NASA - Breaking News

41 min read

Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater) 2025-2026 DWU: High School Engineering Challenge Challenge Materials

Challenge Materials

The 2025 Challenge Materials are coming soon. Register now to get copies as soon as they are released.

1. Detailed Background Document

Overview: What is an Uncrewed Aircraft System? 

An uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) can be defined as an aircraft without an operator or flight crew onboard the aircraft itself. UAS are remotely controlled using manual flight controls (i.e., teleoperation) or autonomously operated using uploaded control parameters (e.g., waypoints, altitude hold, or minimum/maximum airspeed for example). 

UAS are typically used to perform a variety of tasks or applications that are considered too dull, dangerous, dirty, or deep for humans or crewed platforms (also known as the “4Ds”). Their civilian/commercial uses include aerial photography/filming, agriculture, communications, conservation/wildlife monitoring, damage assessment/infrastructure inspection, fire services and forestry support, law enforcement/security, search and rescue, weather monitoring and research. They provide an option that is economical and expedient, without putting a human operator (i.e., pilot) at risk. 

UAS are commonly referred to as uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV)s, uncrewed aerospace, aircraft or aerial systems, remotely pilot aircraft (RPA), remotely piloted research vehicles (RPRV), and aerial target drones. However, the term UAS itself is reflective of a system as a whole, which has constituent components or elements that work together to achieve an objective or set of objectives. These major elements, depicted in Figure 1, include the air vehicle element, payload, data-link (communications), command and control (C2), support equipment, and the operator (human element). 

Figure 1. Basic UAS configuration with major elements identified.

The UAS you will develop in this challenge is comprised of similar elements, or parts of the system. 

NOTE: For purposes of component categorization and functionality simplification, the datalink/communications and command and control (C2) have been combined into a single element (i.e., command, control, and communications [C3]). Each team will choose different quantities, sizes, types, and configurations of the various components to create a unique UAS design using the approach depicted in Figure 2. 

Also of note is pointing out that your team will develop the entire system and not just the uncrewed vehicle. 

Figure 2. UAS design approach with major element options identified. Payload Element(s) 

The payload represents the first element to be examined in the design of a UAS. This traditionally represents the primary purpose of the platform. One example of a payload is the visual/exteroceptive sensor(s), explained in further detail below. These sensors capture information about the operating environment. This information can be used to provide situational awareness relative to the orientation and location of the aerial vehicle. 

Visual/exteroceptive sensors – used to capture information (e.g., visual data) about the operating environment. Provides the operator with situational awareness, such as the orientation and location of the aerial vehicle element of a UAS. Common sensors include: 

• CCD/CMOS camera (e.g., Daytime TV, color video) – digital imaging sensor, typically returns color video for live display on the ground control station (GCS) terminal. 
• Thermal (e.g., infrared [IR]) – sensor used to measure and image heat (i.e., thermal radiation). 
• LiDAR – measures distance and contours of remote bodies (e.g., terrain) through use of reflected laser light. Typically requires significant amount of pre- or post-processing to render and display the data. 
• Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) – measures distance and contours of remote bodies (e.g., terrain) through use of reflected radio waves. Typically requires significant amount of pre- or post-processing to render and display the data. 
• Multispectral camera – an all-encompassing visual sensor for capturing image data across the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., thermal, radar, etc.). 

Air Vehicle Element 

The air vehicle element (i.e., UAV) represents the remotely operated (uncrewed) aerial component of the UAS. There can be more than one UAV in a UAS, and each is made up of of several subsystem components, including the following: 

• Airframe –the structural aspect of the vehicle. The placement/location of major components on the airframe, including payload, powerplant, fuel source, and command, control, and communications (C3) equipment, will be determined by your team. This element can be purchased as a commercially-off-the-shelf (COTS) option or custom designed. 
• Flight Controls – the flight computer (e.g., servo controller), actuators, and control surfaces of the air vehicle. 
• Powerplant (propulsion) – the thrust generating mechanism, including the engine/motor, propeller/rotor/impeller, and fuel source (e.g., battery or internal combustion fuel) 
• Sensors (onboard) – the data measurement and capture devices 

NOTE: These subsystem components could be purchased as a single commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) option, could be modified/supplemented using other options, or entirely custom designed. 

Command, Control, and Communications (C3) Element 

The level of autonomy of an aircraft is determined by the capabilities of the Command Control and Communications (C3) system. 

C3 represents how your team will get data to (e.g., control commands) and from (e.g., telemetry and onboard sensor video) the vehicle (or any additional uncrewed/robotic systems) while in operation. Your configuration will depend on the design choices made by your team. Some of these items will be included in the weight and balance calculations for the Air Vehicle Element (i.e., airborne elements), while the remaining will be included in the ground control station (GCS). The following image (Figure 3), depicts an example C3 interface overview of a medium complexity UAS. 

Figure 3. Example C3 configuration and associated interfaces.

Primary C3 element subsystem components include: 

• Control commands and telemetry equipment – the capture, processing, transmission, receipt, execution, and display of all data associated with control and feedback of the air vehicle element. The following represent the types of controls. Manual – operator performs remote control of the UAV. 
• Semi-autonomous – operator performs some of the remote control of the UAV, system performs the rest (pre-determined prior to flight). 
• Autonomous – operator supervises system control of the UAV (pre-determined prior to flight and uploaded during flight). 
• Control switching – use of a multiplexer device provides a method to switch between different control methods (e.g., switch between manual and autonomous control). 
• Primary video data equipment (non-payload) – the capture, transmission, receipt, and display of visual data from the primary video sensor (non-payload), if applicable. 

NOTE: Primary video is typically used to operate the aircraft from an egocentric (i.e., first person view [FPV]) perspective 

• Remote sensing (primary payload sensor) equipment – the capture, storage or transmission and display of data from the primary payload sensor. 

Additional details concerning this element can be found in the UAS Command, Control, and Communications (C3) section. 

Support Equipment Element 

Support equipment represents those additional items required to assist in UAS operation and maintenance in the field. These can include but are not limited to the following: 

• Launch and recovery systems – components used to support the UAV to transition into flight or return the aircraft safely. 
• Flight line equipment – components used to start, align, calibrate, or maintain the UAS. Refueling/recharging system 
• Internal combustion engine starter 
• Transportation – used to deliver equipment to the operating environment. 
• Power generation – portable system capable of producing sufficient power to run the GCS and any additional support equipment; typically internal combustion using gasoline. 
• Operational enclosure – portable work area for the crew, computers, and other support gear. 

Operator Element 

The operator element represents the people required to operate and maintain the system. These roles will be dependent on the design of the system. These can include but are not limited to the following: 

• Pilot in command (PIC) 
• Secondary operator (co-pilot or spotter) 
• Payload/sensor operator 
• Sensor data post-processer specialist 
• Support/maintenance personnel 

NOTE: You will identify your crew based on your UAS design according to the provided mission requirements. For example, if the payload is configured to automatically detect over specific areas identified using GPS, a specific operator may not be necessary. However, the appropriate system design would need to be established to support such operations. 

The details concerning this element can be found in the UAS Personnel/Labor Guidelines section of this document. 

Challenge Details 

Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) have near-term potential for many civil and commercial uses. The 2025-2026 Dream with Us Design Challenge will focus on Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) and implementing UAS into the agriculture industry. This year’s mission is to develop an uncrewed aircraft system that will detect agricultural pests that affect your team’s geographical area and make a detrimental economic impact, and identify suspected affected areas and take plant samples in order to more effectively optimize crop production. The teams will identify, compare, analyze, demonstrate, and defend the most appropriate component combinations, system/subsystem design, operational methods. Engineering Technology concepts will apply to this challenge, including the application of science and engineering to support product improvement, industrial processes, and operational functions. In addition, a business case and a communications plan will be included to better support the challenge scenario. Through use of an inquiry-based learning approach with mentoring and coaching, student teams will have an opportunity to learn and apply the skills and general principles associated with the challenge in a highly interactive and experiential setting. Students will need to consider and demonstrate an understanding of the various Uncrewed Aircraft System elemental (subsystem) interactions, dependencies, and limitations (e.g., power available, duration, range of communications, functional achievement) as they relate to the operation, maintenance, and development to justify their proposed business case. 

To support the inquiry-based learning approach, each team will perform and document the following in an engineering design notebook: 

1) Task Analysis – analyze the mission/task to be performed 

2) Strategy and Design – determine the engineering design process, roles, theory of operation, design requirements, system design, integration testing, and design updates 

3) Costs – calculate costs and the anticipated capabilities associated with both design and operation 

Teams will work together with coaches and mentors to identify what is needed while pursuing the completion of this challenge. By connecting your own experience and interest, participants will have an opportunity to gain further insight into the application of design concepts, better understand the application of Uncrewed Aircraft System technology, and work collaboratively towards the completion of a common goal. 

Challenge 

This year’s challenge is to design Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), create a theory of operation, and develop a business and communication plan for the system based on the following scenario: 

Scenario:

Agricultural pests cost billions of dollars in losses across the globe every year. Besides losses through yield reductions and reduced quality, there are also the costs of using pesticides or other methods to mitigate the pests, particularly if pesticides are being used indiscriminately rather than strategically. The strategic use of uncrewed aircraft is making significant impacts in reducing the impact of agricultural pests. Properly implemented, agricultural output can be increased while also reducing resource use. In addition to food crops, pests can also have a large impact on other agricultural products such as trees. 

Your state government is interested in developing an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) that can help in the fight against an agricultural pest that has an economic impact in your state. The state government wants a UAS that can be used to detect signs of the pest(s), identify plants that have been potentially impacted by these pests, and also take samples from the infected plant(s). Your company has been asked to design a UAS that will be tested locally within the state to determine its feasibility and potential economic impact. 

Your company will select the specific pest(s) based on your local region. This pest selection and corresponding impacted plant(s) will determine many of the UAS design choices. The state government agency in charge of the program has created a set of design criteria outlined below. 

Overall Design: 

A single uncrewed aircraft that can detect signs of the pest infestation, plants potentially impacted, then take a sample of the impacted plant(s) for further analysis. The aircraft must have a communication range of at least 5 mi. The aircraft should maximize the amount of area it can cover in the least amount of time. 

Detection: 

Based on the selection of the local agricultural pest, the uncrewed aircraft must: 

• Detect signs of the pest(s). What sensors are required to do this from an uncrewed aircraft? 
• Transmit sensor data for further analysis at the ground station. 

Sampling:

Based on the selection of the local agricultural pest(s), the uncrewed aircraft must: 

• Take a relevant sample. What type of sample is needed (e.g., leaf, stem, bark, soil)? 
• Safely carry the sample to the ground station. 
• If more than one sample is gathered during the same flight, storage must limit cross-contamination. 

Ground Station:

• Operated by two (2) people.
  • One (1) to operate and monitor the aircraft. 
  • One (1) to monitor the sensor data, interpret the results, and determine if a sample is needed. 
• Include necessary equipment to operate and monitor the aircraft. 
• Include necessary equipment to receive sensor data and analyze sensor data. 
• Include equipment to collect and store samples for transportation. 

Transportation and Storage:

• Maximum of two (2) containers: one (1) for ground station equipment and one (1) for aircraft. 
• Each container can have maximum internal dimensions of 34×24×12.5 in. 
• Each container can have up to an additional 3 in. in each direction for the external dimensions to account for the container material and any external latches, handles, and wheels. 
• Each container can weigh up to 80 lb. including the weight of the container. 
• Any batteries and fuel can be stored separately for safety and are not counted as part of the two main containers. 

Safety: 

• Be able to fly safely among plants during detection and sampling. 
• Include a detect and avoid system to avoid collisions with stationary and moving objects such as the plants, birds, other aircraft, people, and other objects. 
• The level of autonomy is up to your company, but some level of semi-autonomous flight is expected to reduce pilot workload and help fly near the plants. 

Benchmark mission

To judge the effectiveness and efficiency of the design, the uncrewed aircraft must complete a specified benchmark detection and sampling mission. The time to complete the mission, the overall cost, and safety considerations will be factors in determining whether your company is awarded the contract. 

• Use the provided diagram for the benchmark mission:
  • The ground station is 3 mi from the test field. All samples must be returned to the ground station, and any required refueling or battery change/recharge must be performed at the ground station.
  • The elevation of the ground station must be relevant to your region. You can assume that there is no elevation change from the ground station to the test field.
  • The test field is 0.5 mi by 0.5 mi and contains the plant(s) that you selected based on the local agricultural pest(s). 
  • A single uncrewed aircraft must survey the entire field and return ten samples. Each sample location is provided in the diagram as an “X”. You can assume that the sample location is at the center of their respective square. 
  • The aircraft is not required to perform the full detection survey and sampling in a single flight. Reference the criteria that samples must be kept separate. 

