Browse the complete archive of aerospace journalism with contextual analysis
A team of scientists has traced the seven stages of a meteorite's life as it enters Earth's atmosphere, shedding light on the physical processes that occur during this event. This research has significant implications for our understanding of asteroid entry and potential impacts.
On September 2, Rocket Lab launched a satellite for Synspective, a Japanese radar-imaging company, marking the 11th Synspective satellite launched by the company. This launch highlights the ongoing partnership between Rocket Lab and Synspective, which has become a significant part of Rocket Lab's launch activity.
Boeing has delivered the final three O3b mPower satellites to SES, marking a significant milestone in the development of the O3b mPower constellation, which is set to provide high-speed broadband services from medium Earth orbit. The satellites are slated for launch on a Falcon 9 later this month from Florida.
Sierra Space has successfully booked national security and commercial customers for the first orbital flight of its Dream Chaser spaceplane, scheduled to launch later this year. This milestone marks a significant step forward for the company's reusable spacecraft, which is designed to provide flexible and reliable access to space.
York Space Systems has unveiled a new satellite platform designed to operate in very low Earth orbit, offering a potentially significant development for the aerospace industry. This new platform is intended to provide a reliable and efficient solution for missions requiring operation in this challenging orbital regime.
IBM Ventures has made a strategic investment in BQP, a New York-based startup, to develop quantum-inspired computing tools for engineering simulation, optimization, and artificial intelligence/machine learning in space operations. This investment aims to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of space-related computations.
In a groundbreaking endeavor, NASA and Katalyst Space Technologies have undertaken a commercial mission to extend the life of a spacecraft launched over 20 years ago, with the aim of pushing the boundaries of spacecraft longevity. This innovative attempt has significant implications for the broader aerospace industry, highlighting the potential for cost-effective and sustainable space exploration.
NASA has selected Blue Origin to develop the Mars Telecommunications Network (MTN), a dedicated communications craft that will provide high-bandwidth communications and navigation services for Mars missions, with an expected operational date of 2030. The contract, valued at $700 million, marks a significant step forward in NASA's efforts to establish a reliable and efficient communications system for future Mars exploration.
New research suggests that supermassive black holes in the early universe may not be as massive as previously thought, with studies indicating they are instead feeding at a more rapid rate than expected. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of the formation and evolution of galaxies.
The European Space Agency located its Philae comet lander on September 2, 2016, after a nearly two-year search, marking a significant milestone in the Rosetta mission. The successful location of Philae on Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko"s surface provides valuable insights into the comet"s composition and the lander"s final resting place.
On September 2, 2026, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched 27 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base, marking the 35th flight of its reusable first stage, known as Booster 1063. This achievement underscores SpaceX's continued progress in reusable rocket technology and its commitment to expanding the Starlink satellite constellation.
Creotech Instruments, a Polish space technology company, has signed a 13.9 million euro contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) for the SAWA 2nd Space Weather nanosat mission, marking Poland's first mission as a service project. This contract represents a significant milestone for Poland's growing space industry and underscores the country's increasing involvement in European space initiatives.
SpaceX is set to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, adding 27 Starlink V2 Mini satellites to its growing constellation. The mission marks a significant milestone for the company's West Coast launch operations.
On September 1, 2026, NASA astronaut Jessica Meir and ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot performed a 6 hour and 49 minute spacewalk outside the International Space Station, replacing a spacecraft docking aid and a video camera, marking the 6th-ever all-female spacewalk. The successful extravehicular activity highlights the importance of maintenance and upkeep of the ISS, ensuring the continued safety and efficiency of operations.
Quindar, a Denver-based startup, has signed an agreement with Quantum Space to manage ground operations for the company's maneuverable Scout and Ranger spacecraft. This partnership will enable Quantum Space to focus on the development and operation of its spacecraft, while Quindar handles mission management services.
The Roman Space Telescope, launched on August 30, is the first space telescope named after a real-life woman, Nancy Grace Roman, an American astronomer who played a crucial role in the development of the Hubble Space Telescope. This milestone highlights the growing recognition of women's contributions to space exploration and astronomy.
Turkey has signed the Artemis Accords, a program led by NASA aimed at returning humans to the lunar surface by 2024, marking a significant step in the country's growing space program. This move underscores Turkey's commitment to space exploration and its desire to be part of a global effort to establish a sustainable presence on the Moon.
PLD Space has raised an additional $125 million in funding, bringing its total to over $550 million as it prepares for its first orbital launch. This significant investment underscores the company's growing presence in the aerospace industry.
Starcloud founders are planning a $15 million uncrewed mission to Alpha Centauri, with a launch scheduled for 2029, marking a significant attempt to explore the nearest star system to the Sun. The mission, although ambitious, is expected to take nearly 80,000 years to complete due to the vast distance between our solar system and Alpha Centauri.
Chinese commercial launch company Galactic Energy has successfully launched its Pallas-1 rocket into orbit, marking a significant milestone for the company. The debut launch paves the way for future flights, with plans to attempt first stage recovery in subsequent missions.
OHB has been awarded a contract worth over $1 billion to build satellites for the IRIS² medium Earth orbit constellation, marking a significant development in the project. The contract underscores OHB's capabilities in satellite manufacturing and its role in supporting major space initiatives.
Planet"s second Tanager hyperspectral satellite and 18 SuperDove satellites have arrived at Vandenberg Space Force Base, where they are scheduled to launch on a SpaceX Transporter-18 mission no earlier than October. This launch will mark a significant milestone for Planet, as it continues to expand its satellite constellation and enhance its Earth observation capabilities.
The US government has initiated plans to establish a Space Academy, a federal institution led by NASA, to educate and develop future astronauts, scientists, engineers, and warfighters. The academy will focus on investing in people through a scholarship-for-service program, rather than physical infrastructure.
On August 30, 2026, at 07:26:49 a.m. EDT, the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket launched NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope from Launch Complex-39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, marking a significant milestone in the study of the universe. The telescope is designed to capture the widest views of the universe ever recorded, mapping planets around alien stars and studying dark matter and dark energy.