Browse the complete archive of aerospace journalism with contextual analysis
A Long March 7A rocket, launched from China's Wenchang Space Launch Site, exploded less than 90 seconds after liftoff on August 10, 2023, failing to deliver the Zhongxing-4B communications satellite to geostationary transfer orbit. This incident marks the second failure of the Long March 7A rocket since its inaugural launch in 2020.
An international team of researchers has successfully captured the sharpest image ever taken of the sun's surface using the NSF Inouye Solar Telescope, providing new insights into stellar activity and the dynamics of solar plasma. The discovery has significant implications for our understanding of the sun and other stars.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is set to launch the H3 rocket on August 10, 2023, carrying the Michibiki 7 navigation satellite as part of Japan's Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS). This launch marks a significant milestone for Japan's space program and has implications for the broader aerospace industry.
Kreios Space plans to launch a satellite using air-breathing electric propulsion (ABEP) to counteract atmospheric drag in very low Earth orbit (VLEO), with the goal of testing the feasibility of this technology for sustained operations. The mission could have significant implications for the aerospace industry, enabling longer-lasting satellites and reducing the need for traditional fuel.
The Luna 24 mission, launched on August 9, 1976, marked the Soviet Union"s last moon sample return mission, successfully collecting and returning lunar regolith samples that contained tiny traces of water. This achievement had significant implications for the broader aerospace industry and our understanding of the Moon"s composition.
Northrop Grumman and the Canadian Space Agency are repurposing their lunar Gateway projects to support a planned lunar base, with Northrop Grumman planning three Lunar Infrastructure Demo missions and the CSA revamping its Canadarm3 robotic arm system. This adaptation is a crucial step towards establishing a sustainable human presence on the lunar surface by 2029.
SpaceX has launched its 50th mission from the West Coast this year, deploying 24 Starlink satellites into orbit, marking the 71st operational Starlink delivery mission of the year. The launch, which utilized a Falcon 9 rocket with a first stage booster that had flown 15 previous missions, demonstrates the company's continued capacity for frequent and reliable access to space.
Chinese commercial launch company Landspace is set to launch its Zhuque-3 rocket on August 10, attempting to catch an orbital booster for the second time, with the goal of sending 40,350 pounds of payload to low Earth orbit. This mission marks China's fourth orbital booster recovery attempt and has significant implications for the broader aerospace industry.
The US Senate has confirmed Erich Hernandez-Baquero as assistant secretary of the Air Force for space acquisition and integration, and Roger Mason as director of the National Reconnaissance Office, marking a significant shift in leadership for the country's military space programs. These appointments come as the Space Force seeks a record $71.1 billion fiscal 2027 budget and the National Reconnaissance Office undergoes a major architectural change.
SpaceX intends to construct factories on the Moon, utilizing robots to manufacture Starmind AI satellites and potentially launch them using electromagnetic mass drivers. This ambitious undertaking aims to produce a large constellation of satellites, with plans to launch approximately 1 million units.
SpaceX"s Starship megarocket conducted its 13th test flight on July 24, successfully deploying 20 functional Starlink V3 satellites, but the upper stage, known as Ship, is unlikely to be recovered after splashing down in the Indian Ocean. The outcome of this mission highlights the complexities and risks involved in developing reusable space technology.
NASA has successfully implemented a power-saving strategy to keep the 48-year-old Voyager 2 spacecraft operational for another year, ensuring continued scientific data collection from interstellar space. This achievement demonstrates the agency's resourcefulness in maximizing the mission lifespan of its aging spacecraft.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has appointed Jennifer Gilsenan as the new acting chief of its Space Bureau, replacing Jay Schwarz who is retiring, amidst ongoing efforts to overhaul the satellite licensing process. This change in leadership comes as the FCC reports significant progress in reducing its licensing backlog.
The US Senate has confirmed Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess as the next chief of space operations, leading the Space Force as it expands its capabilities, including the development of missile warning and tracking satellites and resilient communications networks. This confirmation marks a significant step in the Space Force's growth and development.
The European Commission has agreed to increase the size and cost of the IRIS² constellation, a secure connectivity system, to include 348 satellites in medium Earth orbit and high low Earth orbit, with an estimated cost of 15.6 billion euros. The expanded constellation is expected to launch in 2029 and provide improved defense, security, and safety services.
A bipartisan Senate bill aims to improve the US Space Force's preparation for a potential conflict with China by expanding training programs and assessing China's commercial space capabilities. The legislation reinforces existing initiatives and addresses growing concerns over China's military space capabilities.
NASA is set to launch the SkyFall mission, which will send three mini rotorcraft to Mars equipped with ground-penetrating radar technology to detect shallow subsurface ice. The mission aims to provide crucial information for future astronauts by mapping the Martian subsurface.
The LINK spacecraft, a private rescue vehicle built by Katalyst Space Technologies, has encountered technical difficulties in Earth orbit, potentially jeopardizing its mission to rendezvous with NASA"s Swift space telescope and boost it to a higher orbit. The issues, which include spinning problems and communication dropouts, pose a significant challenge for the success of the mission.
On August 7, 1980, NASA's Viking 1 spacecraft concluded its mission on Mars, marking the end of a historic endeavor that significantly advanced our understanding of the Red Planet. The mission's achievements paved the way for future Mars exploration and remain a testament to the ingenuity of space research.
The James Webb Space Telescope has captured a new image of the Carina Nebula, revealing a cluster of approximately 70 young stars, including one that is 19 times more massive than our sun. This observation provides valuable insights into the formation and evolution of stars in our galaxy.
An issue with the main oxygen valve on a BE-4 engine led to the explosion of Blue Origin"s New Glenn rocket during a static fire test on May 28, 2026. The incident has significant implications for the company"s launch schedule and the broader aerospace industry.
On August 6, 2026, NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Anil Menon conducted a 6.5-hour spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS) to install mounting hardware for new solar arrays, which will increase the station's electricity supply by 20% to 30%. This upgrade is a crucial step in maintaining the ISS's operational capabilities and supporting ongoing scientific research.
Redwire subsidiary SpaceMD has signed an agreement with SpaceX to fly a dedicated microgravity research mission on the Starfall reentry vehicle, marking the largest commercial microgravity research mission to date. The mission, scheduled for late 2028, will carry up to 32 experiment packages and focus on pharmaceutical research in a highly tailorable microgravity environment.
A recent panel discussion in Amsterdam brought together experts from the European External Action Service, Italian Defense General Staff, and private companies to discuss Europe"s defense posture in space and how to react to emerging threats. The discussion highlighted the need for a coordinated response to ensure space security.