January 26 – February 1, 2026 / Vol 45, Week 4 / Hawai`i Island, USA
Lunar Broadcast Precursor: Terrestrial Edition

January 26 - February 1, 2026 / Hawai`i Island, USA

Vol 45, Week 4: Lunar Broadcast Precursor — Terrestrial Edition

Astronauts Memorial Week 2026: Honoring Heroes, Fueling Future Dreams

The space community gathers this week to reflect on profound sacrifices that shaped our journey to the stars. During Astronaut Memorial Week, we have the 59th observation of Apollo 1 loss of Virgil “Gus” Grissom, Edward H. White and Roger B. Chaffee (1/27/1967); the 40th of Challenger STS-51L loss of Francis R. “Dick” Scobee, Michael J. Smith, Christa McAuliffe, Ellison S. Onizuka, Judith A. Resnick, Ronald E. McNair and Gregory B. Jarvis (1/28/1986); and the 23rd of Columbia STS-107 loss of Rick D. Husband, William C. McCool, Michael P. Anderson, David M. Brown, Kalpana Chawla, Laurel Clark and Ilan Ramon (2/1/2003). Ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and Kennedy Space Center reflect on sacrifices propelling safer, bolder missions. Over 700 people have flown above the 100-km Kármán line, 12 men worked on the Moon, over 105 women completed spaceflights and citizens of 47 countries reached space—with diverse nations and private ventures expanding representation for aspiring spacefarers. NASA Artemis program advances to Artemis II, NET February 6, carrying four Astronauts on a circumlunar flight, testing systems for sustainable lunar presence. NASA day of remembrance coincides with Blue Origin New Shepard NS-38 launching private citizens on a suborbital adventure on the 22nd. SpaceX stands next in line to fly people to the Moon with its Starship Human Landing System under NASA Artemis program, advancing crewed lunar returns with enhanced astronaut safety at the forefront. (Image Credits: NASA, CNSA, ISS Partners)

China Moon Goals Furthered by International Cooperation

Chang’E-7 (CE-7) mission, launching NET August on Long March 5 from Wenchang, Hainan, China, aims to widely explore lunar South Pole environment / resources using orbiter, lander, rover and hopping probe, detecting water ice, mapping terrain and analyzing subsurface composition. Its instruments, indigenous and from 7 international partners, will lay groundwork for International Lunar Research Station planned to be fully operational in 2050. After orbiting ~2 Earth months, CE-7 lander will drop to Shackleton Crater area and send its hopper into permanently shadowed areas, while the rover investigates topography, composition and structure of the rim. Data will transmit to Earth via 1,200-kg relay satellite Queqiao-2 in highly elliptical lunar orbit. Others of the ~20 orbiter / lander / rover / hopper CE-7 payloads will detect moonquakes, measure magnetic fields, observe ions / particles / lunar dust. Mounted on the lander is ILO-C wide-field optical instrument planned to capture high-resolution images of Milky Way galactic center. ILO-C is developed in historic collaborative effort by International Lunar Observatory Association of Hawai’i, National Astronomical Observatories of China and Hong Kong University Laboratory for Space Research, with support from National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand–which will co-host the 2nd ILO-C science workshop January 30 in Chiang Mai. The international collaboration could serve as harbinger for an Asian Treaty Organization for Astronomy, similar to European Southern Observatory, advancing 21st Century astronomy from the Moon. (Image Credits: CNSA, China Media Group, NASA GSFC / ASU, Yang Liu / Wang C., et al)

Humans in Space

⭐ International Space Station, ~415-km LEO: Expedition 74 operating with crew of 3, NASA Astronaut Chris Williams and Cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkof and Sergei Mikayev, until next crew arrival, likely February 15; portable ultrasound machine remains onboard after recent use prior to medical evacuation with crew expressing gratitude for feeling prepared during the medical emergency; ongoing science includes a blood pressure study and evaluation of small-crew team dynamics under stress; ongoing maintenance includes routine checks on life support and navigation systems; ongoing health activity includes fitness routines and nutritional management.

