Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is briefly out of view as it travels around the sun this week, but researchers and amateur astronomers used spacecraft data to track its progress right up until perihelion.

Blue Origin has test fired its New Glenn rocket engine as it makes final preparations for the launch of NASA’s ESCAPADE mission involving twin Mars orbiters. The static test fire of the heavy-lift rocket, captured by NASASpaceflight and shared below, lasted around 40 seconds and appeared to proceed without a hitch.

Many NASA contractors and federal civil servants are not being paid during the ongoing government shutdown, which could lead to delays.

Former Real World cast member and current Transportation Secretary / acting NASA administrator Sean Duffy recently said SpaceX was “behind” on its contract for Artemis III and proposed reopening it. (Elon Musk responded with a predictable slew of insults.

Scientist Avi Loeb has accused NASA of withholding critical information about 3I/ATLAS — the Manhattan-sized interstellar comet which he’s postulated could have extraterrestrial origins. The Harvard astrophysicist made these allegations during a recent appearance on “ The Joe Rogan Experience .”

Thousands of workers across the country, primarily in Florida, Texas, and Alabama, are still reporting for duty to keep Artemis II’s launch date early next year. In many cases, they’re not getting their paychecks. It’s not clear how long NASA can sustain this situation without delaying Artemis II’s departure for the Moon.

Billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman has re-emerged as the front runner for NASA Administrator, but it appears Acting Administrator Sean Duffy wants to secure the role for himself.

NASA’s Juno probe missed a rare chance to chase interstellar visitor 3I/ATLAS, as politics and silence cloud mission decisions.