virtual, and will be held at times to accommodate attendees worldwide on at least one of the two days.
14 Sep 2026
  • Observation / Anniversary
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Campbell was first appointed in September 2020. She was reappointed for an additional year, 14 Sep 2025 - 14 Sep 2026. It is rare that...
14 Sep 2026
  • Launch
Ariane Launch Area 1 (ELV), Guiana Space Centre, ~5°N, French Guiana
Launch to SSO for 3rd satellite in the Sentinel-3 constellation for optical, radar and altimetry data and for Fluorescence Explorer ("FLEX") of ESA Earth...
14 - 17 Sep 2026
  • Meeting / Conference / Symposium
Paris, France
In conjunction with The Space Innovation Summit (September 16) and the Space Defense & Security Summit (September 15-16). The summit consists of the Summit...
15 Sep 2026
  • Launch
Launch Complex 1, ~39°S, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand
(Estimated Date) Planned demonstration of in-space cryogenic storage and transferal by Eta Space and funded by NASA Tipping Point. Expected to be in orbit...
15 - 16 Sep 2026
  • Meeting / Conference / Symposium
Cleveland OH, USA
At Cleveland State University; Topics to be discussed include Exploration Architecture, Artemis program, Space Traffic Management, Space Nuclear Power, Navigation and Communications and more!
15 - 18 Sep 2026
  • Meeting / Conference / Symposium
Maui HI, USA
27th year of this top scientific conference in the USA devoted to Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and Space Situational Awareness (SSA) expects 1,000+ in-person...
15 - 17 Sep 2026
  • Meeting / Conference / Symposium
West Lafayette, Indiana
Planning for 2.5 days of hybrid oral sessions and an in-person poster session. There will be no registration fee. Some travel support will be...
15 - 19 Sep 2026
  • Meeting / Conference / Symposium
Cleveland OH, USA
Ohio Space Week celebrates the state’s deep-rooted contributions to the aeronautics and space industries, highlighting the people, institutions, and businesses that continue to shape...
15 - 16 Sep 2026
  • Meeting / Conference / Symposium
Paris, France
Held in conjunction with the Space Innovation Summit and World Space Business Week.
15 Sep 2026
  • Mission Milestone
Mauna Kea, Hawai’i
In preparation for its decommissioning, United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (UKIRT) atop Mauna Kea will stop science operations today, with removal to be completed by...
16 Sep 2026
  • Meeting / Conference / Symposium
Online
Global Experts Group on Sustainable Lunar Activities continues discussions on ongoing workstreams and priorities related to the sustainable exploration and use of the Moon,...
16 Sep 2026
  • Meeting / Conference / Symposium
Oslo, Norway
Oslo Spaceport Norway offers monthly a knowledgeable speaker and opportunity for networking, 17:00-20:00 local time; free entry but registration required. Ground Control is for...
16 Sep 2026
  • Meeting / Conference / Symposium
Paris, France
In conjunction with Novaspace’s World Space Business Week and Space Defense & Security Summit at the Hôtel du Collectionneur. Building on the success of...
06 - 11 Sep 2026
A major European meeting on planetary science. Originally known as the European Planetary Science Congress,...
The Hague, The Netherlands
08 Sep - 09 Nov 2026
Unknown payload to launch on Long March 2D with YZ-3 upper stage variant.
Jiuquan Space Launch Center, ~41°N, Gansu, China
08 - 10 Sep 2026
At Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC); Chair is Saeed Al Mansoori of MBRSC; Co-Chair...
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
08 - 11 Sep 2026
To tackle one of the space sector’s most pressing challenges. 3rd Zero Debris Future Symposium...
Seville, Spain
09 Sep 2026
Resupply mission to launch to ISS and arrive within 3.5 hours.
Baikonur Cosmodrome, ~46°N, Kazakhstan
09 Sep 2026
6:00-7:30 pm ET, featuring Shatel Bhakta — Principal Systems Engineer for Moon Base, NASA; Wes...
Online
11 - 13 Sep 2026
Inaugural event to convene researchers, policymakers and practitioners to advance understanding of self-sufficient structures in...
Online
11 - 12 Sep 2026
Industry tour of Denver space companies Friday 08:30-12:00; Astronauts Eileen Collins and Scott Kelly present...
Denver CO, USA
12 - 13 Sep 2026
The conference will again be virtual, and will be held at times to accommodate attendees...
Online
14 Sep 2026
Campbell was first appointed in September 2020. She was reappointed for an additional year, 14...
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
14 Sep 2026
Launch to SSO for 3rd satellite in the Sentinel-3 constellation for optical, radar and altimetry...
Ariane Launch Area 1 (ELV), Guiana Space Centre, ~5°N, French Guiana
14 - 17 Sep 2026
In conjunction with The Space Innovation Summit (September 16) and the Space Defense & Security...
Paris, France
15 Sep 2026
(Estimated Date) Planned demonstration of in-space cryogenic storage and transferal by Eta Space and funded...
Launch Complex 1, ~39°S, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand
15 - 16 Sep 2026
At Cleveland State University; Topics to be discussed include Exploration Architecture, Artemis program, Space Traffic...
Cleveland OH, USA
15 - 18 Sep 2026
27th year of this top scientific conference in the USA devoted to Space Domain Awareness...
Maui HI, USA