Browse the complete archive of aerospace journalism with contextual analysis
Scientists have discovered that Venus may have consumed its own natural satellite due to a gravitational tug-of-war between Venus, the hypothetical moon, and the sun, with the moon spiraling inward and being torn apart by Venus" gravity. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of planetary formation and evolution.
The Exploration Company has raised $450 million to support the completion of its cargo spacecraft and the development of a future large launch vehicle, marking a significant investment in the company's ambitions for space exploration. This funding will enable the company to advance its projects and contribute to the growing private space industry.
China is reportedly developing its own space-based system, akin to the US "Golden Dome", which could lead to a space arms race between nations. This development challenges the assumption that the US would be the sole operator of such a system, raising concerns about the future of space security.
On September 8, 2004, NASA"s Genesis spacecraft experienced a parachuting failure, resulting in a crash-landing in the Utah desert, but despite the setback, scientists were able to recover some of the collected solar wind samples. The mission, although not fully successful, provided valuable insights into the composition of the solar wind and the challenges of sample-return missions.
A team of researchers observed the reentry of two satellites, Tango and Samba, into Earth"s atmosphere from a private jet, gathering valuable data on space debris and its effects on the environment. The study provides insights into the disintegration of satellites and the release of chemical elements during reentry.
Stoke Space Technologies has raised $1 billion to accelerate the development of a larger rocket, with the company nearing the first flight of a fully reusable launch vehicle. This significant investment is expected to have major implications for the aerospace industry.
The US Space Force has awarded a $50 million contract to a startup developing a novel method for deploying small spacecraft from a larger vehicle in orbit, potentially revolutionizing satellite launch and deployment operations. This investment marks a significant step towards enhancing the country's space capabilities.
The European Space Agency (ESA) is set to launch the FLEX and Copernicus Sentinel-3C satellites on September 15, 2026, aboard a Vega-C rocket, marking a significant milestone in the collection of environmental data and the study of plant health. The launch will be followed by a re-watch event at the European Space Operations Centre in Darmstadt, Germany.
A group of students has discovered a galaxy merger, known as NGC 7253, located approximately 200 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Pegasus, using the Gemini North Telescope on the Maunakea volcano in Hawaii. This discovery, made possible by the Project Hōkūlani internship, provides valuable insights into the formation of galaxies and the potential for increased star formation.
According to recent simulations, the Moon could have formed in as little as 5 hours after a massive collision between Earth and a Mars-sized protoplanet, shedding new light on the giant impact scenario. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of the Moon's origins and the early history of the solar system.
The increasing use of private satellites and artificial intelligence in Earth observation has led to significant improvements in data quality and accessibility, but also raises concerns about the dual-use nature of this technology. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential to address these challenges and ensure that the benefits of Earth observation are realized while minimizing its risks.
Indian hyperspectral imaging startup Pixxel has raised $100 million to expand its satellite production capabilities across India and the US, aiming to increase its presence in the global market. This funding will enable the company to ramp up production and pursue additional government contracts.
On September 6, 1947, the US Navy successfully launched a V-2 rocket from the USS Midway, marking the first ballistic missile launch from an aircraft carrier, and proving the concept of a missile launch at sea. This achievement had significant implications for the development of naval warfare and the broader aerospace industry.
NASA has expanded its Deep Space Network (DSN) with a new 114-foot radio-frequency antenna in Goldstone, California, increasing capacity to support growing demand from deep-space missions. This addition is part of the DSN's Aperture Enhancement Project, aimed at enhancing the network's capabilities to communicate with spacecraft exploring the solar system and beyond.
SpaceX is preparing to launch its 80th Starlink mission of 2026, marking a significant milestone in the company"s efforts to expand its satellite constellation. The mission, scheduled to launch on September 6, 2026, will utilize a Falcon 9 rocket and aim to deliver additional Starlink satellites into orbit.
The US Space Force has begun working on a new ground control system for its future GPS constellation, following the cancellation of the OCX program after 15 years of development and a cost of $6.27 billion. This new initiative aims to provide a more effective and efficient ground control architecture for the GPS system.
A Rocket Lab spacecraft utilized an optical payload to track another satellite during a U.S. Space Force exercise, showcasing the capability to quickly launch and operate spacecraft for orbital inspections. This demonstration highlights the potential for advanced technologies in space operations.
ISAR Aerospace has successfully launched its second Spectrum rocket, reaching orbit and marking the company"s second successful launch. This achievement demonstrates the company"s growing capabilities in the aerospace industry.
Katalyst Space has ended operations of a spacecraft that was initially intended to reboost a NASA space telescope, but ultimately served as a technology demonstration for satellite servicing, providing valuable insights and experience for future missions. The conclusion of this mission marks an important step in the development of satellite servicing technologies.
Isar Aerospace is planning to launch its Spectrum rocket from Andøya Space Center in Norway on September 5, 2025, in a historic attempt to reach orbit from European soil, carrying a payload of up to 2,200 pounds to low Earth orbit. This launch is a significant step towards establishing a diverse and resilient European launch services market.
NASA's Roman Space Telescope has launched on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, while Blue Origin has secured a $700 million contract for NASA's next Mars orbiter. These developments, along with the BepiColombo mission's arrival at Mercury and discussions on space property rights, highlight the ongoing progress and complexities in the aerospace industry.
On September 5, 1977, NASA launched Voyager 1, a spacecraft that has become the farthest human-built object in space, carrying a golden record with sights and sounds from Earth. This mission has significantly expanded our understanding of the solar system and beyond.
The European Space Agency (ESA) is set to launch the FLEX and Copernicus Sentinel-3C satellites on September 15, 2026, aboard the Vega-C rocket, marking a significant milestone in Earth observation. The dual-satellite mission aims to monitor vegetation health and provide data on clouds, aerosols, and water vapor.
China is nearing a crucial milestone in its Tianwen-3 Mars sample return mission, with the selection of a final landing site slated to occur before the end of the year. This significant step brings the mission closer to its goal of retrieving samples from the Martian surface and returning them to Earth for further study.