Browse the complete archive of aerospace journalism with contextual analysis
Scientists have made a significant discovery about the differing polar weather patterns on Jupiter and Saturn, which could be key to understanding the interior composition of these gas giants. The unique vortex patterns observed at the poles of each planet may be influenced by their distinct internal structures.
On January 22, Blue Origin successfully launched its New Shepard vehicle on the NS-38 mission from West Texas, taking six space tourists to the edge of space. The suborbital flight marked the 38th launch of the reusable rocket-capsule combo, providing passengers with a brief period of weightlessness and a view of Earth against the blackness of space.
A coronal mass ejection (CME) struck Earth on January 19, triggering geomagnetic storms and making aurora displays visible in 10 northern US states. The storm is expected to ease, but elevated activity may persist through the night.
The European Space Agency's Mars Express orbiter has captured a striking image of yardangs, elongated landforms carved by sustained winds, near the Eumenides Dorsum mountain on Mars. This discovery provides valuable insights into the planet's geological history and the role of wind in shaping its landscape.
Researchers using the James Webb Space Telescope, Hubble Space Telescope, and Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array have discovered 18 young galaxies located around 12.5 billion light-years away that underwent rapid star formation and growth, challenging current understanding of galaxy evolution. These findings provide new insights into the early universe and the formation of galaxies.
On January 20, 2026, Comet C/2024 E1 (Wierzchos) passed within 52.6 million miles of the sun, marking its closest approach, or perihelion. This event provides astronomers with a unique opportunity to study the comet's composition and behavior.
A severe G4 geomagnetic storm, triggered by a coronal mass ejection from the sun, resulted in stunning aurora displays visible in mid-latitude skies around the world on January 19. The event highlighted the complex and dynamic relationship between the sun's activity and Earth's magnetic field.
In a unprecedented event, an astronaut was medically evacuated from the International Space Station (ISS) in early January 2026, marking the first such incident in 25 years. This evacuation underscores the complexities and risks associated with providing medical care in space.
The James Webb Space Telescope and other notable spacecraft will be visible in the night sky during January 2025, offering a unique opportunity for astronomers and space enthusiasts to observe these legendary vessels. This alignment provides a chance to learn more about the telescope's mission and its significance in understanding the universe.
Astronomers have detected a previously dormant supermassive black hole bursting back to life at the center of galaxy J1007+3540, unleashing an enormous eruption spanning 1 million light-years. This discovery provides valuable insights into the behavior and evolution of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs).
China is set to launch the Xuntian space telescope in 2027, a powerful observatory that will co-orbit with the Tiangong space station and conduct comprehensive sky surveys across near-ultraviolet to near-infrared wavelengths. The mission promises significant advancements in our understanding of the universe, leveraging cutting-edge technology including a 6.6-foot-wide primary mirror and a 2.5-billion-pixel camera.
A massive coronal mass ejection (CME) is expected to hit Earth on January 20, potentially triggering a severe geomagnetic storm and making the northern lights visible in 24 US states. The event is a result of an X-class solar flare that occurred on January 18, and astronomers predict the best viewing time will be between 1 and 4 a.m. EST.
A new study analyzing high-resolution images from Mars probes indicates that the planet may have had an ocean at least as large as Earth's Arctic Ocean around 3.37 billion years ago, shedding light on Mars' past and its potential for supporting life. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of the Red Planet's history and its possible habitability.
A powerful X-class solar flare occurred on January 18, followed by a fast Earth-directed coronal mass ejection (CME) that is forecast to hit Earth within 24 hours, potentially causing strong geomagnetic storm conditions. The impact of the CME depends on its magnetic orientation and could be visible as far south as Northern California and Alabama.
Researchers have discovered an enormous bar of iron atoms within the Ring Nebula, a planetary nebula approximately 2,000 light-years away, using the William Herschell Telescope and WEAVE instrument. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of stellar evolution and the formation of complex structures in space.
On January 18, 2026, SpaceX successfully launched 29 new Starlink satellites into orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, marking the 99th launch of the Group 6 series and the 347th dedicated launch for the company"s internet from space service. The mission highlights SpaceX"s continued efforts to expand its satellite constellation and improve global internet connectivity.
A new game based on the Star Trek: Voyager series is scheduled for release on February 19th, 2026, promising a unique blend of strategy and adventure as players navigate the challenges of the Delta Quadrant. The game's roguelite elements and focus on player decision-making aim to provide a fresh and engaging experience for fans of the franchise.
Japanese launch company Interstellar Technologies has raised $130 million in Series F funding to continue development of its Zero small launch vehicle, which is designed to place up to 1,000 kilograms into low Earth orbit. The first launch of Zero is targeted for 2027, with eight customers already signed for the inaugural launch.
The NASA Space Launch System (SLS) rocket has been rolled out to the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, ahead of the upcoming Artemis 2 mission, which will send astronauts on a 10-day trip around the moon. The mission is scheduled to launch in February 2024, pending successful systems checks and a wet dress rehearsal.
NASA has begun rolling out its Artemis 2 moon rocket to Launch Pad 39B, marking a significant step towards the mission's planned launch on February 6, which will send four astronauts around the moon. The rollout is a crucial milestone in NASA's efforts to return humans to the lunar surface.
The Crew-11 astronauts have returned safely to Earth after a medical evacuation and splashdown, while NASA is gearing up for the rollout of the Artemis 2 rocket and attempting to reestablish contact with the silent MAVEN Mars orbiter. These developments highlight the agency's ongoing efforts in space exploration and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.
NASA is set to launch the Artemis II mission, which will send four astronauts on a trip around the Moon, marking the first human voyage to the lunar vicinity since 1972. The mission will push the boundaries of space travel, setting a new record for the farthest humans have ever ventured from Earth.
The US Congress has passed a spending bill that provides $24.438 billion for NASA, restoring funding to the agency's science programs and rejecting proposed cuts to space operations, including the International Space Station. This decision ensures continued support for key missions such as Artemis 2, despite the cancellation of the Mars Sample Return mission due to cost and schedule issues.
The four astronauts of SpaceX"s Crew-11 mission have safely arrived at NASA"s Johnson Space Center in Houston after undergoing the first-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station. The successful evacuation and return of the crew marks a significant milestone in the realm of space medicine and emergency response.