Check out the night sky this month, January 2026. Here are videos and links to websites highlighting the top sights to observe.
** What’s Up: January 2026 Skywatching Tips from NASA | NASA JPL
What are some skywatching highlights in January 2026?
Jupiter is at its biggest and brightest all year, the Moon and Saturn pair up, and the Beehive Cluster buzzes into view.
0:00 Intro 0:11 Jupiter at opposition 0:50 Moon and Saturn conjunction 1:11 The beehive cluster 2:00 January Moon phases
Additional information about topics covered in this episode of What’s Up, along with still images from the video, and the video transcript, are available at https://science.nasa.gov/skywatching/whats-up/.
Phases of the Moon for January 2026. Credits: NASA JPL
In this month’s episode, start with one of the year’s best meteor showers, then spend some time with Jupiter, and check out a mythical queen and hunter who have ego problems. So bundle up, grab your curiosity, and come along on this month’s Sky Tour.
** The Night Sky | January 2026 | Jupiter Close to Earth | Quadrantid Meteor Shower | Late Night Astronomy
The Quadrantid Meteor shower peaks and the king of the planets makes it’s closest pass to Earth. Let’s take a look at what you can go out to see in the night sky for January of 2026!
…
Timestamps: 0:00 Quadrantid Meteor Shower 1:05 Jupiter Opposition 2:27 The Moon 3:05 The Planets 3:52 Comet 24P/Schaumasse 4:26 Comet C/2024 E1 Wierzchos 4:48 Deep Sky Challenge
** Step Inside the International Space Station (POV Tour) | NASA
What’s it like to float through the International Space Station?
Come along with us for a guided tour! Our astronauts in low Earth orbit recorded this tour on Oct. 10, 2022, while NASA’s SpaceX Crew-4 and Crew-5 missions were aboard.
As you glide through the ISS, pop-ups will appear highlighting each part of the station and what it’s used for—wrapping up with a view of Earth and space through SpaceX’s Dragon capsule. If you’d like even more information, visit our NASA Johnson YouTube account for a version of this video with audio commentary by astronauts Nicole Mann and Kjell Lindgren: • Tour the International Space Station: 25 Y…
For more than 25 years, humans have been living and working on the International Space Station 24/7, helping us learn how to live in space (and prepare for missions to the Moon and Mars) while doing scientific research to make life better back on Earth.
** How Do Astronauts Unwind in Space? | NASA Johnson
After busy workdays aboard the International Space Station, crew members need time to relax and de-stress. From playing musical instruments and exercising to taking photos of our home planet, watch how astronauts practice some of their favorite hobbies 250 miles above Earth.
** Connecting Classrooms to Space: Ham Radio Explainer by NASA Astronaut Nichole Ayers | NASA Johnson
ARISS (Amateur Radio on the ISS). In this video, NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers walks through the step-by-step p rocess of setting up a live ham radio contact, showing how schools and organizations bridge the gap between Earth and orbit. Learn how amateur radio technology makes these inspiring conversations possible and why ham radio is a powerful tool for sparking curiosity about STEM and space exploration.
Celebrating 25 unbroken years of humans living in space, former international director of the UK Space Agency Dr Alice Bunn charts how nations put aside differences to create the ultimate symbol of human ingenuity and collaboration – a space station orbiting our planet that has been home to more than 300 people from 24 different nations.
Using mission control audio, news archive and personal stories, Alice illuminates acts of epic survival, humour and selflessness that made the station a reality. She investigates why a near fatal disaster on the Russian Mir space station spurred nations to commit to the ISS, and reveals how a Moscow basement and Hollywood royalty sparked bonding between Russians and Americans. She also discovers how quick thinking and plastic tape saved the station, allowing it to grow to the size of a football pitch, and how one astronaut came within seconds of drowning in space.
Looking into the future, Alice explores how the legacy of the ISS will be carried on by a new generation of private space stations, which have the power to push back the boundaries of science for the good of all humanity. The reduced gravity offers enormous possibilities, including creating materials impossible to create on Earth.
When developing living accommodations on #AxiomStation, our engineers often depend on the expertise of our astronaut staff regarding station design. Collaborating with our VR team allows the crew to visualize the designs in real-time. @Astro_Wakatapic.twitter.com/vENcieYUor
#AxiomStation progress continues with the first software integrated, propulsion thruster hot-fire demonstration. The flight software development team successfully designed and executed a program capable of controlling module propulsion thrusters, proven with multiple five-second… pic.twitter.com/Lzyzc6CcrR
See how Max Space’s Thunderbird Station launches compactly and expands 20x once deployed in space, greatly increasing habitable volume while radically reducing the cost per m3. This is an evolutionary leap in space real estate for LEO, Moon and Mars.