⭐ Tiangong Space Station, ~390-km LEO: Shenzhou-21 three-member crew using VR headsets and EEG equipment to analyze eye-brain coordination in microgravity, conducting studies on lithium-ion battery electrochemistry, drilling for medical emergencies and evacuation procedures, training on manually guiding docking of spacecraft, conducting routine inspections and maintenance of life-support and environmental-control systems as well as navigation aids, following a daily structured time schedule based on China Time of 07:00 wakeup, 08:00 mission-control conference, 13:30 hour-long rest period and 21:00 end of tasks.

🌔 Lunar Enterprise News: Buzz Aldrin Begins 97th Trip Around the SunBlue Origin On the Move with Endurance MK-1 Lander and New Glenn Booster Re-Use

☄ Near-Earth Objects Close Approaches  Mon Jan 26: Apollo Asteroid 2026 BJ1 (0.032 AU); Tue Jan 27: Apollo Asteroid 2025 YR1 (0.049 AU); Thu Jan 29: Apollo Asteroid 2026 AS2 (0.015 AU); Sat Jan 31: Apollo Asteroid 2022 OC3 (0.003 AU)

First Woman FLIES to the Moon …

NET (no earlier than)

Days

First Woman LANDS on the Moon …

Days

Loading Moon data for your location...

Loading planet data...


Land your name on the Moon!

Sign up to have your name sent to the Moon for FREE on two lunar missions: Astrolab FLIP (summer 2026) and ILO-1 via Astrolab FLEX rover (NET 2027). You will automatically be signed up for our weekly Space Calendar.

  • Submissions Due to Ask Jeremy Hansen a Question During Artemis II Mission

    Online

    Canadians may submit a question to be answered during a live video call from space. Question must be submitted by 16:00 EST (UTC-5) at https://forms-formulaires.alpha.canada.ca/en/id/cmkpka0i400cax901vuu4wti5 Selected winners must then make a video recording of their question and send it to CSA-ASC.

  • Middle East Space Conference 2026: Driving Space Collaboration and Innovation Across the Middle East

    Muscat, Oman

    MESC 2026 at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre dives into essential themes defining the next decade of the regional space landscape in partnership with the Ministry of Transport, Communication and Information Technology of Oman, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, industry executive, innovators and academics to accelerate collaboration and capability-building across […]

  • 59th Anniversary of Apollo 1

    Nationwide USA

    Increasing space awareness and education, remembrances and events honor three Apollo 1 crew members lost in 1967 during a launch pad test: Command Pilot Virgil “Gus” Grissom, Senior Pilot Edward H. White and Pilot Roger B. Chaffee.

  • Launch Electron / Bridging The Swarm (NeonSat-1A)

    Launch Complex 1, ~39°S, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand

    Launch window 11:45-15:00 New Zealand Daylight Time (12:45-16:00 January 26 Hawai'i Time); high-resolution optical camera for South Korea. The NeonSat constellation is the first satellite system developed by the government using a mass-production approach for precise monitoring of the Korean Peninsula, lead by the Satellite Technology Research Center (SaTReC) at […]

  • Global Spaceport Alliance Summit: Spaceports – Catalysts for Economic Growth

    Orlando FL, USA

    11th GSA Spaceport Summit will gather global leaders, policymakers, investors and industry experts for Keynote by US Senator Ashley Moody, champion of the New Spaceport Bond Opportunity, and Attorney Kostas Poulakidas on how these bonds are put together. Sessions include: 10-year outlook for spaceports, value of A.I. for spaceports, value […]

    $195 – $825
  • Asia Pacific Aerospace Conference & Exhibition (APACE) 2026

    Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

    APACE 2026 will serve as a premier aerospace event for over 1,000 professionals from more than 50 countries. It aims to establish Sarawak as Borneo’s aerospace hub and a leading player in Asia-Pacific’s aerospace industry. The event combines innovation, sustainability, and regional collaboration to accelerate aerospace growth across the region. […]

  • Total Eclipse of the Sun

    Global / Inter-Global

    Total solar eclipse, starts 17:02:06 UTC (07:02:0 HST), will sweep across the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain, offering up to 2 minutes of totality; Maximum Eclipse: 17:45:53

