What a Moon. 🌓 On August 27-28, a lunar eclipse was seen across much of North and South America, as well as parts of Europe and Africa. If you're hungry for more lunar observations, International Observe the Moon Night is coming up on Saturday, Sept. 19! Join from anywhere in the world:

“Going back [to the Moon]… I think it can unlock a tsunami of inspiration across the world.” We’re building the first-ever lunar outpost! Learn about the Moon Base in this episode of Houston We Have a Podcast:

Booster stacking for the @NASAArtemis III Space Launch System rocket is nearly complete! Each booster stands 177 feet tall and will provide the majority of the 8.8 million pounds of thrust to propel four astronauts inside the Orion spacecraft on their journey to low Earth orbit.

#OTD# in 1962, President John F. Kennedy helped set the nation on a course for the Moon. That spirit of exploration lives on. Through Artemis, we will return to the lunar surface, this time to explore a place no human has ever been before: the lunar South Pole region. The destination is familiar. The frontier is new. And the journey continues.

How do you build humanity’s first outpost on the Moon? Moon Base Program Manager Carlos García-Galán breaks it all down on the latest episode of @nasajohnson's "Houston We Have a Podcast." Give it a listen. 🎧

Cementing their names in history. The Artemis III crew is leaving their mark — literally. The astronauts recently signed their names on the hardware that will be inside their Orion spacecraft during their low Earth orbit mission, launching in 2027.

Last week, we showed you all four RS-25 engines installed on the @NASAArtemis III rocket core stage. Now see all the work behind the scenes. These engines will help launch the Orion spacecraft and its crew into low Earth orbit, generating more than two million pounds of thrust at liftoff.

What if we could explore the Moon with AI? Meet the @NASA–@IBM Lunar Foundation Model, a new open‑source AI trained on 17 years of lunar data to map craters, identify geologic features, and even help predict where ice may hide in the Moon’s darkest regions. 🌙

I’ve known Reid and Victor for years, and I’m grateful for everything they have given to NASA, including helping return America to the lunar environment on Artemis II. I’m especially glad that service is continuing. Through the emeritus program, they’ll keep mentoring astronauts, flight controllers, and engineers and passing along the experience that will help make Artemis III and the missions that follow stronger. Thank you both for everything you’ve done, and everything you’ll keep doing.

🌕 Opportunity: New Solicitation for Lunar Technologies! NASA has issued a new solicitation to work with partners in advancing critical lunar surface technologies in the key areas including vertical solar arrays, ISRU oxygen production, radioisotope generators, in‑space manufacturing, and advanced nanomaterials — capabilities that are essential to establishing an enduring @NASAMoonBase at the lunar South Pole. 📅 Responses are due October 8, 2026. 🔗

The most meaningful moments of my NASA career did not take place in space. They were supporting astronauts and their families through missions, and mentoring interns and new hires as they began their own journeys in technical and public service. Service is ultimately about people, all people. I’m excited to share that I have joined my alma mater, Cal Poly, focused on strategic initiatives, partnerships and philanthropy. As I retire from the U.S. Navy and transition to NASA astronaut emeritus, I’m grateful to continue serving NASA while beginning this new chapter at Cal Poly. I look forward to helping create more opportunities for the next generation of STEM, faith, and service leaders through Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing education. Dionna and I are excited to come back to San Luis Obispo, where we met 30 years go this month, and join the Mustang community. #CalPolyProud# NASA Names Two Artemis II Astronauts to Emeritus Program via @NASA

Behold the beauty of four recently installed rocket engines 💅 These four RS-25 rocket engines are now on the work stand for integration with the core stage of the Artemis III rocket. These engines will generate more than two million pounds of thrust at liftoff.

NASA will host a virtual webinar about Artemis for the blind and low-vision community at 2pm ET on Friday, Oct. 2. The webinar will cover the RS-25 engine, the Artemis missions, and accessibility in space and science. Register by Friday, Sept. 25:

The Artemis II crew visited the Rocket City this week to celebrate their mission with our community. Their visit included a public event at the @trashpandas stadium and an employee event at #NASAMarshall#. Thanks for stopping by Reid, Victor, Christina, and Jeremy 🫶

The boosters for the Artemis III mission are getting stacked! Technicians are stacking the twin solid rocket boosters for the Space Launch System rocket at @NASAKennedy. The boosters will provide more than 75% of the rocket’s total thrust at launch — scheduled for 2027.

Before astronauts return to the Moon, we must put everything to the test! From ground systems to the SLS rocket and NASA’s Orion spacecraft, every piece has to work together before astronauts can safely head back to the lunar surface. 🔎Curious how NASA tests it all? Check out this week’s Nerdy Words!

“They’re an all-star team.” In the most recent episode of Houston We Have a Podcast, Artemis III Chief Training Officer Debbie O’Connell discusses how the crew is preparing for each phase of their mission, from launch to splashdown.