Figure: Benchmark mission diagram. Business case: 

The business case will be structured similarly to a group applying for a work contract. Teams will create an operating budget for the operation of their aircraft and the associated system that supports the aircraft. The aircraft must complete the benchmark detection and sampling mission. The business case must detail both the fixed and variable costs and provide some of the logistical details on the personnel needed to operate the system. Contracts are being evaluated based on how well the mission is performed and how much it will cost. Teams should include the following details in their business plan: 

• Account for all costs: Teams will need to account for all the costs of operating the aircraft and system 
  • Fixed costs: Calculate the fixed costs. These include the cost of all the equipment needed to fly such as the aircraft, Command Communication equipment (command center, communication arrays, etc.), support equipment (any other things you might need to operate), etc. 
  • Variable costs: Calculate the variable costs to fly. For this challenge, it will include the operating costs needed to complete the benchmark mission. This will include the amount spent on fuel, charging batteries, replacement parts, and personnel. 
• Basic logistical details: In addition to a budget, teams should explain the roles of all personnel and how they will be used to accomplish their mission. Teams need to determine the tasks that need to be performed and what positions are being used to accomplish those tasks. 

Public Affairs/Communications plan: 

How are you able to make an argument to the agriculture industry that using UAS in their business is a good idea? Many within the agriculture industry have used specific technology for years and are unsure if there is a real need or benefit to adding UAS to their business. Your team will need to convince them that this is needed. 

In the communications plan, teams will compile information from the technical parts of the project, along with the business plan to help explain why it is important and cost-effective to utilize UAS in agriculture. The teams’ communication plans should have the following characteristics: 

• Audience and purpose:
  • Communications should be written for the appropriate audience, keeping in mind that some people in the agriculture industry may not have technical background in the areas needed to understand the project 
  • There should be a compelling reason(s) to use the proposed design. 
• Plan for communication:
  • In this section teams should come up with a plan to promote the use of UAS within their agricultural business. 
  • Include the type of information being shared, along with how that information will be shared (for example, via social media platforms, brochures, videos, infographics, etc. 
  • Explain how materials will be distributed and the audience(s). Keep in mind that you may need to get broader support from the general population. 

Approach

Each team will operate from the perspective of a small company that is seeking funding for the demonstration of a prototype system. The following steps are recommended in pursuit of a response to the challenge scenario: 

1. Consider all aspects and requirements of the challenge. 
2. Research local agricultural pests that have an economic impact. 
3. Perform background research on the topic, available tools and techniques for handling these pest(s), including any existing strategies. 
4. Develop a theory of operation that can be adapted as you learn more about the challenge. 
5. Create an initial design (conceptual design). 
6. Analyze the design and determine potential effectiveness and possible shortcomings (i.e., identify process[es] to validate and verify preliminary design and operation; determine detection efficiency, sampling efficiency, airframe efficiency, airframe cost, and business costs; include redesigns and revisions). 
7. Continue research and design (document detailed design, design decisions, lessons learned, recalculated variables; redesigns and analysis of those redesigns, as necessary). 

The successful proposal should include an estimate of the project’s budget as well as the potential cost savings, while striving to demonstrate and illustrate how the solution efficiently helps with pest detection and mitigation. 

It is strongly recommended that teams conduct their own research on the topic to answer the following questions to develop a challenge solution: 

• How can your design be a benefit to agriculture? 
• How does your design compare to existing designs or strategies? 
• What sensors are needed to gather the required environmental data? 
• What is required for safe flight? 
• What is required for the aircraft to detect and avoid obstacles? 
• What are the benefits or capabilities of adding UAS to crop production? 
• How are you addressing the mission requirements and how will the requirements affect your design? 

From a business perspective, you may also want to consider the various operational factors and design capabilities that may affect the cost. From the communications perspective, consider some of the potential challenges of convincing your audience for the need to add UAS to agriculture. 

Concept of Operations (CONOPS) 

A concept of operations (CONOPS) is used by many different organizations, and each has slightly different requirements. The basic purpose of a concept of operations is to describe the characteristics of a system from the viewpoint of a user of the system. It is used to communicate the characteristics to all stakeholders. Stakeholders include anyone who plays a part in its use. For this challenge, the CONOPS will be used to explain the operation of your system through the benchmark mission. A CONOPS should be clear, concise, and easy to understand. You can describe the operation through paragraphs, lists, and figures. 

The CONOPS section has multiple parts to consider. 

Preparation

Describe the characteristics of the system during the initial preparation prior to a mission. Some considerations for this section: 

• What steps are required to set up the ground control station and any other equipment? 
• What steps are required to prepare for the mission? 
• Who performs each step in the preparation? 
• Where do the steps take place? 
• What is required for a safety check of the aircraft and environment? 

Pest Detection

Describe the characteristics of the system during the initial preparation prior to a mission. Some considerations for this section: 

• What steps are required to set up the ground control station and any other equipment? 
• What steps are required to prepare for the mission? 
• Who performs each step in the preparation? 
• Where do the steps take place? 
• What is required for a safety check of the aircraft and environment? 

Sample Gathering

Describe the characteristics of the system during its flight to gather samples. Some considerations for this section: 

• How does the system determine that a sample is needed? 
• How does the aircraft gather a sample? 
• How is the sample stored on the aircraft?
• Can multiple samples be gathered in a single flight? 
• What communications are required during the process of gathering a sample? 
• What other communications are required during the flight?
• Between aircraft and operator(s)? Between aircraft? 

Post-Mission 

Describe the characteristics of the system at the end of a mission. Some considerations for this section: 

• What steps are required when the mission is complete? 
• What steps are required to store the aircraft? 
• What steps are required to store the ground control station and any other equipment? 
• Who performs each step? 
• Where do the steps take place? 

Mission Requirements

Part of the requirements for the UAS are focused on the ability to fly safely in the national airspace and near plants and possibly people. During the mission, there is the possibility that the uncrewed aircraft may be flying near other uncrewed aircraft and manned aircraft. Keep in mind there are specific guidelines in place about the prioritization of crewed and uncrewed flight and safety. There are many areas that organizations are currently working on in order to achieve safe uncrewed flight. A few of these areas will be focused on for this design. The following sections provide some additional information to aid in the UAS design. 

Since no pilot is onboard an uncrewed aircraft, tasks that are usually the responsibility of the pilot must be handled by some other means. Methods must be developed to pilot the aircraft, monitor the aircraft, communicate with air traffic control, and if necessary, watch for other aircraft, handle changes to the flight plan, and deal with emergencies. The following sections highlight some of these tasks. 

UAS Command, Control, and Communications (C3) 

There are many different levels of autonomy. A major decision for the team is determining the level of UAS autonomy since this decision will influence the needed avionics. The aircraft must be able to monitor itself and its environment. Some basic required measurements to do this include: 

• Measuring its airspeed 
• Measuring its orientation (roll, pitch, yaw) 
• Awareness of its location and flight direction 

Communications systems are very important with UAS. All communications systems come with some latency (a delay in communications) that can depend on the type of communication, power, and distance. Deciding on different communications systems need to include these time delays. Since communications is such a key factor, redundancy must be designed into the system. Your team will need to determine what methods will be the primary form of communications, which systems will be used as backup, and how much redundancy should be included. 

Part of the C3 system for a UAS is the ground control station. At the ground control station, the operator/controller can monitor the aircraft and can make command decisions if/when necessary. The ground control station may also be part of the detect-and-avoid system depending on where decisions are made. Having a communications system that can handle the necessary tasks is essential. 

Detect and Avoid (DAA) 

The purpose of a detect-and-avoid system (sometimes referred to as sense-and-avoid) on a UAS is to be able to sense objects that might pose a threat, detect if an object becomes a conflict (potential collision), and be able to avoid any obstacles. 

During flight, the uncrewed aircraft may be operating near manned aircraft. Safety of people in other aircraft are a priority. While flying, your aircraft and larger aircraft will have some type of transponder that provides location and airspeed. Aircraft with a transponder are known as cooperative obstacles. Your aircraft must be able to detect these cooperative obstacles and non-cooperative obstacles. These non-cooperative obstacles may be stationary (such as a building) or moving (such as aircraft without a transponder). There are multiple ways UAS may sense obstacles through sensors such as visual, IR, acoustic, radar, etc. Selection of these sensors will depend on their weight, field of view, and how objects are detected, and sometimes, dependent on budget. 

After an object is sensed, it must be determined if the object poses a threat to the aircraft and if there is the possibility of a collision. Aircraft typically have a defined boundary around the aircraft where its sensors can detect an obstacle and have time to make maneuvers to avoid a collision. Analyzing sensor information and determining if there is a threat can be done on the aircraft, off the aircraft at the ground control station, or a combination of both. The equipment selected for the C3 must be compatible with the method(s) selected for the DAA. 

The final step in the DAA is for the aircraft to make maneuvers to avoid a conflict when necessary. Similar to the analysis of sensor information, the commands to make these maneuvers may be completed on the aircraft, at the control station, or a combination of both. Note that some level of decision must be done on the aircraft in case there is not enough time to alert the aircraft operator. 

Lost Link Protocols 

To ensure public safety, protocols must be developed and used when there is a loss of communication with the UAS. Loss of communication may be partial or total, and loss of communication can occur with the UAS or with the ground control station. Whenever there is a loss of communication, any other aircraft in the area must be notified so that they may take any necessary actions (e.g., move away from the vicinity of the loss-of-communication aircraft). 

Page 15 

Multiple situations can result in a partial loss of communications. Some situations include the loss of the transponder signal from the aircraft (broadcasting), the loss of receiving transponder signals from other aircraft, or the aircraft switching to secondary communications (e.g., using satellite communication if radio frequency (RF) communication is loss). 

• When there is a partial loss of communications, define the actions that the aircraft and the operator/controller will do. Will there be attempts to regain missing communications? When will there be a decision for the aircraft to return to the originating airport or divert to another location, or land? 

A total loss of communication occurs when the ground control station cannot send information to or receive information from the UAS. Consider two situations with total loss of communication: transponder still working and transponder not working. 

• With total loss of communications, what will the aircraft do? Stay on current path or move to designated altitude/location? How long will the aircraft attempt to regain communication before it returns to the originating location or divert to another location? 

Background Information and References 

Safely flying UAS near other aircraft is an ongoing challenge. Below are a few sources of additional material on the subject. 

Background information from manned aviation that may be relevant to understanding UAS development: 

• https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook
• https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2022-06/risk_management_handbook_2A.pdf 

Background papers on UAS and Autonomous Operations: 

• NASA Regional Air Mobility report: 2021-04-20-RAM.pdf (nasa.gov) 
• A Systematic Approach to Developing Paths Towards Airborne Vehicle Autonomy: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20210019878/downloads/NASA-CR-20210019878final.pdf 
• Digital Flight operations https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20210025961 

Background on information related to plant pests: 

• Your state’s department of agriculture will have information about agricultural pests that have an economic impact in your state. 
• The agricultural departments/colleges at universities and colleges in your state will have information about local agricultural pests. 
• The U.S. Department of Agricultural tracks agricultural pests that have had large scale impacts in the USA. Some pests can be found on their Plant Pests and Diseases page: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-pests-diseases 

UAS Personnel/Labor Guidelines 

The costs of the system are not solely measured in terms of the cost to purchase individual components but are also reflective of the cost to operate and maintain the system. The following subsection provides some details for both personnel and labor areas. These areas will be based on your design and logistical plan, coupled with research regarding typical time needed to perform such activities and guidance from your industry mentors to estimate time required to perform necessary actions to complete the mission. Use this experience to better understand what roles would be required, at a minimum, to create your design from conception to final delivery. 

NOTE: Not all personnel and labor areas may be necessary. Some personnel may take on more than one role. If a person performs more than one job, that person must be paid the higher amount (if applicable) for all of their time. Also keep in mind that oftentimes operations and missions may take longer than anticipated so estimating personnel costs can be more than anticipated, rarely less. 

Operational and Support Personnel 

Any UAS performing remote sensing require a variety of roles to be fulfilled by personnel on the ground to ensure safe and successful completion of the mission. Different aircraft and application types will require different roles and different numbers of ground support personnel. For the purposes of this competition, a basic minimum ground support personnel configuration can be assumed. Make sure to account for an extra hour to address time that personnel work prior to preparation and post-mission. The typical roles are outlined as follows: 

NOTE: Full‐time Equivalent (FTE) is used to indicate one person assigned full‐time to the designated role. For this competition, fractional FTEs will not be allowed. For operational cost calculation purposes, fractions of an hour should be rounded up to the next highest hour. Costs are not dependent on individual salaries but are instead tied to the value a company assigns to the role when their services are quantified and passed on to an external customer. 

The term “fully loaded” refers to any and all costs for this person’s time. 