2025 marked a major step forward for Starlab Space!
From advancing our design and technology to strengthening partnerships across the global space community, each milestone moved us closer to a full capability commercial space station in low Earth orbit.
When the ISS retires, continuity matters. @Starlab_Space is the only platform designed to ensure continuity with a permanent crew AND 100% of ISS payload capacity. From Day One, Starlab has next-generation power and systems to support U.S., international and commercial missions… pic.twitter.com/aHnU8NT9Pc
That’s a wrap on 2025: the year Vast became the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft in orbit with Haven Demo. Onward to 2026. pic.twitter.com/SMdkrHIW9c
NASA Commercial Crew veteran @KathyLueders joins Vast as an advisor. From helping pioneer NASA’s public-private commercial model to advancing a new era in low Earth orbit, Kathy’s experience is a powerful addition to the Vast team. https://t.co/15nyjzrhxjpic.twitter.com/dnH4RX8uUS
Docking is one of the most critical and complex parts of building a space station. In October, we completed a successful docking adaptor fit check, marking another key milestone toward launch. Haven-1’s fully tested passive docking adapter, built to international docking system standards and likely the first-ever manufactured for a commercial station, will enable precise crew-vehicle docking.
=== Chinese space habitats
— Shenzhou-21 Crew Smoothly Push for Experiments in Multiple Fields | CCTV Video News Agency
Almost two months into their mission, the Shenzhou-21 crew have been smoothly pushing for experiments in multiple domains aboard China’s Tiangong space station.
According to the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), four mice were sent into space with the Shenzhou-21 (神舟二十一) crewed spacecraft on 31 October 2025, were housed in a specialised habitat on the China Space Station (中国空间站), and returned to Earth on 14 November 2025, along with the Shenzhou-20 (神舟二十) crew on the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft. Since returning, a female mouse has successfully given birth to healthy offspring. Credit: Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)/China Central Television (CCTV)
** Hotel Mars presents Rick Fish on Chinese space safety concerns due to stranded Taikonauts on a recent Chinese Space Station mission | John Batchelor and Dr. David M. Livingston of The Space Show +
** NSS | The Future of Space Stations: Building Humanity’s Neighborhood in the Stars with Isaac Arthur | National Space Society on Youtube
From the ISS to the next generation of commercial and deep-space habitats, humanity is building a permanent presence in orbit—our first real neighborhood among the stars.
As humanity pushes deeper into the solar system and eventually toward interstellar space, reliable long term power infrastructure becomes a critical challenge.
In this IRG 2025 Symposium talk, geophysicist Ken Wisian explores the potential of geothermal energy as a durable, low maintenance power source for planetary bodies and moons far beyond the reach of efficient solar power. Drawing on decades of terrestrial geothermal experience and emerging research in closed loop systems, Wisian outlines how subsurface oceans on icy moons could be tapped to generate continuous electrical power.
The talk compares geothermal energy to traditional deep space power sources such as radioisotope thermoelectric generators, solar panels, and nuclear reactors, highlighting geothermal’s advantages including indefinite operational lifetime, minimal logistics requirements, and scalability. Wisian presents conceptual designs for drilling through ice crusts to subsurface oceans on bodies such as Europa, Enceladus, and other icy moons, leveraging temperature differentials of more than 150 degrees Celsius.
This presentation also examines engineering challenges including drilling techniques, melt probes, directed energy drilling, working fluid selection, thermoelectric versus turbine based power generation, planetary protection concerns, and the role geothermal power could play in future communication nodes, scientific outposts, and interstellar infrastructure.
Learn more about the Interstellar Research Group and upcoming symposia at https://irg.space
How do you feed, sustain, and grow a human population on a multi century interstellar journey?
In this IRG 2025 Symposium talk, Boris Petrovic presents a detailed simulation and systems level approach to feeding future space settlers aboard a hypothetical interstellar generational ship. Drawing on NASA life support data, hydroponic agriculture, algae bioreactors, and closed loop environmental control systems, this work explores how a fully plant based food system could support a crew growing from hundreds to nearly one thousand people over a 250 year mission.
