Science

FULL PRESS CONFERENCE | NASA has unveiled a three-phase strategic roadmap to establish a permanent moon base spanning hundreds of square miles, starting with three foundational robotic missions targeted for completion by late 2026. Backed by international and commercial partnerships, the initial phase will deploy Blue Origin and Astrobotic landers alongside advanced rovers to the lunar South Pole to test critical infrastructure and de-risk human landing systems.

NASA is working toward inhabiting the moon by its Moon Base project. On May 26, the space agency unveiled its Phase 1 plans, including the number of launches and learning more about the lunar surface. 

NASA administrator Jared Isaacman unveiled the first three of the planned 12 Moon Base missions. The first three missions are set to take place by the end of 2026. 

Ken Kremer, Managing Editor for Space UpClose joins FOX 35's Garrett Wymer live via Zoom ahead of NASA's planned news conference to share new details on their plans for a permanent lunar base on the Moon's surface and the next slate of rocket launches and missions from NASA and the new-age Space Race.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke on a block, executed by a federal judge, to prevent fishermen from catching red snapper through the Exempted Fishing Permit. He said he expects the decision to be appealed. 

Researchers are now looking to sharks to help predict coming hurricanes. "Sharks can move in and out of areas where the weather might be different," Dr. Toby Daly-Engel, the director of Florida Tech's Conservation Lab told FOX 35. 

Lake Minneola High School robotics team beats 600 of the top teams from around the world, winning the Robotics World Championship in Houston 

According to the newly released Space Debris Report by Accu, nearly half of the objects currently tracked in Earth's orbit are considered completely uncontrolled space junk. The Accu Orbital Tracking Report currently monitors 33,269 objects in Earth's orbit. Of those, only 17,682 are classified as functioning payloads (satellites). The rest consists of rocket bodies, unassigned objects, and thousands of pieces of debris.

Mr. Ginger, the smallest and youngest Sloth World sloth brought to the Central Florida Zoo, has died. The zoo said Mr. Ginger was humanely euthanized on Friday. He had been in very critical condition since he arrived at the zoo in April. 13 sloths were rescued from an Orange County warehouse and brought to the zoo. Four have since died: Bandit, Habanero, Dumpling, and Mr. Ginger.

NASA and SpaceX launched 6,500 pounds of supplies and equipment to the International Space Station.  This launch provided current astronauts onboard the ISS with scientific investigations, supplies and equipment. On its return trip, the spacecraft will transport items back to Earth for research and repairs. 

FULL | Watch a full look at the Falcon-9, Dragon Spacecraft launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on May 15, 2026. The Dragon is carrying 6,500 pounds of supplies and is expected to dock at 7 a.m., May 17. 

Marking three weeks since 13 sloths were taken into the care of the Central Florida Zoo, the fourth and youngest Sloth, Mr. Ginger was humanely euthanized on May 15. Mr. Ginger was estimated to be four to six months old when he was brought to the zoo. 

After thousands of locals and visitors flocked to the Space Coast to watch the historic Artemis II launch in person, the numbers are in.  Florida's Space Coast Office of Tourism reported over 350,000 people traveled to Brevard County during the week of the launch – boosting tourism to businesses in the area.