Artemis II Mission to Circle the Moon
2026 is poised to become a landmark year for space exploration, with NASA's Artemis II mission scheduled to send four astronauts on a historic journey around the moon. This will mark the first crewed lunar mission since the Apollo era ended in 1972 [NBC News].
The mission represents a crucial step in NASA's broader Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the moon. While the Artemis II crew will not land on the lunar surface, their flight will test critical systems and procedures needed for future moon landings [NBC News].
SpaceX Starship Advances Deep-Space Capabilities
SpaceX is preparing to make 2026 a breakout year for its Starship megarocket system. The company hopes to achieve its first orbital flight of the massive vehicle and demonstrate in-orbit cryogenic propellant transfer, a critical capability for future deep-space missions to the moon and Mars [Space.com].
While SpaceX founder Elon Musk has suggested a Mars launch attempt in 2026 is possible, he has acknowledged the odds are roughly "50-50," making orbital operations and refueling demonstrations the more realistic near-term objectives [Space.com].
New Leadership at NASA
Billionaire Jared Isaacman has been confirmed as NASA's new administrator, becoming the first NASA chief in decades to come directly from outside government. The amateur jet pilot and space enthusiast has indicated that nuclear power in space will be key to exploration beyond the moon, including future missions to Mars [BBC News].
Isaacman's appointment follows his previous commercial spaceflight experiences and close ties to Elon Musk, signaling a potentially new direction for the space agency [BBC News].
International Space Activities Continue
Meanwhile, ongoing operations at the International Space Station continue, with NASA recently announcing the early return of four astronauts due to a medical concern with one crew member. The space station remains a hub for scientific research and international cooperation [NBC News].
India's Aditya-L1 solar mission is also set to make significant observations in 2026, as it will be positioned to watch the Sun during its maximum activity cycle for the first time [BBC News].
Commercial Space Industry Growth
The commercial space sector continues expanding, with companies like Blue Origin achieving new milestones. Jeff Bezos' space company recently accomplished its first successful return landing of a reusable booster, following the path pioneered by SpaceX [BBC News].
Scotland's space industry is also experiencing growth, with projections suggesting the number of employees could reach 20,000 in the next decade [BBC News].
As 2026 approaches, the convergence of government missions, commercial ventures, and international collaborations promises to make it one of the most significant years in modern space exploration history.