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Webinar 9/23: NASA CSDA Program Update 2026

2026-09-14 21:04

A generic satellite orbits above Earth. On the surface, blue dots connected by lines are visible, symbolizing data points and the connections between them.

Credit: NASA CSDA program

NASA’s Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition Program is a science‑enabling program that provides licensed access to high‑quality commercial Earth observation data, strengthens data quality through calibration/validation (cal/val) partnerships and transparent evaluations, and funds the development of science and application use cases to help turn commercial data into actionable research and applied solutions.

The program augments NASA’s gold standard fleet of freely and openly available Earth observing satellite observations and data products with high-resolution, high-frequency, and taskable commercial datasets.

During this webinar, speakers will provide an overview of the CSDA program’s activities and progress. Topics will include data modalities available through the program, updates to the evaluation process, the new cal/val initiative, and the status of existing task orders with CSDA data providers. In addition, presenters will cover the types of end-user licensing agreements, data availability and access, new data archive and tasking capabilities available through the Satellite Data Explorer, user engagement opportunities, and new learning resources.

New Crops, Health Research Proposals to Help NASA Advance Exploration

2026-09-14 19:00

NASA has selected 12 new investigations to help support human explorers in space. Six will help advance the ability to produce food off-planet, while another six advance the understanding of how unique conditions associated with space exploration can impact the health and physiology of astronauts.

The six food-focused investigations, supported by the agency’s Space Crops grants, advance NASA’s goal of harnessing the power of plants to enhance quality of life for humans in space, as well as to enable lunar and Mars exploration. Four of the space crops proposals focus on studies of edible plants and how their growth, physiology, and associated microbial communities are affected by environmental conditions in space or on other planetary bodies.

Another proposal involves understanding mechanisms by which certain plant species, called resurrection plants, can withstand extreme, dry conditions. The last space crops proposal builds on previous studies on the International Space Station to uncover functions of algal genes, segments of DNA controlling algae survival, whose expression is modified by spaceflight. Such studies can help scientists integrate biological-based solutions into space life-support systems.

The second set of six proposals fall under the agency’s Biological and Physical Sciences Division’s focus on precision health, which seeks to unravel the mechanisms by which space exploration affects health and well-being. One proposal studies how lunar dust exposure impacts respiratory, immune, and inflammation responses. A second proposal identifies repurposed drugs that can mitigate the effects space travel has on health and physiology.

Two more of the research proposals look at how radiation combined with other stressors affects age-relevant characteristics seen in various organ and physiological systems. The final two proposals assess molecular and cellular changes induced by stressors in space that can alter gene expression or protein function. The research will identify ways to mitigate health issues and develop early-warning detection systems to notify crew of potential concerns.

The principal investigators who conduct the space biology studies come from 10 institutions across eight states. Nine of the awards are for investigators who are receiving funding from the Space Biology Program for the first time.

Selected Space Crops Investigations

Jannell Bazurto, University of Minnesota
Cultivating the Cosmos: Investigating Plant-Microbe Dynamics for Sustainable Space Farming
Miranda Haus, Michigan State University
Investigating Legume Crop Rotations and Microbial Interactions in Regolith Simulants
Andrew Settles, NASA Ames Research Center
Genetic Mitigation of Spaceflight Stressors on Production of Chlamydomonas
Christopher Taylor, Ohio State University
Hydroponic Microbes in a Low Carbon, High-Radiation Environment; Identifying the Genetic Determinants of Water- and Plant-Associated Microbial Survival in Extraterrestrial Environments
Robert VanBuren, Michigan State University
Leveraging the Natural Resilience of Resurrection Plants for Space Bioregenerative Systems
Shuyang Zhen, Texas A&M AgriLife Research
Environmental Optimization and Cultivar Selection to Enhance Dwarf Tomato Growth and Stress Tolerance for Space Agriculture

Selected Precision Health Investigations

Archana Dhasarathy, University of North Dakota
Epigenetic Memory as an Adaptive Mechanism to Microgravity and Radiation Exposure
Andrij Holian, University of Montana
Contribution of Aging to Particle-Induced Chronic Inflammation
Mert Gur, University of Pittsburgh
Probing Pathogenic Mutations Under Spaceflight-Relevant Stressors Via All-Atom Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Grace O’Connell, University of California
Persistent Spine Health Impacts of Microgravity and Radiation Following Recovery
Satoshi Okawa, University of Pittsburgh
Investigating Space Flight-Induced Brain-Heart Axis Aging and Identifying Repurposed Drugs to Mitigate Its Effects
Sanghee Yun, Ph.D., The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Spaceflight-Relevant Hypercapnia Effects on Space Radiation- and Social Isolation-Induced Biological Aging: A Systems Biology Analysis of Multiple Aging Hallmarks

When fully implemented, more than $7 million in grant money will be awarded throughout fiscal years 2026-2030. These awards were made in response to research proposals submitted to ROSES-2024: Program Element E.9: Space Biology Research Studies (NNH24ZDA001N-SBR).

