In early November 2026, NASA hosted MAX POWER, its inaugural aerospace exhibition at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The multi-day event celebrated the nation’s 250th anniversary and showcased America’s leadership in spaceflight and aeronautics, featuring flyovers, air shows, new technology demonstrations, and appearances by astronauts and agency leaders.
A key feature of MAX POWER was the official opening of NASA’s astronaut candidacy applications, seeking individuals to participate in Artemis lunar missions and low Earth orbit expeditions. The recruitment aims to build a crew capable of supporting NASA’s expanding presence beyond Earth.
Complementing the astronaut call, NASA introduced a $1 million student challenge focused on innovative Moon Base designs. This initiative invites students to develop practical technologies and concepts essential for establishing a sustainable human outpost on the lunar surface, fostering STEM skills aligned with space industry demands.
NASA made significant announcements regarding lunar exploration infrastructure. Agreements with twelve companies were revealed, advancing various projects including the production of PROMISE, a nuclear-powered lunar rover designed to support surface operations and exploration. These efforts mark incremental progress toward a permanent human presence on the Moon.
The expo also unveiled NASA’s new experimental X-70 Fractal X-plane. This aircraft incorporates advanced maneuverability and cutting-edge flight-control technology, promising potential breakthroughs in piloted flight performance and aerospace design.
Visitors experienced dynamic aerial displays, including piloted maneuvers by NASA administrative personnel and historic aircraft flyovers by T-38s, F-5s, and an ER-2 reconnaissance plane. High-profile participation from astronauts and a presidential visit underscored the event’s national significance.
The Artemis III crew, slated for a 2027 mission, presented insights into their upcoming test flight in low Earth orbit. Their mission aims to validate critical docking and rendezvous technologies with commercial lunar landers, setting the stage for the next Moon landing planned in 2028.
Looking ahead, NASA announced 'CAPEWEEK,' a new annual aerospace and technology expo to be held at Kennedy starting in 2028. This larger event intends to draw over half a million attendees, signaling NASA’s commitment to ongoing public engagement and industry partnerships.
Source & further reading
MAX POWER: NASA’s Inaugural Aerospace Expo Ignites America’s Future ↗Source published 2026-11-09. This report was prepared with AI assistance from the linked primary-source material. Claims and limitations should be checked against the original announcement or research.