The talk walks through population dynamics, resource constraints, crop rotation models, hydroponic rack design, oxygen and carbon dioxide recycling, water reuse, and energy requirements. Petrovic also discusses how these systems could be applied not only to interstellar missions, but to Mars settlements, low Earth orbit habitats, and future commercial space stations.
This presentation offers a rare quantitative look at food production, life support, and biosphere engineering as foundational challenges for long duration human spaceflight.
Are we on the verge of a “lunar gold rush”? Prof. Ian Crawford discusses lunar mining for Helium-3, rare earths & precious metals and we explore the challenges involved with lunar resource extraction.
Dr. Ian Crawford is a Professor of Planetary Science and Astrobiology at Birkbeck, University of London, where he also serves as Programme Director for Planetary Exploration with Astronomy and Astrobiology.
Professor Crawford’s work sits at the intersection of lunar science and exploration, astrobiology, and the long-term future of space exploration and development. He’s been directly involved in lunar remote-sensing missions — including as a co-investigator on the D-CIXS X-ray spectrometer that orbited the Moon on ESA’s SMART-1 mission, and as chair of the Science Team for the C1XS instrument that flew on India’s Chandrayaan-1 mission.
Professor Crawford’s work sits at the intersection of lunar science and exploration, astrobiology, and the long-term future of space exploration and development. He earned a B.Sc. in Astronomy from University College London in 1982, and a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from UCL in 1988.
=== Mars habitation
** Science recommendations from National Academy for initial Mars missions:
=== Other space habitat and settlement news and articles:
Calendar:
3rd Space Visions Symposium, Sept.4.2026, Cape Canaveral Florida. The theme is “establishing a thriving community in Low Earth Orbit“. Topics include, for example, “Construction of large structures in space” and “Transport of materials and people from the surface to a station and return“. Sponsored by Canaveral Council of Technical Societies.
ISS in Real Time – “Explore 25 years onboard the International Space Station. This multimedia project replays every day of the past 25 years onboard and consists entirely of historical mission material.”
** ISS Timelapse – From Accra to Baku by Night (19 Oct 2025) | AstronautiCAST
… Original timelapse by Riccardo Rossi (ISAA) – Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License – Raw photos courtesy of http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/archive
Starting from approximately 1800 photographs taken from the International Space Station by Kimiya Yui on October 19th, we created this #timelapse.
This is a nocturnal #ISS flyover from the Gulf of Guinea to the Caspian Sea. Following the lights of the coastal cities in Cameroon and Nigeria, you will notice the darkness of the desert areas in Chad and Libya; the view lights up again once we reach Egypt.
The frame rate of the photographs in this timelapse is not regular, but we decided to share the sequence with you anyway.
The video covers a timeframe of 20 minutes, and is therefore accelerated by approximately 4 times compared to the Station’s real speed.
** An Auroral view from the ISS:
Incredible video of the aurora borealis captured from the ISS by astronaut Don Pettit pic.twitter.com/eOh6HnuPMt
** Live Video from the International Space Station (Official NASA Stream) | NASA
Watch live video from the International Space Station, including inside views when the crew aboard the space station is on duty. Views of Earth are also streamed from an external camera located outside of the space station. During periods of signal loss due to handover between communications satellites, a blue screen is displayed.
The space station orbits Earth about 250 miles (425 kilometers) above the surface. An international partnership of five space agencies from 15 countries operates the station, and it has been continuously occupied since November 2000. It’s a microgravity laboratory where science, research, and human innovation make way for new technologies and research breakthroughs not possible on Earth. More: https://go.nasa.gov/3CkVtC8
Did you know you can spot the station without a telescope? It looks like a fast-moving star, but you have to know when to look up. Sign up for text messages or email alerts to let you know when (and where) to spot the station and wave to the crew: https://spotthestation.nasa.gov
For the first time in International Space Station history, all eight docking ports aboard the orbital outpost are occupied following the reinstallation of Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft to the Earth-facing port of the station’s Unity module. The eight spacecraft attached to the complex are: two SpaceX Dragons, Cygnus XL, JAXA’s (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) HTV-X1, two Roscosmos Soyuz crew spacecraft, and two Progress cargo ships.
