{"id":62192,"date":"2025-04-30T06:13:11","date_gmt":"2025-04-30T06:13:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/62192\/"},"modified":"2025-04-30T06:13:11","modified_gmt":"2025-04-30T06:13:11","slug":"nasa-soars-to-new-heights-in-first-100-days-of-trump-administration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/62192\/","title":{"rendered":"NASA Soars to New Heights in First 100 Days of Trump Administration"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Today is the 100th day of the Trump-Vance Administration after being inaugurated on Jan. 20. In his inaugural address, President Trump laid out a bold and ambitious vision for NASA\u2019s future throughout his second term, saying, \u201cWe will pursue our manifest destiny into the stars, launching American astronauts to plant the Stars and Stripes on the planet Mars.\u201d NASA has spent the first 100 days in relentless pursuit of this goal, continually exploring, innovating, and inspiring for the benefit of humanity. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn just 100 days, under the bold leadership of President Trump and acting Administrator Janet Petro, NASA has continued to further American innovation in space,\u201d said Bethany Stevens, NASA press secretary. \u201cFrom expediting the return of American astronauts home after an extended stay aboard the state-of-the-art International Space Station, to bringing two new nations on as signatories of the Artemis Accords, to the historic SPHEREx mission launch that takes us one step closer to mapping the secrets of the universe, NASA continues to lead on the world stage. Here at NASA, we\u2019re putting the America First agenda into play amongst the stars, ensuring the United States wins the space race at this critical juncture in time.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>A litany of victories in the first 100 days set the stage for groundbreaking success throughout the remainder of the term. Read more about NASA\u2019s cutting-edge work in this short, yet dynamic, period of time below:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Bringing Astronauts Home Safely, Space Station Milestones<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>America brought Crew-9 safely home. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore, Suni Williams, and Nick Hague, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/welcome-home-nasas-spacex-crew-9-back-on-earth-after-science-mission\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">returned to Earth<\/a> after a successful mission aboard the International Space Station, splashing down in the Gulf of America. Their safe return reflects America\u2019s unwavering commitment to the agency\u2019s astronauts and mission success.<\/li>\n<li>A new, American-led mission launched to space. The agency\u2019s Crew-10 mission is currently aboard the space station, with NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, joined by international partners from Japan and Russia. NASA continues to demonstrate American leadership and the power of space diplomacy as we maintain a continuous human presence in orbit.<\/li>\n<li>The agency <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-astronaut-don-pettit-crewmates-complete-space-station-expedition\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">welcomed home<\/a> NASA astronaut Don Pettit, concluding a seven-month science mission aboard the orbiting laboratory. Pettit landed at 6:20 a.m. Kazakhstan time, April 20 on his 70th birthday, making him NASA\u2019s oldest active astronaut and the third oldest person to reach orbit.<\/li>\n<li>NASA astronaut Jonny Kim launched and arrived safely at the International Space Station, marking the start of his first space mission. Over eight months, he\u2019ll lead groundbreaking research that advances science and improves life on Earth, proving once again that Americans are built to lead in space.<\/li>\n<li>The four members of the agency\u2019s SpaceX Crew-11, NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov were <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-shares-spacex-crew-11-assignments-for-space-station-mission\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">named<\/a> by NASA. Launching no earlier than July 2025, this mission continues America\u2019s leadership in long-duration human spaceflight while strengthening critical global partnerships.<\/li>\n<li>NASA <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-astronaut-chris-williams-assigned-to-first-space-station-mission\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">announced<\/a> Chris Williams will launch in November 2025 for his first spaceflight. His upcoming mission underscores the pipeline of American talent ready to explore space and expand our presence beyond Earth.<\/li>\n<li>NASA is inviting U.S. industry to propose two new private astronaut missions to the space station in 2026 and 2027 \u2013 building toward a future where American companies sustain a continuous human presence in space and advance our national space economy.<\/li>\n<li>NASA and SpaceX <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-science-cargo-launch-on-32nd-spacex-resupply-station-mission\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">launched<\/a> the 32nd Commercial Resupply Services mission, delivering 6,700 pounds of cargo to the International Space Station. These investments in science and technology continue to strengthen America\u2019s leadership in low Earth orbit. The payload supports cutting-edge research, including:\n<ul>\n<li>New maneuvers for free-flying robots<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>An advanced air quality monitoring system<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Two atomic clocks to explore relativity and ultra-precise timekeeping<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Sending Humans to Moon, Mars<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Teams began hot fire testing the first of three 12-kW Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) thrusters. These high-efficiency thrusters are a cornerstone of next-generation spaceflight, as they offer greater fuel economy and mission flexibility than traditional chemical propulsion, making them an asset for long-duration missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. For Mars in particular, SEP enables three key elements required for success:\n<ul>\n<li>Sustained cargo transport<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>NASA completed the fourth Entry Descent and Landing technology test in three months, accelerating innovation to achieve precision landings on Mars\u2019 thin atmosphere and rugged terrain.