1. Payload Operator [$35/hr. fully loaded cost per 1.0 FTE]: This person is required when payload data is telemetered from the aircraft or requires manual operation during task execution. This person will typically sit at a ground station, interacting with a graphical user interface (GUI) for the purpose of controlling the payload operations in real‐time. If the payload is cargo, this position may involve overseeing the loading of the cargo containers, making sure they are safely secured, and overseeing the unloading of the containers. 
2. Range Safety/Aircraft Launch & Recovery/Maintenance [$35/hr. fully loaded cost per 1.0 FTE]: This individual can be assigned multiple non‐concurrent roles and is typically a highly qualified technician. Range safety includes ensuring frequency de‐confliction prior to and during the mission as well as airspace de‐confliction. This individual will be trained in the use and operation of a spectrum analyzer to ensure that the communications and aircraft operations frequencies are not conflicting with other potential operations in the area. This individual will also monitor air traffic channels to ensure that the airspace remains free during the task. This individual will be responsible for coordinating with the air traffic management personnel in advance of the operation to ensure that the appropriate airspace restrictions are communicated to piloted aircraft operating in the area. This individual may also be responsible for aircraft launch and recovery operations as well as any required maintenance (e.g., refueling or repairs) in between flights. 
3. Launch and Recovery Assistants/Package Handlers [$15/hr. fully loaded cost per 1.0 FTE]: In the case of some unmanned aircraft, one or two assistants may be required to help position the aircraft for takeoff and recover after landing. This person can also be used for refueling and reloading of packages. 
4. Operational Pilot [$35/hr. fully loaded cost per 1.0 FTE]: The operational pilot is ultimately the pilot responsible for the safe flight of the aircraft, including any pre-flight checks on the aircraft. In the case of autonomous or semi‐ autonomous operations, the operational pilot is responsible for monitoring aircraft state (attitude, altitude, and location) to adjusting aircraft flight path as required for success of the application task. The pilot will typically spend most of the operation looking at a screen at the ground control station monitoring the telemetry from the aircraft’s on‐board flight control computer and adjusting the aircraft’s programming as necessary. 
5. Data Analyst [$50/hr. fully loaded cost per 1.0 FTE]: This person is required when payload sensor data from the unmanned aircraft cannot be processed in real-time. This role can be a requirement for telemetered data where real-time search algorithms are not available at the ground station. This role is also a requirement when sensor data is recorded on board the aircraft for download and analysis upon aircraft recovery (i.e., no data telemetry). This role may or may not be required, depending on the sensor payload selection. 

Business Case Guidelines

This year’s business case is to calculate the cost to complete the benchmark mission. The cost in combination with the effectiveness and efficiency of the design will determine the company that wins the contract to further develop their system within their state. Only fixed costs and variable costs to complete the benchmark mission will be considered for this proposal. 

The following is an elaboration of the five key components of a business case that will assist you in being successful in your proposal. Think of following key components of a business case to help you develop your business case section: 

1. Provides the rationale for proposed budget 
2. Explains how the project will complete the required objectives effectively 
3. Outlines the overall feasibility and risks 
4. Explains why the proposed solution/ budget is the best choice for the contract 
5. Provides the overall scope, timeframe, and budget plan 

Cost Analysis 

Teams will conduct an analysis of their costs to determine how much it really costs to fly. While knowing how much it will cost to fly would allow your company to determine the lowest price they can charge customers, any additional costs in order to be profitable will not be considered in this year’s challenge. Costs are a factor in deciding if the design is a viable solution. 

Costs are divided into two categories: variable or operating costs, and fixed costs. Operating costs include items such as the cost of fuel and the cost of the personnel needed to fly. Fixed costs are also known as equipment and supply costs. These include equipment costs such as tools, communications equipment, etc. Below are more details on each of these types of cost and how to calculate them: 

Operating Costs (Variable Costs) 

Operating costs include the cost of the personnel required for flights and supporting the system, the cost of the fuel for flying, and any materials needed for repairs. While there will only be one line item for all operating costs in the budget summary it will still be important that you document the following areas in your notebooks: 

1. Understand how many flights are conducted to complete the mission. 
2. The cost to conduct each flight, including how you determined that cost. Make sure to include a breakdown of your total variable costs for personnel, fuel, and room for repair materials. 

Calculating Operating Costs 

Calculating the operating costs can be determined by first calculating the number of flights to complete the benchmark mission. Next, teams will need to determine how much each flight will cost to perform. This cost requires knowing the amount of time of each flight, the necessary personnel, the personnel payrates, the cost of fuel (if applicable), and any materials that will be available to make repairs. Teams must also determine the amount of time required for preparation and post-mission. Below are formulas for calculating both the operating cost for the day and the operating cost: 

Operating Costs for the Mission = Cost of Personnel* + Cost of Fuel** (+ any potential repair costs) 

*Cost of Personnel is the total costs for all personnel required to fly, reload, refuel, repair the UAV during the mission. This cost also includes the personnel cost during the time to complete the preparation and post-mission. Assume that the people working are paid for the entire time on site regardless of whether they are actively completing a task or not. If personnel leave early explain why their presence is not required to complete the remaining tasks during the rest of the mission. Personnel may not leave and then come back in order to reduce costs. 

**This will depend on what fuel the aircraft consumes, the rate at which fuel is consumed while flying, and the number of flights throughout the day. 

Fixed Costs (Equipment and Supply Cost)

Fixed costs include any equipment and support equipment you need to perform the mission. There should be a breakdown of the fixed costs into the following categories, giving the total cost of all parts in each area as well as the total for the fixed costs: 

Airframe Costs

Includes the engine and any component of the aircraft other than communication equipment and sensors. 

Payload – Pest Detection Costs 

Cost of all components related to the equipment/sensors used for pest detection. 

Payload – Sample Gathering Costs 

Cost of all components related to the equipment used for sample gathering. 

Command, Control, and Communication Costs (C3) 

Costs include any equipment on the ground or on the UAV. Included are the costs of the equipment/sensors required for the DAA. 

Support Equipment Costs 

Includes any additional equipment required for the system. 

Calculating Fixed Costs 

To calculate fixed costs you must add up the costs of all components of your aircraft. 

Fixed costs = Air Frame Costs + Payload Pest Detection Costs + Payload Sample Gathering Costs + Command, Control, and Communications (C3) Costs + Support Equipment Costs 

Logistical Details

As you put together the plan for the mission, make sure that you use the personnel needed to accomplish the mission. It will be important to have enough people to fulfill all of the roles your plan requires. When choosing what jobs are needed, make sure to use the guidelines in the personnel section of the detailed background. In addition, you will need to justify that there are enough people for each role, that someone is not doing a role they cannot perform (e.g., a package handler piloting an aircraft), or that someone is not performing two (2) roles at the same time. Some personnel can perform multiple roles; however, make sure you pay them for the more expensive position the entire time and they are not forced to perform two (2) tasks at the same time. 

Feasibility and Risk 

Can your system perform how you say it will when completing these objectives? Are you adequately accounting for safety to meet the mission requirements? Are you able to perform the tasks better/more profitably? Have you adequately accounted for the mission requirements so your aircraft can operate safely? Before attempting to convince the client that your team is capable of developing and launching this plan, you must be convinced yourself. It is at this stage of developing the plan and the business case that experience counts. If you are not certain of the risks or of your own capability, do not neglect to reach out to subject matter experts. Risks can get in the way of successfully completing the mission objectives while meeting the mission requirements. Be sure to intensively brainstorm possible risks. You do not want to leave something out of your business case or be asked something by a reviewer—and are unable to give an answer. 

Public Affairs/Communications Plan  Public Relations Strategy Template 

For the Dream with Us 2025-2026 challenge, your team is asked to develop a set of materials to make the case to support the utilization of UAS to identify potential pests that are affecting crops, including collecting plant samples to test for disease or damage. Materials can include the following from the Public Relations Strategy Template (note: a different format can be used if desired): 

Title  Background or Overview 

• Provide background for the strategy (such as a short summary of the design challenge and why it matters), along with a brief summary of your public relations strategy. 

Purpose 

• Briefly explain why a public relations strategy is important in this situation. What challenges, beyond the technical challenges themselves, can make it difficult to get support? 

Audience and Intended Outcome 

• Could include primary and secondary audiences, if applicable (Include an outcome for each audience: why are you connecting with them? What do you want to happen because of their involvement?) 

Key Messages 

• What are the main points you are trying to make? This section can be bullet points, it does not need to be formal 

Key Dates 

• To-Do List, Due Dates, and Person(s) responsible for action item(s) 

Team Members, Roles, and Contact Info.  Products to be Created 

• Include samples in this section
  • Product and format (Is this an image? A social media post? A poster? Presentation? Include all items here)

Distribution Plan 

• How will products and messaging go out to the audiences specified? For example, will social media be used? If so, which ones and what is the timing? What other methods will be used? 

Other Items of Note 

Is there anything your team should be aware of? Upcoming current events that could influence the outcome? Other considerations? 

Audience and Messaging

When developing a Public Relations Strategy Document the key is to have a well-written strategy document is that it is: 

• An internal planning document (this is not something shared with the public) 
• The provided template contains the following sections (note: teams may choose to use a different format, but the same basic elements should be included)
  • Contains the products or a description of products that will be shared with the public 
  • Products should be appropriate for the intended audience. Make sure to think of the following elements 
  • Communications goal 
  • Methods of communication how will that method(s) impact your messaging 
  • The tone you want to use and how the tone will affect the message being given 

Creating Sample Media Products 

Teams will have to develop a sample of the communications materials that will be used in their overall communications plan. There may be a variety of types of media used depending on the plan developed by the team. When developing materials, it is important to think of the following: 

• How information included was chosen 
• Why the design is an important tool and benefit for the agriculture industry 
• How the information is organized 
• What kind of information was not included and why 

Keep in mind while developing the communication materials that not everyone seeing this going to have a technical background. However, they will likely be the ones to decide whether to pay for the UAS. It will be important to show the value of your design in the communication materials produced. The communications materials allow teams to show their work to a target audience. Teams can determine what materials they would like to develop depending on their strategy. Below are examples of communications materials that can be developed. There is no set number of sample materials that need to be created but should be enough to show the team’s communications strategy and talents (Note that these are possible options however there may be additional methods of communication not listed). 

Infographics 

Infographics are a method for communicating a lot of information using images words and numbers in an easier to understand way. They are used to graphically describe an often complicated concept. They are used to convey a large volume of information in a small space. There are many ways to organize information into an infographic depending on what needs to be communicated and the complexity behind the information. Ideally the infographic alone should be able to clearly convey enough information that a reader will be able to absorb the information in a relatively short period of time. 

Below are several examples of infographics used by NASA for different projects: 

Social Media Posts 

Social media posts are a great way to get messages to a large group of people. However, some of the options limit how much you can share. For social media communications it will be important that you can effectively communicate your message briefly while capturing key information, keeping in mind the specific audience that will engage with that specific social media platform. Social media posts should also be engaging so viewers of the content pay attention to what is being communicated. 

Some examples of these use some text and/or images to both convey the message and to engage their audience: 

Source NASA on X Press Releases 

Press releases are used to create awareness of a certain topic area to a target audience. They should be concise, factual, and easy to be covered by other media. They are used for a variety of purposes such as: 

• Announcing news 
• Communicating organizational changes 
• Building relations 
• Responding to a crisis 

It is important for a press release to communicate “Who, What, When, Where, Why.” Try to keep Press Releases short, about no more than a page in length. Keep in mind that press releases are usually used when something noteworthy is happening (not just an informational piece) so consider why this press release is being written—what is happening? 

Work on the Challenge

Ultimately you will need to prepare and submit an Engineering Design Notebook.

Teams of judges will evaluate your work based on what you submit in your Engineering Design Notebook. Your team should look through the Scoring Rubric and begin to do research to design a system to address the questions posed in the Scoring Rubric. The headings in the Scoring Rubric should be used as the headings in your Engineering Design Notebook. Fill in sections of the Engineering Design Notebook as you complete the work in each section. On the getting started section above, you will also find software, webinars, and a survey.

View Scoring Rubric

Important Dates and Deadlines

Registration Deadline: November 21, 2025

Notebooks Due: Date Coming Soon

PowerPoints Due: Date Coming Soon

Presentations: Date Coming Soon

Dream With Us: High School Engineering Challenge

Dream With Us

Facebook logo @NASA@NASAaero@NASAes @NASA@NASAaero@NASA_es Instagram logo @NASA@NASAaero@NASA_es Linkedin logo @NASA Explore More 12 min read 2025-2026 DWU: Middle School Aviation Challenge Article 3 days ago 3 min read NASA Launches 2026 Gateways to Blue Skies Competition Article 5 days ago 3 min read NASA, Partners Push Forward with Remotely Piloted Airspace Integration  Article 2 weeks ago Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASA

Missions

Aeronautics STEM

Aeronautics Innovation Challenges

Explore NASA’s History

Share

Details Last Updated Sep 26, 2025 EditorLillian GipsonContactJim Bankejim.banke@nasa.gov Related Terms

• Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate

12 min read

Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater) 2025-2026 DWU: Middle School Aviation Challenge Challenge Theme AgAir: Integrating UAS into the Agriculture Industry

The agricultural industry is an important part of life in the US and around the world by providing food, fuel, economic development, and more. It has been increasingly important to strategically improve the agricultural industry to continue to provide for communities. Agriculture faces many challenges such as production delays, pests and disease, weather and climate impacts, and financial sustainability of the agricultural industry itself. To battle these challenges, the agriculture industry must adapt and grow innovatively by embracing new technology to become more resilient and more efficient.    

NASA’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) focuses on integrating drones into the US national airspace system (NAS), with a focus on creating a system that is accessible, safe, and affordable. These smaller aircraft such as cargo-carrying drones and passenger-carrying air taxis will have the capability to serve often hard-to-reach urban and rural locations. The ACERO project is one of NASA’s missions researching the use of this technology to help emergency personnel respond to wildland fire disasters. With more and more aircraft including UAVs in the air, NASA’s Aircraft Operations and Safety Program (AOSP) research is vital to keeping airspace safe for everything in it and on the ground like people, livestock, and agriculture. 

