NASA Cancels Draper Lunar Lander; Starlink Satellites Adjust Orbits

NASA has officially terminated its contract with Draper for the development of a lunar lander, a decision that marks a significant shift in the agency's Artemis programme. The Draper mission was initially part of NASA's efforts to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon. The cancellation, announced this week, reflects NASA's evolving priorities and budgetary constraints. Details on the future of the Artemis programme can be found in our Space Agencies directory.

Starlink Satellites Adjust Orbits

A series of orbital manoeuvres have been detected among the Starlink satellite constellation, with significant changes in the argument of perigee for several units, including STARLINK-4500 and STARLINK-4510. These adjustments, ranging from approximately 8.37° to 10.35°, suggest routine maintenance or repositioning within the constellation. Such changes are common as SpaceX optimises the network's performance. For real-time tracking of these satellites, visit our Starlink Tracker.

Artemis Accords Gain New Signatories

The Artemis Accords, an international agreement to guide the exploration and utilisation of the Moon, Mars, and beyond, have welcomed Serbia and Mauritius as new signatories. This brings the total number of participating countries to 70, reflecting a growing global commitment to peaceful and cooperative space exploration. The Accords aim to establish a framework for responsible behaviour in space and are a key part of NASA's international collaboration strategy.

What to Watch

While no launches are scheduled for today, the space community is closely monitoring the upcoming launch of the Psyche mission, which will explore a metallic asteroid. This mission promises to provide insights into planetary cores and the early solar system. For updates on launch timings and other upcoming events, check our Launch Schedule.