'More missions, more often': NASA is overhauling how it selects science missions

space.com Oct 26, 2026

‘More missions, more often’: NASA is overhauling how it selects science missions

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Oct 26, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

NASA announced Competition Model 2.0 (CM 2.0) to overhaul science‑mission selection, aiming to cut costs, shorten timelines, and prioritize scientific merit over early engineering detail. The new process reduces the initial proposal burden, shortens the 35‑month cycle to about 19½ months for many programs, and introduces a single‑stage selection for the smallest missions. CM 2.0 applies to Explorer, Discovery, New Frontiers, Astro‑Probe, MIDEX, Earth Explorer, SMEX, and Earth Venture programs, while flagship missions retain the current procedure.

💡 Why It Matters

· By streamlining evaluation and lowering entry barriers, CM 2.0 could accelerate the launch of diverse, cost‑effective missions, expanding scientific output and fostering broader participation from universities and commercial partners.

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SpaceX ignites giant Super Heavy booster engines ahead of daring Starship launch…

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💡 Demonstrating a tower‑catch would

spacenews.com · Oct 26

Astranis Upgrades Falcon 9 Launch Contract to Dedicated Mission for Entire Block…

Astranis announced on Oct. 26, 2026 that its fourth launch will be upgraded to a dedicated SpaceX Falcon 9 mission in 2028, carrying the entire Block 4 production run of six MicroGEO satellites. The payload will use an Impulse Helios upper stage to perform direct‑inject placement into geostationary orbit, expanding the company’s fleet to 16 satellites after adding to the ten already deployed in Blocks 1‑3. The amendment replaces a 2024 contract that allotted only shared capacity, giving Astranis full use of the rocket’s payload. Block 4 customers, both commercial and governmental, have been pre‑signed and will be disclosed later. The launch supports Astranis’ strategy to meet rising demand for dedicated high‑orbit infrastructure, including communications and space‑domain‑awareness services. Shows strong investor backing and growing customer trust.

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space.com · Oct 26

‘More missions, more often’: NASA is overhauling how it selects science missions

NASA announced Competition Model 2.0, a revamp of its science‑mission selection process aimed at cutting costs and shortening timelines. The new framework, outlined by associate administrator Nicky Fox, shifts early evaluation toward scientific merit and defers detailed engineering and budget work until later stages. For Discovery, New Frontiers, Astro‑Probes and similar mid‑size programs, required proposal material will be cut roughly in half, shrinking the typical 35‑month cycle to about 19.5 months. Flagship missions retain their existing procedures, while the smallest missions—Small Explorer, Earth Venture, and rideshare opportunities—move to a single‑stage review, collapsing a 32‑month timeline to roughly 19 months. The changes open participation to more universities and commercial firms and promise faster delivery of research payloads.

💡 By front‑loading scientific value and trimming bureaucracy, NASA aims to launch a higher volume of missions in a shorter span, accelerating data return and keeping U.S. space research competitive amid a booming commercial sector.

space.com · Oct 26

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October’s ‘Hunter’s Moon’ stalks into the autumn sky tonight: Here’s what you…

Tonight the October full moon reaches 100 % illumination at 12:12 a.m. EDT (0412 GMT) on Oct. 26, offering a classic “Hunter’s Moon” view for Northern‑hemisphere observers. The lunar disk will rise in the eastern sky at sunset on Oct. 25, appearing unusually large near the horizon due to the “Moon Effect” and often taking on a yellow‑orange hue as blue light scatters through Earth’s atmosphere. With the terminator absent, the bright seas of basaltic plains become prominent, while fresh crater ejecta may be seen as faint streaks. The name derives from post‑harvest hunting traditions, and Indigenous peoples refer to it as the Migrating or Freezing Moon. Stargazers can track exact rise times via online tools, and Space.com invites readers to submit photographs for publication.

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