50 years of a nation that dares to explore. 🚀 From flags flying across @NASA’s Johnson Space Center to the patches worn on spacesuits, from the flag planted on the Moon to the one orbiting aboard the International @Space_Station, these symbols remind us who we are and what we strive toward. As America marks its 250th anniversary, we celebrate a legacy of discovery and look ahead with hope — continuing the work that carries us from Earth to the Moon, Mars, and beyond and into the next era of human space exploration.

In June, NASA astronaut Tracy Dyson and astronaut candidate Ben Bailey joined astronauts from ESA and JAXA for the Cooperative Adventure for Valuing and Exercising human behavior and performance Skills, or CAVES. The explorers worked as a team through ESA’s 4-day expedition, experiencing the physical and psychological extremes also often experienced in spaceflight. Photos: ESA/V. Crobu

Day 138, orbit 2141 — US EVA-95: success! 🎉 @Astro_Jessica and @Astro_ChrisW completed yesterday their second EVA together, and Canadarm2 is in a good configuration now to go back to 100% operational. Congratulations to all the teams who made it happen! I had the privilege of leading the intravehicular (IV) operations, and I couldn't be happier of how well we worked together. While strictly following all procedures, we still managed to get Jessica and Chris into the airlock about 30 minutes ahead of schedule. That may not sound like much, but for the crew members in the suit, it’s 30 minutes of energy saved for the EVA marathon ahead, a huge advantage! 📸 ESA/NASA/Roscosmos: Thanks to cosmonaut Sergei K for the moral support and the pictures! #εpsilon •@esa • @esaspaceflight • @Space_Station • @nasa • @NASAJohnson

This week, 82 team members were sworn in as civil servants at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX, the home of astronaut training and Mission Control. Growing the NASA team ensures we maintain our core competencies, guaranteeing America continues to lead in low Earth orbit, on the Moon, and even farther into our solar system. We’re grateful for their contributions to our mission!

The rockets’ red glare — powered by American spirit. 🇺🇸 Across generations of spacecraft, from Mercury-Redstone, to the Space Shuttle, to today’s commercial partners and the Artemis program that is returning us to the Moon, each launch reflects the courage and curiosity that define our nation. As America marks its 250th anniversary, we’re shaping the future of human spaceflight as we journey from Earth to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

For 250 years, America has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible. From the invention of the airplane to the first steps on the Moon and the missions shaping tomorrow, NASA embodies the fearless spirit of discovery that defines our Nation. As we celebrate America's 250th with @Freedom250, we honor the innovation, courage, and scientific leadership that have propelled America forward. NASA continues to expand the frontier for the next generation. 🚀 The countdown to America’s 250th starts now. Just 3 days to go.

Diaries from the cave. Five astronauts, four days, three space agencies. @esa @ESA_CAVES @ESA_Italia @NASAJohnson @NASAJohnson @JAXA_en @Astro_Rosemary @iamfivetoes @astro_benbailey @AstroAyu

We opened our doors — and the next wave of explorers walked right in. ✨ On Thursday, June 18, we celebrated Bring Youth to Work Day. Employees brought their children, nieces, nephews, neighbors, and mentees to tour the center, hear from astronauts, and learn more about the exciting work their adults do all day. We’re already looking forward to next year!

Astronauts Chris Williams and Jessica Meir completed a 7-hour, 20-minute spacewalk at 3:40 p.m. EDT today after replacing a malfunctioning wrist joint on the Canadarm2 robotic arm. More... go.nasa.gov/4eVKXmA

Spacewalks may happen in space, but they’re powered from Houston. 🧑‍🚀 Inside Mission Control at Johnson Space Center, flight controllers track every moment of a spacewalk with precision, monitoring suit performance, guiding procedures, and coordinating each step with the crew inside and outside the International @Space_Station.

The mission continues, one task at a time. Exploration isn’t just about going farther; it’s about maintaining the tools that make every mission possible. Join Chris Williams and Jessica Meir as they work outside the space station to keep Canadarm2 ready for what’s next.

POV: You’re an astronaut on a spacewalk 250 miles above Earth. 🌎 In this clip from @Astro_ChrisW’s helmet camera, he and @Astro_Jessica conduct buddy checks, ensuring they’re both in a safe configuration before starting work outside the @Space_Station to repair the Canadarm2. Watch them in action at plus.nasa.gov 🧑‍🚀

Astronauts Chris Williams and Jessica Meir set their spacesuits to battery power at 8:20 a.m. EDT today signifying the start of their spacewalk. They will spend about six hours and 40 minutes replacing a wrist joint on the Canadarm2 robotic arm live on @NASA . More... go.nasa.gov/4avbcPk

Join us for a spacewalk! Watch @Astro_ChrisW and @Astro_Jessica perform maintenance on Canadarm2, the robotic arm that supports science, spacecraft operations, and station upkeep aboard the @Space_Station.

Who’s ready for a spacewalk?

Fireworks? The auroras said: watch this. The 4th of July is coming up, but astronauts aboard the @Space_Station often witness their own version of a light show as auroras ripple across our planet. These brilliant displays occur when solar particles collide with Earth’s magnetic field, creating glowing curtains of color that shift and shimmer in real time. Observing auroras from orbit helps researchers study how the Sun influences Earth’s environment.

Join me in the @Space_Station airlock! We’re T-2 days until our next Expedition 74 spacewalk. @Astro_ChrisW and I will venture outside on Tuesday to repair one of the joints on the Canadarm2, our robotic arm outside the ISS. Wish us luck, and be sure to tune in on NASA !

Freedom flies high. 🇺🇸✈️ NASA’s fleet of aircraft based at Ellington Field in Houston, Texas, recently received a special touch up to celebrate America’s big birthday. With the 4th of July right around the corner, our WB-57, T-38s, and Gulfstream V now take to the skies proudly displaying the Freedom 250 emblem.

Artemis III is coming together, piece by piece. The second of four RS-25 rocket engines was recently offloaded at @NASAKennedy. These rocket engines will power the Space Launch System rocket during the launch of Artemis III, propelling the Orion spacecraft into Earth orbit.

CHAPEA hits the 250-day mark! 🎉 From science investigations to daily life inside the habitat, the crew of our yearlong Mars simulation is helping us better understand how future astronauts will handle the challenges of deep space exploration. Take a peek inside the mission ⬇️