To learn more about NASA’s biological and physical research in space, visit: https://science.nasa.gov/biological-physical/

Biological & Physical Sciences Division

NASA’s Biological and Physical Sciences Division pioneers scientific discovery and enables exploration by using space environments to conduct investigations not possible on Earth. Studying biological and physical phenomenon under extreme conditions allows researchers to advance the fundamental scientific knowledge required to go farther and stay longer in space, while also benefitting life on Earth.

NASA Welcomes Djibouti as Newest Artemis Accords Signatory

2026-09-14 16:46

NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson, center, Ambassador of Djibouti to the United States, Mohamed Siad Douale, left, and Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, right, pose for a group photograph after the Artemis Accord signing, Monday, September 14, 2026, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington.

NASA/Bill Ingalls

The Republic of Djibouti became the 72nd nation and eighth African country to sign the Artemis Accords during a ceremony Monday at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The Artemis Accords are the first set of practical principles aimed at enhancing transparency, safety, and coordination among nations as they explore the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

“Djibouti joins this coalition of like-minded nations at an important time,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson, who hosted the ceremony. “President Trump has directed NASA to return Americans to the lunar surface, establish an enduring presence, and lay the foundation for human exploration of Mars. NASA will lead, but we will not do it alone. We are creating opportunities for Artemis Accords nations to contribute hardware, scientific payloads, technology demonstrations, CubeSats, and other capabilities to future missions.”

Ambassador of Djibouti to the United States Mohamed Siad Douale signed on behalf of Djibouti. U.S. State Department Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Frank Garcia also participated in the event.

Djibouti’s national space program, launched in 2020 and managed by the Centre for Studies and Research of Djibouti within the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, has steadily expanded its technical capabilities. The nation successfully launched its first satellites, Djibouti 1A and Djibouti 1B, in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Both reached orbit aboard American Falcon 9 rockets launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, an early example of how the U.S. is supporting Djibouti capabilities in space.

“By joining the Artemis Accords, Djibouti seeks to deepen its partnership with the United States and with the growing community of nations committed to peaceful space cooperation,” said Douale. “We look forward to building partnerships in scientific research, satellite applications, education, and technical training, while creating new opportunities for Djibouti students, researchers, engineers, and entrepreneurs.”

In 2020, NASA and the State Department joined with seven other founding nations to establish the Artemis Accords, responding to the growing interest in lunar activities by both governments and private companies, and committing nations to:

Explore peaceably and transparently
Render aid to those in need
Enable access to scientific data
Ensure activities do not interfere with those of others
Preserve historically significant sites and artifacts by developing best practices

By signing the Artemis Accords, nations open the door to opportunities for future lunar exploration with NASA, advancing humanity’s return to the Moon, and shaping the Golden Age of space exploration and innovation.

Learn more about the Artemis Accords at:

https://www.nasa.gov/artemis-accords

-end-

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Last Updated

Sep 14, 2026

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NASA Headquarters

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NASA Kicks Off Inspiration Tour with Steelers vs. Falcons Game

2026-09-14 16:00

NASA/Aubrey Gemignani

Fans pose for a photo with an astronaut in the NASA Experience Zone at an NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons at Acrisure Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

NASA’s engagement at NFL games is part of the agency’s Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and air show at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in early November.

Image Credit: NASA/Aubrey Gemignani

Summer Training: Catching Up With NASA’s Astronaut Candidates

2026-09-14 15:00

3 min read

Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)

A group of 10 men and women wearing assorted jeans and button-down shirts hold up rock samples, with a forest in the background.

The members of NASA’s 2025 Astronaut Candidate Class pose with rock samples collected during their geology training at the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, New Mexico, in May 2026.

NASA/Helen Arase Vargas

Did you spend part of your summer camping, hiking, at the pool, or in an aircraft? So did NASA’s 2025 Astronaut Candidate Class.

The 10 candidates have been working their way through a comprehensive and rigorous training program since the agency introduced them to the public on Sept. 22, 2025, from NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. They are approximately halfway through the nearly two-year training program, which will equip them for missions to low Earth orbit, the Moon, and ultimately, Mars.

Geology Studies

Since the astronaut candidates can one day be assigned to a future Artemis mission to the lunar surface, geology courses are an important part of their training. In May, candidates completed classroom trainings at Johnson before venturing to the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in New Mexico for additional classroom instruction and training in the field. Several candidates also joined NASA astronauts and Artemis mission support teams for geology field training in Iceland in July. They practiced geologic observations, sampling with tools, navigation, and teamwork, all skills and processes that translate directly to Artemis lunar missions.

