Astra

For the first time in over 50 years, humans are Moonbound. At 6:35 p.m. EDT (2235 UTC) NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft lifted off from the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, sending four astronauts on a planned test flight around the Moon and back. go.nasa.gov/4tlRfRS

There’s a big shake-up near the top of our annual US launch company rankings arstechnica.com/space/2026/01/…

I’m humbled and energized to bring my passion for photography and storytelling to NASA and work under @NASAAdmin Jared Isaacman as Special Communications Assistant to the Administrator. With my focus now fully on working alongside the best and brightest at NASA, my independent media coverage and for-hire work comes to an end. Thank you all for following along over the years! Be sure to follow NASA’s channels to see great content from across the agency. I have deep respect for NASA’s communicators and creatives, individuals whose work I’ve followed and admired for a long time. I’m profoundly grateful for the opportunity to work with them to help continue sharing NASA’s story with the widest audience possible and inspiring the next generation to look up to the stars. Under Administrator Isaacman’s leadership, we will do just that. John Kraus Special Communications Assistant to the Administrator NASA