<\/li>\n<li>NASA\u2019s Deep Space Optical Communications experiment aboard Psyche broke new ground, enabling the high-bandwidth connections vital for communications with crewed missions to Mars.<\/li>\n<li>Firefly Aerospace\u2019s Blue Ghost Mission One <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/touchdown-carrying-nasa-science-fireflys-blue-ghost-lands-on-moon\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">successfully delivered<\/a> 10 NASA payloads to the Moon, advancing landing, autonomy, and data collection skills for Mars missions.<\/li>\n<li>Intuitive Machines\u2019 IM-2 mission achieved the southernmost lunar landing, collecting critical data from challenging terrain to inform Mars exploration strategies.<\/li>\n<li>NASA cameras aboard Firefly\u2019s Blue Ghost lander captured unprecedented footage of engine plume-surface interactions, offering vital data for designing safer landings on the Moon and Mars.<\/li>\n<li>The agency\u2019s Stereo Cameras for Lunar Plume-Surface Studies (SCALPSS) 1.1 aboard Blue Ghost collected more than 9,000 images of lunar descent, providing insights on lander impacts and terrain interaction to guide future spacecraft design.<\/li>\n<li>New SCALPSS hardware delivered for Blue Origin\u2019s Blue Mark 1 mission also is enhancing lunar landing models, helping build precision landing systems for the Moon and Mars. The LuGRE (Lunar Global Navigation Satellite System Receiver Experiment) on Blue Ghost acquired Earth navigation signals from the Moon, advancing autonomous positioning systems crucial for lunar and Mars operations.<\/li>\n<li>The Electrodynamic Dust Shield successfully cleared lunar dust, demonstrating a critical technology for protecting equipment on the Moon and Mars.<\/li>\n<li>Astronauts aboard the space station <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/blogs\/spacestation\/2025\/02\/13\/vein-scans-muscle-study-on-station-informing-ways-to-keep-crews-healthy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">conducted studies<\/a> to advance understanding of how to keep crews healthy on long-duration Mars missions.<\/li>\n<li>NASA\u2019s Moon to Mars Architecture Workshop gathered industry, academic, and international partners to refine exploration plans and identify collaboration opportunities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Artemis Milestones<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>NASA completed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/blogs\/missions\/2025\/02\/19\/stacking-complete-on-artemis-ii-rocket-boosters\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">stacking<\/a> the twin solid rocket boosters for Artemis II, the mission that will send American astronauts around the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years. This is a powerful step toward returning our nation to deep space.<\/li>\n<li>At NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, teams joined the core stage with the solid rocket boosters inside the Vehicle Assembly Building.<\/li>\n<li>Engineers lifted the launch vehicle stage adapter atop the SLS (Space Launch System) core stage, connecting key systems that will soon power NASA\u2019s return to the Moon.<\/li>\n<li>Teams received the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage and moved the SLS core stage into the transfer aisle, clearing another milestone as the agency prepares to fully integrate America\u2019s most powerful rocket.<\/li>\n<li>NASA attached the solar array wings that will help power the Orion spacecraft on its journey around the Moon, laying the groundwork for humanity\u2019s next giant leap.<\/li>\n<li>Technicians installed the protective fairings on Orion\u2019s service module to shield the spacecraft during its intense launch and ascent phase, as NASA prepares to send astronauts farther than any have gone in more than half a century.<\/li>\n<li>The agency\u2019s next-generation mobile launcher continues to take shape, with the sixth of 10 massive modules being installed. This structure will carry future Artemis rockets to the launch pad.<\/li>\n<li>NASA and the Department of Defense teamed up aboard the USS Somerset for Artemis II <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/nasa-trains-for-orion-water-recovery-ahead-of-artemis-ii-launch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">recovery training<\/a>, ensuring the agency and its partners are ready to safely retrieve Artemis astronauts after their historic mission around the Moon.<\/li>\n<li>NASA unveiled the Artemis II mission patch. The patch designates the mission as \u201cAII,\u201d signifying not only the second major flight of the Artemis campaign but also an endeavor of discovery that seeks to explore for all and by all.