This milestone follows the reattachment of the Cygnus XL spacecraft, supporting the Northrop Grumman-23 commercial resupply services mission for NASA, which was removed last week by the robotics officer at the agency’s Mission Control Center in Houston using the space station’s Canadarm2 robotic arm. The Cygnus XL movement was coordinated between NASA, Northrop Grumman, and Roscosmos to provide appropriate clearance for the arriving crewed Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft on Nov. 27.
Cygnus will remain attached to the orbiting laboratory until no earlier than March 2026, when it is scheduled to safely depart and dispose of up to 11,000 pounds of trash and unneeded cargo when it harmlessly burns up in Earth’s atmosphere.
A rendering of the ISS with visiting spacecraft filling all the available docking spots. Credits: NASA
JAXA’s first HTV-X cargo transfer spacecraft (HTV-X1) was launched by the seventh H3 Launch Vehicle (H3-24W / H3 F7) from the Yoshinobu Launch Complex, Tanegashima Space Center, Japan, on 26 October 2025, at 00:00:15 UTC (09:00:15 JST). Credit: JAXA
** NASA Astronaut Jonny Kim Advances Research Aboard Space Station | NASA Johnson
NASA astronaut Jonny Kim is wrapping up his first mission aboard the International Space Station in early December. During his stay, Kim conducted scientific experiments and technology demonstrations to benefit humanity on Earth and advance NASA’s Artemis campaign in preparation for future human missions to Mars. Take a look at some of the science Kim completed during his mission: https://go.nasa.gov/4atrCZb
** Astronaut Discuss Life In Space With The Washington Post’s Global Summit Thursday, November 20, 2025 | NASA Video
Aboard the International Space Station, NASA astronaut Zena Cardman discussed life and work aboard the orbital outpost during an in-flight interview Nov. 20 with attendees of the Washington Post’s Global Women’s Summit Meeting. Cardman is in the midst of a long-duration mission aboard the microgravity laboratory to advance scientific knowledge and demonstrate new technologies for future human and robotic exploration flights as part of NASA’s Moon and Mars exploration approach, including lunar missions through NASA’s Artemis program.
The AxEO (Axiom Space Earth Observatory) features 8 of the largest window panes ever constructed for space. The special acrylic formulation for the windows was tested on the exterior of the International Space Station and post-flight analysis confirmed its compatibility with the… pic.twitter.com/XhSCrarT9n
Axiom Space, a leader in human spaceflight services and developer of era-defining space infrastructure, and ElevationSpace Inc., a pioneering Japanese startup specializing in space environment utilization and recovery platforms, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore collaborative opportunities in high-frequency re-entry and recovery services for commercial space stations.
This strategic partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both companies to enhance the capabilities of orbital infrastructure, including the future Axiom Station. The collaboration will focus on technology demonstrations involving ElevationSpace’s ELS-RS payload handling and re-entry/recovery systems, which are designed to optimize operations in low-Earth orbit and beyond. The ELS-RS system once complete, will provide capabilities to store scientific data/payloads under controlled conditions and return them quickly and safely to an exact, specified location on the planet. This will enable Axiom Space to deliver important research to our customers and partners with increased speed and flexibility.
Axiom Space, a leader in commercial space infrastructure, and Resonac Corporation (“Resonac”), a leading provider of cutting-edge materials solutions in the semiconductor industry, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the research, development and manufacturing of high-performance semiconductor materials in the environment of space. This collaboration paves the way toward leveraging microgravity to advance next-generation chip technologies and accelerate the in-space manufacturing market.
“The unique environment of space offers immense potential for advancing semiconductor materials, especially in crystal growth,” said Masato Fukushima, Resonac Chief Technology Officer. “Partnering with Axiom Space, we aim to accelerate experiments and drive innovation in materials, fostering industrial growth and societal progress.”
— Habitat window glass testing
Proof acceptance testing is underway for the Crew Quarter Window Glass Debris Pane. What seems like a simple screening is actually a detailed process that looks for flaws in each pane of glass by applying an envelope of loads the pane will experience through launch and while on… pic.twitter.com/L33paXINx3
Functional testing of the Crew Quarter Window Shutter Assembly is underway. Axiom Station crewmembers will be able to operate the window shutters from inside their rooms to block light, heat, and protect them from the orbital debris environment. pic.twitter.com/HtvSnhzFx1
… Time is running out for NASA if it wants to establish continuity from the International Space Station, which will reach its end of life in 2030, with a follow-on station ready to go before then.