The 2025/2026 Dream with Us Design Challenge is asking for your help with ideas about Integrating UAS into the Agriculture Industry. Student teams will focus on how to incorporate uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and drone technologies to make improvements in agricultural areas such as crop monitoring, production, resilience to pests and disease, weather, harvest, and other areas important to the agriculture industry and the participant.  

Challenge Description 

Middle school student teams of 2-4 members will create a new design or improve current capabilities of uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) to improve areas of agriculture. Designs are conceptual and do not need to be created with any type of technical software, although it can be used if desired. Uses for the type of drone created can include:  

• monitor the health of crops and take samples 

• improve crop production 

• improve harvest capabilities 

• help agricultural resilience against climate and weather changes 

• or other areas important to agriculture or familiar to the participants. 

Build a presentation for a team of NASA experts that:

1. showcases the drone design, and
2. explains why the drone is needed, specific to your region or specific agricultural area, and
3. how the drone helps in one or multiple parts of the areas listed above.

In addition, each team will create a separate product to educate and inspire younger students. This project can be just about anything the team chooses, such as a video, a graphic novel, a poster—teams are only limited to what is shareable to judges and to team creativity! 

Teams will have access to STEM activities and resources that can be used to help create the project. Winning teams and their school will get the chance to meet a NASA expert to share how they contribute to current aeronautics challenges. Winning designs may also be shared on our social media platforms and more. 

Grade Eligibility

The middle school module is for students in grades 6 – 8. Students in grades 9 – 12 will use the high school module (for teams with both middle and high school-aged participants, teams will register as a high school team). See the Dream with Us main webpage for details. Optional, associated STEM activities for grades K – 12 that align with the theme will be available regardless of design challenge participation. 

Dates

Submissions for the Dream with Us: Middle School Aviation Challenge are accepted September 26 – December 31, 2025. Submission link: https://stemgateway.nasa.gov/s/course-offering/a0BSJ000004CSHZ/20252026-dream-with-us-design-challenge-middle-school-aviation-challenge. Winners will first be announced during a virtual awards reception (date TBD) then shared on social media and the Dream with Us design challenge webpage after the reception.

Challenge Rules

The 2025/2026 Dream with Us Design Challenge for middle and high school students opens September 26, 2025. The submission period for middle school entrants begins September 26, 2025, and concludes on December 31, 2025, at 11:59 pm ET. Schools, organizations, and community groups should communicate to parents and guardians that submissions are limited to one entry per team and team registration requires someone over the age of 13 to create the account (adult team sponsors may create the registration on the team’s behalf if desired). Entries must be submitted through the submission link on the Dream with Us Design Challenge webpage: https://www.nasa.gov/dream-with-us/. Signed permission forms from parents or legal guardians are required for all participants that agree to the terms and requirements listed below and on the submission form. 

Eligibility

The middle school challenge is open to all children in grades 6 – 8 who are attending public, private, parochial, and home schools in the United States of America and children of U.S. military members stationed overseas. There will be two separate judging categories: the middle school module is for participants in grades 6 – 8 and the high school module is for participants in grades 9 – 12. See the Dream with Us design challenge webpage for more information about the high school module. 

Requirements

• All submissions must be the original work of the students. 
• Students must be currently enrolled in grades 6 – 8 for the middle school module.
• Students must be currently enrolled in grades 9 – 12 for the high school module.
• The challenge is limited to one entry per team.
• Teams must include 2 – 4 student members for the middle school module.
• Signed submission forms must be completed by parents or legal guardians for each participant.
• Challenge submission presentations may include any of the following:
  • PowerPoint-type presentation 
  • Typed, written plan 
  • Video 
  • Brochure 
  • Flyer 
  • Infographic 
  • Commercial 
  • Website 
  • Other 

*Please note that any videos, commercials, websites, or similar will require you to provide a link to us; be sure we are able to access those links to accurately judge the project. 

Regardless of how else you choose to communicate your idea; you must also include a PowerPoint-type presentation that details how your drone improves the agricultural industry AND a project to share this message with younger kids. 

Presentation Requirements 

Every presentation will have two judging categories: technical and creative. Both categories must be included for consideration. The presentation must include the following information: 

1. Technical Category
   • Which area of the agricultural industry have you chosen to address? 
     • Why did you choose this area? Why is it important to you? 
     • Why is there a need for this type of drone to this particular area of agriculture? 
   • Details of how your drone helps this area of agriculture. 
   • Details about your drone 
     • Image or drawing of the drone 
     • Specifications and labeled parts of the drone 
     • How is it new or an improvement to current systems and/or technologies? Compare dream design to current designs. 
   • Can this drone help with other areas of agriculture?
     • If yes, explain how. 
     • If no, explain why not. 
2. Creative Category
   • Create a project that will teach elementary-aged kids about the agriculture industry and why drones can be useful.  
     • The activity must include the following information: 
       1.  Tell kids what your drone does. 
       2. How it helps the agriculture industry? 
       3. Why this is important? 
3. Images or artwork 
   • Submitted as a high-resolution image of original artwork.
   • Submitted in .jpg or .png format (minimum of 2,400 pixel on the longest edge).
4. BONUS It is optional to include the following information in your presentation.
   • Explain synergistic technologies (team and work relationships – advantages and disadvantages).

Submitting Entries

All middle school entries will be submitted through the NASA Gateway link found here and on the Dream with Us Design Challenge webpage. All entries must include the following: 

1. Signed permission form completed by parent or legal guardian of each student.  
2. Brief description with a title of your project, the first and last name of each team member, sponsor name, and an explanation of what the UAS does to benefit the agriculture industry. Must not exceed 250 words. 
3. Written work and presentation must be submitted in a PDF format. PDFs are limited to 10 MB. 
4. Artwork must be submitted as high-resolution images of the original artwork in .jpg or .png format (minimum of 2,400 pixels on the longest edge). 
5. Any included videos must be uploaded to YouTube with a “watch URL” link to be shared in your project presentation or in the brief description. 

Judging & Criteria 

Entries will be evaluated based on impact, practicality, originality, and how well the idea is communicated. Contest officials will then select the top submissions to a finalist panel. Those judges will make award selections based on the above-mentioned criteria to determine which projects will be recognized. 

Recognition 

All participants will receive a code that allows them to earn an “endorsement stamp” in the NASA Aeronautics Flight Log, which is available at https://www3.nasa.gov/flightlog/. In addition, select projects will be chosen to be highlighted and showcased through NASA social media, on our website, and in other locations as appropriate. Certificates and other recognition for select projects will also be made available. The selected project creators will be contacted individually using the email provided during registration and winners will be publicly announced on the Dream with Us Design Challenge webpage no later than March 1st, 2026. Thank you for participating in the 2025 Dream with Us Design Challenge! 

Challenge Topic Descriptions  Types of Agricultural Components  

Agriculture is the practice of farming to cultivate soil for crops and land to grow food and support livestock. https://science.nasa.gov/earth/explore/agriculture/   

• Production  
  • Growing crops and raising livestock to produce products for human consumption  
  • https://www.earthdata.nasa.gov/topics/human-dimensions/agriculture-production  
• Efficiency  
  • To maximize agricultural output with fixed or limited amount of resources 
  • https://earth.gsfc.nasa.gov/acd/campaigns/farmflux   
• Resilience  
  • The ability to adapt and recover from stress caused by weather, climate, or other natural occurrences.  
  • https://www.earthdata.nasa.gov/learn/data-in-action/using-nasa-data-improve-climate-resilience-agriculture  
• Sustainability  
  • The ability to produce products long-term with minimal impact to the environment and conservation of natural resources. 
  • https://www.nasaacres.org/  
• Monitoring 
  • The use of technology to track the health and growth of agricultural areas to maintain production or address areas of concern 
  • https://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/ 
• Etc. (others that directly affect the entrant) 

Types of Drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

A drone is an uncrewed/unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) used to perform jobs with a drone pilot using a remote control, semi-autonomously or autonomously. Small drones can be used for observation, mapping, or package delivery, while larger air taxis will have the capability to transport people. Uncrewed/unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) is the term that emphasizes drones as a system and not just the vehicle. For more information about uncrewed/unmanned aircraft systems, head to https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20170011510/downloads/20170011510.pdf. 

• Multicopters 
  • Small UAV that uses multiple propellers to fly. Using Newton’s 3rd law: the propellers action pushes air downward causing an upward force (lift) reaction against gravity causing the quadcopter to move up. The number of propellers names the copter: 4 propellers = Quadcopter, 6 propellers = Hexacopter, and so on.
  • https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/aam-science-behind-quadcopters-reader-student-guide_0.pdf?emrc=8caa02 
• Rotorcraft 
  • Aircraft that uses one or more rotary wing to generate lift.
  • https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/uas-appendix.pdf?emrc=60b6fb
• Sm/Med/Lg Fixed Wing 
  • Familiar 3-segment design with longer endurance than Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) UAVs.
  • https://technology.nasa.gov/patent/LAR-TOPS-293
• Air taxi 
  • Larger VTOL aircraft that can carry people relatively short distances
  • https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/armstrong/nasa-studies-human-pilots-to-advance-autonomous-air-taxis/
• Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) 
  • Autonomous vehicles used to carry people that rely on vertical take-off and landing capabilities.
  • https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/aam-air-taxi-design-challenge-educator-guide_0.pdf?emrc=c0b9bf 

Resources

• Advanced Air Mobility
• Airspace Operations and Safety Program
• System-Wide Safety Project
• Smart Skies
• NASA Spinoff
• How to Register Your Drone
• Remote Identification of Drones (“digital license plate”)
• Trust Certificate (any drones)
• NASA STEM Careers in Aeronautics
• The Quiet Crew
• Activities 
  • Package Delivery Drone Simulation 
  • Attack of the Drones
  • Air Taxi Design Challenge
  • Determining the Center of Gravity
  • The Science Behind Quadcopters
  • Flight Control Math 1 Graphing 
  • Flight Control Math 2 Using the Distance Formula 
  • Flight Control Math 3 Using Distance Formula & Speed Formulas 
  • Flight Control Math 4 Using the Pythagorean Theorem
  • Flight Control Math 5 Finding the Equation of a Line and the Point of Intersection for Two Lines
  • Drone Safety Poster Activity
  • Sensor Solutions 
  • Propelling the Payload with Electric Propulsion
  • Build an Anemometer
• Videos
  • Dream with Us video
  • What is AAM?
  • NASA Flight – What is AAM?
  • Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Playbook Video Series
  • NASA STEM Stars: Project Manager, Roberto Navarro (en español)
  • NASA STEM Stars: Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Michael J. Logan
  • How UAS Impacts the Future
  • NASA STEM Stars: Chief Pilot and Model Lab Operations Engineer, Robert “Red” Jensen
  • NASA STEM Stars: Principal Investigator of UAM Airspace Theory, David Zahn
  • NASA UTM: A Giant Leap for Air Transportation
  • Making Skies Safe for Unmanned Aircraft
• Literacy 
  • Red Jensen: UAS Technician
  • Maria Caballero: Consulting Engineer
  • What is Unmanned Aircraft Systems Traffic Management?
  • AAM Bookmark
  • NASA Tests Tools to Assess Drone Safety Over Cities
• For Educators 
  • Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) STEM Toolkit
  • Disasters Toolkit
  • NASA’s Eyes on Extreme Weather
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems
  • AAM STEM Learning Module
  • UAS Traffic Management (UTM) Project

Educator Professional Developments 

A Dream with Us virtual educator professional development webinar will be scheduled for October 2025 that will include details about the challenge and how to apply. Stay tuned for those dates to be released on the Dream with Us design challenge webpage. A separate session will also be scheduled for student teams, to help them better understand the challenge, learn the requirements for applying, and ask questions.

Questions 

If you have any additional questions, please reach out to the NASA Aeronautics STEM team at aeroSTEM@nasa.onmicrosoft.com. 

Dream with Us: Middle School Aviation Challenge

Dream with Us

Facebook logo @NASA@NASAaero@NASAes @NASA@NASAaero@NASA_es Instagram logo @NASA@NASAaero@NASA_es Linkedin logo @NASA Explore More 41 min read 2025-2026 DWU: High School Engineering Challenge Article 3 days ago 3 min read NASA Launches 2026 Gateways to Blue Skies Competition Article 5 days ago 3 min read NASA, Partners Push Forward with Remotely Piloted Airspace Integration  Article 2 weeks ago Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASA

Missions

Aeronautics STEM

Aeronautics Innovation Challenges

Explore NASA’s History

Share

Details Last Updated Sep 26, 2025 EditorLillian GipsonContactJim Bankejim.banke@nasa.gov Related Terms

• Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate

NASA/Tim Kopra

Golden sunglint highlights Lake Balkhash in this May 31, 2016, photo taken from the International Space Station. The large lake in Kazakhstan is one of the largest lakes in Asia and is the 15th largest lake in the world.

Since the space station became operational in November 2000, crew members have produced hundreds of thousands of images of the land, oceans, and atmosphere of Earth, and even of the Moon through Crew Earth Observations. Their photographs of Earth record how the planet changes over time due to human activity and natural events. This allows scientists to monitor disasters and direct response on the ground and study a number of phenomena, from the movement of glaciers to urban wildlife.