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>America First in Space<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>NASA announced the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasas-asteroid-bennu-sample-reveals-mix-of-lifes-ingredients\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">first major science results<\/a> from asteroid Bennu, revealing ingredients essential for life, a discovery made possible by U.S. leadership in planetary science through the OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer) mission. The team found salty brines, 14 of the 20 amino acids used to make proteins, and all five DNA nucleobases, suggesting that the conditions and ingredients for life were widespread in our early solar system. And this is just the beginning \u2013 these results were from analysis of only 0.06% of the sample.<\/li>\n<li>NASA was named one of TIME\u2019s Best Companies for Future Leaders, underscoring the agency\u2019s role in cultivating the next generation of American innovators.<\/li>\n<li>NASA awarded contracts to U.S. industry supporting Earth science missions, \u00a0furthering our understanding of the planet while strengthening America\u2019s industrial base.<\/li>\n<li>As part of the Air Traffic Management-Exploration project, NASA supported Boeing\u2019s test of digital and autonomous taxiing with a Cessna Caravan at Moffett Federal Airfield. The test used real-time simulations from the agency\u2019s Future Flight Central to gather data that will help Boeing refine its systems and safely integrate advanced technologies into national airspace, demonstrating American aviation leadership.<\/li>\n<li>NASA successfully completed its automated\u202fspace traffic\u202fcoordination objectives between the agency\u2019s four Starling spacecraft and SpaceX\u2019s Starlink constellation. Teams demonstrated four risk mitigation maneuvers, autonomously resolving close approaches between two spacecraft with different owner\/operators.\u202f\u202f<\/li>\n<li>In collaboration with the National Institute of Aeronautics, NASA selected eight finalists in a university competition aimed at designing innovative aviation solutions that can help the agriculture industry. NASA\u2019s Gateways to Blue Skies seeks ways to apply American aircraft and aviation technology to enhance the productivity, efficiency, and resiliency of American farms.\u202f<\/li>\n<li>In Houston, United Airlines pilots successfully conducted operational tests of NASA-developed technologies designed to reduce flight delays. Using technologies from the Air Traffic Management Exploration project, pilots flew efficient re-routes, avoiding airspace with bad weather upon departure. United plans to expand the use of these capabilities, another example of how NASA innovations benefit all humanity.\u202f<\/li>\n<li>On March 11, NASA\u2019s newest astrophysics observatory, SPHEREx, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-launches-missions-to-study-sun-universes-beginning\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">launched<\/a> on its journey to answer fundamental questions about our universe, thanks to the dedication and expertise of the agency\u2019s team. Riding aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, SPHEREx will scan the entire sky to study how galaxies formed, search for the building blocks of life, and look back to the universe\u2019s earliest moments. After launch, SPHEREx turned on its detectors, and everything is performing as expected.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Also onboard were four small satellites for NASA\u2019s PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere)\u00a0mission, which will help scientists understand how the Sun\u2019s outer atmosphere becomes solar wind. These missions reflect the best of the agency \u2013 pushing the boundaries of discovery and expanding our understanding of the cosmos.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>On March 14, NASA\u2019s EZIE (Electrojet Zeeman Imaging Explorer) mission launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base. This trio of small satellites will study auroral electrojets, or intense electric currents flowing high above Earth\u2019s poles, helping the agency better understand space weather and its effects on our planet.\u202fThe mission has taken its first measurements, demonstrating that the spacecraft and onboard instrument are working as expected.<\/li>\n<li>The X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft cleared another hurdle on its way to first flight. The team successfully completed an engine speed hold test, confirming the \u201ccruise control\u201d system functions as designed.\u202f<\/li>\n<li>NASA researchers successfully tested a prototype that could help responders <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/centers-and-facilities\/ames\/nasa-demonstrates-new-wildland-fire-airspace-management-system\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">fight and monitor wildfires<\/a>, even in low-visibility conditions. The Portable Airspace Management System, developed by NASA\u2019s Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations project, safely coordinated simulated operations involving drones and other aircraft, tackling a major challenge for those on the front lines. This is just one example of how NASA\u2019s innovation is making a difference where it\u2019s needed most.\u202f<\/li>\n<li>NASA\u2019s Parker Solar Probe completed its 23rd close approach to the Sun, coming within 3.8 million miles of the solar surface while traveling at 430,000 miles per hour \u2013 matching its own records for distance and speed. That same day, Parker Solar Probe was awarded the prestigious Collier Trophy, a well-earned recognition for its groundbreaking contributions to heliophysics.\u202f<\/li>\n<li>In response to severe weather that impacted more than 10 states earlier this month, the NASA Disasters Response Coordination System activated to support national partners. NASA worked closely with the National Weather Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency serving the central and southeastern U.S. to provide satellite data and expertise that help communities better prepare, respond, and recover.