Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is briefly out of view as it travels around the sun this week, but researchers and amateur astronomers used spacecraft data to track its progress right up until perihelion.

Blue Origin has test fired its New Glenn rocket engine as it makes final preparations for the launch of NASA’s ESCAPADE mission involving twin Mars orbiters. The static test fire of the heavy-lift rocket, captured by NASASpaceflight and shared below, lasted around 40 seconds and appeared to proceed without a hitch.

Many NASA contractors and federal civil servants are not being paid during the ongoing government shutdown, which could lead to delays.

Former Real World cast member and current Transportation Secretary / acting NASA administrator Sean Duffy recently said SpaceX was “behind” on its contract for Artemis III and proposed reopening it. (Elon Musk responded with a predictable slew of insults.

Anca Faur has died at 66. Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin married the chemical engineer Jan. 20, 2023, his 93rd birthday.