In addition, other activity aboard the space station helps inform long-duration missions like Artemis and future human expeditions to Mars.

Image credit: NASA/Tim Kopra

2 min read

Join NASA on Oct. 4 in Looking Up, Celebrating Moon A view of the Moon through the clouds in a photo taken in Italy during the 2024 International Observe the Moon Night.Copyright Astrofili Ceriana, used with permission.

Join observers from around the world on Saturday, Oct. 4, for NASA’s International Observe the Moon Night. This annual event offers an opportunity for earthlings to celebrate the inspiring bond between Earth and the Moon, and, this year, to share in the excitement of NASA’s preparations for Artemis II. Launching in early 2026, the mission will send four astronauts on a nearly 10-day flight past the Moon and back.

On Saturday, the Moon will be in a waxing gibbous phase, with most of its face lit up by the Sun. Given these lighting conditions, viewers will be able to see many interesting sites with the unaided eye, binoculars, or telescopes — depending on local weather. Moon observers will see large, dark patches on the Moon called “maria,” or “seas” in Latin. Thought to be seas of water for much of recorded human history, maria are large, flat plains of solidified ancient lava. This lava erupted from now-inactive volcanoes possibly for billions of years, starting about 4.4 billion years ago when the Moon formed.

Researchers at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station view the Moon through a 12-inch telescope during the 2024 International Observe the Moon Night.Copyright Connor Duffy, used with permission

Depending on the type of viewing equipment used, some observers will be able to see geologic features such as craters, volcanic domes, and bright swirls on the surface thought to have formed in areas of local magnetic fields. This interactive map, designed specifically for the Moon’s phase on Oct. 4, highlights areas of interest and offers tips for viewing.

From backyard viewing, to lunar art projects, to touching your way around the Moon’s surface through 3D prints, there are many ways to participate in International Observe the Moon Night, which drew an estimated 1.3 million participants from 127 countries in 2024.

Observers in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, wait their turn to peek at the Moon through a telescope during the 2023 International Observe the Moon Night.Copyright Nguyen Thi Kha Ly, used with permission

Join the global community:

• Register your event, or yourself, and get added to the map of observers.

• Attend an event near you, or host an event in your community.
• Check out a NASA video compilation, available on Oct. 4, to learn about Moon science and exploration plans and to hear from global Moon fans, including NASA astronauts.
• Connect online to share your experience using the hashtag #ObserveTheMoon.
• Learn about NASA’s Artemis II mission.

Media Contact:

Alise Fisher / Molly Wasser
Headquarters, Washington
202-617-4977 / 240-419-1732
alise.m.fisher@nasa.gov / molly.l.wasser@nasa.gov

Lonnie Shekhtman
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
301-286-8955
lonnie.shekhtman@nasa.gov

About the AuthorNASA Science Editorial Team

Share

Details Last Updated Sep 26, 2025 Related Terms

• Earth’s Moon
• Artemis
• Artemis 2
• Goddard Space Flight Center
• Missions
• NASA Centers & Facilities
• NASA Directorates
• Planetary Science Division
• Science Mission Directorate
• Skywatching
• The Solar System

Explore More 2 min read Hubble Captures Puzzling Galaxy Article 5 hours ago 4 min read NASA Aircraft Coordinate Science Flights to Measure Air Quality Article 2 days ago 6 min read NASA Data Powers New Tool to Protect Water Supply After Fires

When wildfires scorch a landscape, the flames are just the beginning. NASA is helping U.S.…

Article 2 days ago Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASA

Missions

Humans in Space

Climate Change

Solar System

3 Min Read I Am Artemis: Diamond St. John Diamond St. John, engineer on the Orion Program with Lockheed Martin, holds one of the heat shield tiles that will protect astronauts as they return to Earth after exploring the lunar surface on the Artemis III mission. Credits: NASA/Rad Sinyak

Listen to this audio excerpt from Diamond St. John, engineer working on the Artemis III heat shield for the Orion Program at Lockheed Martin:

0:00 / 0:00

Your browser does not support the audio element.

For four-generations, Diamond St. John’s family has been supporting human spaceflight at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Now, she’s continuing the family legacy that reaches back to Apollo —helping return humanity to the Moon with the agency’s Artemis campaign.

St. John is an engineer with Lockheed Martin supporting Orion, NASA’s spacecraft built to carry crew to the Moon and return them safely to Earth on Artemis missions. She specializes in the production of Orion’s heat shield at Lockheed’s Spacecraft, Test, Assembly and Resource Center, in Titusville, Florida. As one of the most important elements of the spacecraft, the heat shield is responsible for protecting the astronauts from the nearly 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit temperatures as they re-enter Earth’s atmosphere at the end of the mission.

From start to finish, St. John is responsible for establishing a production workflow for the Orion heat shield — the largest of its kind in the world — and ensures each step is executed in the correct order along the way.

Her team recognizes the criticality of their work and knows that their mission is to make sure astronauts come home safe. When it comes to quality of production, St. John embraces that mindset.

“We always want to make sure that we're doing things right. We have to slow down and make sure that our product is quality — because the slightest thing can be a make or break. We definitely want to make sure that our crew is safe.”

Diamond St. John

Engineer on the Orion Program with Lockheed Martin

St. John and her team are working on the Orion heat shield for the Artemis III mission that will land astronauts on the lunar surface. The team is in the process of bonding 186 tiles made of a material called Avcoat to the heat shield’s underlying structure. “Once we start bonding operations, we first sand the blocks, to make sure that we minimize any gaps between them. Then we get into bonding, and we fill the gaps, and we test. After that’s complete, we then paint and tape the heat shield.”

“Seeing a final product finished, it warms your heart. So, I’m looking forward to that finished heat shield and knowing that we put our heart and soul into it.”

Diamond St. John

Engineer on the Orion Program with Lockheed Martin

Though she is currently working on the heat shield for Artemis III, her journey with Orion began with the Artemis I spacecraft. St. John started on the clean room floor as a technician intern with subcontractor ASRC Federal. She then moved into a full-time role with the company for four years in quality inspection while earning her bachelor’s degree in engineering. After that, St. John joined Lockheed Martin as a manufacturing engineer.

“Everything has been Artemis from the beginning,” she said, in reflection of her career. “Knowing that my great grandparents worked on the Apollo missions — it’s cool to follow down that same path. I think they would be pretty proud.”


 

Diamond St. John, engineer on the Orion Program with Lockheed Martin, holds one of the heat shield tiles that will protect astronauts as they return to Earth after exploring the lunar surface on the Artemis III mission. NASA/Rad Sinyak Share

Details Last Updated Sep 26, 2025 Related Terms

• I Am Artemis
• Artemis
• Artemis 3
• Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle
• Orion Program

Explore More 3 min read Lunar Challenge Winner Tests Technology in NASA Thermal Vacuum Chamber Article 3 days ago 2 min read Join NASA on Oct. 4 in Looking Up, Celebrating Moon

Join observers from around the world on Saturday, Oct. 4, for NASA’s International Observe the…

Article 3 days ago 3 min read NASA Opens 2026 Human Lander Challenge for Life Support Systems, More Article 4 days ago Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASA

Missions

Humans in Space

Climate Change

Solar System

Explore Hubble

• Hubble Home
• Overview
• Impact & Benefits
• Science
• Observatory
• Team
• Multimedia
• News
• More

2 min read

Hubble Captures Puzzling Galaxy This NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image features the galaxy NGC 2775.ESA/Hubble & NASA, F. Belfiore, J. Lee and the PHANGS-HST Team

This NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image features a galaxy that’s hard to categorize. The galaxy in question is NGC 2775, which lies 67 million light-years away in the constellation Cancer (the Crab). NGC 2775 sports a smooth, featureless center that is devoid of gas, resembling an elliptical galaxy. It also has a dusty ring with patchy star clusters, like a spiral galaxy. Which is it: spiral or elliptical — or neither?

Because we can only view NGC 2775 from one angle, it’s difficult to say for sure. Some researchers classify NGC 2775 as a spiral galaxy because of its feathery ring of stars and dust, while others classify it as a lenticular galaxy. Lenticular galaxies have features common to both spiral and elliptical galaxies.

Astronomers aren’t certain of exactly how lenticular galaxies come to be, and they might form in a variety of ways. Lenticular galaxies might be spiral galaxies that merged with other galaxies, or that have mostly run out of star-forming gas and lost their prominent spiral arms. They also might have started out more like elliptical galaxies, then collected gas into a disk around them.

Some evidence suggests that NGC 2775 merged with other galaxies in the past. Invisible in this Hubble image, NGC 2775 has a tail of hydrogen gas that stretches almost 100,000 light-years around the galaxy. This faint tail could be the remnant of one or more galaxies that wandered too close to NGC 2775 before being stretched apart and absorbed. If NGC 2775 merged with other galaxies in the past, it could explain the galaxy’s strange appearance today.

Most astronomers classify NGC 2775 as a flocculent spiral galaxy. Flocculent spirals have poorly defined, discontinuous arms that are often described as “feathery” or as “tufts” of stars that loosely form spiral arms.

Hubble previously released an image of NGC 2775 in 2020. This new version adds observations of a specific wavelength of red light emitted by clouds of hydrogen gas surrounding massive young stars, visible as bright, pinkish clumps in the image. This additional wavelength of light helps astronomers better define where new stars are forming in the galaxy.

Facebook logo @NASAHubble @NASAHubble Instagram logo @NASAHubble

Media Contact:

Claire Andreoli (claire.andreoli@nasa.gov)
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD

Share

Details Last Updated Sep 26, 2025 EditorAndrea GianopoulosLocationNASA Goddard Space Flight Center Related Terms

• Astrophysics
• Astrophysics Division
• Elliptical Galaxies
• Galaxies
• Goddard Space Flight Center
• Hubble Space Telescope
• Spiral Galaxies
• The Universe

Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From Hubble Hubble Space Telescope

Since its 1990 launch, the Hubble Space Telescope has changed our fundamental understanding of the universe.

Hubble News

Hubble Science Highlights

Hubble Online Activities

4 min read

Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)

Recent airborne science flights to Greenland are improving NASA’s understanding of space weather by measuring radiation exposure to air travelers and validating global radiation maps used in flight path planning. This unique data also has value beyond the Earth as a celestial roadmap for using the same instrumentation to monitor radiation levels for travelers entering Mars’ atmosphere and for upcoming lunar exploration.

NASA’s Space Weather Aviation Radiation (SWXRAD) aircraft flight campaign took place August 25-28 and conducted two five-hour flights in Nuuk, Greenland. Based out of NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, the mission gathered dosimetry measurements, or the radiation dose level, to air travelers from cosmic radiation. Cosmic radiation is caused by high-energy particles from outer space that originate from our Sun during eruptive events like solar flares and from events farther away, like supernovae in our Milky Way galaxy and beyond.

Science team partners from Honeywell reviewing dosimeter data on board NASA’s B200 King Air during a flight over Nuuk, Greenland. NASA/Guillaume Gronoff

“With NASA spacecraft and astronauts exploring the Moon, Mars, and beyond, we support critical research to understand – and ultimately predict – the impacts of space weather across the solar system,” said Jamie Favors, director of NASA’s Space Weather Program at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “Though this project is focused on aviation applications on Earth, NAIRAS could be part of the next generation of tools supporting Artemis missions to the Moon and eventually human missions to Mars.”

Jamie Favors, NASA Space Weather Program director, and Chris Mertens, SWXRAD principal investigator, discussing a dosimeter at NASA’s Langley Research Center as specialized instruments are integrated onto NASA’s B200 King Air aircraft before deploying to Greenland.NASA/Mark Knopp

NASA’s Nowcast of Aerospace Ionizing Radiation System, or NAIRAS, is the modeling system being enhanced by the SWXRAD airborne science flights. The model features real-time global maps of the hazardous radiation in the atmosphere and creates exposure predictions for aircraft and spacecraft.

NASA’s B200 King Air on the runway in Goose Bay, Canada, a stop during the flight to Nuuk, Greenland.NASA/Guillaume Gronoff

“The radiation exposure is maximum at the poles and minimum at the equator because of the effect of Earth’s magnetic field. In the polar regions, the magnetic field lines are directed into or out of the Earth, so there’s no deflection or shielding by the fields of the radiation environment that you see everywhere else.” explained Chris Mertens, principal investigator of SWXRAD at NASA Langley. “Greenland is a region where the shielding of cosmic radiation by Earth’s magnetic field is zero.”

That means flight crews and travelers on polar flights from the U.S. to Asia or from the U.S. to Europe are exposed to higher levels of radiation.

Frozen and rocky terrain in the Polar region observed from above Nuuk, Greenland during NASA’s SWXRAD science flights.NASA/Guillaume Gronoff

The data gathered in Greenland will be compared to the NAIRAS modeling, which bases its computation on sources around the globe that include neutron monitors and instruments that measure solar wind parameters and the magnetic field along with spaceborne data from instruments like the NOAA GOES series of satellites.

“If the new data doesn’t agree, we have to go back and look at why that is,” said Mertens. “In the radiation environment, one of the biggest uncertainties is the effect of Earth’s magnetic field. So, this mission eliminates that variable in the model and enables us to concentrate on other areas, like characterizing the particles that are coming in from space into the atmosphere, and then the transport and interactions with the atmosphere.”

