The NASA Artemis program marks a pivotal shift in space exploration, carrying the first woman, person of color and an Astronaut from outside USA on a lunar mission – expanding their spheres of influence and activity by many millions of times. This new era is symbolized by its name: in Greek mythology, Artemis is the goddess of the Moon and the twin sister of Apollo, providing a direct thematic bridge to those legacy missions. Artemis 2 circumlunar mission, launching NET February 8, Astronauts are Reid Wiseman (NASA, commander), Victor Glover (NASA, pilot), Christina Koch (NASA, mission specialist) and Jeremy Hansen (CSA-ASC, mission specialist). They are set to travel over 402,000 km from Earth, surpassing the ~400,000 km Apollo 13 record and nearly 1,000 times farther than the International Space Station at 415 km. Artemis 3 lunar landing targeted for mid-2027 will see a woman work on the Moon for the 1st time, ensuring that women are no longer just pioneers in orbit but central architects of the sustainable lunar domain. Signatories of the Artemis Accords have committed to sharing scientific data and developing space infrastructure that is widely compatible across different systems and jurisdictions. One overarching goal of the Artemis program is to explore the use of lunar resources to produce, food, fuel and building materials for further space exploration, including the entire Solar System in this 21st Century. (Image Credits: NASA, Thomas Crawford, SPC)
Humans Living, Learning and Preparing to Leap Farther into Space
This week may mark the first instance in history of humans simultaneously occupying low Earth orbit and conducting a circumlunar flight. The International Space Station operates with a reduced, 3-person crew following Crew-11 early return due to medical concerns. NASA Astronaut Chris Williams, Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, Sergei Mikayev maintain operations including fluid dynamics research, biological sampling and system checks until Crew-12 arrival. SpaceX Crew-12 to launch four Astronauts—Jessica Meir, Jack Hathaway, Sophie Adenot, Andrey Fedyaev—to ISS no earlier than February 11 for six-month expedition duties. Boeing Starliner-1 to conduct an uncrewed ISS cargo test no earlier than April 2026, the third orbital mission using the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft. On China Tiangong Space Station, Shenzhou-21 crew—Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, Zhang Hongzhang—conducts microgravity biology experiments including virtual reality neuro studies, materials science investigations and station maintenance. This 3-person team supports data collection for future lunar missions, with next rotation Shenzhou-23 targeted for April 2026. Ongoing Tiangong rotations and ISS handovers build long-duration expertise for cislunar and Mars missions. ISRO Gaganyaan-1 uncrewed orbital test targets late March 2026, in preparation for the first human spaceflight from India. In 2026, Vast Haven-1 targets launch as the first standalone commercial space station. Sierra Space plans a LIFE inflatable prototype module for pathfinder testing toward Orbital Reef. (Image Credits: VAST)
Humans in Space
International Space Station, ~415-km LEO: Expedition 74 operating with crew of 3 working in Kibo laboratory module for deployment / release of 6 CubeSats to LEO this week; continuing Earth photography with optical and multi-spectral cameras; planning for arrival of Crew-12 next week; ongoing maintenance includes servicing orbital plumbing hardware and testing communication systems inside Zvezda, cleaning and inspecting ventilation systems.
Tiangong Space Station, ~390-km LEO: Shenzhou-21 three-member crew advancing a range of in-orbit activities this week including comprehensive emergency response drills and operational proficiency training to maintain crew readiness; inspections and system checks across the Tianhe core module and attached labs; overseeing preparations and monitoring for upcoming cargo and rotation missions while all crew members remain in good health after nearly 4 months in orbit.
Near-Earth Objects Close Approaches – Mon Feb 2: Aten Asteroid 2025 CD (0.057 AU); Wed Feb 4: Apollo Asteroid 2026 BY2 (0.025 AU); Thu Feb 5: Apollo Asteroid 2026 BM (0.0126 AU); Fri Feb 6: Apollo Asteroid 2026 BK4 (0.051 AU)
First Woman FLIES to the Moon …
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First Woman LANDS on the Moon …
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Land your name on the Moon!
Sign up to have your name sent to the Moon for FREE on two lunar missions: Astrolab FLIP (NET summer 2026) and ILO-1 via Astrolab FLEX rover (NET 2027). You will automatically be signed up for our weekly Space Calendar.
Plus seminar on importance of STEM. Open to public, 4:15 PM EST, Nesbitt Hall Room 111, Drexel University. Chris Ferguson helped install ISS segment, spent more than 40 days in Space.
Marina Bay Sands / Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore
Conference with exhibition, highlighting trends, challenges and opportunities in the global space industry. Space agency reps from NASA, ESA, JAXA, UAE, Philippines, Germany, Brazil, Malaysia and Thailand are expected. As the only space show in Singapore endorsed by the Economic Development Board (EDB), the Office for Space Technology & Industry […]
Annual event in its 22nd year, inviting STEAM professionals and Maunakea Observatories staff to participate in 200+ Hawai'i classroom visits, career panels, and community events.
Launch window 17:12-21:12 EST (12:12-16:12 HT) for 29 satellites; this 10 flight of Booster B1090 expects a landing on the ASOG ASDS barge in the Atlantic Ocean.