NASA astronaut candidates study rock samples during a geology classroom training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
NASA/Helen Arase Vargas

Two women wearing matching button-down shirts study a rock sample with an instructor looking over them in the background. — NASA astronaut candidates Anna Menon, left, and Imelda Muller study a rock sample during a geology classroom training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

A group of four men and women dressed in hiking attire pause on a rocky hillside to point at something off-camera. — NASA astronaut candidates hiked through Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, New Mexico, during geology field training.
NASA/Helen Arase Vargas

JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Akihiko Hoshide and NASA astronaut candidates Cameron Jones and Yuri Kubo participated in geology field training in Iceland, alongside NASA astronauts, Artemis mission support teams, and geology instructors.
NASA/James Blair

Flight Training

Whether learning to become a pilot or sharpening their existing piloting skills, astronaut candidates train in aircraft to build confidence, coordination, adaptability, and resilience in high-stakes environments. This summer, that training included flights on NASA’s WB-57s – a trio of long-range, high-altitude airplanes that have flown research missions since the 1960s. The class also began flying NASA’s T-38 supersonic jets.

NASA astronaut candidate Lauren Edgar prepares for flight training in one of NASA’s T-38 jets.

Two people wearing yellow flight suits and white helmets ride in the back of a van. — NASA astronaut candidate Rebecca Lawler, right, rides out to one of NASA’s WB-57 aircraft ahead of flight training at Ellington Field.
NASA/Josh Valcarcel

A man in a blue flight suits inspects the cockpit of a WB-57 aircraft. — NASA astronaut candidate Adam Fuhrmann completes preflight checks of a WB-57 aircraft at Ellington Field.
NASA/Josh Valcarcel

A man wearing a yellow flight suit and white helmet is shown, seated inside the cockpit of a WB-57 aircraft. — NASA astronaut candidate Adam Furhmann sits inside the cockpit of a WB-57 aircraft as he prepares for flight training.
NASA/Josh Valcarcel

Altitude Chamber Runs

Candidates have also spent time in one of Johnson’s altitude chambers as part of their flight training. These unique facilities allow NASA to simulate physical pressure levels ranging from those at sea level to near vacuum. After donning flight suits and helmets, candidates enter the chamber to familiarize themselves with the conditions they will face on high-altitude flights and in space, and to practice different protocols and interventions designed to keep them safe.

A person wearing a yellow flight suit and white helmet sits inside an altitude chamber with the door propped open, while four technicians, one instructor, and another individual wearing a yellow flight suit observes the proceedings. — April 8, 2025
NASA astronaut candidates Adam Fuhrmann and Rebecca Lawler prepare to conduct altitude chamber runs as part of their flight training.

A man wearing a yellow flight suit and a white helmet sits inside an altitude chamber. — NASA astronaut candidate Adam Fuhrmann sits inside the altitude chamber at NASA’s Sonny Carter Training Facility in Houston.
NASA/James Blair

A woman wearing earmuffs watches a computer monitor showing a man in a yellow flight suit sitting inside an altitude chamber. — A NASA team member observes astronaut candidate Adam Fuhrmann as he completes an altitude chamber run.
NASA/James Blair

Water Survival Training

Candidates continued survival training to prepare for the unlikely event of landing in remote environments after a mission. Water survival exercises in Johnson’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, or NBL, simulate these scenarios while also building teamwork and decision-making skills.

A person in a yellow flight suit and white helmet sits in an airlift rescue basket, hovering above the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory pool. — Some components of astronaut candidates’ water survival training are completed during simulated storms inside of the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.
NASA/Morgan Gridley

A person wearing an orange flight suit and white helmet is lifted from the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory pool with a flotation device secured around their waist. — A NASA astronaut candidate practices being lifted out of the water during survival training in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.
NASA/Robert Markowitz

A woman in an orange flight suit and white helmet floats inside a small raft while speaking to a diver at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory. — NASA astronaut candidate Rebecca Lawler floats in a raft during water survival training at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.
NASA/Robert Markowitz

On top of these exercises, candidates are completing intensive Russian language classes and cross-cultural training to prepare for missions spanning countries and continents. They are learning to operate spacecraft systems used in human spaceflight missions, conducting spacewalk training at the NBL, and training inside other mockups of space vehicles. They are also learning emergency procedures, maintenance, and repair of spacecraft.

The class is on track to graduate in 2027, when they will join NASA’s active astronaut corps and await their first flight assignments. Whether they go on to contribute to research taking place aboard the International Space Station or venture to the Moon to prepare for future Mars missions, the graduates will have the operational expertise, scientific knowledge, and technical background necessary to advance NASA’s deep space exploration goals and sustain a long-term human presence beyond low Earth orbit.