An aerial view of Nuuk, Greenland.NASA/Guillaume Gronoff

The SWXRAD science team flew aboard NASA’s B200 King Air with five researchers and crew members. In the coming months, the team will focus on measurement data quality checks, quantitative modeling comparisons, and a validation study between current NAIRAS data and the new aircraft dosimeter measurements.

All of this information is endeavoring to protect pilots and passengers on Earth from the health risks associated with radiation exposure while using NASA’s existing science capabilities to safely bring astronauts to the Moon and Mars.

Northern Lights, or auroras, seen over the city of Nuuk, Greenland. Auroras are considered space weather and are easily visible effects of activity from the Sun interacting with the magnetosphere and Earth’s atmosphere.NASA/Guillaume Gronoff

“Once you get to Mars and even the transit out to Mars, there would be times where we don’t have any data sets to really understand what the environment is out there,” said Favors. “So we’re starting to think about not only how do we get ready for those humans on Mars, but also what data do we need to bring with them? So we’re feeding this data into models exactly like NAIRAS. This model is thinking about Mars in the same way it’s thinking about Earth.”

The SWXRAD flight mission is funded through NASA’s Science Mission Directorate Heliophysics Division. NASA’s Space Weather Program Office is hosted at NASA Langley and facilitates researchers in the creation of new tools to predict space weather and to understand space weather effects on Earth’s infrastructure, technology, and society.

For more information on NASA Heliophysics and NAIRAS modeling visit:

NASA Space Weather

NASA’s Nowcast of Aerospace Ionizing Radiation System

About the AuthorCharles G. HatfieldScience Public Affairs Officer, NASA Langley Research Center

Share

Details Last Updated Sep 25, 2025 ContactCharles G. Hatfieldcharles.g.hatfield@nasa.gov Related Terms

• Langley Research Center
• B200
• General
• Goddard Space Flight Center
• Heliophysics
• Heliophysics Division
• Modeling
• NASA Aircraft
• Radiation
• Science & Research
• Science in the Air
• Science Mission Directorate
• Space Weather

Explore More 4 min read NASA Aircraft Coordinate Science Flights to Measure Air Quality

Magic is in the air. No wait… MAGEQ is in the air, featuring scientists from…

Article 1 day ago 6 min read NASA Data Powers New Tool to Protect Water Supply After Fires

When wildfires scorch a landscape, the flames are just the beginning. NASA is helping U.S.…

Article 1 day ago 1 min read Help Map the Moon’s Molten Flows!

When asteroids hit the Moon, the impacts carve out craters and with enough energy and…

Article 1 day ago

3 Min Read NASA Opens 2026 Human Lander Challenge for Life Support Systems, More

NASA’s 2026 Human Lander Challenge is seeking ideas from college and university students to help evolve and transform technologies for life support and environmental control systems. These systems are critical for sustainable, long-duration human spaceflight missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

The Human Lander Challenge supports NASA’s efforts to foster innovative solutions to a variety of areas for NASA’s long-duration human spaceflight plans at the Moon under the Artemis campaign. The Human Lander Challenge is sponsored by the Human Landing System Program within the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate.

The 2026 competition invites undergraduate and graduate-level teams based in the U.S., along with their faculty advisors, to develop innovative, systems-level solutions to improve aspects for a lander’s ECLSS (Environmental Control and Life Support System) performance. These air, water, and waste systems provide vital life support so future Artemis astronauts can live and work safely and effectively on the Moon during crewed missions.

Each proposed solution should focus on one of the following long-duration ECLSS subtopics:

• Noise suppression and control
• Sensor reduction in hardware health monitoring systems
• Potable water dispenser
• Fluid transfer between surface assets on the Moon and Mars

“A robust ECLSS transforms a spacecraft like a lander from just hardware into a livable environment, providing breathable air, clean water, and safe conditions for astronauts as they explore the Moon,” said Kevin Gutierrez, acting office manager for the Human Landing Systems Missions Systems Management Office at NASA Marshall. “Without ECLSS we can’t sustain human presence on the Moon or take the next steps toward Mars. The subtopics in the 2026 Human Lander Challenge reflect opportunities for students to support the future of human spaceflight.”

2026 Competition

Teams should submit a non-binding notice of intent by Monday, Oct. 20, if they intend to participate. Proposal packages are due March 4, 2026.

Based on proposal package evaluations in Phase 1, up to 12 finalist teams will be selected to receive a $9,000 stipend and advance to Phase 2 of the competition, which includes a final design review near NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, June 23-25, 2026. The top three placing teams from Phase 2 will share a total prize of $18,000.

Landers are in development by SpaceX and Blue Origin as transportation systems that will safely ferry astronauts from lunar orbit to the Moon’s surface and back for the agency’s Artemis campaign. NASA Marshall manages the Human Landing System Program.

The challenge is administered by the National Institute of Aerospace on behalf of the agency.

Through the agency’s Artemis campaign, NASA will send astronauts to explore the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build the foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars – for the benefit of all.

For more information on NASA’s Human Lander Challenge and how to participate, visit:

https://hulc.nianet.org/

Share

Details Last Updated Sep 25, 2025 EditorLee MohonContactCorinne M. Beckingercorinne.m.beckinger@nasa.govLocationMarshall Space Flight Center Related Terms

• Human Lander Challenge
• Artemis
• Human Landing System Program
• Humans in Space
• Marshall Space Flight Center

Explore More 2 min read NASA, Sierra Space Modify Commercial Resupply Services Contract Article 9 hours ago 5 min read From Supercomputers to Wind Tunnels: NASA’s Road to Artemis II Article 1 week ago 6 min read NASA’s Chandra Finds Black Hole With Tremendous Growth Article 1 week ago Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASA

Human Landing System

Artemis

Climate Change

Solar System

The Sierra Space Dream Chaser winged spacecraft is seen stacked atop its Shooting Star cargo module on the vibration table at NASA’s Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio, while undergoing testing to simulate launch and re-entry conditions.NASA

In 2016, NASA awarded a Commercial Resupply Services-2 contract to Sierra Space, formerly part of Sierra Nevada Corporation, to resupply the International Space Station with its Dream Chaser spaceplane and companion Shooting Star cargo module. As part of its contract, Sierra Space was awarded a minimum seven flights, and the agency previously issued firm-fixed price task orders for four Dream Chaser resupply missions based on the needs of the space station.

After a thorough evaluation, NASA and Sierra Space have mutually agreed to modify the contract as the company determined Dream Chaser development is best served by a free flight demonstration, targeted in late 2026. Sierra Space will continue providing insight to NASA into the development of Dream Chaser, including through the flight demonstration. NASA will provide minimal support through the remainder of the development and the flight demonstration. As part of the modification, NASA is no longer obligated for a specific number of resupply missions, however, the agency may order Dream Chaser resupply flights to the space station from Sierra Space following a successful free flight as part of its current contract. 

“Development of new space transportation systems is difficult and can take longer than what’s originally planned.  The ability to perform a flight demonstration can be a key enabler in a spacecraft’s development and readiness, as well as offering greater flexibility for NASA and Sierra Space,” said Dana Weigel, manager of NASA’s International Space Station Program. “As NASA and its partners look toward space station deorbit in 2030, this mutually agreed to decision enables testing and verification to continue on Dream Chaser, as well as demonstrating the capabilities of the spaceplane for future resupply missions in low Earth orbit.”

NASA, and its commercial and international partners, will continue to supply the orbital complex with critical science, supplies, and hardware as the agency prepares to transition to commercial space stations in low Earth orbit.   NASA continues to work with a variety of private companies to develop a competitive, space industrial base for cargo services, which will be needed for future commercial space stations. With a strong economy in low Earth orbit, NASA will be one of many customers of private industry as the agency explores the Moon under the Artemis campaign and Mars along with commercial and international partners.

NASA/Kim Shiflett

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Sept. 24, 2025, carrying three missions that will investigate the Sun’s influence across the solar system.

NASA’s IMAP (Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe), the agency’s Carruthers Geocorona Observatory, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Follow On–Lagrange 1 (SWFO-L1) spacecraft will each focus on different effects of the solar wind – the continuous stream of particles emitted by the Sun – and space weather – the changing conditions in space driven by the Sun – from their origins at the Sun to their farthest reaches billions of miles away at the edge of our solar system.

Image credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Captured on Aug. 21, this image from NISAR’s L-band radar shows Maine’s Mount Desert Island. Green indicates forest; magenta represents hard or regular surfaces, like bare ground and buildings. The magenta area on the island’s northeast end is the town of Bar Harbor. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

The NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) Earth-observing radar satellite’s first images of our planet’s surface are in, and they offer a glimpse of things to come as the joint mission between NASA and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) approaches full science operations later this year.

“Launched under President Trump in conjunction with India, NISAR’s first images are a testament to what can be achieved when we unite around a shared vision of innovation and discovery,” said acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy. “This is only the beginning. NASA will continue to build upon the incredible scientific advancements of the past and present as we pursue our goal to maintain our nation’s space dominance through Gold Standard Science.”

Images from the spacecraft, which was launched by ISRO on July 30, display the level of detail with which NISAR scans Earth to provide unique, actionable information to decision-makers in a diverse range of areas, including disaster response, infrastructure monitoring, and agricultural management.

“By understanding how our home planet works, we can produce models and analysis of how other planets in our solar system and beyond work as we prepare to send humanity on an epic journey back to the Moon and onward to Mars,” said NASA Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya. “The successful capture of these first images from NISAR is a remarkable example of how partnership and collaboration between two nations, on opposite sides of the world, can achieve great things together for the benefit of all.”

On Aug. 21, the satellite’s L-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system, which was provided by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, captured Mount Desert Island on the Maine coast. Dark areas represent water, while green areas are forest, and magenta areas are hard or regular surfaces, such as bare ground and buildings. The L-band radar system can resolve objects as small as 15 feet (5 meters), enabling the image to display narrow waterways cutting across the island, as well as the islets dotting the waters around it.

Then, on Aug. 23, the L-band SAR captured data of a portion of northeastern North Dakota straddling Grand Forks and Walsh counties. The image shows forests and wetlands on the banks of the Forest River passing through the center of the frame from west to east and farmland to the north and south. The dark agricultural plots show fallow fields, while the lighter colors represent the presence of pasture or crops, such as soybean and corn. Circular patterns indicate the use of center-pivot irrigation.

On Aug. 23, NISAR imaged land adjacent to northeastern North Dakota’s Forest River. Light-colored wetlands and forests line the river’s banks, while circular and rectangular plots throughout the image appear in shades that indicate the land may be pasture or cropland with corn or soy.Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

The images demonstrate how the L-band SAR can discern what type of land cover — low-lying vegetation, trees, and human structures — is present in each area. This capability is vital both for monitoring the gain and loss of forest and wetland ecosystems, as well as for tracking the progress of crops through growing seasons around the world.

“These initial images are just a preview of the hard-hitting science that NISAR will produce — data and insights that will enable scientists to study Earth’s changing land and ice surfaces in unprecedented detail while equipping decision-makers to respond to natural disasters and other challenges,” said Nicky Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “They are also a testament to the years of hard work of hundreds of scientists and engineers from both sides of the world to build an observatory with the most advanced radar system ever launched by NASA and ISRO.”

The L-band system uses a 10-inch (25-centimeter) wavelength that enables its signal to penetrate forest canopies and measure soil moisture and motion of ice surfaces and land down to fractions of an inch, which is a key measurement in understanding how the land surface moves before, during, and after earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides.

The preliminary L-band images are an example of what the mission team will be able to produce when the science phase begins in November. The satellite was raised into its operational 464-mile (747-kilometer) orbit in mid-September.

The NISAR mission also includes an S-band radar, provided by ISRO’s Space Applications Centre, that uses a 4-inch (10-centimeter) microwave signal that is more sensitive to small vegetation, making it effective at monitoring certain types of agriculture and grassland ecosystems.

The spacecraft is the first to carry both L- and S-band radars. The satellite will monitor Earth’s land and ice surfaces twice every 12 days, collecting data using the spacecraft’s drum-shaped antenna reflector, which measures 39 feet (12 meters) wide — the largest NASA has ever sent into space.

The NISAR mission is a partnership between NASA and ISRO spanning years of technical and programmatic collaboration. The successful launch and deployment of NISAR builds on a strong heritage of cooperation between the United States and India in space.

The Space Applications Centre provided the mission’s S-band SAR. The U R Rao Satellite Centre provided the spacecraft bus. The launch vehicle was provided by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, and launch services were through Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Key operations, including boom and radar antenna reflector deployment, are now being executed and monitored by the ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network’s global system of ground stations.

Managed by Caltech in Pasadena, NASA JPL leads the U.S. component of the project. In addition to the L-band SAR, reflector, and boom, JPL also provided the high-rate communication subsystem for science data, a solid-state data recorder, and payload data subsystem. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, manages the Near Space Network, which receives NISAR’s L-band data.

