Mashable · 2026-10-04T00:00:00.000Z
NASA is advancing the design for its Probe Far-infrared Mission for Astrophysics (Prima), a new space telescope aimed at observing the cold, dusty universe. Prima will explore a far-infrared wavelength band currently unobserved by existing telescopes, potentially offering a thousand-fold increase in sensitivity for studying newborn stars, black holes, and planet-building materials. A final agency review is pending, with a potential launch in the early 2030s.
SpacePolicyOnline.com · 2026-10-04T00:00:00.000Z
NASA astronaut Jessica Meir is scheduled to transfer command of the International Space Station (ISS) to Roscosmos cosmonaut Pyotr Dubrov today, October 4, 2026, at 14:20 UTC. This routine ceremony marks a significant operational milestone for the orbiting laboratory, symbolizing the continued international collaboration in space.
Mashable · 2026-10-04T00:00:00.000Z
NASA is moving forward with the design and technology testing for the Probe Far-infrared Mission for Astrophysics (Prima) space telescope, slated for an early 2030s launch. Prima aims to observe far-infrared light, a spectrum currently uncaptured by telescopes like James Webb, to investigate the cold, dusty universe and trace the origins of water on planets, filling a crucial observational gap.
SpacePolicyOnline.com · 2026-10-04T00:00:00.000Z
NASA astronaut Jessica Meir is scheduled to transfer command of the International Space Station (ISS) to Roscosmos cosmonaut Pyotr Dubrov today at 10:20 AM ET. This routine ceremony precedes the planned undocking of Crew-12 on October 7, 2026, and its crew's subsequent splashdown, marking a standard operational milestone.
ScienceDaily (citing European Space Agency) · 2026-10-03T00:00:00.000Z
The European Space Agency's Juice spacecraft successfully performed its third Earth gravity assist on September 28, 2026. This critical maneuver adjusted its trajectory by 20 degrees and increased speed by 3.5 km/s, advancing its journey towards Jupiter and its icy moons while also testing scientific instruments.
The Daily Galaxy (citing NASA) · 2026-10-03T00:00:00.000Z
NASA has selected the GIMLI mission concept to investigate a Marius Hills pit on the Moon. This mission aims to determine if a large underground cave or lava tube exists, which could provide insights into lunar volcanism and identify potential shelters for future astronauts. It will use seismic, radar, and gravity observations.
Futura Team · 2026-10-03T00:00:00.000Z
ESA's SOLIS100 experiment, launched in April 2026, involves isolating six volunteers for 100 days in Germany. This study aims to understand the psychological impacts of long-duration isolation, focusing on stress, cognition, sleep, and group dynamics. The findings will help refine astronaut selection and support protocols for future deep-space missions, including those to Mars.