One of the more intriguing companies in the competition is Voyager Technologies, which recently announced a strategic investment from Janus Henderson, a global investment firm. In another sign that the competition is heating up, Voyager also just hired John Baum away from Vast, where he was the company’s business development leader.
To get a sense of this competition and how Voyager is coming along with its Starlab space station project, Ars spoke with the firm’s chairman, Dylan Taylor….
— Habitat airlock
.@voyagertech_ brings proven flight heritage to Starlab. The Bishop Airlock, the first and only commercial airlock on the International Space Station, supports advanced robotics testing, on-orbit maneuvers, payload transfers, efficient trash deployment, and more. That same level… pic.twitter.com/xF24Rmp8tD
Starlab is proud to announce that we have successfully passed our CMMC Level 2 audit, a milestone achieved by less than 0.5 percent of companies in the Defense Industrial Base. This certification validates the strength of our cybersecurity program and confirms full implementation… pic.twitter.com/TwyvPCicNp
In this episode of Space Minds, host Mike Gruss sits down with Marshall Smith, CEO of Starlab Space for a fireside chat at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center, the next installment of the Center’s Discovery Series.
In the fireside chat, they explored how today’s commercial space pioneers are turning concepts once rooted in science fiction into operational reality.
Smith reflects on his path from NASA engineer to leading the development of a next-generation commercial space station—one designed for science, manufacturing, and a future where private industry drives a sustainable economy in low Earth orbit. From market demand to design philosophy to the race toward a 2029 launch, Smith explains why he believes continuous human presence in space is essential, and how innovations in microgravity research and AI-driven operations could redefine what’s possible both on orbit and on Earth.
Today, we announced that @LeidosInc will lead Starlab’s U.S.-based assembly, integration and testing (AI&T) activities for our next-generation space station. The collaboration reflects Starlab’s ongoing strategy to align with proven aerospace leaders and reduce risk across… pic.twitter.com/pa099Gp9ry
The second week of our subsystem PDR review is underway. We’re evaluating major elements, confirming that design requirements are met, and that systems are ready to advance toward final integration. Together, these reviews validate that the station’s architecture, subsystems, and… pic.twitter.com/UwNeLRi8Nm
The inaugural Starlab European User Conference brings together industry professionals, Space Agency representatives, policy makers and researchers to explore how the Low-Earth Orbit and microgravity environment can be leveraged for high-impact research and the development of new products and technologies.
Attendees will learn about the latest advances in human space exploration and explore how Starlab’s cutting-edge capabilities will enable groundbreaking research in fields such as materials science, biotechnology, and Earth observation. The event offers a unique platform for networking, collaboration, and learning, featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions and workshops.
Haven-1 docking adapter fit check at Vast headquarters. In October, we completed the fit check of Haven-1’s fully tested passive docking hardware—likely the first flight model passive docking adapter for a commercial station. This milestone marks a major step toward launch. pic.twitter.com/M5eI7GDcJL
Our Food Systems team has completed its first in-house freeze-drying run. This marks a major step in our work to develop food designed specifically for spaceflight. Each batch helps us refine flavor, texture, and rehydration as we build a nutrition program for future crews. pic.twitter.com/LId43lKHpp
Haven Demo, our Haven-1 space station technologies test bed is now on orbit and healthy. Watch footage from our onboard cameras in full duration 4K. More to come. pic.twitter.com/nlVD3I5TpG
— Meanwhile, Haven-1 construction and testing continues:
The next phase of Haven-1 begins.
The flight primary structure has returned to Vast headquarters in Long Beach, CA for the final weld inspections and integration. pic.twitter.com/P12hiDOqFX
— Vast: American-made space stations | VAST Youtube
The final weld of Haven-1’s primary structure marks the completion of the first space station flight article to be built and manufactured in the US in over 20 years. It’s the third major structure that Vast has completed in two years.
— How Vast plans to keep humanity in orbit | SpaceNews
In this episode of Space Minds, host David Ariosto speaks with Max Haot, CEO of Vast, the ambitious aerospace company based in Long Beach, California, one of a very companies few working diligently towards the first commercial space station.
Just days after the successful launch of Vast’s pathfinder mission, Haot shares what it was like to see their Haven demo spacecraft come to life in orbit — from tense moments in the control room to the triumph of first contact. We talk about their next big step, Haven-1, set to become one of the first privately built, human-rated orbital habitat, and how Vast plans to ensure a seamless transition from the International Space Station to a new era of commercial space infrastructure. Haot also discusses safety, competition, and the future business of living and working in low Earth orbit — all part of Vast’s vision to make space permanently accessible.