\u202f<\/li>\n<li>As an example of how NASA\u2019s research today is shaping the transportation of tomorrow, the agency\u2019s aeronautics engineers began a flight test campaign focused on safely integrating air taxis into the national airspace. Using a Joby Aviation demonstrator aircraft, engineers are helping standardize flight test maneuvers, improving tools to assist with collision avoidance and landing operations, and ensuring safe and efficient air taxis operations in various weather conditions.<\/li>\n<li>NASA premiered \u201cPlanetary Defenders,\u201d a new documentary that follows the dedicated team behind asteroid detection and planetary defense. The film debuted at an event at the agency\u2019s headquarters with digital creators, interagency and international partners, and now is streaming on NASA+, YouTube, and X. In its first 24 hours, it saw 25,000 views on YouTube \u2013 75% above average \u2013 and reached 4 million impressions on X.\u202f<\/li>\n<li>Finland became the 53rd nation to sign the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/artemis-accords\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Artemis Accords<\/a>, reaffirming its commitment to the peaceful, transparent, and responsible exploration of space. This milestone underscores the growing global coalition led by the United States to establish a sustainable and cooperative presence beyond Earth.<\/li>\n<li>In Dhaka, Bangladesh, NASA welcomed a new signatory to the Artemis Accords. Bangladesh became the 54th nation to commit to the peaceful, safe, and responsible exploration of space. It\u2019s a milestone that reflects our shared values and growing global momentum, reaffirming the United States\u2019 leadership in building a global coalition for peaceful space exploration.\u202f<\/li>\n<li>At NASA\u2019s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, engineers conducted <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/image-article\/nasa-calibrates-second-shock-sensing-probe-for-x-59-testing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">calibration flights<\/a> for a new shock-sensing probe that will support future flight tests of the X-59 quiet supersonic demonstrator. Mounted on a research F-15D that will follow the X-59 closely in flight, the probe will gather data on the shock waves the X-59 generates, providing important data about its ability to fly faster than sound, but produce only a quiet thump.<\/li>\n<li>In its second asteroid encounter, Lucy flew by the asteroid Donaldjohanson and gave NASA a close look at a uniquely shaped fragment dating back 150 million years \u2013 an impressive performance ahead of its main mission target in 2027.<\/li>\n<li>A celebration of decades of discovery, NASA\u2019s Hubble Space Telescope celebrated its 35th anniversary with new observations ranging from nearby solar system objects to distant galaxies \u2013 proof that Hubble continues to inspire wonder and advance our understanding of the universe.<\/li>\n<li>The SPHEREx team rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange, spotlighting NASA\u2019s newest space telescope and its bold mission to explore the origins of the universe.<\/li>\n<li>NASA received six Webby Awards and six People\u2019s Voice Awards across platforms \u2013 recognition of America\u2019s excellence in digital engagement and public communication.<\/li>\n<li>The NASA Electric Aircraft Testbed and Advanced Air Transport Technology project concluded testing of a 2.5-megawatt Wright Electric motor designed to eventually serve large aircraft. The testing used the project\u2019s capabilities to simulate altitude conditions of up to 40,000 feet while the electric motor, the most powerful tested so far at the facility, ran at both full voltage and partial power. NASA partnered with the Department of Energy on the tests.<\/li>\n<li>U.S. entities can now\u202frequest the\u202fGlenn Icing Computational Environment (GlennICE) tool\u202ffrom the NASA Software Catalog\u202fand discover solutions to icing challenges for novel engine and aircraft designs.\u202fA 3D computational tool, GlennICE allows engineers to integrate icing-related considerations earlier in the aircraft design process and enable safer, more efficient designs while saving costs in the design process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For more about NASA\u2019s mission, visit:<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov \"><strong>https:\/\/www.nasa.gov <\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">-end-<\/p>\n<p>Bethany Stevens<br \/>Headquarters, Washington<br \/>202-358-1600<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-soars-to-new-heights-in-first-100-days-of-trump-administration\/mailto:bethany.c.stevens@nasa.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bethany.c.stevens@nasa.gov<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Today is the 100th day of the Trump-Vance Administration after being inaugurated on Jan. 20. In his inaugural&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":62193,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[32138,12337,70,32139,10568,53,16,15,32140],"class_list":{"0":"post-62192","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-science","8":"tag-for-colleges-universities","9":"tag-missions","10":"tag-science","11":"tag-science-for-everyone","12":"tag-space-technology-mission-directorate","13":"tag-technology","14":"tag-uk","15":"tag-united-kingdom","16":"tag-what-we-do"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62192","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=62192"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62192\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/62193"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=62192"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=62192"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=62192"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}