NASA and DOE nuclear deal headlines space agenda

1. 1.

   NASA and DOE Sign Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion Agreement

   A memorandum of understanding establishes a collaboration framework for nuclear systems destined for the Moon and deep-space missions.

2. 2.

   Otter 24C Performs NASA SSPICY Demonstration in Low Earth Orbit

   The NASA-supported SSPICY technology demonstration is underway from Vandenberg Space Force Base in low Earth orbit.

3. 3.

   Crew-12 splashes down in the Pacific Ocean on 2026-10-08

   Crew-12 returned to Earth with a Pacific Ocean splashdown.

4. 4.

   NASA and L3Harris Advance LISA Telescope Development

   An all-glass telescope effort for the ESA-led LISA mission is moving toward flight hardware.

5. 5.

   Media teleconference set on JAXA MMX mission

   A 16:00 EDT media teleconference will cover JAXA's MMX mission and NASA contributions, including instruments, sampler hardware and Deep Space Network support.

6. 6.

   SPHEREx Finds Molecules in Brown Dwarf Atmospheres

   SPHEREx observations of 37 nearby brown dwarfs detected water, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and methane, with findings published in The Astrophysical Journal.

7. 7.

   Solar Orbiter Links Solar Wind Switchback to Sun's Surface

   Solar Orbiter observations connect solar wind switchbacks to the Sun's surface.

8. 8.

   Initiative Seeks Input on Artificial Gravity Orbital Platform

   Input is being sought on a proposed artificial gravity orbital platform.