The top headline from NASA this week is the seismic shift in American space policy following President Trump’s new executive order that moves significant regulatory power away from NASA and toward commercial operators. Effective immediately, oversight of commercial launch licensing and regulatory decisions has been transferred to the Department of Transportation and the Office of Space Commerce. NASA will now serve as a coordinating agency, not as lead regulator, marking the largest change in agency authority in decades.

NASA’s acting administrator, Sean Duffy, at the White House signing, stated, “This executive order is about removing obstacles, encouraging competition, and creating the environment for private industry to drive space innovation.” For businesses, this means faster approvals through streamlined environmental reviews and revised federal aviation regulations as the administration aims to double the country’s space launch cadence by 2030. NASA insiders acknowledge this could open the gates for private-sector momentum in reusable rockets, satellite deployment, and even lunar missions, but critics worry national priorities may shift from science and exploration to commercial interests. Industry experts point to recent delays, like Varda Space Industries' reentry capsule awaiting FAA approval for months, as evidence of the need for less bureaucratic red tape—while also warning that the new power structure alters who gets final say on space priorities.

Budgetary implications are substantial: NASA is facing its largest budget cut ever, dropping to just over $25.3 billion for 2025—a modest 2% increase from last year, but far less than planned, and with key science programs seeing little new growth. The Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon, keeps its human landing budget steady, but deep space exploration faces a 1% cut and commercial low Earth orbit development is seeing a 26% drop.

Meanwhile, NASA continues to lead in science. This month, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is gearing up for final testing—with its camera set to capture an area 200 times wider than Hubble’s infrared. Back on Earth, NASA warned this week of two large asteroids passing close by on August 8. While there is no danger, the agency’s vigilant monitoring is part of a broader push in planetary defense—a reminder of NASA’s critical role in public safety.

For everyday Americans, these changes will likely translate into more private launches, more jobs in commercial space, and continued access to NASA’s science programs, even as the agency’s direct control wanes. State and local governments should expect increased collaboration on infrastructure as new spaceports and support facilities will be needed. Internationally, the executive order signals U.S. intent to remain a leader in space commerce—while also raising the stakes as China and others compete for lunar dominance.

Upcoming, listeners can tune in to NASA’s Crew-10 astronauts discussing their science mission August 20, or get involved with citizen science through the LunaRecycle Challenge, focused on recycling materials during Moon missions. For latest updates and opportunities to engage, visit NASA’s official site or the Earth Information Center to see how space research supports climate action and community preparedness.

Thanks for tuning in to NASA’s latest. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

For more http://www.quietplease.ai

Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

Big news this week from NASA: Webb scientists report strong evidence of a giant planet in the Alpha Centauri system, orbiting the closest solar twin to our Sun. According to NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope team, if confirmed by follow-up observations, this could become a touchstone for exoplanet science, opening a new era of nearby world-hunting with Webb and, soon, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, slated to launch by May 2027 and potentially as early as fall 2026. NASA’s Mark Beichman said it offers multiple opportunities for detailed characterization that could transform the field, with Roman’s visible-light data complementing Webb’s infrared to pin down size and reflectivity.

Meanwhile, NASA and its partners have adjusted International Space Station plans. NASA reports that Crew-11 is targeting late July, with a Dragon handover from Crew-10, and a late August SpaceX cargo mission carrying a new reboost kit to help maintain station altitude and reduce propellant use on the Russian segment. NASA also updated undocking timelines for Crew-10 to no earlier than the evening of August 8 Eastern, as operations teams optimize splashdown windows.

On budgets and priorities, The Planetary Society notes the President’s 2025 request proposes $25.4 billion for NASA, roughly a 2 percent increase over 2024, with more for Earth Science and Space Technology, and modest reductions for Orion and SLS. Space Operations would rise, including commercial resupply and crewed missions that keep the ISS going while NASA continues planning for station retirement. Policy watchers at the American Astronomical Society highlight broader federal workforce directives and continuing resolution constraints that keep many science accounts flat at 2024 levels for now.