  • 40th Anniversary: Loss of Challenger STS-51L

    Nationwide USA

    Educational and ceremonial events held worldwide to advance space technology / education and honor 7 crew members killed in Shuttle accident 28 January 1986: Commander Francis R. “Dick” Scobee, Pilot Michael J. Smith, Astronaut Christa McAuliffe (the 1st ‘Teacher in Space’), Mission Specialists Ellison S. Onizuka, Judith A. Resnick and […]

  • Imaging Planets Orbiting Other Stars: Presentation by Bruce Macintosh

    Los Altos CA, USA

    Illustrated non-technical lecture by Director of the University of California Observatories, at 7:00 PM, free, as part of the Silicon Valley Astronomy Lecture Series at Foothill College. 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills,. Live at Smithwick Theater, Dr. Bruce Macintosh, Director of the University of California Observatories, will give […]

  • SpaceCom | Space Congress and Expo

    Orlando FL, USA

    Commercial Space Week Expo (Jan 28-30) and SpaceCom | Space Congress (Jan 29-30): Powering The Next Space Age.  Explore the latest hardware, software, and services. Build new partnerships and policies advancing space commerce and sustainability.  The program features cutting-edge sessions, federal briefings and procurement strategy sessions, curated networking programs and […]

    Free
  • 5th International Space Industry Exhibition (ISIEX) 2026

    Tokyo, Japan

    Including collaborative project "Lunar Development Forum -Nikkanogoyo Moon Press", this exhibition attracts global companies, academic institutions, government agencies, and startups eager to showcase cutting-edge space technologies and foster international cooperation. As a result, ISIEX 2026 becomes the key event for advancing space market development, technology exchange, and commercial partnerships globally. […]

  • Stability at the Space-Nuclear Nexus

    Washington DC, USA

    Invited experts from nuclear policy, space security, and commercial space to examine the growing risks at the intersection of these domains.

  • ILO-C Science Workshop #2

    Chiang Mai, Thailand

    Invitation-only 2nd international workshop to discuss ILO-C instrument being integrated on Chang'E-7 lunar lander for launch August 2026 / landing November 2026; participants from USA, China, Thailand, Indonesia, Hawai'i, India, others will attend.

  • Act in Space 2026

    Online

    International innovation contest -- hackathon -- joined in 100+ cities in 5 continents, aimed at imagining the products and solutions of tomorrow using space data and technology.

  • 68th Anniversary: First Satellite Sent to Space (Explorer 1)

    Nationwide USA

    American Artemis Return to the Moon For Good is underway, Mars attention and planning advancing, Outer Solar System search for life ongoing, and Interstellar craft on outgoing trajectories while first USA satellite launch on this day in 1958 ‘Explorer 1’ is celebrated and remembered.

  • AIAA Los Angeles Section Town Hall Meeting

    Lawndale CA, USA

    40th Anniversary Event for the Space Shuttle Challenger Tragedy. Michelle Evans will speak, lead discussion and present 2 of her documentary films: On the Way to the Stars, A Tribute to the Space Shuttle Challenger and the Crew of STS-51L and America's Return to Space. At Lawndale Library, 10:00-15:30 PT.

  • Registration Due: Space Systems Technician (SST) Certified Training

    Toronto ON, Canada

    Foundation for working in satellite systems, clean room assembly or advanced manufacturing, course is certified by Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace (CCAA); includes online Module 01 (CA$2,000) and in-person / hands-on (CA$2995). https://nasi.world/contact/

  • Celebrating 100 Years of Robert Goddard; Entries Due for The Goddard 100 Contest

    Online

    Entries Due by 11:59 UTC: Contest for youth ages 9-19 in three divisions, Junior, Intermediate and Senior, for storytelling via comic strip or infographic and essay, describing the future of space travel, space propulsion or interplanetary travel. Robert Goddard is called the father of modern rocketry, accomplishing the first flight […]

  • 23rd Anniversary: Loss of Columbia STS-107

    Nationwide USA

    Annual international conferences and events take place to further space exploration efforts in remembrance of Columbia 7 loss: Commander Richard D. Husband, Mission Specialist Laurel Clark, Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon (the ‘1st Israeli astronaut’) and Astronauts: William C. McCool, Michael P. Anderson, David M. Brown and Kalpana Chawla (the ‘1st […]

  • Singapore Space Summit 2026

    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 […]

    S$1,550
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