NASA Weekly Update from the Administrator – Oct. 19, 2020
Our work around the agency is producing historic accomplishments nearly every week. The beginnings of a crucial multi-national agreement was announced last week, and our asteroid-orbiting spacecraft is about to perform a remarkable maneuver. What a great time to work at NASA!
- Top News: Tomorrow, Oct. 20, NASA’s OSIRIS-REx will execute its “Touch-And-Go” maneuver to collect the agency’s first sample of an asteroid by a spacecraft. NASA TV will begin covering the event at 5 p.m. EDT with the sample collection targeted between 6:09 and 6:12 p.m. EDT.
- Next Up: This Wednesday, Oct. 21, NASA TV will stream live the landing of astronaut Chris Cassidy and his two Russian crewmates. They served aboard the International Space Station for six months, completing vital repairs and updates to the station and carrying out important science investigations. NASA TV will begin coverage at 3:30 p.m. EDT with undocking scheduled for 7:32 p.m. and landing for 10:55 p.m.
- Shout Out: Last week, we announced that 8 countries have signed the Artemis Accords! The Artemis program will be the broadest and most diverse international space exploration coalition in history, and we’re just getting started. Thank you to acting Associate Administrator Mike Gold and his team at the Office of International and Interagency Relations for their extraordinary work in spearheading this important international collaboration.
Space exploration has an unparalleled ability to unify humanity. Nowhere in history have countries around the globe worked together in such a marvelous way. The work of NASA astronauts, Russian cosmonauts, and spacefarers from numerous other countries on the International Space Station has demonstrated that every day for the last 20 years. I am confident that our Artemis program will help continue this spirit of cooperation to the Moon and beyond.
Ad astra,
Jim Bridenstine