What does this mean for listeners? For American citizens, a nearby exoplanet candidate ignites public engagement and STEM opportunities, while steady ISS operations sustain U.S. leadership in space-based research with medical, materials, and climate benefits. For businesses and organizations, adjusted station schedules and a stronger push on space tech signal continued contract opportunities, especially for cargo, crew, and on-orbit services. For state and local governments, launch cadence at Kennedy and related supply chains translate to jobs and tourism, with planning tied to evolving timelines. Internationally, Webb’s result underscores U.S.–Europe–Canada collaboration, and ISS planning shows ongoing multilateral coordination even amid geopolitical complexity.

Here’s what to watch next: Webb and ground-based follow-ups on Alpha Centauri, Crew-10 undocking and splashdown opportunities as early as August 8, Crew-11 launch prep in late July, and the late-August cargo flight with the reboost kit. Listeners can engage by following NASA live mission coverage, exploring citizen science projects at NASA’s websites, and contacting representatives about sustaining NASA science and exploration funding.

Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

For more http://www.quietplease.ai

Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

NASA is making headlines this week with the highly anticipated return of Crew-10, marking the first time a commercial crew mission will splash down off the California coast. NASA, in partnership with SpaceX, is targeting splashdown for just before noon today, with astronauts Anne McClain, Nichole Ayers, Takuya Onishi, and Kirill Peskov wrapping up their five-month science expedition aboard the International Space Station. Their return brings home time-sensitive research that could advance medical technologies and climate understanding, and NASA will broadcast every moment of the landing through multiple live-stream platforms, keeping everyone connected to this dramatic finale.

Meanwhile, NASA issued an alert regarding two large asteroids, 2025 OJ1 and 2019 CO1, making close but safe passes by Earth today. While there’s no immediate risk to public safety, the size and proximity of these space rocks—one about as tall as a 30-story building—underscore ongoing efforts in planetary defense and highlight the crucial work of NASA’s asteroid-tracking division. According to NASA officials, ongoing investment in advanced early-warning systems remains essential for global safety.

The agency also faces internal transformation. In response to recent federal workforce directives, NASA is closing three offices, including its Office of Chief Scientist and its Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy. There’s talk in Washington of dramatic cuts—up to half—of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate budget in upcoming cycles. However, for now, Congress has passed a measure to extend last year’s funding, meaning no immediate program cancellations but more belt-tightening ahead. NASA’s focus in the near term will be prioritizing core space missions and maintaining essential research with tighter resources. The American Astronomical Society warns these workforce and budget changes could slow scientific progress and reduce opportunities for new research.

Despite fiscal uncertainty, NASA is investing in innovation. The agency has awarded contracts totaling nearly 1.4 million dollars to six private sector companies to study new, cost-effective ways to launch and deliver payloads into challenging orbits—potentially shaping the next era of commercial spaceflight partnerships and keeping American leadership strong in space. International collaboration also continues, with Crew-10’s diverse astronaut team and ongoing opportunities for multinational projects on the ISS.

So how does this all impact you? For American citizens, the Crew-10 return showcases taxpayer-funded research returning direct benefits, from healthcare advances to new tech spinoffs. Businesses and entrepreneurs in aerospace may anticipate new contract opportunities but need to navigate the uncertainties of federal budget negotiations. Local and state governments, especially in regions hosting NASA facilities, could see shifts in employment and local economies tied to agency priorities. Internationally, NASA’s continued partnerships show the US remains a leader in global space cooperation—even amid budgetary headwinds.

Looking ahead, listeners should watch for updates on NASA’s next simulated Mars mission, beginning later this month, and stay informed on public hearings addressing future funding. Want to have your voice heard? Engage with your representatives regarding NASA’s value to science, industry, and education, or tune in to NASA’s open events online.

For more on the Crew-10 return, asteroid tracking, and upcoming Mars simulations, visit NASA’s official website or NASA+ for live and on-demand coverage. Don’t forget to subscribe so you stay up-to-date with the latest breakthroughs and stories from beyond our world.

Thanks for tuning in. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out quietplease.ai.

For more Show more...