Changi Exhibition Centre
9 Aviation Park Rd, Singapore, Singapore
Singapore Airshow is one of the world’s most influential international aerospace exhibitions, providing a platform for stakeholders to forge strategic alliances and collaborate to shape the future of the global aviation industry. The event offers a unique platform for industry thought leadership through its strategic forums and co-located exhibition and […]
At the State Capitol, first floor Rotunda from 09:00-15:00; engaging with Kansas 'Ad Astra State' Officials and interested public on the proposal of an Interstellar University in KS, as well as interstellar and Galaxy awareness and education.
Launch window open 09:05-13:05 PST (07:05-11:05 HT) for 25 satellites; first stage Booster B1088 is expected to land for 13th time on OCISLY ASDS barge in Pacific Ocean.
Driven by great progress in exoplanet research over the past two decades, the field of high contrast imaging is assuming a larger and larger role in the future of astrophysics. Since 2007, the Spirit of Lyot Conference series has brought together the instrumentalists whose innovations push the field forward with […]
Launch window 04:41-08:41 EST (23:41 Feb 6 - 03:41 Feb 7 HT) for 29 satellites; first stage Booster B1077 is expected to make 26th landing on JRTI ASDS barge in the Atlantic Ocean.
From Resilience to Reinvention: Crafting What's Next in Your Career with speakers Dennis Leung, Andy Tien, Rick Baumgartner; 11:00-14:40 PST, at Lomita Library, 24200 Narbonne Avenue.
Attend to hear fascinating talks from experts in the fields of astronomy and space science. With conference hosts; Dr Stuart Clark and Dr Lucie Green. BIS stand at this event – come along and try our ISS Docking Simulator!
Best-known for occasional rare, intense bursts and bright, long-lasting fireballs, they average 3–6 meteors per hour, up to 25+; body producing them is still unknown; seen in the constellation Centaurus, making them most-visible in the Southern Hemisphere with viewing also from Hawai'i and southern Florida / Texas / Asia.
UAE Hope Orbiter, studying Mars atmosphere and climate, reaches 5 full years in Mars orbit today; launched July 19, 2020 on JAXA H2A rocket, arrived at Mars on this day 2021.
A major European meeting on planetary science. Originally known as the European Planetary Science Congress, the first EPSC was held in Berlin in 2006....
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)...
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...
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...
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...
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...
In conjunction with The Space Innovation Summit (September 16) and the Space Defense & Security Summit (September 15-16). The summit consists of the Summit...
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...
At Cleveland State University; Topics to be discussed include Exploration Architecture, Artemis program, Space Traffic Management, Space Nuclear Power, Navigation and Communications and more!
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...
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...
In preparation for its decommissioning, United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (UKIRT) atop Mauna Kea will stop science operations today, with removal to be completed by...
Global Experts Group on Sustainable Lunar Activities continues discussions on ongoing workstreams and priorities related to the sustainable exploration and use of the Moon,...
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...
In conjunction with Novaspace’s World Space Business Week and Space Defense & Security Summit at the Hôtel du Collectionneur. Building on the success of...
The NASA Artemis program marks a pivotal shift in space exploration, carrying the first woman, person of color and an Astronaut from outside USA on a lunar mission – expanding their spheres of influence and activity by many millions of times. This new era is symbolized by its name: in Greek mythology, Artemis is the goddess of the Moon and the twin sister of Apollo, providing a direct thematic bridge to those legacy missions. Artemis 2 circumlunar mission, launching NET February 8, Astronauts are Reid Wiseman (NASA, commander), Victor Glover (NASA, pilot), Christina Koch (NASA, mission specialist) and Jeremy Hansen (CSA-ASC, mission specialist). They are set to travel over 402,000 km from Earth, surpassing the ~400,000 km Apollo 13 record and nearly 1,000 times farther than the International Space Station at 415 km. Artemis 3 lunar landing targeted for mid-2027 will see a woman work on the Moon for the 1st time, ensuring that women are no longer just pioneers in orbit but central architects of the sustainable lunar domain. Signatories of the Artemis Accords have committed to sharing scientific data and developing space infrastructure that is widely compatible across different systems and jurisdictions. One overarching goal of the Artemis program is to explore the use of lunar resources to produce, food, fuel and building materials for further space exploration, including the entire Solar System in this 21st Century. (Image Credits: NASA, Thomas Crawford, SPC)
International Space Station, ~415-km LEO: Expedition 74 operating with crew of 3 working in Kibo laboratory module for deployment / release of 6 CubeSats to LEO this week; continuing Earth photography with optical and multi-spectral cameras; planning for arrival of Crew-12 next week; ongoing maintenance includes servicing orbital plumbing hardware and testing communication systems inside Zvezda, cleaning and inspecting ventilation systems. 
Lunar Enterprise News: Artemis 2 Wet Dress Rehearsal Next, NET 2 February │ Artemis 2 Communications Enhanced by Volunteers Worldwide
Near-Earth Objects Close Approaches – Mon Feb 2: Aten Asteroid 2025 CD (0.057 AU); Wed Feb 4: Apollo Asteroid 2026 BY2 (0.025 AU); Thu Feb 5: Apollo Asteroid 2026 BM (0.0126 AU); Fri Feb 6: Apollo Asteroid 2026 BK4 (0.051 AU)