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Time Markers 00:00 – Episode introduction 00:33 – Welcome Max 00:45 – A big week 05:03 – Industry superstitions 05:52 – Purpose of the Haven demo mission 08:30 – Haven demo described (with on-orbit video) 10:14 – What is Haven-1 10:33 – Dragon spacecraft and Haven-1 13:17 – Safety and business pressures 20:25 – NASA collaboration and commercial balance 21:11 – Haven-2, Falcon Heavy and Starship 22:48 – Competition and the race for first 27:58 – Business model and customers
=== Chinese space habitats
** The Shenzhou-20 crew capsule suffered a debris impact in early November while docked to China’s Tiangong space station. This led to the Shenzhou-20 astronauts returning on the capsule that had brought the Shenzhou-21 crew to the station. A new capsule was subsequently sent uncrewed to the Tiangong station to use for the eventual return of the the Shenzhou-21 crew. The damaged capsule will be returned uncrewed.
— Shenzhou 21 Completes Record 13-Day Mission, Rescues Crew from Tiangong Space Station | CNSA Watcher
— Shenzhou-21 spacecraft lands on Earth after 204-day space mission | CNSA Watcher
The Shenzhou-21 manned spacecraft successfully returned to Earth on November 14, 2025. Astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie safely exited the spacecraft in good health after a 204-day space journey. Congratulations to them on setting a new record for the longest individual stay in orbit by Chinese astronauts.
The Shenzhou-21 crew spacecraft autonomously docked to the forward port of the Tianhe Core Module (天和核心舱) on 31 October 2025, at 19:22 UTC (1 November, at 03:22 China Standard Time). Shenzhou-21 (神舟二十一) is the tenth crew of three astronauts on a mission to the China Space Station (中国空间站): Zhang Lu (张陆, commander), Wu Fei (武飞) and Zhang Hong Zhang (张洪章). Credit: China National Space Administration (CNSA)/China Central Television (CCTV) Shenzhou-21 docking
The Shenzhou-21 crew entered the Tianhe Core Module (天和核心舱) on 31 October 2025, at 20:58 UTC (1 November, at 04:58 China Standard Time). Shenzhou-21 (神舟二十一) is the tenth crew of three astronauts on a mission to the China Space Station (中国空间站): Zhang Lu (张陆, commander), Wu Fei (武飞) and Zhang Hong Zhang (张洪章). Credit: China National Space Administration (CNSA)/China Central Television (CCTV) Shenzhou-21 hatch opening,
** Shenzhou-20 and Shenzhou-21 crews are grilling chicken wings in Tiangong space station. | CNSA Watcher – Archives
Wow, the Shenzhou-20 and Shenzhou-21 crews are grilling chicken wings in the space station, according to a video on China Aerospace’s Weibo account.
We recently conducted our fourth inflatable habitat burst test in Littleton, Colorado—this time featuring a new penetration plate, an opening that could one day serve as a window or hatch for an astronaut.
The test reached 267 psi—over five times its design pressure—demonstrating the strength and reliability of our inflatable habitat technology.
As humanity moves closer to returning to the Moon through NASA’s Artemis program, we are advancing technologies that will enable astronauts to live and work safely in space, paving the way for a sustainable lunar economy and beyond.
** International Lunar program sustainability: ISS lessons learned as applied for Lunar exploration | Space Renaissance
Abstract: The International space station program is a humanity’s achievement from many different perspectives. 15 nations are united together to design, construct and operate the in-orbit technical and scientific facility with permanent human presence for 25 years (38 years taking into account previous orbital station – MIR). Now we’re at the stage when we’re aiming to keep our LEO capabilities and at the same time to make a next step – to establish peaceful research and exploration of the Moon and Cis-Lunar space. The subject of the lecture is to highlight the perspectives of Lunar exploration as an international endeavor and to show how technical and programmatic principles of the ISS program will help to provide necessary sustainability of the International Lunar program.
Bio: Dmitry Zarubin, Engineering Fellow Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Key responsibilities are Systems Engineering and Project Management in Lunar Exploration. Previously Dmitry was a part of the ISS Roscosmos and RSC Energia managment team, participant and a co-chair of several ISS and Lunar Gateway technical teams. Dmitry is a member of the IAF Space Exploration and Human Space Flight Committees. Founding member of the IDSEA (International Deep Space Exploration Association, China). An expert for COPUOS Action Team on Lunar Activities Consultation (ATLAC).
