On 8 November 2026 NASA announced new contract awards for lunar base transportation, technology and science projects. The agency also opened recruitment for its next astronaut class, inviting applicants from around the world. In addition, NASA launched a $1 million challenge for students to design a moon base, encouraging innovative ideas for future lunar exploration.

Key points

• NASA awarded contracts for lunar base transportation, technology and science projects.
• Recruitment for the next astronaut class has begun.
• A $1 million student challenge has been launched to design a moon base.
• SpaceX launched a classified mission for the U.S. Space Force from California.
• Viasat will field an operations centre for the Golden Dome satellite data relay network.
• AST SpaceMobile plans a new rocket named "Blacklift" for a 2028 launch.
• Pakistan’s first astronaut will board Shenzhou-24 to visit China’s space station.
• Robots have autonomously built a structure in space for the first time.
• The James Webb Space Telescope captured images of a giant exoplanet.
• The Hera probe took its first close-up of the asteroid system targeted by NASA’s DART mission.

Details

NASA’s contract awards cover transportation, technology and science projects aimed at supporting a future lunar base. The agency is also seeking new astronauts to join its next class, with applications now open. The $1 million student challenge invites students to submit designs for a moon base, with winners receiving funding and mentorship from NASA.

In defense news, SpaceX launched a classified mission for the U.S. Space Force from California. The Department of Defense selected Viasat to operate an operations centre for the Golden Dome satellite data relay network. Reports indicate that key Space Force satellites currently lack cross-communication capabilities, which could require a $1 billion resolution.

Commercial space developments include AST SpaceMobile’s plan to build a new rocket called "Blacklift", targeting a 2028 launch. Internationally, a Pakistani astronaut is scheduled to board Shenzhou-24, becoming the first foreign national to visit China’s space station.

Scientific milestones include the first successful demonstration of a robot autonomously building a structure in space, new James Webb Space Telescope observations imaging a giant exoplanet, and the Hera probe capturing its first close-up look at the asteroid system targeted by NASA’s DART mission.

What it means for students

Students interested in space science, engineering or astronautics should note the following:

• NASA’s student challenge offers a $1 million prize for moon base design ideas. Check the official NASA website for application details and deadlines.
• Those wishing to become astronauts can apply to NASA’s next astronaut class. Visit NASA’s careers page for eligibility criteria and application dates.
• Engineering and science students can follow the progress of the lunar base projects for potential research or internship opportunities.
• Students in robotics and autonomous systems may find inspiration in the recent robot-built structure in space.
• Keep an eye on the James Webb Space Telescope and Hera probe missions for updates on exoplanet and asteroid research.

Source: Space Headlines. Written for students by the Isolated Study News Desk from public reports. Always check the official website for final dates and details.