Browse the complete archive of aerospace journalism with contextual analysis
Researchers have discovered a novel technique to determine the mass of exoplanets that are too faint or embedded to observe directly, by studying the rings around young stars. This breakthrough method has been successfully tested on the PDS 70 system, located approximately 370 light-years away.
Researchers have used 3D simulations to study the formation of hub-filament systems in stellar nurseries, finding that shockwaves from dying stars play a key role in sculpting these structures. This discovery provides new insights into the complex processes that govern star formation.
On May 28, Blue Origin"s New Glenn rocket exploded during a fueling test at Launch Complex-36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, causing significant damage to the launchpad and surrounding infrastructure, but fortunately resulting in no injuries. This incident is expected to impact NASA"s plans for returning astronauts to the moon as part of the Artemis mission.
A static test fire of Blue Origin"s New Glenn rocket ended in an explosion on May 28, 2026, at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, with no injuries reported but potential implications for NASA"s Artemis program timeline. The incident occurred without the payload of 48 Amazon Leo internet satellites aboard, and its impact on the project"s progression is currently being assessed.
The German Space Agency, in collaboration with the German Aerospace Center and the University of Würzburg, is developing an innovative Mars rover concept as part of the Valles Marineris Explorer project. This novel approach aims to explore the challenging terrain of Valles Marineris on Mars using a heterogeneous robot swarm and a bio-inspired rover design.
On May 30, 2026, SpaceX successfully launched its 50th dedicated Starlink mission of the year, adding 24 more satellites to its low Earth orbit constellation. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the company and highlights its ongoing efforts to expand global broadband internet coverage.
A prelaunch test of Blue Origin"s New Glenn rocket ended in an explosion, potentially impacting NASA"s schedule for returning American astronauts to the moon by 2028. The incident has significant implications for the aerospace industry and NASA"s Artemis program.
On May 29, 2026, United Launch Alliance (ULA) will launch a batch of 29 Amazon Leo broadband internet satellites into low Earth orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using its Atlas 5 rocket. This mission marks the seventh batch of production satellites launched by ULA for Amazon, contributing to the company's goal of establishing a constellation of 3,200 satellites.
The Shenzhou 21 astronauts have returned to Earth after a record-breaking 210-day mission, marking the longest crewed spaceflight in Chinese history. This achievement highlights China"s growing capabilities in space exploration and its commitment to establishing a permanent presence in low Earth orbit.
The Soviet space program, led by the visionary Sergei Korolev, achieved a series of groundbreaking firsts in space exploration, including launching the first satellite and putting the first man and woman into orbit. These accomplishments not only propelled the USSR to the forefront of the Space Race but also paved the way for significant advancements in aerospace technology.
A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V 551 rocket launched 29 Amazon Leo satellites into low Earth orbit on May 29, 2024, tying the record for the heaviest payload launched to orbit with a mass of around 18 tons. This launch marks a significant milestone in Amazon's efforts to deploy a constellation of broadband satellites to compete with existing internet megaconstellations.
On May 28, 2026, a prelaunch test of Blue Origin"s New Glenn rocket ended in an explosion, causing substantial damage to the launchpad and loss of the vehicle, with no injuries reported. The incident marks a significant setback for the company, as it investigates the cause of the anomaly.
The European Space Agency's Sentinel-3 mission has observed a severe heat wave spreading across Europe, with temperatures reaching up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit in Southern Europe and surpassing 95 degrees F in London. This event highlights the impact of climate change and demonstrates the importance of Earth-observation programs in monitoring environmental conditions.
A recent study proposes that the moons of Jupiter and Uranus may have survived a tumultuous period in the solar system's history due to the gravitational influence of a now-lost giant planet, with simulations indicating a low probability of both sets of moons surviving without such an influence. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of the solar system's evolution and the formation of planetary systems.
On May 28, 2026, Blue Origin"s New Glenn rocket exploded during a prelaunch engine test at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, causing significant damage to the launch pad and potentially delaying future missions. The incident may have implications for Blue Origin"s involvement in NASA"s Artemis program and other lunar missions.
A recent report highlights the potential of mass drivers, or electromagnetic catapults, on the moon as a valuable technology for launching satellites and probes into space, while also raising concerns about their possible use as first strike weapons systems. The development of this technology has significant implications for the aerospace industry and the strategic environment of the lunar frontier.
In a high-stakes mission, NASA has contracted a private spacecraft called Link to rescue the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory from atmospheric drag in low Earth orbit, with the success of the operation dependent on precise orbital predictions. The unprecedented endeavor, funded by a $30 million contract, aims to boost the telescope to a higher altitude, extending its operational lifespan.
On May 22, SpaceX launched its Starship V3 megarocket from the Starbase site in South Texas, marking a significant technical milestone for the company. The successful test flight paves the way for future missions to the moon and Mars, with the Starship V3 being the biggest and most powerful iteration of the vehicle yet.
A recent study proposes that the water ice found on Mercury may have been deposited by a single asteroid impact, which delivered water to the planet and trapped it in permanently shadowed craters near the poles. This discovery sheds new light on the formation of water ice on Mercury and has significant implications for our understanding of the planet"s geological history.
China has established an integrated lunar exploration program, combining its robotic Chang"e lunar probe activities with its human spaceflight program, aiming to land astronauts on the moon by 2030. This ambitious endeavor marks a significant milestone in China"s space exploration efforts, demonstrating its commitment to advancing its space capabilities.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has required SpaceX to conduct a thorough investigation into the mishap that occurred during the 12th flight of its Starship-Super Heavy rocket, which experienced an engine failure during ascent. The investigation must be completed and approved by the FAA before SpaceX can proceed with the launch of Starship Flight 13.
On May 27, 2026, Russian cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev performed a 6-hour spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS) to install a solar radiation experiment, including the Solntse-Teragerts telescope, which will observe and collect data on strong solar flares. The successful installation marks an important milestone in the ongoing research efforts aboard the ISS.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has grounded SpaceX"s Starship V3 megarocket following a mishap during its inaugural suborbital test flight on May 22, requiring an investigation before further flights can occur. The incident has significant implications for SpaceX"s ambitious plans to revolutionize spaceflight with reusable technology.
The European Space Observatory"s Very Large Telescope has successfully utilized laser beams to create artificial stars, enabling real-time adjustments and clearer observations of the cosmos. This breakthrough technique mitigates atmospheric distortion, allowing scientists to gather more accurate data.