=== Settlement
** SRIC4 #04: “The Civilization Survival Scale and Space Settlement” | Space Renaissance
Abstract: The Civilization Survival Scale provides a powerful argument based in evolutionary biology for human expansion into space. It recognizes that the survival of a civilization, as the survival of a species, is dependent on its ability to adapt highly diverse and changing habits. Unlike the very popular Kardashev Scale, which is built around ever greater energy consumption, the Civilization Survival Scale is based firmly on the principles of evolutionary biology. It recognizes that the survival of human civilization lies in replacing the brute force approach of the Kardashev Scale with a scientific approach based on acquiring the technology and knowledge to adapt to diverse habitats. The technology we develop to build communities in diverse habitats throughout the Solar System will expand our ability to thrive in diverse environments here on Earth. Rather than abandoning the Earth, the Civilization Survival Scale demonstrates how humanity expanding into the Solar System and beyond enhances the survivability and quality of life for humans on Earth. The advanced food production systems required to sustain communities in space will enable farming on Earth to become more resilient to environmental disruptions while expanding it to new environments. Similarly, recycling technology developed by communities in space will be used to reduce the environmental impact of communities on Earth. The Civilization Survival Scale provides a solid scientific foundation for justifying our need to evolve into a spacefaring society. It illustrates that the best hope of humanity surviving into the future is to become a Level 2 Civilization on the Civilization Survival Scale by developing the technology to multiple habitats in our solar system.
An essential Bio: Thomas L. Matula, Ph.D. is a Professor of Business Administration at Sul Ross State University in Texas and holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration from New Mexico State University. Sul Ross State University is now offering an MBA in Space Commerce. This is an excerpt from a book in progress: Astrosettlement: An Evolutionary Strategy for Space Settlement..
The Living in Space Workshop was organized by ACES Worldwide and Space Renaissance International (SRI), with the support of 14 organizations, including The Alliance for Collaboration in the Exploration of Space (ACES Worldwide); Space Renaissance International (SRI); the National Space Society (NSS); the Moon Village Association (MVA); the International Moonbase Alliance (IMA), The Space Development Foundation Inc. (SDF); The Mars Society; Life to and Beyond; For All Moonkind; the Lifeboat Foundation; Space and Satellite Professionals International; the Alternatively Planetary Futures Institute, and Innova Space.
The following presentations were given: • Joseph Pelton (US) Chair of ACES Worldwide “Introduction of Living-in-Space Initiatives and Plans for Future and 14 Alliance members” • Adriano V. Autino (ITALY) Space Renaissance International (SRI) CEO & Founder “SRI IV World Congress and Registration Information” • Armen Papazian (UK) Economist and Author (UK & UAE) “The Monetization of Space” • Werner Grandl (AUSTRIA) SRI Board, Chair on Space Habitats Committee, Architect (Austria) “The Simulation of Gravity in Rotating Space Habitats” • Bernard Foing (NETHERLAND) SRI President, LUNEX Chair, Retired ESA Scientist “Space for All” • Susan Jewell (US) MD, SRI Board, CEO of Mars-Moon Astronautics Academy and Research Science (MMAARS) “Integrative Space Health, Agentic AI and Precision Medicine” • Peter Swan (US) Chief Architect, International Space Elevator Consortium “Modern-Day Space Elevators, as Permanent Space Transportation Infrastructures and how they will open up Space!” • Frank White (US) author of The Overview Effect: Space Exploration and Human Evolution “Advances in Rockets and Robots” • Upasana Desgupta (INDIA) Assoc. Prof. of Space Law, India, ACES WW Vice Chair “Space Policy & Regulation for Deep Space Exploration, Development & Settlements” • Thais Russomanno (BRAZIL, UK) MD. CEO of Innova Space “Latest Advances in Space Medical Research” • James Green (US) Former Chief Scientist of NASA “Space Shields to Terraform Mars” • Luigina Feretti (ITALY) SRI, Former Director of Istituto di Radioastronomia (INAF) “Protection from solar and cosmic radiations: state of the art “ • Eric Dahlstrom (NZ) co-founder of Space institute of NZ and Vatasala Khetawat (INDIA) “Advances in Nuclear Fusion Space Transportation Systems and their Safey for Deep Space Missions” • Adriano V. Autino (ITALY) SRI CEO & Founder “Living and Working in Free-Space: a Choice of Freedom!” • Joseph Pelton (US) Chair of ACES Worldwide “Living in Space Workshop conclusions”
Halen Mattison left SpaceX because Elon told him his vision was too long-term. He wanted to build the propellant infrastructure that would unlock Mars and everything between here and there, but the timeline didn’t fit SpaceX’s roadmap. So he started General Galactic to do it himself.
