NASA and SpaceX Prepare for Crewed ISS Mission
NASA and SpaceX are set to launch the next crewed mission to the ISS. Meanwhile, 10 astronauts are currently in space.
| Active satellites | 15,736 |
| Starlink active | 10,015 |
| Catalogued objects | 31,269 |
| Predicted re-entries | 21 |
| Active close approaches | 22 |
| People in space | 10 |
NASA and SpaceX are gearing up for their next joint mission to the International Space Station (ISS), with live coverage available from Spaceflight Now. This mission is part of NASA's ongoing collaboration with SpaceX to maintain a continuous human presence aboard the ISS. The crewed mission will add to the current count of 10 astronauts in space, as recorded by Orbital Radar tracking data.
Satellite Close Approaches
Several close approaches between satellites have been recorded, with the nearest being between TIANHUI 2-02A and TIANHUI 2-02B, at a minimum distance of approximately 1.00 km. Such events highlight the increasing congestion in low Earth orbit (LEO) and the importance of vigilant space situational awareness. Orbital Radar's SSA hub provides tools for tracking and analysing these close approaches.
Space Weather and Debris
Current space weather conditions are stable, with all metrics showing 'green' status. This indicates minimal risk to satellites and crewed missions in LEO, GEO (geostationary orbit), and the ISS. The debris environment remains a concern, with 31,269 tracked objects, including 9,924 pieces of debris. Orbital Radar's Debris Map offers real-time tracking of these objects.
What to Watch
While there are no recent or upcoming launches, the space community is closely watching the developments of the NASA and SpaceX crewed mission to the ISS. For enthusiasts and professionals alike, Orbital Radar's Launch Schedule provides detailed information on all planned launches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many astronauts are currently in space?
What is the current status of space weather?
📎 Cite this article · data available
Orbital Radar Newsroom. (2026). NASA and SpaceX Prepare for Crewed ISS Mission. Orbital Radar. https://orbitalradar.com/blog/orbital-briefing-2026-10-01"NASA and SpaceX Prepare for Crewed ISS Mission." Orbital Radar, 1 October 2026, https://orbitalradar.com/blog/orbital-briefing-2026-10-01.@misc{orbitalradar_orbital_briefing_2026_10_01,
title = {NASA and SpaceX Prepare for Crewed ISS Mission},
author = {{Orbital Radar}},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://orbitalradar.com/blog/orbital-briefing-2026-10-01}}
}