To learn more about NISAR, visit:

https://nisar.jpl.nasa.gov

-end-

Liz Vlock
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1600
elizabeth.a.vlock@nasa.gov

Andrew Wang / Jane J. Lee
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.
626-379-6874 / 818-354-0307
andrew.wang@jpl.nasa.gov / jane.j.lee@jpl.nasa.gov

Share

Details Last Updated Sep 25, 2025 LocationNASA Headquarters Related Terms

• NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar)
• Earth Science Division
• Goddard Space Flight Center
• Jet Propulsion Laboratory
• NASA Headquarters
• Science Mission Directorate

Explore This Section

1. Science
2. For Professionals
3. NASA & STEM Learning…

• Overview
• Learning Resources
• Science Activation Teams
• SME Map
• Opportunities
• More

 

2 min read

NASA & STEM Learning Ecosystems: Opportunities & Benefits for Everyone

STEM learning ecosystems are intentionally designed, community-wide partnerships that enable all Americans to actively participate in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) throughout their lifetimes. Lifelong STEM learning helps people build critical knowledge and skills, access economic opportunities, drive innovation, and make informed decisions in a changing world. STEM learning ecosystems draw on expertise and resources to provide access to these benefits for the entire community.

NASA’s Science Activation (SciAct) program, a competitively-selected network of collaborative projects that connect NASA science with people of all ages and backgrounds, includes new and growing STEM learning ecosystems in American communities from Alaska to Maine and creates free, high-quality resources that educators across the country can use to share the excitement of Earth and space science.

To further support connections among STEM learning ecosystems and NASA, the SciAct STEM Ecosystems project held a meeting in Saint Paul, Minnesota on August 4-6, 2025. Approximately 100 educators, evaluators, subject matter experts, and other STEM learning facilitators from around the nation participated to share approaches, learn about resources, and build relationships. The gathering offered an opportunity to connect NASA SciAct teams with each other and with external networks and learning ecosystems for mutual benefit.

Meeting goals included sharing ways to create effective partnerships and engage learners in Earth and space science, discovering NASA resources and assets to use in STEM education efforts, and strengthening connections among participants. To accomplish these goals, meeting activities included plenaries, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities.

Led by Arizona State University, the SciAct STEM Ecosystems project is a collaboration among several regional partnerships/SciAct project teams: Arctic and Earth SIGNs, Learning Ecosystems Northeast, Rural Activation and Innovation Network, and the Smoky Mountains STEM Collaborative. The project also partners with the National Informal STEM Education Network to create professional resources.

For those who were unable to attend in person, the STEM Ecosystems project makes a variety of resources available online: https://www.nisenet.org/stem-learning-ecosystems.

SciAct STEM Ecosystems is supported by NASA under cooperative agreement award number 80NSSC21M0007 and is part of NASA’s Science Activation Portfolio. Learn more about how Science Activation connects NASA science experts, real content, and experiences with community leaders to do science in ways that activate minds and promote deeper understanding of our world and beyond: https://science.nasa.gov/learn/about-science-activation/.

Meeting participants took advantage of opportunities to network and strengthen their relationships. Emily Maletz/NISE Network Share

• 
  
  
• 
  
  
• 
  
  
• 
  
  

Details

Last Updated

Sep 25, 2025

Editor NASA Science Editorial Team

Related Terms

• For Professionals
• Opportunities For Educators to Get Involved
• Science Activation

Explore More

3 min read Educators Incorporate Locally-Relevant NASA Earth Data to Build Data Literacy in the Classroom

Article


6 days ago

4 min read NASA Interns Apply NASA data to Real-World Problems to Advance Space Research and Aerospace Innovation

Article


1 week ago

5 min read Connecting Educators with NASA Data: Learning Ecosystems Northeast in Action

Article


1 week ago

Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASA

James Webb Space Telescope

Webb is the premier observatory of the next decade, serving thousands of astronomers worldwide. It studies every phase in the…

Perseverance Rover

This rover and its aerial sidekick were assigned to study the geology of Mars and seek signs of ancient microbial…

Parker Solar Probe

On a mission to “touch the Sun,” NASA’s Parker Solar Probe became the first spacecraft to fly through the corona…

Juno

NASA’s Juno spacecraft entered orbit around Jupiter in 2016, the first explorer to peer below the planet’s dense clouds to…

NASA astronaut Chris Williams poses for an official portrait at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.Credit: NASA

NASA will host a news conference at 2 p.m. EDT Wednesday, Oct. 1, from the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston to highlight the upcoming mission of astronaut Chris Williams to the International Space Station.

The news conference will stream live on NASA’s website and YouTube channel. Learn how to watch NASA content through a variety of platforms, including social media.

The Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft, targeted to launch Nov. 27 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, will carry Williams on his first flight, as well as Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergey Mikaev of Roscosmos, to the space station for an eight-month mission as part of Expeditions 73/74.

Media interested in participating must contact the newsroom at NASA Johnson no later than 5 p.m., Monday, Sept. 29, at 281-483-5111 or jsccommu@mail.nasa.gov. A copy of NASA’s media accreditation policy is online. Media interested in participating by phone must contact the Johnson newsroom by 10 a.m. the day of the event.

Selected as a candidate in 2021, Williams graduated with the 23rd astronaut class in 2024. He began training for his first space station flight assignment immediately after completing initial astronaut candidate training.

Williams was born in New York City, and considers Potomac, Maryland, his hometown. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from Stanford University in California and a doctorate in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, where his research focused on astrophysics. Williams completed medical physics residency training at Harvard Medical School in Boston. He was working as a clinical physicist and researcher at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston when he was selected as an astronaut candidate.

The International Space Station is a convergence of science, technology, and human innovation enabling research not possible on Earth. For nearly 25 years, NASA has supported a continuous U.S. human presence aboard the orbiting laboratory, where astronauts have learned to live and work in space for extended periods of time. The space station is a springboard for developing a low Earth economy and NASA’s next great leaps in human exploration at the Moon under the Artemis campaign and Mars.

Learn more about the International Space Station:

https://www.nasa.gov/international-space-station

-end-

Jimi Russell / Joshua Finch
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1100
james.j.russell@nasa.gov / joshua.a.finch@nasa.gov

Shaneequa Vereen
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111
shaneequa.y.vereen@nasa.gov

Share

Details Last Updated Sep 25, 2025 LocationNASA Headquarters Related Terms

• International Space Station (ISS)
• Humans in Space
• ISS Research
• Johnson Space Center
• Space Operations Mission Directorate

Left to right: Moderator Brian Miske, Americas Space Leader, KPMG radio, with panelists Amit Kshatriya, NASA associate administrator; Jacki Cortese, senior director, Civil Space: Blue Origin; and Robert Lightfoot, president, Lockheed Martin Space (former NASA associate administrator) discuss balancing innovation, risk, and readiness in space during the Ohio Space Forum. Credit: NASA/Jef Janis

Ohio Space Week, Sept. 8–13, highlighted the state’s aerospace legacy and the role NASA’s Glenn Research Center has in advancing space technology. 

The week kicked off with the American Astronautical Society’s Glenn Space Technology Symposium, Sept. 8–10, hosted by Case Western Reserve University. Experts, students, and industry leaders gathered to discuss emerging space technologies. NASA Glenn Director Dr. Jimmy Kenyon delivered opening remarks, and astronaut Doug “Wheels” Wheelock gave a keynote on his spaceflight experience. 

On Sept. 11, Team NEO hosted the Sixth Annual Ohio Space Forum at NASA Glenn, bringing together leaders from aerospace, government, academia, and research. The forum spotlighted Ohio’s leadership in space innovation, including advances in nuclear electric and nuclear thermal propulsion. Key participants included NASA Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya, astronaut Sunita “Suni” Williams, several local and state officials, and other community partners. 3News Chief Meteorologist Betsy Kling emceed the event.  

The City Club of Cleveland welcomed astronauts Williams and Wheelock for a presentation to the local community, Sept. 11, and Cleveland Guardians fans cheered as Williams threw out the first pitch during the game at Progressive Field later that day.  

NASA Glenn experts conduct a wind tunnel demonstration using a portable wind tunnel for visitors during Discovery Days at Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. Credit: NASA/Lily Hammel  Visitors view items that are part of the “Evolution of the Spacesuit” exhibit during Discovery Days at Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025.Credit: NASA/Lily Hammel  Astronaut Sunita Williams has fun on the sidelines before she throws out the first pitch prior to a Guardians game at Progressive Field in Cleveland on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025. Credit: NASA/Lily Hammel  A family takes a photo with Astronaut Doug Wheelock during Discovery Days at Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. Credit: NASA/Lily Hammel  Two young visitors at Discovery Days at Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, share the NASA spotlight. Credit: NASA/Lily Hammel  Guests interact with several aeronautics-focused exhibits in the Great Lakes Science Center promenade area on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, during Discovery Days.Credit: NASA/Lily Hammel  NASA Astronauts Doug Wheelock, left, and Sunita Willams at The City Club of Cleveland luncheon on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025. NASA Glenn Center Director Dr. Jimmy Kenyon stands at the podium and addresses the audience. Credit: NASA/Lily Hammel  Using the Lunar Habitat Power Grid model, NASA Glenn Research Center experts demonstrate how payloads will need power to achieve a viable human presence on the Moon during Discovery Days at Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025.Credit: NASA/Lily Hammel  NASA Glenn Research Center’s astronaut mascot stands behind the NASA worm logo during Discovery Days at Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. Credit: NASA/Lily Hammel  During Discovery Days at Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland on Friday, Sept. 12, NASA Glenn Research Center experts share with visitors about primary fuel cells, which convert propellants into electricity, and regenerative fuel cells, which store electrical energy like rechargeable batteries.Credit: NASA/Lily Hammel  Astronaut Sunita Williams talks with students in Great Lakes Science Center’s DOME Theater during Discovery Days in Cleveland on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. Credit: NASA/Lily Hammel  Left to right: Moderator Brian Miske, Americas Space Leader, KPMG radio, with panelists Amit Kshatriya, NASA associate administrator; Jacki Cortese, senior director, Civil Space: Blue Origin; and Robert Lightfoot, president, Lockheed Martin Space (former NASA associate administrator) discuss balancing innovation, risk, and readiness in space during the Ohio Space Forum. Credit: NASA/Jef Janis

Discovery Days, the capstone of Ohio Space Week, welcomed nearly 5,000 visitors to Cleveland’s Great Lakes Science Center — home of the NASA Glenn Visitor Center — on Sept. 12–13. This immersive event brought NASA beyond its gates and into the community, offering the public a firsthand look at major missions and cutting-edge technology. 

Visitors explored interactive demonstrations and exhibits led by NASA Glenn experts, highlighting innovations that support NASA’s Artemis missions and future exploration of Mars and beyond, including developments in power, propulsion, and communications. 

The astronauts were on hand during Discovery Days to talk with students and guests – inspiring the next generation of explorers through direct engagement and storytelling.  

From the Wright brothers’ first flight to pioneering advancements in space exploration, Ohio has been at the forefront of aerospace innovation for generations. Ohio Space Week celebrated these deep-rooted contributions to the aeronautics and space industries, highlighting the people, institutions, and businesses that continue to shape the future of flight and exploration.  

Return to Newsletter Explore More 3 min read NASA Glenn’s AeroSpace Frontiers Newsletter Takes a Bow Article 14 hours ago 1 min read Glenn Highlights Space Exploration at Minnesota State Fair  Article 14 hours ago 2 min read NASA Names Glenn’s Steven Sinacore to Lead Fission Surface Power  Article 14 hours ago

3 min read

Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)

Since April 1999, the AeroSpace Frontiers (AF) newsletter has shared information monthly on NASA Glenn Research Center’s people, projects, and progress. If you were looking for news on any of these topics, there was a good chance you could read all about them in AF each month. 

The newsletter has evolved in the last 26 years, changing with the times, to improve how and when we communicate with our audiences. From updating the hard copy layout to offering the issue online, we adjusted and enhanced AF to meet our customers’ needs.  

As methods of sharing news and information are now available that allow us to reach you sooner, we are shifting our focus to these platforms and discontinuing our monthly newsletter. This September issue will be our last.  

We hope you’ll stay connected with us through our official website and social media channels: Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. We thank you for your readership!  

Before closing, we want to celebrate and reflect on the newsletter’s remarkable tenure (and interesting names) over the years. 

Credit: NASA

The Story Behind the Name: A Look Back 

While the center published a newsletter continually (with a brief pause in the early 1960s) since its opening in 1942, its name, layout, and content evolved over the decades. It began in 1942 as Wing Tips, an internal biweekly newsletter, and was later renamed Orbit in October 1958 as the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics transitioned to NASA. In 1961, the center paused the newsletter’s publication to focus its resources on the early space program. 

The publication reemerged in 1964 as Lewis News and expanded to a larger newsletter format in 1969, in conjunction with the Apollo 11 Moon landing. This format continued until 1995, when Lewis News moved to a monthly schedule with expanded, but physically smaller, issues as part of an overall effort to reduce spending.  

Then, in 1999 – prior to the center being renamed NASA’s John H. Glenn Research Center – employees and center management were surveyed for a new newsletter title that would not be tied to future changes in research activities or center names. The group selected AeroSpace Frontiers to represent the modernization of the newsletter’s appearance and its expanded subject matter. It was now a monthly news magazine that included a variety of graphics and photographs, as well as additional content that addressed audiences beyond the center.  