His team is developing Genesis, a water electrolysis propulsion system that delivers hydrazine-level thrust and xenon-level efficiency using the safest, cheapest, most abundant propellant in the solar system. The company is targeting an orbital demonstration in 2026, with a long-term vision to operate refueling depots from LEO to Mars.
Inside the episode: • Why the space industry’s fear of new technology is creating a sitting-duck opportunity • How water electrolysis unlocks both near-term mobility services and long-term ISRU infrastructure • What “specific impulse” actually means for mission economics and why it matters more than people think • The Starship refueling challenge and why cryogenic propellant depots will work at scale • Sequencing from mobility-as-a-service to lunar fuel production to gas stations on Mars • Why consensus-following investors miss the most ambitious bets and how to tell the contrarian story
=== Other space habitat and settlement news and articles:
ISS in Real Time – “Explore 25 years onboard the International Space Station. This multimedia project replays every day of the past 25 years onboard and consists entirely of historical mission material.”
** This Week in Orbit | 4K Earth Views from Space (Nov 20–26, 2025) | Sen
Take a peaceful break above the world. This week’s episode brings you more mesmerising 4K views of Earth from Sen’s cameras aboard the International Space Station — captured between 20–26 November 2025.
Float over cities, coastlines, storms, mountains and oceans and create a calming, inspiring orbit around our planet. Perfect for relaxation, studying, focus, mindfulness, sleep, or simply reconnecting with the beauty of Earth.
** Live Video from the International Space Station (Official NASA Stream) | NASA
Watch live video from the International Space Station, including inside views when the crew aboard the space station is on duty. Views of Earth are also streamed from an external camera located outside of the space station. During periods of signal loss due to handover between communications satellites, a blue screen is displayed.
The space station orbits Earth about 250 miles (425 kilometers) above the surface. An international partnership of five space agencies from 15 countries operates the station, and it has been continuously occupied since November 2000. It’s a microgravity laboratory where science, research, and human innovation make way for new technologies and research breakthroughs not possible on Earth. More: https://go.nasa.gov/3CkVtC8
Did you know you can spot the station without a telescope? It looks like a fast-moving star, but you have to know when to look up. Sign up for text messages or email alerts to let you know when (and where) to spot the station and wave to the crew: https://spotthestation.nasa.gov
Check out the night sky this month, December 2025. Here are videos and links to websites highlighting the top sights to observe.
** What’s Up: December 2025 Skywatching Tips from NASA | NASA JPL
What are some skywatching highlights in December 2025?
The 3I/ATLAS comet makes its closest approach to Earth, the Geminid meteor shower sparkles across the sky, and the Moon and Jupiter get close for a conjunction.
Additional information about topics covered in this episode of What’s Up, along with still images from the video, and the video transcript, are available at https://science.nasa.gov/skywatching/whats-up/.
During December you can watch for some impressive shooting stars and spend some time with the “Demon Star,” which can’t decide how bright it wants to be. Bundle up, grab your curiosity, and head outdoors for this month’s fun and informative Sky Tour podcast!
In this month’s Sky Tour astronomy podcast, we’ll watch two sets of shooting stars, spot some bright planets, point out a few late-autumn constellations, and put a spotlight on five fascinating stars.
What is happening in the sky for the month of November 2025.
** November 2025 Sky Events: Biggest Supermoon, Meteor Showers & Planetary Wonders | Cosmic Explorer
Get ready to explore the night sky in November 2025! From the biggest Supermoon of the year on November 5 to the Southern and Northern Taurid meteor showers, the Leonids, and close encounters of the Moon with Saturn, Jupiter, and Neptune, this month is packed with celestial wonders.
Whether you’re a stargazer or astronomy enthusiast, don’t miss these amazing November sky events! Watch the skies, grab your binoculars or telescope, and enjoy the cosmic show!