About Our Amazing Editor

Portrait of editor Doreen Zudell, taken in 1990 at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. At that time, the center newsletter was known as Lewis News.Credit: NASA 

Doreen Zudell has served as the editor of AeroSpace Frontiers (AF) since the first issue in 1999 and has been a driving force behind the publication ever since. In addition to writing and editing stories each month, she also has navigated many format changes over the years.  

Editor Doreen Zudell interviews NASA astronaut Doug Wheelock at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland in 2019.Credit: NASA/Marvin Smith

“We appreciate Doreen’s knowledge, experience, and passion for sharing Glenn’s news and accomplishments with AF readers,” said NASA Glenn Office of Communications Director Kristen Parker. “Her compassion, journalistic flair, and dedication to putting employees’ needs first is evident in everything she does.”  

Return to Newsletter Explore More 2 min read NASA Glenn Reinforces Role in Aerospace Innovation During Ohio Space Week   Article 14 hours ago 1 min read Glenn Highlights Space Exploration at Minnesota State Fair  Article 14 hours ago 2 min read NASA Names Glenn’s Steven Sinacore to Lead Fission Surface Power  Article 14 hours ago

1 min read

Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater) Visitors at the Minnesota State Fair get an up-close look at a Moon rock on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. Credit: NASA/Christopher Richards 

NASA brought the excitement of space exploration to the Minnesota State Fair from Aug. 21–24, offering exhibits and interactive experiences for the whole family. Led by NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, the agency showcased the future of space exploration and the technologies making it possible — from next-generation spacesuits to the Artemis missions that will return humans to the Moon. 

A major attraction was Glenn’s “Suits and Boots” exhibit, along with an Apollo 15 Moon rock, which drew large crowds to the North End Event Center. Glenn staff, joined by Mike Lammers, deputy chief of the Flight Director’s Office at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, engaged with both media and fairgoers to highlight spacesuit advancements, Glenn’s unique role as the only NASA center in the Midwest, and upcoming plans for returning to the Moon and journeying to Mars through Artemis. 

Mike Lammers, Minnesota native and deputy chief of the Flight Director’s Office at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, talks with visitors at the Minnesota State Fair on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. Credit: NASA/Christopher Richards 

The team reached an estimated 57,000 people directly, with additional exposure through traditional and social media efforts. 

Return to Newsletter Explore More 2 min read NASA Glenn Reinforces Role in Aerospace Innovation During Ohio Space Week   Article 14 hours ago 3 min read NASA Glenn’s AeroSpace Frontiers Newsletter Takes a Bow Article 14 hours ago 2 min read NASA Names Glenn’s Steven Sinacore to Lead Fission Surface Power  Article 14 hours ago

Credit: NASA

NASA has selected Science and Technology Corp. of Columbia, Maryland, to support atmospheric science research and development at the agency’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

The Atmosphere Support is a cost-plus-fixed-fee, single-award indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum ordering value of $163.1 million. The contract will have an effective date of Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, for a period of five years.

Under the contract, the awardee will assist NASA Goddard’s Earth Science Division with all atmospheric science research and development and will conduct a comprehensive atmospheric science research and technology development program directed toward observing, monitoring, characterizing, modeling, understanding, and advancing knowledge of the Earth’s atmosphere.

For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov

-end-

Tiernan Doyle
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1600
tiernan.doyle@nasa.gov

Robert Garner
Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
301-286-5687
rob.garner@nasa.gov

Share

Details Last Updated Sep 24, 2025 LocationNASA Headquarters Related Terms

• Goddard Space Flight Center
• Earth Science
• Science & Research

NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, shown in this artist’s concept, orbits Earth as it studies the ever-changing universe.Credit: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center Conceptual Image Lab

Driving rapid innovation in the American space industry, NASA has awarded Katalyst Space Technologies of Flagstaff, Arizona, a contract to raise a spacecraft’s orbit. Katalyst’s robotic servicing spacecraft will rendezvous with NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory and raise it to a higher altitude, demonstrating a key capability for the future of space exploration and extending the Swift mission’s science lifetime.

NASA’s Swift launched in 2004 to explore the universe’s most powerful explosions, called gamma-ray bursts. The spacecraft’s low Earth orbit has been decaying gradually, which happens to satellites over time. However, because of recent increases in the Sun’s activity, Swift is experiencing more atmospheric drag than anticipated, speeding up its orbital decay. While NASA could have allowed the observatory to reenter Earth’s atmosphere, as many missions do at the end of their lifetimes, Swift’s lowering orbit presents an opportunity to advance American spacecraft servicing technology.

“This industry collaboration to boost Swift’s orbit is just one of many ways NASA works for the nation every day,” said Nicky Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters in Washington. “By moving quickly to pursue innovative commercial solutions, we’re further developing the space industry and strengthening American space leadership. This daring mission also will demonstrate our ability to go from concept to implementation in less than a year — a rapid-response capability important for our future in space as we send humans back to the Moon under the Artemis campaign, to Mars, and beyond.”

The orbit boost is targeted for spring 2026, though NASA will continue to monitor any changes in solar activity that may impact this target timeframe. A successful Swift boost would be the first time a commercial robotic spacecraft captures a government satellite that is uncrewed, or not originally designed to be serviced in space.

“Given how quickly Swift’s orbit is decaying, we are in a race against the clock, but by leveraging commercial technologies that are already in development, we are meeting this challenge head-on,” said Shawn Domagal-Goldman, acting director, Astrophysics Division, NASA Headquarters. “This is a forward-leaning, risk-tolerant approach for NASA. But attempting an orbit boost is both more affordable than replacing Swift’s capabilities with a new mission, and beneficial to the nation — expanding the use of satellite servicing to a new and broader class of spacecraft.”

Swift leads NASA’s fleet of space telescopes in studying changes in the high-energy universe. When a rapid, sudden event takes place in the cosmos, Swift serves as a “dispatcher,” providing critical information that allows other “first responder” missions to follow up to learn more about how the universe works. For more than two decades, Swift has led NASA’s missions in providing new insights on these events, together broadening our understanding of everything from exploding stars, stellar flares, and eruptions in active galaxies, to comets and asteroids in our own solar system and high-energy lightning events on Earth.

NASA has awarded Katalyst $30 million to move forward with implementation under a Phase III award as an existing participant in NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program, managed by the agency’s Space Technology Mission Directorate. This approach allowed NASA to pursue an orbit boost for Swift on a shorter development timeline than would otherwise be possible, given the rapid rate at which Swift’s orbit is decaying.

“America’s space economy is brimming with cutting-edge solutions, and opportunities like this allow NASA to tap into them for real-world challenges,” said Clayton Turner, associate administrator, NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters. “Orbital decay is a common, natural occurrence for satellites, and this collaboration may open the door to extending the life of more spacecraft in the future. By working with industry, NASA fosters rapid, agile technology development, advancing capabilities to benefit the missions of today and unlock the discoveries of tomorrow.” 

The NASA SBIR program is part of America’s Seed Fund, the nation’s largest source of early-stage, non-dilutive funding for innovative technologies. Through this program, entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses with less than 500 employees can receive funding and non-monetary support to build, mature, and commercialize their technologies, advancing NASA missions and helping solve important challenges facing our country.

NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, manages the Swift mission in collaboration with Penn State, the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, and Northrop Grumman Space Systems in Dulles, Virginia. Other partners include the UK Space Agency, University of Leicester and Mullard Space Science Laboratory in the United Kingdom, Brera Observatory in Italy, and the Italian Space Agency.

To learn more about the Swift mission, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/swift

-end-

Alise Fisher / Jasmine Hopkins
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-2546 / 321-432-4624
alise.m.fisher@nasa.gov / jasmine.s.hopkins@nasa.gov

Share

Details Last Updated Sep 24, 2025 LocationNASA Headquarters Related Terms

• Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory
• Goddard Space Flight Center
• Missions
• NASA Headquarters
• SBIR
• Space Technology Mission Directorate

Attendees are seen by the NASA exhibit at the 70th International Astronautical Congress, Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington. Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky

Led by acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy, an agency delegation will participate in the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Sydney, Australia, from Sunday, Sept. 28 to Friday, Oct. 3.

The IAC, organized by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), is hosted this year by the Space Industry Association of Australia.

During the congress, NASA will highlight America’s leadership in human exploration to the Moon and Mars, responsible exploration under the Artemis Accords, and support for the commercial space sector in the Golden Age of innovation and exploration.

To view select events, visit the IAF YouTube channel, onsite at International Convention Centre Sydney, and across social media channels, including NASA updates on @SecDuffyNASA and @NASA X accounts.

Sunday, Sept. 28

• 11:45 p.m. EDT (Monday, Sept. 29, 1:45 p.m. AEST): “One-to-One with Global Space Leaders” plenary featuring Duffy

Monday, Sept. 29

• 11:45 p.m. EDT (Tuesday, Sept. 30, 1:45 p.m. AEST): “Learning to Live on Another World: The International Community’s Return to the Moon” plenary featuring Nujoud Merancy, deputy associate administrator of the Strategy and Architecture Office, NASA’s Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate
• 8:15 p.m. EDT (Sept. 30, 10:15 a.m. AEST): “From Low Earth Orbit to Lunar: Delivering Sustainable Innovation in Space” forum featuring Kevin Coggins, deputy associate administrator, NASA’s SCaN (Space Communications and Navigation) Program
• 8:15 p.m. EDT (Sept. 30, 10:15 a.m. AEST): “Early Warnings for All – From Satellites to Action” special session featuring Karen St. Germain, division director, Earth Science Division, NASA’s Science Mission Directorate

Tuesday, Sept. 30

• 1 a.m. EDT (3 p.m. AEST): “The Artemis Accords: Safe, Sustainable, and Transparent Space Exploration” special session featuring NASA Deputy Associate Administrator Casey Swails

Wednesday, Oct. 1

• 7 p.m. EDT (Thursday, Oct. 2, 9 a.m. AEST): “Space Sustainability: Regional Priorities, Global Responsibility” plenary featuring Alvin Drew, lead, NASA space sustainability and acting director, Space Operations Mission Directorate’s Cross-Directorate Technical Integration Office 

Thursday, Oct. 2

• 9:35 p.m. EDT (Friday, Oct. 3, 11:35 a.m. AEST): “25 Years of the International Space Station: Yesterday – Today – Tomorrow” special session with Robyn Gatens, director, International Space Station and acting director, Commercial Spaceflight division, Space Operations Mission Directorate 

A full agenda for this year’s IAC is available online.

Members of the media registered for IAC will have an opportunity to meet with NASA leadership. To register, media must apply through the IAC website.

Monday, Sept. 29

• 3:15 a.m. EDT (5:15 p.m. AEST): Artemis Accords media briefing with Duffy, Head of Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo, and UAE Minister of Sports and Chairman of UAE Space Agency Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi

In addition to the events outlined above, NASA will have an exhibit featuring the agency’s cutting-edge contributions to space exploration, including its science and technology missions. NASA will host subject matter expert talks throughout the week at the exhibit.

NASA’s exhibit booth number is 132, and will be located in hall one of the International Convention Centre Sydney.

To learn more about NASA international partnerships, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/oiir

-end-

Bethany Stevens / Elizabeth Shaw
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1600
bethany.c.stevens@nasa.gov / elizabeth.a.shaw@nasa.gov

Share

Details Last Updated Sep 24, 2025 LocationNASA Headquarters Related Terms

• Office of International and Interagency Relations (OIIR)
• Artemis Accords
• NASA Headquarters

(Top) NASA astronaut Anne McClain performs the first series of tests of an Astrobee robot, Bumble, during a hardware checkout in May, 2019.  
(Bottom) NASA astronaut McClain poses with Astrobee robots Bumble (left) and Honey during their latest on orbit activity in May, 2025.  NASA

NASA is continuing the Astrobee mission through a collaboration with Arkisys, Inc., of Los Alamitos, California, who was awarded a reimbursable Space Act Agreement to sustain and maintain the robotic platform aboard the International Space Station. As the agency returns astronauts to the Moon, robotic helpers like Astrobee could one day take over routine maintenance tasks and support future spacecraft at the Moon and Mars without relying on humans for continuous operation.

In March, the agency issued a call for partnership proposals to support its ongoing space research initiatives. Arkisys was selected to maintain the platform and continue enabling partners to use the Astrobee system as a means to experiment with new technologies in the microgravity environment of the space station.

NASA launched the Astrobee mission to the space station in 2018. Since then, the free-flying robots have marked multiple first-in-space milestones for robots working alongside astronauts to accomplish spacecraft monitoring, alert simulations, and more in partnership with researchers from industry and academia.

The Astrobee system includes three colorful, cube-shaped robots – named “Bumble,” “Honey,” and “Queen” – along with software and a docking station for recharging. The mission has advanced NASA’s goal of developing robotic systems and technologies that can perform tasks and support exploration, maintenance, and monitoring as humans venture further into space for longer durations.

The International Space Station is a convergence of science, technology, and human innovation enabling research not possible on Earth. For nearly 25 years, NASA has supported a continuous U.S. human presence aboard the orbiting laboratory, where astronauts have learned to live and work in space for extended periods of time. The space station is a springboard for developing a low Earth economy and NASA’s next great leaps in human exploration at the Moon and Mars.